Westminster City Council has announced plans to cut 520 staff roles — around 14% of its 3,720-strong workforce — in what would be the largest round of redundancies in the borough’s history.
Staff were told the news at a City Hall meeting led by chief executive Stuart Love. Those affected are expected to leave between April and December 2027, with the highest proportion of cuts coming from managerial and senior roles. A consultation will follow.
Funding formula
The council blames the government’s Fair Funding Review, which redirects cash to deprived areas. Westminster received £219m in government grant funding in 2025/26; after the review, that was expected to fall to £119m — a drop of £100m, phased over several years. The borough predicts a £160m funding gap by 2029.
Cllr Paul Fisher, cabinet member for best value for money, acknowledged the cuts were “difficult” but said: “We believe setting the right course now will pay dividends in the years ahead. The focus for these reductions is on management roles and not front-line posts. Westminster needs to protect taxpayer money, become leaner and look to more commercial opportunities to generate revenue.”
The council said the cuts would save £29m over the coming year, with a further £16m expected from overhauling how it leases or rents buildings, plus savings on contracts.
Not alone
Westminster is not the only borough affected. Hammersmith & Fulham faces a £160m gap, Kensington & Chelsea £108m and Wandsworth £84m. Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Wandsworth, with Liberal Democrat Richmond, are planning a legal challenge to the formula.
Steep council tax rises are also on the table — Westminster currently sets the second lowest council tax in the country, with Band D homes paying £1,047 a year.
Ellie Ormsby, leader of the Labour group on the council, said: “Behind every job at risk is a person, and we are saddened that staff are facing uncertainty about their futures. We will be keeping a close eye on how this process is managed with staff and trade unions.”
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