Community safety

Residential environment

Residential Team

The residential team deals with any complaints or queries arising from private sector dwellings in Westminster (of which there are over 98,000). They are also responsible for administering the HMO (Housing in Multiple Occupation) scheme which registers and monitors properties identified as being occupied by persons who do not form a single household. There are 6,238 houses of this nature in Westminster. The purpose of this scheme is to ensure that the accommodation provided meets the specified standards of the Council. These include: minimum space requirements; provision of fire precautions and detection/alarm systems; provision of amenities such as cooking and sanitary facilities and proper management.

More information about services for private residents

Trading standards

The Trading Standards team deals with the 26,000 active businesses that exist in Westminster. The service enforces a wide variety of consumer protection legislation within the City and reacts to complaints and intelligence from other agencies to target problem areas and traders through project work. Problems dealt with include the supply of unsafe goods, the sale of short weight or measure goods, the illegal sale of fake goods and the sale of age-restricted goods.

More information about trading standards

Pest control

Pest Control also provides a reactive service to deal with pests in domestic premises and has a proactive programme of treatments under agreements with the Housing Department. It also offers a free needle pick-up service and will deal with noxious waste in certain circumstances.

More information about pest control

Mortuary

The mortuary is located in Horseferry Road and provides public mortuary and post mortem facilities for the City and Kensington and Chelsea.