Westminster Council is set to invest £150,000 in a series of initiatives designed to combat violence in North Paddington, following recommendations from the North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce. The Taskforce included stakeholders from the NHS, Metropolitan Police, neighbouring Councils, voluntary sector organisations and community leaders. An accountability group made up of community leaders, public agencies and residents will monitor the progress against the recommendations.

The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting held on Monday, 17 November 2025, where councillors discussed the task force's findings and proposed solutions to address the root causes of violence in the community.

The North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce was established in late 2024 in response to a series of violent incidents, including the tragic murder of Tikquaan Stephenson-Walters. The taskforce, comprised of senior council officers and stakeholders, was created to explore ways to improve support for communities affected by serious violence.

Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, introduced the report, highlighting the community's concerns and the task force's efforts to address them. As a result of these incidents, residents rightly started asking us what we were doing in the area to try to reduce and prevent serious violence, she said. She further explained that residents felt the council and other agencies were not doing enough when it came to trying to prevent serious violence.

The approved funding will support several key initiatives, including:

  • Piloting a radical place-based leadership model.
  • Conducting an audit of service uptake. This audit will focus on parenting programmes, access to support for children and young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), and Family Hub attendance.
  • Exploring closer cross-borough work with neighbouring local authorities, specifically Camden and Brent. A cross-borough post will be created and hosted by the Young Camden Foundation to create opportunities for young people across the three boroughs. Westminster's contribution to this post will be £25,000 per annum over three years, totaling £75,000.

Councillor Sanquest also has delegated authority to approve further spending of up to £100,000 on related initiatives.

The Taskforce report highlighted key risk factors contributing to violence in North Paddington, such as unemployment and school attendance. To address these issues, the council is undertaking an audit of services available to all current NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) aged 16 to 17 years old, to determine common risk factors for becoming NEET and where opportunities for intervention are missed. The findings of this audit will shape the planning and scope of work taken forward.

The recommendations aim to create lasting change by focusing on early intervention, economic opportunities, and community support.

The Taskforce's work has already led to some positive changes, including a Community Trauma Conference, environmental improvements on the Mozart and Amberley Estates, and increased face-to-face employment support. The approved funding will help to build on these achievements and create a safer, more supportive environment for residents of North Paddington.

The Council's response to the recommendations is detailed in the Taskforce Report and the Table of Recommendations and Responses.