Westminster City Council has reviewed its strategy for tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, a key priority for the council. The Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee examined the strategy, which is considered one of the most significant financial risks facing the council. The Budget Scrutiny Task Group has highlighted homelessness as a significant financial risk
to Westminster City Council.
The committee's review included a discussion of the engagement plan, the consultation process, and the strategic aims of the draft strategy. To aid in their scrutiny, the committee invited Dr Bert Provan, a senior policy fellow from the London School of Economics, to provide an assessment of the draft strategy and answer questions. The committee also questioned the Cabinet Member and the Housing Service about capacity, Home Office support, use of void properties, and consideration for veterans.
One of the key recommendations from the committee was that an action plan be included as part of the strategy launch. This action plan would provide the service with a clear roadmap for achieving its overall aims. The recommendation was accepted, and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, published in April 2025, included a delivery plan. The Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee recommended that an action plan be included as part of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy launch. This recommendation was accepted, and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy included a delivery plan as part of the official release in April 2025.
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy represents a key priority for the council, particularly in light of the significant financial risks associated with homelessness and temporary accommodation costs. The review by the Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee underscores the council's commitment to addressing this critical issue. During a Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee meeting, the committee asked questions of the Cabinet Member and the Housing Service about capacity, Home Office support, use of void properties, consideration to veterans and more in relation to the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.
The council's annual report of Policy and Scrutiny activity in 2024/25 was presented to the council at a meeting on Wednesday 10th September 2025, according to the Council Agenda.
