Westminster Community Contribution
Westminster is a great place to live with many opportunities, but there are huge challenges too. Some residents in high value properties have asked us how they can contribute more to community projects in Westminster. In response, we have launched the voluntary Westminster Community Contribution Scheme.
So we are inviting Council Tax payers in Band H to make a voluntary contribution to the City of Westminster Charitable Trust. Money raised from this initiative will be put towards more help for the homeless; more services for young people; and the reduction of loneliness among the elderly and children.
Some people have asked why we haven’t just raised council tax. National legislation dictates that if a local authority plans to raise council tax it has to be across all Bands, which means everyone would have to pay more and we believe it is our duty to protect those on the lowest incomes. If we raised council tax, those on the lowest incomes would be disproportionately affected. We have kept Band D the lowest in the country for the past five years, protecting those on low incomes.
Find out how you can make a difference to young people, rough sleepers and isolated lonely people
As part of the #MyWestminster programme, we are investing in community and voluntary groups across Westminster.
We want to strengthen community identity by supporting projects which matter to residents.
To find out more about the #MyWestminster programme from Westminster’s leader Councillor Nickie Aiken, you can read her speech.
#MyWestminster fund
We are providing up to £10,000 per organisation to support projects which will improve Westminster.
The fund is open to all voluntary organisations, resident, faith and community groups within Westminster. This includes schools and other establishments which care for Westminster residents (such as residential care homes).
The focus of the fund is to:
- celebrate our neighbourhoods
- promote community cohesion across the city
- support people to make the best of their lives in the heart of London
#MyWestminster City Lions
#MyWestminster City Lions is a new club to help 13 to 16-year-olds make the most of the opportunities that come with living in the heart of the city.
By joining #MyWestminster City Lions, young people will:
- boost their CV with work experience at some of the city’s most prominent organisations
- gain access to volunteering roles to help them with their career choice including high profile events
- explore different career paths through taster sessions and inspirational workshops with local young entrepreneurs
- receive exclusive access to arts and cultural venues and events such as the theatre and exhibitions at museums and galleries
- meet other young people from across the city
#MyWestminster projects
The #MyWestminster projects will tackle issues relevant to communities in Westminster.
Housing standards task force
Our team of officers are tackling unlawful letting. This is so we can prosecute landlords breaking the 90 night limit on short-term letting. Our team will also tackle rogue landlords and support a new Considerate Landlords Charter. Read more.
Advice and support service
Westminster City Council has created an advice service for the 30,000 EU nationals living in Westminster. This can be found on the Citizens Advice Westminster website.
Integrated street unit
Similar to our successful integrated gangs unit, we are working with our partners to support homeless people. We want to tackle anti-social behaviour issues, such as drug abuse.
Take pride in living in the heart of the city at the third #MyWestminster Day on Sunday 30 June 2019.
This free community day is hosted by Cllr Nickie Aiken, Leader of the Council to bring people together to celebrate the diversity of neighbourhoods across Westminster. Join us for a fun day of free family activities, food, live music, dancing, arts and crafts and sports.
Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 1PD
Date: Sunday 30 June, 11am-3pm
Download the event flyer (PDF, 165KB)
NEW! Register for free guided walks
Westminster Guides are offering free local walks around Maida Vale, starting and finishing at the event. Reserve your place on eventbrite.
Confirmed for 2019
- Face painting
- Children's archery
- Bungee trampolines
- Wipe Out challenge
- Cricket with MCC at Lord's
- Arts and crafts including jewellery, flag and bunting-making; t-shirt printing and design a football kit
- Circus skills
- Yoga in the Rose Garden
- Free massage, Osteopathy and mindfulness sessions
- Chinese Lion Dancers
- Live jazz
- Free food in the Maida Hill Place food tent
- Animal welfare and dog microchipping
- Free bike checks
- Coconut shy
- Reminiscence activities with the Museum of Brands
- NEW dance tent with workshops and performances throughout the day.
Live music line-up
The bandstand schedule is now confirmed.
11am: Mangrove Steelband
12.20pm: Chinese Lion dancers
12.40pm: Time Loves Changes Jazz quartet
1.45pm: West End Gospel Choir
2.45pm: Harrow Road Community Choir
Exhibitors and food concessions
Exhibitor registration is now closed for 2019.
One food trader space is remaining and we are particularly interested in coffee carts or stalls. Please email rsvp@westminster.gov.uk.
Sponsorship
Find out how sponsoring this community event can benefit your business in our sponsorship pack (PDF, 180KB).
Thank you to our 2018 event sponsors Streathers Solicitors.
#MyWestminster Day 2018
Thank you to all the community and voluntary organisations, performers, caterers and dance companies who joined us last year. Take a look at our 2018 line-up below.
Last updated: 21 May 2019