Busking scheme
Westminster Council is appealing a ruling regarding busker nuisance in Leicester Square, challenging an Abatement Order.
Westminster City Council is currently appealing a District Judge's ruling from February 2026, which found that buskers in Leicester Square were causing a statutory nuisance. The council is challenging the scope of an Abatement Order in the Crown Court, which requires them to tackle and prevent noise nuisance from buskers in the area.
The council argues this order is too restrictive, stating that if the appeal is unsuccessful, they would be bound by its terms. This legal challenge stems from a prosecution brought by Global Radio, which alleged the council was failing to act against buskers causing a nuisance.
The busking scheme, introduced by Westminster City Council in April 2021, aims to regulate busking in certain areas of the borough, including the West End. It establishes a set of rules and regulations to govern busking activities within the borough.
Key facts
- Westminster Council is appealing a ruling about busker nuisance in Leicester Square in February 2026. Source
- A District Judge ordered Westminster Council to abate busker nuisance in Leicester Square. Source
- The council argues the Abatement Order is too restrictive. Source
- The appeal stems from a prosecution brought by Global Radio. Source
- Westminster City Council introduced a busking scheme in April 2021. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.