Council confirms shift to lifetime tenancies for all tenants

Westminster City Council has announced a major shift in its housing approach with the adoption of a new tenancy strategy and policy to prioritise long-term housing stability.

Under the new policy, the council will no longer offer fixed-term tenancies for its council housing. Instead, all new and existing tenants will be granted secure lifetime tenancies after their introductory tenancies over the next year, and other registered providers of social housing will be encouraged to take a similar approach.

This landmark change is designed to:

• Provide greater long-term security and peace of mind for residents.
• Maintain existing rent levels, tenancy rights, and housing services.
• Support the creation of stronger, more settled communities across Westminster.

The move reflects the council’s commitment to putting residents first and creating a fairer, more inclusive city where everyone has the opportunity to build a stable life.

The change in policy follows a public consultation undertaken in March, during which the council engaged with residents through a range of channels, including drop-in sessions, online and paper surveys, and direct correspondence via letters. The response to the proposed changes was overwhelmingly positive, with 86% of participants expressing support for all social housing tenants in Westminster to be offered lifetime tenancies . These results reflect strong community backing for a more stable and secure housing model across the borough.

Lifetime tenancies offer residents greater stability by providing a long-term home they can rely on. This added security helps people plan for the future with confidence, free from the worry of tenancy renewals or potential changes in their housing situation. Allowing residents to build lasting connections with neighbours, schools, and local services helping to create stronger, more connected communities.

Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said:

We’re giving our residents the long-term security they deserve. A safe, stable home is the foundation for building a stronger community — and this change ensures tenants can plan for their futures with peace of mind.”

“There will be no changes to rent, tenancy rights or the services residents receive and the council will work with tenants to ensure a smooth transition.”

The Leader of the Council formally approved this decision on 29 May with implementation scheduled for early June.

The report can be found here: https://committees.westminster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2835