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THE leader of the council Conservative opposition has said plans to introduce 200 CCTV cameras across the borough is “not enough” to stop crime.

Cllr Paul Swaddle said though the move was welcomed, the cameras would not “put off” mobile phone thieves and shoplifters.

The Tory leader also accused the Labour-run administration of using the upcoming budget to fund “pet projects”.

He said: “Too much of this budget is focused on pet projects and a multitude of self-congratulatory press releases. Labour just want to try and secure pet issues before the 2026 elections when residents will have their say.”

On Monday council cabinet members agreed to double the number of CCTV cameras on streets, including 40 new cameras in the West End, as part of a £2million budget package to tackle anti-social behaviour. The local authority will also recruit eight new inspectors to work with police to manage community safety.

The measures, part of the 2025/26 budget, are expected to be given final approval at a March 5 full council meeting.

Installing 40 new cameras in the West End – focusing on Soho and Leicester Square – was the most significant city council security investment in the area in nearly a decade, it said.

City council leader Adam Hug said: “Wherever you live in Westminster, you should be able to enjoy your surroundings without fear of those dealing drugs or committing other crimes and anti-social behaviour that can sometimes blight our neighbourhoods.”

The authority said the borough still has one of the lowest council tax rates in the country.

The amount paid to the Greater London Authority on a band D property has also increased by £18.98 a year. In total these residents will now pay £1,017.18 a year.