A foundation in the name of the late Westminster City Council leader, Sir Simon Milton, was launched on Wednesday with a £3 million target.

Sir Simon — who died last year, aged 49 — was regarded as a local government innovator. Pledges of nearly £150,000 have already been received by the foundation, whose plans include employment assistance for the young and helping the elderly to lead independent lives.

Councillor Robert Davis, deputy leader of Westminster City Council and Sir Simon’s civil partner, said: “Simon always recognised that the City of Westminster gave his father — an émigré from Nazi persecution — both a home and an opportunity.

“Simon was absolutely intent that Westminster should be a place that brought out the potential in the young and provided comfort and reassurance to the old.”