Westminster Council moves to close Charing Cross soup kitchen over safety fears

A soup kitchen in Charing Cross faces closure after Westminster Council sent enforcement agents to the site, warning that its operations are unsafe. The charity running the service, Friends of Essex & London Homeless (FOELH), says council demands have made it 'impossible' to continue providing meals and support to rough sleepers.

The council has raised concerns about noise, litter, and large crowds gathering in the area. A spokesperson told The Guardian that multiple soup kitchens operating at the same time and location create risks, including drug dealers exploiting vulnerable people. Residents have complained about antisocial behaviour and crime during the soup kitchen’s weekly events.

Charity says council demands are 'disproportionate'

FOELH, which has run the soup kitchen for a decade, says it clears all waste and leaves the area clean. Steven Stuart, who founded the charity with his wife, Cheryl, said enforcement visits from the council, police, and security officers have felt 'intimidating and disproportionate'.

The council has demanded the charity obtain a costly waste disposal licence, which Stuart questioned as unnecessary for a volunteer-run service. Despite complying, the charity says new requirements keep emerging, making operations unsustainable. A £500 parking charge was also threatened for the vehicle used to transport food.

Council defends safety concerns

A Westminster Council spokesperson said the current setup is unsafe for both service users and the public. They acknowledged that soup kitchens provide a valuable service but argued they must be 'carefully managed' to prevent exploitation and disruption.

The council has previously taken a hard line on homelessness, with deputy leader Caroline Sargent stating that rough sleeping sites are 'totally unacceptable in the heart of a capital city'. The council is also facing opposition from London Mayor Sadiq Khan over plans to restrict new bars and pubs in Soho and the West End.

What happens next

It is unclear whether Westminster Council will issue a formal closure notice or continue enforcement actions. FOELH has asked for permits to operate on specific days and locations to avoid unexpected demands. The charity says it remains committed to supporting homeless residents but needs clarity from the council to continue.