The People Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 03 February 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a comprehensive review of the council's financial strategy for the upcoming years, alongside discussions on educational provision and adult social care services. Key topics for consideration include the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026-2030, admission arrangements for community schools, updates on adult social care, and the post-16 education offer for young people.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026-2030 and Detailed Budget 2026/27

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the council's financial planning, with a detailed look at the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2030 and the specific budget for 2026/27. The report outlines proposed budget growth and savings across various directorates, including Adults Social Care and Health, Children's Services, and Place. It details projected expenditure and income, with a particular focus on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget, which includes proposals for rent and service charge increases. The strategy also addresses the capital programme, treasury management, and the council's pay policy. The report highlights the challenging financial context, including national economic pressures and increasing demand for statutory services, and details the proposed council tax increase for 2026/27. The council's commitment to climate action and its alignment with the Council Plan 2023-2027 are also referenced within the financial strategy.

Admission Arrangements For Kingston Community Schools

The committee will consider the proposed admission arrangements for community schools for the academic year 2027/28. This includes a proposed change to the Published Admission Number (PAN) for King's Oak Primary School, reducing it from 90 to 60. This adjustment is attributed to a decline in birth rates and subsequent reduced demand for school places, aiming to ensure efficient educational and financial planning for the school and maintain the long-term financial stability of primary schools across the borough. The report confirms that sufficient places will still be available in nearby schools. A public consultation on these arrangements was conducted, and the report details the oversubscription criteria that will be applied if a school receives more applications than available places.

Adult Social Care Update

An update on strategic developments and future plans for Adult Social Care will be presented. This report will cover the national policy context, including the ongoing reforms to the Care Act 2014, the proposed National Care Service (NCS), and the government's priorities for adult social care. It will also provide an update on the outcome of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment, which rated the directorate as 'Good' overall, while also identifying areas for further improvement in assessing needs and care provision. The report will detail progress against transformation and improvement priorities, such as promoting independence through digital and technology-enabled care, improving outcomes in learning disabilities and mental health services, and enhancing data insights. Key achievements, including the development of a Practice Framework and a Quality Assurance Framework, will be highlighted, alongside the positive impact of the digital and AI programme, such as the 'Magic Notes' tool. The report also touches upon the role of Public Health in supporting residents' well-being and the development of neighbourhood health services.

Post-16 Education Offer

The committee will receive assurance regarding the suitability and sufficiency of the local education and training offer for young people aged 16 to 18, and up to age 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The report indicates a high rate of participation in sustained education, employment, and training, with Kingston upon Thames performing well above the national average. It details the range of A Level subjects and vocational qualifications available through school sixth-forms and Kingston College, as well as apprenticeship opportunities. For young people with SEND, the report highlights the provision within special schools and Kingston College's Supported Learning offer, noting efforts to expand vocational opportunities through supported internships and traineeships. The proposed development of a Post-16 Campus for young people with SEND is also mentioned as a key initiative to strengthen local provision. The report concludes that the current offer is suitable and sufficient to meet statutory responsibilities.

Validated School Test and Exam Results

This report will present the educational outcomes achieved by pupils in Kingston upon Thames schools during the 2024-25 academic year. It indicates that achievement in Kingston schools remains strong and above national averages across all key stages, with improvements noted in the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile and the Phonics Screening Check. While Key Stage 2 results show a slight decrease compared to previous years, they remain above the national average. Key Stage 4 results are particularly strong, with Kingston ranking first nationally for the proportion of pupils achieving a grade 4 or above in English and mathematics. The report acknowledges that Progress 8 measures for Key Stage 4 will not be available for 2024-25 due to the cancellation of assessments during the pandemic.

Recognising the Contribution of Police Community Support Officers

The committee will consider a motion referred from Full Council regarding the recognition of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). The motion highlights the significant contribution of PCSOs to communities across Kingston, their role in neighbourhood policing, and their importance in maintaining a visible presence and building trust with residents. It notes that PCSOs are not eligible for the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and proposes supporting a national campaign for a dedicated long-service medal for PCSOs. The council is asked to resolve to support this campaign and for the Leader of the Council to write to the Home Secretary endorsing the introduction of such a decoration. Officer comments confirm Kingston's status as a safe borough and the active role PCSOs play in maintaining community safety. The report also provides background information on the national campaign and its current status.