The Council of Kingston upon Thames met on Tuesday 16 December 2025, with the agenda including discussions on a motion to reaffirm the borough's commitment to safety and inclusivity, and several motions for referral to relevant committees concerning gambling reform, combating extremism, and supporting Police Community Support Officers. The meeting also scheduled consideration of appointments to various council roles and committees, as well as the retention of the council's committee system governance arrangements.

Motion: Everyone has a right to feel safe

A motion proposed by Councillor Andreas Kirsch and seconded by Councillor Thay Thayalan was scheduled for debate, aiming to reaffirm Kingston's commitment to being a safe and supportive borough for all. The motion noted the council's commitment to vulnerable families, asylum seekers, and refugees, and highlighted existing policies such as the Inclusive Strategy 2025-2029, the Faith and Belief Forum, and the Borough of Sanctuary initiative. It also emphasised the importance of recording and responding effectively to hate-related incidents. The council was scheduled to consider a resolution to reaffirm its zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and discrimination, stand against extremism, and report annually on progress in tackling hate crime and promoting inclusion.

Support National Gambling Reform and Protect Kingston Residents

A motion for referral to the Licensing Committee, proposed by Councillor Yvonne Tracey and seconded by Councillor Kamala Kugan, was scheduled for discussion. This motion aimed to support national reform of gambling legislation and protect Kingston residents. It noted the growing issue of gambling addiction nationally, its social costs, and the concentration of harm in vulnerable areas. The motion highlighted Kingston's presence of betting shops and adult gaming centres, and the limitations of current legislation, particularly the Aim to Permit rule in the Gambling Act 2005. It also pointed to the normalisation of gambling through online platforms and advertising, and the public's preference for high streets not dominated by gambling premises. The council was scheduled to consider resolutions to join a coalition of councils calling for reform, endorse specific recommendations from the Social Market Foundation, raise Kingston's voice nationally by writing to relevant Secretaries of State, support harm reduction campaigns, and strengthen local policy by requesting a report on gambling-related harm in Kingston.

Together Against the Far Right

A motion for referral to the Corporate and Resources Committee, proposed by Councillor Jamal Chohan and seconded by Councillor James Giles, was scheduled for consideration. Titled Respecting Kingston's Diversity and Standing Together Against Hate, the motion noted Kingston's diversity and its record of supporting those fleeing persecution. It also acknowledged the rise of extreme narratives across the UK, including Islamophobia, antisemitism, and hostility towards migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and the fear and uncertainty caused by statements regarding the status of people with Indefinite Leave to Remain. The motion referenced violent hate incidents nationally and the new Together Against the Far Right campaign. The council was scheduled to consider resolutions to reaffirm Kingston as a borough of respect, safety, and belonging, work with local partners to strengthen community cohesion, publicly support the principles of the Together Against the Far Right campaign, and write to the Home Secretary urging government action on resources for community cohesion work, protection of residents' rights, and countering extremist activity.

Motion: Recognising the Contribution of Police Community Support Officers

A motion for referral to the People Committee, proposed by Councillor James Giles and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Tracey, was scheduled for discussion. This motion aimed to recognise the contribution of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). It noted the significant role PCSOs play in supporting neighbourhood policing, improving visibility, and building trust with residents, and their importance in mitigating the impact of police abstraction. The motion highlighted that PCSOs are not eligible for the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and that no equivalent national honour exists. The council was scheduled to consider resolutions to support the national campaign for a long-service medal for PCSOs and to ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Home Secretary endorsing the introduction of a formal decoration for PCSOs.

Appointment of Independent Persons

The Council was asked to consider recommendations from the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee regarding the appointment of Independent Persons. These recommendations included appointing Graham Kitchen and Michael Turner as Independent Persons for a four-year period, extending the appointment of Gary Rogers for a further four years, and making an annual allowance available for Independent Persons. These appointments are made under section 28 of the Localism Act 2011 to provide advice on matters relating to the Member Code of Conduct.

Renewal of Appointment of Independent Members

Recommendations from the Audit, Governance & Standards Committee were scheduled for consideration regarding the renewal of the appointment of Independent Members Julian Adams and Manpreet Mahal. Their terms were proposed to be extended for a further two years and five months. These non-voting Independent Members bring specialist knowledge and insight to the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, assisting in monitoring the council's financial and governance arrangements.

Timetable of Meetings 2026/27

The Council was scheduled to consider recommendations from the Corporate and Resources Committee concerning the timetable of meetings for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. The recommendations included approving the proposed timetable and authorising the Corporate Head of Democratic and Electoral Services to make any necessary amendments. The proposed timetable takes into account local elections in May 2026, school holidays, and other significant dates.

Appointment to Outside Bodies

The Council was asked to approve the re-appointments of members to Outside Bodies. This included Councillor Farshid Sadr-Hashemi as an Appointed Governor to the Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust, and Councillors Mike Massimi and Thay Thayalan as Council representatives on the Kingston Theatre Trust.

Appointment of Members to Committees, Panels or other bodies

Changes to appointments to various committees, panels, or other bodies were scheduled to be noted and ratified. These changes, nominated by the relevant political groups, included Councillor Yvonne Tracey being appointed to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel, the People Committee, and the Licensing Committee and its Sub-Committees, replacing Councillor Jamal Chohan or Councillor Kamala Kugan in these roles.

Retention of the Committee System Governance Arrangements

The Council was asked to resolve to continue operating a committee system form of governance, as permitted by section 9B(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 2000. This decision was recommended to maintain the status quo, which has been in place since 2012, and to take advantage of potential provisions in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that would allow councils to retain their existing governance structures. Notice of this decision was to be made available for public inspection and published in a local newspaper.