Westminster Council moves to close Charing Cross soup kitchen over safety fears
Charity says enforcement actions and costly licences make operations 'impossible' for volunteers
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A soup kitchen serving homeless residents in Charing Cross faces closure after Westminster Council warned it cannot operate safely in its current form. The council said large crowds gathering for meals create risks, including exploitation by drug dealers, and have drawn complaints about antisocial behaviour and litter.
Friends of Essex & London Homeless (FOELH), the charity running the weekly service, said council enforcement actions have made it harder to provide consistent support. Volunteers now hold a waste disposal licence, costing hundreds of pounds, to meet council demands. They also face a £500 parking charge threat for the van used to transport food.
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Charity says council demands are 'disproportionate'
Steven Stuart, who founded FOELH with his wife Cheryl ten years ago, said the council’s requirements are unreasonable for a small, volunteer-run charity. He told The Guardian the group now holds the required waste licence but questioned whether it was necessary for a weekly outreach service.
Stuart described council visits with police and security officers as 'intimidating'. He said the charity has asked for permits to operate legally but has not received clear rules. Phil Jones, a FOELH volunteer, said the council’s litter concerns are unfounded. "We clear away all waste and leave the area spotless," he said.
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We questioned whether this was proportionate or appropriate for a small, entirely volunteer-run charity carrying out a weekly homeless outreach but, nevertheless, we have now obtained the certificate to ensure we are fully compliant.
Steven Stuart, FOELH founder
Council cites safety risks and resident complaints
A Westminster Council spokesperson said soup kitchens must be carefully managed to protect vulnerable people and the surrounding area. The council has received complaints about antisocial behaviour, littering and crime in Charing Cross linked to the service.
The spokesperson said multiple soup kitchens operating in the same area create large crowds in a confined space. This, they said, attracts drug dealers looking to exploit the situation. "Currently, the site is not safe for those using the service or the general public," they added.
Deputy council leader Caroline Sargent, a Conservative, said rough sleeping sites in Westminster are unacceptable. "Local people and businesses are fed up with rough sleeping sites springing up, and so are we," she said, as reported by The Guardian.
What happens next
It is unclear whether Westminster Council will issue a formal ban or offer permits to allow the soup kitchen to continue under new conditions. FOELH said it is willing to work with the council but needs clear, consistent rules. The charity’s next scheduled service in Charing Cross is 22 August 2026.
Questions this report answers
+Why does Westminster Council want to close the soup kitchen?
The council says large crowds at the soup kitchen create safety risks, including exploitation by drug dealers. It has also received complaints from residents about antisocial behaviour, littering and crime linked to the service. The council argues the site is unsafe for users and the public.
+What has the charity done to comply with council demands?
Friends of Essex & London Homeless has obtained a waste disposal licence, costing hundreds of pounds, to meet council requirements. Volunteers say they already clear all litter and leave the area clean, but the council has not dropped its enforcement actions.
+Can the soup kitchen still operate in Charing Cross?
The charity’s next service is scheduled for 22 August 2026, but Westminster Council has warned it may ban the operation. The charity has asked for permits to operate legally but says the council has not provided clear rules for compliance.
+What are the council’s concerns about crowds at the soup kitchen?
The council says multiple soup kitchens operating in the same area lead to large gatherings in a confined space. It claims this attracts drug dealers and creates risks for vulnerable people and the public. Residents have also complained about antisocial behaviour.
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