reporter T H E
FREE
W E S T M I N S T E R
Issue 103 SPRING 2011
Westminster City Council magazine
What’s on this spring?
SPRING
EDITION
Volunteer
Saving you money
Council tax frozen again
WIN!
New council houses
Opera tickets Car club subscription and much more‌
Regenerating communities
see inside for details
William and Kate
to tie the knot in Westminster Westminster City Council
Join the Big Society
Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP
020 7641 6000 westminster.gov.uk
Winner Community Reassurance
Outstanding Achievement in London
Unlock the door
to homeownership in Westminster
Do you live or work in Westminster? Homeownership Westminster is a council service that prioritises those currently living or working in the City of Westminster for homeownership and rental opportunities through a number of different options.
Register today Call: 0845 437 9701 Visit: www.homeownershipwestminster.co.uk Email: info@homeownershipwestminster.co.uk
Homeownership Westminster is delivered by Catalyst Housing Group, a charitable housing association 2 The Westminster Reporter
Westminster City Council magazine
The Westminster Reporter is produced as part of Westminster City Council’s customer service programme.
contents
Ikon Pictures Ltd. / Rex Features
Issue 103 SPRING 2011
Cabinet Member for Communications: Councillor Colin Barrow, Leader of Westminster City Council. The Westminster Reporter is delivered to homes and businesses throughout Westminster. If you encounter delivery problems, please call the communications team on 020 7641 2259. Also available from One Stop Services, libraries and leisure centres. For general enquiries, call the council switchboard on 020 7641 6000. To discuss editorial matters, please contact: The Editor, The Westminster Reporter, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria St, London SW1E 6QP. Telephone: 020 7641 2259 Fax: 020 7641 2958 Email: reporter@westminster.gov.uk Minicom: 020 7641 2948 The editorial team: Sam Kelly, Oliver Finegold and Clym Sutcliffe. Reference copies of The Westminster Reporter are available in large print and audiotape format. To have a free copy sent to your home call 020 7641 2259.
your 6 Keeping council tax low
the 20 Join Big Society
oyal wedding fever 8 Rgrips Westminster
over 26 Activities Easter
down on 12 Cracking benefit cheats
14
Building new council houses
WIN!
PLUS Loads of great prizes on pages 13, 17 and 19
WIN!
Published by Westminster City Council, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP Printed by Service Point UK Ltd, 161-165 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3AL Printed on FSC/PEFC certified recycled material using vegetable based inks. Please recycle The Westminster Reporter. For more information on recycling call the Environmental Action Line on 020 7641 2000.
The Westminster Reporter 3
News in brief
Local heroes honoured Inspirational residents have been honoured for the outstanding contribution they make to their local community.
Dolly Cuthbert (first left)
T
he six winners of Westminster City Council’s Living City Awards beat competition from over 100 other nominees. They each received £500 to help them to continue and develop their work.
Dolly Cuthbert, who runs an over 50s club, won the category for ‘bringing the community together’. Jacqui Haynes, from Maida Hill, was recognised for running a free lunch club for local residents. Abdul Quyium won the category for ‘making us healthier’, for the work he has done to devise training programmes for young people and members of London Tigers sports teams.
“I will use the money from this award to take our members away for the day.” Dolly Cuthbert, winner of the ‘bringing the community together’ award
Jacqueline Crooks, who runs ‘Befriend a Family’, a charity which arranges for more than 100 volunteers to help and visit local families who need support, was also recognised. Edna Powell was honoured for the work she does to run a drop-in centre in Vincent Square, which enables older people to remain independent and offers the chance for them to socialise. Rolana Moleviciute, a Met Police volunteer, was awarded for the work she does to build partnerships between the deaf community and the Police. The annual awards ceremony was held at Paddington Academy and attended by nominees and community leaders. . For more information and the list of other winners visit www.westminster.gov.uk/services/livingcity/ living-city-awards
Free sports weekend If you’ve been meaning to try out your local leisure centre but haven’t got round to it, the ActiveWestminster Weekend is the perfect time to do it.
H
ead to your local leisure centre on 21st-22nd May for a weekend of free activities including taster and gym sessions for first timers. It’s the ideal time to try out a new activity or sport. The first ActiveWestminster Weekend was in October and nearly 1,000 people took advantage of free activities across the city. Some activities require booking and for others you can just turn up on the day. For more information call 020 7641 2012 or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/activeweekend
4 The Westminster Reporter
Community Reassurance
Leader’s Column
Traffic lights removed
T
raffic lights will be removed at busy junctions and some one-way streets will become twoway in an attempt to cut traffic jams in Westminster. The council will consult charities the RNIB and Guide Dogs before the plans go ahead. For more information call 020 7641 6633 or email environmental actionline@westminster.gov.uk
Business Advice
P
eople looking to set-up or expand their companies can now access the latest market research and business information with a new service launched at Pimlico and Paddington Libraries. Westminster City Council’s Business Information Points provide a dedicated suite with free computers and publications covering all aspects of business. For more information visit www. westminster.gov.uk/services/ libraries/special/business
Recycling thefts
W
estminster City Council is cracking down on thieves taking clothes from recycling bins. The clothing bins are emptied three times a week but this will be increased to five times a week so that they will be less full, making it more difficult to reach for anyone wishing to steal their contents. Items deposited are given to the cerebral palsy charity Scope. For more information visit www. westminster.gov.uk/recycling or call 020 7641 2000.
Tough Times – Delivering on your priorities Last year we made a promise to our residents to deliver 10 major pledges.
C
ouncil tax was frozen for the fourth consecutive year; major improvements have started or have been completed on key thoroughfares including Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square; our schools recorded across the board increases in attainment; our streets were kept clean whilst our other services resulted in marked improvements to the quality of life for our residents. The coming year will be even more challenging. We are now dealing with the realities of the government’s deficit reduction programme. The council’s budget for this year alone has been reduced by over £20 million or some 10% of our total budget. We are in a strong position to deal with these challenges through careful planning. We have already saved £14 million and this work will continue in the coming year. We will also change how we work to share more services and reduce our operating costs. However, we have had to make some difficult decisions in setting this year’s budget. We are now in an era of public service where ‘cost effective’ is the test for everything and where we can no longer afford the ‘nice to have’. But we remain absolutely committed to delivering what’s important to you. First, we are committed to a policy of low taxation. We will never take more than we need to from the people
of Westminster. Second, we believe that clean streets are the primary duty of the council. Third, we will utilise our resources to protect the most vulnerable, to help those who are less able to help themselves. These priorities will be reflected in the coming year, including once again freezing council tax. We will also encourage citizens to play a greater role in shaping their neighbourhoods and local services, delivering a Big Society in Westminster. We want to go further. However, we can only do this if there is a fundamental reform of how the council is funded, where our ability to address the priorities of our communities is no longer dependent on handouts and control from Whitehall. That is why a clear goal for this year will be to move the council to a position where it is increasingly self-sufficient. The coming year will undoubtedly be tough. Further difficult decisions will have to be taken about the levels of service that we are able to afford. However, the council is committed to delivering on what’s important to you.
Cllr Colin Barrow cbe, Leader of Westminster City Council. The Westminster Reporter 5
G SPRITNION EDI
Value for Money
savings made in the last two years. £14m Efficiency
Providing value for money i Westminster City Council has frozen council tax for the fourth year running with a band D council tax of £687.62 – the second lowest rate in the country.
F
our Westminster residents tell The Reporter how the council gives them value for money:
Beauty Therapist Ava Wang from Pimlico said:
Hospitality worker Kristine Sumane from Pimlico said:
“I
“I
think Westminster Council provides good value for money, particularly in education. My children go to the local school and they love it. “I like to exercise outside and there are some perfect Ava Wang places in Westminster to do this like St James’s Park and Hyde Park. I also know that the council provides one of the lowest council taxes around, which makes my life easier.”
have a young daughter and I think that the council provides great support for mothers in the area. I go to a mothers group here and I find it very supportive. I like the green spaces in the area such as St James’s Park – I sometimes take my daughter for a walk through there. I also like how the area is kept nice and clean.” Kristine Sumane
How do we spend your money? Licensing and Community Protection:
£17.28
Children’s Services and Schools:
£54.77
Housing:
£32.07
Libraries and Leisure:
£18.21
Environmental Services:
£22.73
Planning, Highways and Transport: Adult Social Care: Other services, levies and contingency:
How do we compare to other neighbouring councils? Wandsworth
£681.64
Westminster
£687.62
£54.09
Hammersmith & Fulham
£1,121.60
£139.43
Kensington and Chelsea
£1,079.12
£39.22
GLA precept (covering the Mayor of London’s office, police and fire brigade):
£309.82
Camden
£1,331.35
Total
£687.62
Brent
£1,368.76
6 The Westminster Reporter
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How to find services online and information How to find servic spent ises online and information on how your council Howtax to fin on how your d se Hcil ow tax spent on hocoun s online torviis fin w on Hce your co odwse and inform how un torvfiis icnes tax oyoncil o dspsen ur ntline ation hoco erv w un yoci d url ctax isices an on inform www.westminster.gov.uk 1 oun spen cil ta tline an ation x is spe d inform www.westminster.gov.u nt k 1 ation
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in tough times Builder Paul Boynton, 53, from Lillington Gardens, Pimlico said:
“I
think that the council provides unbelievable value for money. From my own experience the adult social care is excellent. I feel so looked after and all of the staff who provide me with care are so friendly and helpful. I have many friends in the area who also receive care and they also think it’s a superb service. Our streets are also kept clean and well maintained. I give Paul Boynton Westminster Council full marks.”
Pensioner Priscilla Sanis, 82, from Marylebone High Street, said:
Priscilla Sanis
“I have no complaints with Westminster City Council at all – in fact I think that we have the most wonderful facilities especially for older residents. I use the Age UK Covent Garden Community Hub and I go there to play bridge, sing, especially songs from the shows and dance. I love dancing and had a wonderful time last year at the council’s tea dance.”
For more information on council tax call the Council Tax Office on 0845 302 3400
Our plans for 2011/12 www.wes tmins
ter.gov.uk
www.w
1
estmin
ster.go
v.uk
www.
1
westm
inster .gov.u
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In the next two years, Westminster Council is set to make £60 million worth of savings.
F
ollowing big falls in central government funding, we will need to reduce our expenditure over the next two years by £60 million. The council will generate £23 million in efficiency savings including £12 million from customer service efficiencies and by reducing the number of back office staff, £7 million from the reorganisation of street management and cleansing services and £4 million from management costs.
“No one wants to cut services, but previous levels of spending are simply unsustainable.” Cllr Melvyn Caplan, Cabinet Member for finance
The council has vowed to protect those services which residents have said are the most important to them, including clean streets, a thriving business community and looking after the most vulnerable. Cllr Melvyn Caplan, the council’s cabinet member for finance, said: “No one wants to cut services, but previous levels of spending are simply unsustainable. “We will, however, continue to provide the core services that keep Westminster clean and safe and protect the vulnerable and we’ll have an absolute focus on value for money.” The Westminster Reporter 7
G SPRITNION EDI
29th
29th April 2011 – the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
William and Kate tie the knot in Westminster The eyes of the world will soon be on Westminster when Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot at Westminster Abbey.
A
cross the city, residents will be holding traditional British street parties to celebrate the big day on April 29th and over the long bank holiday weekend. The first person to submit an application to Westminster City Council for a street party to celebrate the Royal Wedding was Nicki Hookings, 46, from Marylebone. Ms Hookings, the head of human resources for Thomas Cook, said she had decided to hold the party as a way of bringing her neighbours together. She expects around 200 people to come together – after following the wedding procession and ceremony on their own television sets – for food, children’s entertainment and live music. Ms Hookings said: “We recently set up a social committee to help people get to know each other and thought this was a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages. We live in a quite closed off street so we thought it might work well. We hope that for the young children the day will be a happy memory for the rest of their lives.”
The Royal Route
Nicki Hookings
“ We hope that for the young children the day will be a happy memory for the rest of their lives.” Nicki Hookings, 46, Marylebone
Other residents said they would also be holding a street party or watching the wedding on TV. Linda Childs from Marylebone said: “I’ll definitely be watching the Royal Wedding. It’s a chance to see how the other half live, and you’ve got to see what the dress looks like.” Marjane Moghimi from Church Street said: “I’m looking forward to it. We need something to cheer us
For more information on the royal wedding visit www.officialroyalwedding2011.org
8 The Westminster Reporter
Breaking with tradition, Kate will travel to Westminster Abbey in a car rather than a carriage. Departing from Buckingham Palace and travelling along The Mall, the car will turn into Horse Guards Parade and along Whitehall. And finally, before reaching the Abbey, the car will approach Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. After the service, as husband and wife, they will ride back to Buckingham Palace in a horse-drawn carriage with an escort from the Household Cavalry in full ceremonial dress. up and it would be lovely to have a street party to celebrate the day.” Renee Pettifer from Church Street added: “We might have a street party, but it’s more likely that we’ll watch it on TV.”
120
Westminster City Council offers over 120 locations for couples to tie the knot.
Superintendent Registrar
Alison Cathcart
Alison Cathcart has been Westminster’s Superintendent Registrar for almost 20 years and has married celebrities including Sylvester Stallone, Joan Collins, Barbara Windsor and more recently David Walliams.
S
Offenders to clean up subway in preparation for the Royal Wedding
A
group of offenders is helping to get the capital ready for the Royal Wedding by clearing up a major subway which had become increasingly grubby due to years of built up grime. The people, who were convicted of minor offences, are completing the Community Payback scheme, after Westminster City Council identified it as an innovative way to tackle complaints about the state of Hyde Park Corner subway. The Community Payback scheme will see offenders scouring all five of the subway’s tunnels with detergent and heavy wire brushes. They will work every Wednesday for four or five weeks, sectioning off one side of a tunnel at a time to allow pedestrians to continue to use the subway. It is expected that the subway and entrance to the station will be transformed for the thousands of people that are expected to use it on the weekend of 29th April when Prince William will marry Kate Middleton. To nominate a project for the Community Payback scheme call 020 7641 1085.
he told the Reporter about the wide variety of locations available to get married in across Westminster. “Westminster City Council offers over 120 locations for couples to tie the knot across central London. “One of the most well known is the Old Marylebone Town Hall, which has seen numerous stars get hitched including Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman, Liam Gallagher and Nicole Appleton, Nicole Farhi and David Hare, and Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas, not all of them by me I might add. “We also offer a wide range of more unusual places to get married including the Houses of Parliament, London Zoo, Fortnum and Mason, London Palladium, and an ice bar called Below Zero. “Or you could get married in an up-market hotel such as Claridge’s, The Ritz or The Savoy, an historic venue such as Banqueting House or Somerset House or indeed a stately home such as Spencer House. “My team conducts about 2,400 marriages and civil partnerships a year and we work hard to ensure everything is just right on what is one of the most important days of the couple’s lives.”
Westminster Abbey
W
estminster Abbey is steeped in more than a thousand years of history. Benedictine monks first worshipped at the site in the middle of the 10th century. The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs.
The Westminster Reporter 9
G SPRITNION EDI
Hammersmith bridge
Chelsea bridge
Westminster bridge
Sharing services in tough In challenging times our priority is to protect high quality front-line public services, while preserving the democratic sovereignty of local authorities.
E
nsuring we can provide a high standard of local services in today’s tough economic climate means thinking differently about how we operate, concentrating on what’s important to the people we serve and ensuring we continue to care for the most vulnerable in our communities. That is why Westminster has drawn up a series of proposals to share a number of key services with Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea councils.
How much will save y
By combining back office and management costs across our three boroughs we can save £35 million a year by 2014/15 at a time when councils across the UK face major budget reductions. This should make a significant contribution to future savings with around 500 posts expected to go across the three organisations, 175 being senior managers. The Reporter spoke to local Westminster residents for their views on proposals to share services.
Scott Thwaytes, 39, a retail manager from Churchill Gardens, said:
“I
think shared services are a long time coming. I reckon that by working with other councils we will be able to get a better deal when we bid for tenders and the council can incorporate commercial nous to save money. Sharing services also means that councils can pick up best practice but I do worry that there might be a loss of identity. That’s my only fear.”
Simona Tempestini, 34, a full time mother from Harrow Road, said:
“I
think that shared services could be a good thing, as I live very close to a Kensington and Chelsea children’s centre and I love the fact that I could just pop over to them if needs be.”
Kofi Burke, with his daughter Tulsileel, 3, from Victoria, said:
“A
Simona Tempestini
s a dad, I’m a bit worried about how the sharing of services will affect libraries and children’s centres. I don’t want to lose essential staff but then I do think we need to cut bureaucracy and save money.” Kofi Burke 10 The Westminster Reporter
£35m
Parking back office £0.3m 1%
Parks management £0.1m 0%
times
h we you?
What exactly is being proposed?
Estimated yearly saving by combining back office and management across the three boroughs.
Education services £1m 3%
HR £2.7m 8%
ICT £4m 11%
Children’s services £9.5m 27%
Highways £0.4m 1%
Corporate and other management overheads £2.5m 7%
Other services under consideration for sharing include customer services, parks management and the parking back office.
Building control £0.1m 0%
Adult social care £9.9m 29%
Chief Executive leadership £0.2m 1% Facilities management £2m 6% Scott Thwaytes
Insurance £0.3m 1%
Libraries £1.6m 5%
by 2011/12
by 2014/15
Education Services
0.7
1.0
Children’s Services
0.8
9.5
Adult Social Care
0.9
9.9
Libraries
1.6
Insurance
0.3
Facilities management
2.0
ICT
0.4
4.0
Chief Executive leadership
0.1
0.2
Building control
0.1
Corporate & other management overheads
2.5
Human Resources
2.7 2.9
For more information visit www.westminster.gov.uk/services/ councilgovernmentanddemocracy
How will this affect you? Residents will see no difference to their services.
Estimated saving for three councils (millions)
Tri-borough services
Total
• Combining children’s and education services with a single director • Combined adult social care with a single director in charge of commissioning services • Combined corporate overheads, including IT and HR • Combined facilities management and dangerous structures services
33.8
R
esidents should not and will not notice any difference except in some areas where we believe there will be tangible improvements. This type of reform may be seen as radical now but in years to come it will be seen as the norm. The three councils have signed a ‘Sovereignty Guarantee’ to safeguard local autonomy, responsiveness and identity. Each of the councils will retain their own councillors and decision making processes. Services will only be shared if it makes financial sense to do so. Departments such as housing management, licensing and planning will not be be combined. The first of these proposals will be implememented from October 2011.
The Westminster Reporter 11
G SPRITNION EDI
ÂŁ86,000
52 investigations have delivered savings of ÂŁ86,000
119
The number of people Westminster prosecuted in the last financial year
How Westminster crack Did yo.u .. knoinw ster has a
g Westm ial housin c o s d te a dedic stigator. fraud inve
Westminster City Council wants to make sure that benefits go to the people who need them. The fraud team works with other departments in the council, such as the benefits service, the council tax department and housing as well as the Metropolitan Police to prevent and investigate fraud.
A
t the start of many investigations we also compare computer records held by one body against another to see how far they match. By doing this we can spot any potentially fraudulent claims. Where a match is found it indicates that there is an
How to report fraud
inconsistency that requires further examination. To crack down on social housing fraud, the council also works with CityWest Homes to carry out tenancy checks. In other investigations, fraud officers may pay a visit to the address, or invite the person alleged to have broken the rules for an interview. The matter may be taken to court.
Tonia Rivett
If you are concerned about fraud and want to make us aware of your suspicions you can do so by calling the fraud hotline on 0800 028 9888.
W
hether you think someone is fraudulently claiming housing benefit or has wrongly obtained a resident parking permit or disabled badge or is unlawfully subletting their council house, any information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence. You do not even have to give us your name. The fraud investigation team will then carry out an investigation. Members of the public are asked to provide as much information about the fraud as possible to help us with the investigation.
For more information or to report suspected fraud, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/fraud or call the fraud hotline on 0800 028 9888
12 The Westminster Reporter
visit www.
£320,000
ks down on fraud ‘Imagine a disabled relative was unable to park’ Blue and white badge parking exists to help disabled residents get out and about. However, those who cheat the system are restricting the availability of parking spaces for people with a disability and in genuine need of a parking place.
T
Tonia Rivett
WIN!
The amount of money the council recovered from benefit cheats in 2010
onia Rivett works for the disability campaigning charity Mobilise and has had a blue badge since she passed her test three years ago. The 20-year-old told the Reporter how disabled badge fraud affects thousands of people like her. “I have cystic fibrosis which means I find it difficult to breathe, even when walking short distances, so having no disabled bay available to use can be a real problem for me. “That’s why blue badge fraud is such a problem. It means able bodied people are using spaces they don’t need and probably costing the local taxpayer money. If someone is able to use a regular car parking space, is it right to park in a disabled bay just for convenience or to save money on parking costs? “But it’s not just blue badge fraud that’s the issue – misuse of the badges is just as much of a problem. People seem to believe it is okay to use a family member’s badge, as long as they are carrying out jobs for that person, like collecting their shopping. But it’s not, and can mean you are unnecessarily taking up a space that a disabled person really needs to use. Imagine your disabled family member was unable to park. “It’s really important to think about the parking needs of other people who are disabled. For them it is about not being able to park somewhere that is more convenient. It is a necessity and a case of being able to get your shopping that day or not.“
To find out how to apply for a disabled parking badge, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/disabledparking or call 020 7823 4567.
Tickets and c hildcare for Terry Gillia m’s
‘The Damnatio n
of
Faust’ at English Na tional Opera this spring. Term s and
conditions apply.
Former Python and cult filmmaker Terry Gilliam makes his opera directing debut with ‘The Damnation of Faust’ at English National Opera this May, and we’re inviting you and your family to share the experience.
T
o celebrate Opera Tots, ENO’s free childcare initiative for parents who live in Westminster, we’re giving away two tickets for the matinee performance, alongside space in the crèche for two children aged from 6 months to 4 years. For your chance to win answer the following question: Who is directing ‘The Damnation of Faust’? Email your answers to Baylis@eno.org with your name, contact details and the ages of your children. Deadline for entry is 1st May. For further information about Opera Tots, or ENO, visit www.eno.org/ explore/operatots.php
The Westminster Reporter 13
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2,500
The number new and refurbished homes the council is aiming to deliver in the next 10 years.
1982
The year the last estate was built in Westminster.
First new council homes built in Westminster in a generation unveiled The first new council homes to be built in central London for almost 30 years have been completed. New ground floor flats in Westbourne Green
T
he 10 new and four refurbished flats have been built utilising redundant ground floor space located under four blocks in Westbourne Green.
“ It’s great to see the new homes complete.” Sensei Stewart, resident for 10 years
“The real reward will be seeing the families using and enjoying the new facilities that these flats offer” Mary Amayo, 63, Health trainer.
14 The Westminster Reporter
The properties mark a milestone in the council’s multi-million pound house building programme which will see hundreds of new affordable homes in Westminster. A number of residents told the Reporter how the new homes have improved the area. Student Najat Elmabtoul, who has lived in the area for four years, said: “I really love the new flats. Before, when the space under the blocks was empty, it was not attractive, very dirty and smelly. The new flats are a really big improvement and they make the whole building look and feel much better and safer.”
Local resident, Father Henry Everett, 50, said: “This project has undoubtedly improved the public space around the blocks, which has been a long running problem. It’s great to be able to see the high standard of accommodation that these flats offer. They are very attractive and spacious new homes that enhance the whole area.” “It’s great to be able to see the high standard of accommodation that these flats offer.” Father Henry Everett, 50, Local resident.
Sensei Stewart, who has lived for 10 years in one of the blocks where the flats have been built said: “It’s great to see the new homes complete and the high standard of facilities for the new occupiers. The flats look really nice and it’s definitely an improvement on what was there before.” Health trainer Mary Amayo, 63, said: “I’ve always supported these
Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services
Healthy vitamins – FREE
H
Artist’s impressions of the Church Street proposals.
“The new flats are a really big improvement and they make the whole building look and feel much safer.” Najat Elmabtoul, student.
new flats and I’m really pleased that they are now complete. They have vastly improved the look of the buildings and solved some problems with antisocial behaviour in the area. The real reward will be seeing the families using and enjoying the new facilities that these flats offer.” The council also has plans to regenerate a number of neighbourhoods including Church Street, Paddington Green, Lisson Grove and Westbourne Green as well as the Tollgate Gardens Estate in Maida Vale, the Ebury Bridge Estate in Pimlico and the Brunel Estate in Westbourne Park. For more information visit www.westminster.gov.uk/ services/housing
ealthy start is an NHS programme offering pregnant women and new mums on low incomes vitamins, food vouchers and advice on how to stay fit and healthy. Healthy Start vitamins contain the recommended daily allowance of vitamins for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children from six months old. The vitamins are available in C, D and folic acid tablets for mums and mums-to-be, and vitamins A, C and D drops for children. You must be eligible and apply to receive Healthy Start vitamins. To find out how to apply, visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk or call 0845 607 6823.
Easter events at Westminster libraries
T
here’s something for everyone this Easter with crafts, face painting and Easter egg hunts across the city. Design your own Easter egg and enter our competition at Victoria Library, or enjoy spring crafts and face painting in Pimlico. Plus go on a hunt for delicious eggs in Pimlico and Marylebone libraries. For more information, visit www. westminster.gov.uk/librariesnews
Join the School Sports Club Programme
A
new initiative to enable children and young people to take part in more sport outside school has been launched at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The first project is already underway with the indoor cricket school pledging at least two hours a week of access to local school children. Teachers across Westminster are also being trained to deliver high quality cricket coaching. The council now wants to expand the programme and is looking for local sports clubs, corporate sponsors, venues and volunteers, which it will match with local schools to develop and provide sport for children and young people. If you are interested in joining call Andy Durrant on 020 7641 5885 or email adurrant@westminster.gov.uk
What’s on this spring
I
f you’re feeling a little more active, why not head to Paddington Rec or Little Venice Sports Centre for some basketball training for just £1 per day. Dribble, dodge and slam dunk your way to fitness until 25th April. Visit www.londonpioneers.com
For more news and information for parents and carers of children aged 0-19 in Westminster, visit www.westminster.gov.uk/childrenfirst or email childrenfirst @westminster.gov.uk with your name and address to sign up for our magazine.
The Westminster Reporter 15
G SPRITNION EDI
83%
£41,000
reduction in average number of ‘suspected offences’ every month
average cost avoided for each family
Saving you money by helpin u o y d i D . . . w o n k ies have gone
The Family Recovery Programme is a ground breaking scheme to tackle social breakdown.
S
ince it began two years ago, there has been a major fall in anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, poor parenting and truancy among families who have multiple problems. Under this scheme – the first of its kind in the country – professionals from different organisations come together to form a ‘team around the family’. 123 famil e The Family In turn for the support offered, these families adhere to strict ‘contracts with through th Programme y r e v consequences’, knowing that they could face a raft of measures if they do not use the o c Re help on offer to make the changes they need. The Reporter spoke to a health visitor, a domestic violence worker, an intensive outreach worker and a substance misuse worker about their roles and the scheme’s positive impact.
Health visitor Faye Mitchinson, who works for NHS Westminster, said:
“M
y role is to look after the health of the whole family. This is vital, as if a mum has an issue such as depression, this could have a knock-on effect on her children. “Some families, unfortunately, simply don’t have the skills to register with a GP or get their children immunised but I can show them what to do so they can do it themselves. “Before this programme, when I visited a family and they would often talk about other problems such as debt and housing, steering away the focus from health. But now I have other specialists in my team and these problems can be sorted quickly so I can focus on what I am there to do.”
Intensive outreach worker, Sally Bevan, said:
“M
y role is to coordinate all the services we provide to families and to ensure we have clear goals. “The big advantage this programme offers is that it is intensive. We used to see a family every other week or once a month but by visiting them two or three times a week, you will get positive results more quickly. “Each team will avoid overloading the family with a multitude of faces and too much information at any one time. The aim is to keep the team around the family small and uncomplicated to enable them to form good relationships.”
For more information on social services visit www.westminster.gov.uk/ services/healthandsocialcare or call 020 7641 7560.
Faye Mitchinson
16 The Westminster Reporter
Sally Bevan
48%
ng families in crisis How much money does it save? Sharon Waugh is the senior domestic violence worker on the programme.
“M
WIN!
of neighbours reported reductions in anti-social behaviour since families registered with the programme
y job is to support women who have experienced domestic violence. “We have a range of skills under the same team and when a family needs help they have immediate access to that. As is often the case, if people ask for help and then have to wait, they very often change their minds or are less determined to tackle the issues. With domestic violence it is better to take action as soon as you can.”
The programme has saved taxpayers £2 million over the last two years. The council’s ultimate aim is to wean these families off public services and to enable them to stand on their own two feet. Within the first week, the family is visited to obtain consent and the ‘information desk’ begins to pull together data from the agencies that have been involved with the family. Within a fortnight, a care plan is written with input from the family, a small team around the family is established, and the lead professionals are appointed.
Explore the rich selection of rcolours Victorian drawings and wate ’s from The Courtauld Gallery world-famous collection. question – what year Send your answer to the J.M.W Turner born? – to was romantic painter, .gov.uk by the 1st reporter@ westminster nce to win one of cha r May 2011, for you three pairs of tickets . y. Terms and conditions appl
Life, Legend, Landscape: Victorian Drawings and Watercolours Runs until15th May 2011
W
ith many works being shown for the first time, the collection has brought together world famous portraits and scenes from literature, revealing the Victorian preoccupation with nature and myth, including work by J.M.W. Turner, Rossetti, Millais and Burne-Jones. For more information visit www. courtauld.ac.uk/gallery
Senior substance misuse worker, Kelly McSherry, from charity Westminster Drugs Project, works with adults within the families who have drug and alcohol issues.
“T
he people I work with generally have had problems for many years and may not be the first generation in their family to have had these issues. “We offer them one-to-one support, group sessions and ongoing treatment. The families I work with have massively benefited from the programme and found getting their lives back on track achievable.”
Kelly McSherry
The Westminster Reporter 17
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1 million
Westminster’s residential population of 240,000 swells to more than 1 million people every day as workers, visitors and tourists pour into the city.
Asking you about parking Westminster City Council recently undertook the largest survey of views on parking our city has seen for a decade.
O
ur streets and roads are changing and as we continue into the new decade, facing new and growing pressures, we need to check whether our current policies are still working. As part of the review we asked our residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on shaping the future of parking provision in the capital. More than 1,000 responses were received and when these have been analysed we will work up a number of
specific parking policy options, which we will test further before they become detailed proposals. These will ultimately set out how the council will deal with the increasing pressures and demands on central London’s already congested streets and roads for the next 10 to 15 years and ensure we continue to provide world class roads fit for the future.
A day with a parking warden Cherelle Lander, 45, has been a parking attendant in Westminster for three years and regularly walks the streets of the West End. She talked to the Reporter about the challenges of her job.
“I
love my job. I know the general public don’t like what we do but I think that’s because there’s a misunderstanding about what the job really is. “Traffic wardens don’t spend their time trying to issue as many tickets as possible, in fact on average we probably issue one ticket an hour. “I spend the rest of the time talking to residents and motorists, giving advice on where to park, and quite often giving directions to tourists. “Of course, there are some downsides. I’ve suffered abuse, both verbal and physical, from members of the public who are angry at getting a ticket. “But I know it’s not me they hate - it’s the uniform.” For more information on the council’s parking policy review visit www.westminster.gov.uk/parkingpolicyreview
18 The Westminster Reporter
Cherelle Lander
WIN!
“I work as an independent retailer and deliver luxury carpets to hotels and boutiques. Parking should be free for the first hour so that local businesses don’t suffer. I need to unload goods and have to pay for a full hour each time even though I may only be there for a short while.” Robert Matthews, 64, independent retailer, Marylebone High Street.
ply. ns ap Terms and conditio
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Want to get away for the weekend or simply get out and about? giving away 1 year’s Westminster Car Club is chance to experience the and hip FREE members FREE! a Mini for a weekend for to mini’ in the subjec t line To enter email ‘car club r you h wit .gov.uk along reporter@ westminster . ails det t tac con name, address and 1. Closing date 9th May 201
“I work as a plumber and that means that I have to get very close to the pavement outside people’s houses. If someone has parked there and left a huge gap I can’t get in close enough which makes my job difficult. It’s good that the council can make sure that people follow the rules.” Craig Denton, 21, plumber, Church Street.
Westminster car parks Westminster’s car parks are being leased out by a private operator, saving taxpayers more than £3 million a year.
A
total of 14 council car parks will be leased to and operated by Q-Park Ltd. The new operator will carry out £10 million improvement works across the sites which include locations at Oxford Street, Park Lane, Knightsbridge, China Town and St John’s Wood. Arrangements for existing resident parking permits will remain for the duration of the leases. The current arrangements for existing electric vehicle parking and free motorcycle parking will also be retained. For more information on car parks in Westminster visit www.q-park.co.uk or call 0113 238 4238. “I think that parking is okay although you can find four parking bays suspended at the same time so when you try to park you find yourself unable to find a space. This can be really annoying. Also, it would be good if the residents’ permits reflected the fact that we also have to pay the congestion charge.” Mohammed Rahman, 40, restauranteur, Great Titchfield Street.
Join the Club Westminster’s Car Club gives its members access to over 100 pay as-you-go vehicles, conveniently parked across the city. Each on-street Car Club location is within a 10 minute walk of where residents live or work, and Westminster’s Car Club even covers the cost of petrol, insurance, congestion charge and parking. So if you need a car for an hour at a time or up to four days, simply log in online, book the vehicle you want and drive away. To find out more information about Westminster Car Club visit www. westminster.gov.uk/carclub
The Westminster Reporter 19
CHPRIS RTIMNAGS
SPECTIOANL SEDI
Pet project boosts Across Westminster people are giving up their free time and doing their bit for their community by volunteering for a whole manner of worthwhile projects.
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chemes being pioneered by Westminster include a volunteer park management scheme, a volunteer library management scheme and a network of volunteer workers to carry out home visits and advise on parenting. The council already has an army of around 100 volunteers who work in the council’s libraries and archives, and are instrumental in keeping the service running on behalf of local people.
“ We held a vote amongst the local community to find out what type of shop they would like us to run.” Elena Grbcic
The Reporter spoke to a group of volunteers who helped to save a community renewal project by running a pet shop from its offices. When the Paddington Development Trust’s Church Street Neighbourhood Management (CSNM) project saw a drop
in its funding following nationwide cuts last year, it faced an uncertain future. But rather than rest on their laurels, they set up their own Big Society project, recruiting volunteers to open a pet shop on site to help meet costs. “We held a vote amongst the local community to find out what type of shop they would like us to run”, explains staff member Elena Grbcic. “A pet shop came out top, so here we are. We opened in January and provide a whole range of food and accessories. We are also working with The Dog Trust to provide free health checks.” The shop has a broader aim too – to help reduce irresponsible dog ownership in the area. “This has been a particular problem for residents. By providing more help to owners we hope to help cut down on fouling and untrained animals”, Elena says. The team also hopes that when people drop into the shop they can make use of the other services that are provided on site, such as advice about debt, housing and legal support. The shop wouldn’t operate without the support of the 20 volunteers who give up their time for free. Among the team is Brian Whittaker, a retired butcher from Church Street. “I pop in most days to see what I can do. I’ve been involved in the community for a long time, and this is a good way of continuing to help. “As a dog owner myself, I can recommend it, and when people come in they can also find out about the other support we provide.” The Pet Society is at 88 Church Street. It is open 10am-4pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am-2pm on Saturdays.
Brian Whittaker 20 The Westminster Reporter
020 7402 8076
the Big Society Jennifer Tovar, 33, from Edgware Road, helps out twice a week at the Pet Society. She said:
Jennifer Tovar
“V
olunteering here has real benefits. It provides a valuable service to the community. It is also great for me personally. It gets me meeting new people and helping them out. “The work helps me develop new skills too. I have been without a job for a while, but the admin and marketing skills I am picking up here can all go on my CV. I also volunteer as a book keeper in another shop down the road and it all adds to my experience.”
Contact Volunteer Centre Westminster on 020 7402 8076.
Get volunteering Whether it’s supporting vulnerable people, helping the environment or working at the Olympics – there is a huge range of voluntary opportunities in Westminster. For more information and to get involved visit www. westminster.gov.uk/ volunteering. Alternatively contact Volunteer Centre Westminster on 020 7402 8076 or visit www.volunteer.co.uk
‘The reward I get is seeing the smiles’ Alice Bailey, 63, lives in Harrow Road ward. She volunteers by taking people with mental health problems on day trips around the city.
“I
’ve been volunteering for three years and first became involved because mental health is something close to my heart. “Many of the people I work with feel isolated or are lacking in confidence, so providing an opportunity for them to have fun out in the community is really important. “The reward I get is seeing the smiles on the faces of the people I help.” Alice Bailey (second from right) The Westminster Reporter 21
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year more than 1,300 items of counterfeit Olympic merchandise were seized by Westminster’s trading standards team. 1,300 Last
Trading standards seize £100k of fake Olympic goods Counterfeit shirts
As London gears up for the Olympics, Westminster Council’s trading standards will be working hard to ensure that the city is kept free of counterfeit Olympic and sporting clothing.
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bout 6,500 counterfeit items of clothing, including T-shirts supposedly bearing the Olympic logo, were seized from a shop in Oxford Street last month by the council’s trading standards team and the Met Police. The haul was one of the largest collections of counterfeit merchandise ever recovered from a retail premises by the council. The raid followed information from HM Revenues and Customs that there were two containers of suspected counterfeit goods being held at Southampton docks which
were originally bound for Oxford Street. While last year more than 1,300 items of counterfeit Olympic merchandise were seized by Westminster’s trading standards team. Officers discovered thousands of pounds worth of T-shirts and baseball caps bearing the 2012 Olympic logo when they raided a souvenir shop in Buckingham Palace Road in Victoria. The London Olympic trademark, and the symbol of the Olympic Rings, are protected trademarks.
How to not get scammed by Olympic fakes:
How can Westminster’s trading standards help you?
1. Look out for the London 2012 hologram on the swing tag which flickers between the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic emblems 2. Official products are available through the London 2012 online store at www.london 2012.com 3. There are also a number of official stores you can visit – including one at Paddington station 4. Be suspicious of extremely low prices or items which seem of poor quality 5. If you suspect a trader of selling counterfeit Olympic goods in Westminster, call Westminster Trading Standards on 0207 641 1111
• The trading standards team advises local residents and businesses • Offers free advice and information on consumer statutory rights to Westminster residents • Advises Westminster based businesses on consumer protection laws • Investigates breaches of consumer protection laws • Prosecutes traders who commit serious offences • Inspects trade premises • Provides a wide range of information on consumer protection matters and other agencies They also enforce and advise on a wide range of legislation covering: safety of goods, misleading prices and false claims on goods and services.
To contact Westminster Trading Standards visit www.westminster.gov.uk/tradingstandards or call 020 7641 1111.
22 The Westminster Reporter
020 8969 7777
Call to access non-emergency NHS healthcare, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
‘One-to-one care and support is wonderful’ A new community cardiac service to help people who suffer from heart problems has been launched to enable residents to receive treatment closer to their homes, rather than having to go to hospital.
The South Westminster Centre St Georges House, 82 Vincent Square London SW1P 2PF Tel: 020 7963 2444 Diabetes and Cardiac Centre 4B Maida Vale London W9 1SP Tel: 020 7316 1200
T
hose who experience issues such as high blood pressure, palpitations, chest pain, heart arrhythmia, angina, or more serious conditions like stroke, heart attacks or heart failure, are now able to receive treatment at the South Westminster Centre and the Westminster Diabetes and Cardiac Centre. Patricia Albert has been coming to the cardiac service at the Diabetes Centre to help with her chest pains. She has been on a programme of treatment and has been visiting the centre on a weekly basis. “The personal one-to-one care and support I receive at the centre is wonderful,” she said. “I have been given a course of medication, and guidance to look after my diet and wellbeing. “I live nearby so having the service
The community cardiac services are offered at:
Patricia Albert
in the community makes it incredibly convenient for appointments. The nurses are always on the end of the phone if I have a question or need advice.” Cardiac nurse, Cate West, who has been handling Patricia’s care at the centre, said: “We work with patients to develop a programme of treatment, for example if you suffer from palpitations or chest pains. It is a quicker, more accessible process and patients can expect to be given an appointment within 48 hours of referral from their GP.“
For information on accessing the service, please speak with your GP in the first instance or contact 020 3312 6452 for information. If you are currently receiving treatment for a heart-related condition in hospital, you will soon be redirected to one of the new centres for treatment.
The centres are open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and run by a multidisciplinary group of health professionals. Following a referral from your GP, the cardiac service will assess your condition and develop a programme of treatment. All information will be fed back to your GP so they are kept up-to-date with your progress.
Keep your heart healthy • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet rich with protein, wholegrain foods and fruit and vegetables (five portions a day). • Stay active – physical exercise is good for your heart. It helps control your weight, lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol and improves your mental health. • Avoid smoking and limit how much alcohol you drink. • Stress – putting yourself under stress can have an impact on your heart. Find ways to relax such as physical activity, yoga and reading. Useful tips on keeping your heart healthy can be found on the British Heart Foundation website: www.bhf.org.uk or speak with your GP for help and advice.
The Westminster Reporter 23
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the Westminster Adult Education Service 020 7297 7297. 020 7297 7297 Tocallcontact
Westminster Adult Education Service Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) has successfully helped individuals from Westminster and beyond to improve their English, launch a new career, boost their skills for work or pursue a personal interest. If you want to be part of our success, apply now for courses starting in May.
W
e offer a range of courses in more than 80 venues across Westminster at days, times and levels to suit the needs of our learners. Our tutors are dedicated professionals with years of experience in industry and the adult education sector. Whether you want to improve your English, retrain for a new career, pursue a personal interest or build on your existing skills, we can
help. We recognise that learning can be challenging and that’s why we make sure you get all the personal support you need to help you fulfil your ambitions. Whether you’re interested in graphic design, fashion, video, make-up, business or health and social care there is no need to wait until September. Courses will be running in May, but hurry as places are filling fast so apply now.
For more information, visit www.waes.ac.uk or email info@waes.ac.uk or call 020 7297 7297.
24 The Westminster Reporter
are currently eight safer schools officers dedicated to schools in Westminster. 8 There
Shaping the future of policing in Westminster Now is the time for you to stand up and be counted and have an impact on the future of your community.
Y
ou may not have heard of the Westminster Community Police Engagement Group, but the work it does has a real impact on the way your local area is policed. The group is made up of members of the local community, who meet regularly with local police and the police authority to discuss the way the borough is policed and ensure officers are working to tackle the issues that matter to residents. The group is currently moving from three separate north, south and central Westminster groups into one group focusing on the whole borough and is keen to get involvement from new members. Jo Weir, Chair of the current Central Westminster Community Police Engagement Group (CPEG), said: “Having one group is the way forward and will be an opportunity for everyone
“ Come along, have a say and talk to us about the issues that matter to you.” Jo Weir, Chair of the Central Westminster Community Police Engagement Group
living in Westminster to come together and have a real impact on the way it is policed. “We have so much to tell residents and so much on offer. This is the place to make a real difference. “Come along, have a say and talk to us about the issues that matter to you.” On the 17th May there will be nominations for a new chair of the new Westminster CPEG, taking place at 6.30pm at Westminster Council House in Marylebone Road. Simon Bray, Commander Westminster Borough, said: “If you have the time, passion and energy
What are the benefits of Westminster’s Community Police Engagement Group? • Influence local policing • A chance to make your voice heard • A way to help your community to make a difference, then you should get involved. “Our Safer Neighbourhoods Teams work closely with community groups and your involvement is key to making your area safe.”
For further information about the vote on 17th May, contact Julie Etheridge on 020 7641 3258 or email jetheridge@ westminster.gov.uk or visit www.mpa.gov.uk/partnerships/boroughs/westminster For more information about your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team visit www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods Commander Simon Bray
Jo Weir The Westminster Reporter 25
What’s on this spring across Westminster Get active this spring with lots of free and low-cost activities for all ages from sport camps to reading groups. Athletics track and jumps training including coaching from top athletes Where: Regent’s Park and Paddington Recreation Ground athletics tracks When: Mondays from 4.30-6pm (Regent’s Park) and Wednesdays from 4.30-6pm (Pad Rec). Contact: 07701 056 323 Age: 11-17 Cost: Free
Sailing and kayaking on the River Thames Where: Westminster Boating Base, 136 Grosvenor Road, SW1V 3JY When: Various – go online for details. Contact: 020 7821 7389 or visit westminsterboatingbase.co.uk Age: 10 plus Cost: £10 annual membership Dog day afternoon What: Demonstrations, competitions and best in show. Alongside the usual food and fashion market stalls you can also shop for your pet. Where: Cabbages and Frocks market, St. Marylebone Parish Church grounds, Marylebone High Street, W1U 5BL When: 7th May from 11am-5pm. Contact: Visit cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk or email info@cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk Age: All Cost: Free
Bayswater Children’s Centre halfterm play scheme Where: St. Mary of the Angels’ RC School, Shrewsbury Road, W2 5PR When: 31st May to 3rd June. Contact: 020 7641 1350 Age: 3-7 Cost: Please call for details Cover2cover teen library group What: For anyone interested in talking about books, film or other media. Where: Church Street Library When: 4th May, 1st June, 6th July. 5pm-6pm. Contact: churchstreetlibrary@ westminster.gov.uk Age: 13-19 Cost: Free Share a book reading group Where: Paddington, Maida Vale and Victoria Libraries When: Mondays from 2-3.30pm (Paddington), Wednesdays from 10.30am-12 midday (Maida Vale), Thursdays from 10.30am-12 midday (Victoria). Contact: 020 7641 1300 Age: All Cost: Free
Bowling What: Keep active and meet new people through bowling. You can hire a set of bowls, no need to bring your own. Where: The Bowling Green at Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 1PD When: The bowling green is open from 8am to 9pm until September. Contact: 020 7641 3642 Age: All Cost: £2.40 per hour for non members or £1.50 with a ResCard Multi-sports camps Where: St. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Rudolph Road, NW6 5SN When: 31st May-3rd June. Contact: 020 7641 3642 Age: 5-15 Cost: £25 with a Rescard Adult Education Week open days What: Find out more about Westminster Adult Education Service courses in libraries. Where: Pimlico Library, Lupus Street, SW1V 3AT/ Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU When: 17th May from 2-5pm (Pimlico), 18th May from 1-4pm (Paddington). Contact: 020 7641 1300 or visit westminster. gov.uk/libraries Age: Adults Cost: Free
Drop-in session for people with arthritis Where: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU When: 10th May from 10am-12 midday. Contact: 020 7641 1300 Age: All Cost: Free
For more information visit www.westminster.gov.uk/wow or call 020 7641 7929
26 The Westminster Reporter
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back page Useful numbers Westminster City Council Customer Enquiry Line
020 7641 6000
Website www.westminster.gov.uk Council tax
0845 302 3400
Environmental Action Line
020 7641 2000
A 24-hour hotline for recycling, refuse collection, street cleansing, abandoned vehicles, noise and other street-related issues such as defects in our roads, pavements and street lighting.
0800 072 0042
Housing options
020 7641 1000
Library renewals
020 7641 1400
Parking
020 7823 4567
Planning
020 7641 2513
Registering to vote
020 7641 2730
Senior Passport
020 7641 1444
Social Services
020 7641 7535
Police Metropolitan Police non emergency number
0300 123 1212
In an emergency dial
999
To contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods
NHS NHS Direct
0845 4647
NHS Westminster out-of-hours GP or district nursing
020 8969 7777
NHS Westminster Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
0800 587 8818
NHS Stop Smoking service
0800 328 8537
Westminster City Council
Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP
020 7641 6000 westminster.gov.uk
CF-67-A-0211
Housing benefit and council tax benefit