This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Kingston Market Alcohol Sales Revoked: Protecting Children or Hurting Local Business?

Kingston Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has revoked the premises licence for Kingston International Market, citing failures to protect children from harm. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting The decision follows multiple failed test purchase operations where alcohol was sold to underage police cadets. This move could significantly impact the local business and its customers.

• The Metropolitan Police applied for the review after three failed test purchases involving 17-year-old police cadets.
• A licensing inspection revealed breaches, including a missing incident log and failure to display age verification notices.
• Trading Standards also raised concerns about staff knowledge of explosives precursors and poisons, and allergen information.

The Metropolitan Police sought full revocation, stating that it is not believed that any further conditions could be imposed .

Erdal Tutuman, the Premises License Holder, explained that his wife had been in a coma in Turkey for nine months, and that he had been travelling to see her every 11 days. He stated that he had a designated supervisor guiding through his family member, who was overlooking all the necessary issues.

Despite these circumstances, the committee decided to revoke the licence. Councillor Liz Green, Chair of the Health Overview Panel, stated that the Licensing Sub-Committee had decided to revoke the premises license, and that a full decision notice with full reasons would be provided within five working days.

This decision raises questions about balancing the protection of children with the livelihood of local businesses, especially in light of mitigating personal circumstances.

Cheatmeals Licence Approved With Conditions: Balancing Late-Night Refreshments and Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee approved a new premises licence for Cheatmeals, located at 54 Fife Road, Kingston Upon Thames, but with modified hours and conditions. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting The decision balances the needs of a late-night business with concerns about noise and disturbance to local residents.

• Cheatmeals sought permission to sell alcohol and provide late-night refreshments until 4:00 AM daily.
• The sub-committee approved the licence with reduced hours for dining in: 1:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and 3:00 AM Friday-Saturday. Takeaway and delivery remain until 4:00 AM daily.
• Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police and the Council's environmental health officer, as well as local residents.

The police raised concerns about crime and disorder, while the environmental health officer focused on noise pollution. Residents cited potential disturbances from customers and delivery drivers.

Sarah Clover, barrister for the applicant, argued that the new national licensing policy framework prioritizes the health of businesses and the local economy. She also highlighted the company's experience operating late-night venues in London.

The sub-committee's decision reflects a compromise between supporting local businesses and protecting the quality of life for residents.

Pension Fund Performance and Risk Management Under Review

The Pension Fund Panel discussed investment strategy, governance, risk, and administration of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund. Link to the Pension Fund Panel meeting The panel reviewed the fund's performance, budget, and risk register, and considered a new conflict of interest policy.

• The fund's assets were valued at £1,395m as of 30 September 2025, an increase of £61m over the previous quarter.
• The panel discussed a red risk relating to the failure of software provider Civica to provide software compliant with LGPS Regulations.
• The panel also discussed the appointment of a new tracing and mortality screening supplier, following the liquidation of the incumbent supplier.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring the long-term financial security of Kingston's pension fund and protecting the interests of its members.

Other Matters

• The Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel were scheduled to discuss the National 10 Year Health Plan, the move towards Neighbourhood Health, and public health matters in the borough, as well as receive a verbal update on the changes in law on the Mental Health Act. Link to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting No video was provided.
• The Blue Badge Appeals Panel met on Friday 05 December 2025. Link to the Blue Badge Appeals Panel meeting No video was provided.
• The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 03 December 2025 was cancelled. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 04 December 2025 was cancelled. Link to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Schools Forum will meet on Monday 15 December 2025 to discuss the budget and High Needs Budget. Link to the Schools Forum meeting
• The Council will meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Link to the Council meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Pension Board will meet on Thursday 18 December 2025. Link to the Pension Board meeting

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Council to Form Company for Temporary Housing: £278 Million Savings or Financial Risk?

Kingston Council is considering establishing a wholly-owned company to acquire 150 homes for temporary accommodation (TA), aiming to reduce reliance on expensive nightly-paid options and save £278 million over 40 years. The Corporate and Resources Committee will discuss the proposal on Thursday. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting

• The council would borrow funds to purchase the properties and lease them to the company, which would then lease them to homeless households at Local Housing Allowance rates.
• The council estimates a net present value of £47 million and a retained asset value of £100 million after 40 years.
• This move follows the July 2024 approval of a Temporary Accommodation Acquisitions Strategy, reflecting the increasing demand for TA across the country.

While proponents emphasize the potential cost savings and improved outcomes for vulnerable residents, critics may raise concerns about the financial risks associated with borrowing and managing a large property portfolio. This decision could significantly impact the lives of homeless families in Kingston, offering more stable and affordable housing options, but also carries potential financial implications for the council.

Inclusive Kingston Strategy: Aims for Equality Amidst Community Input

The Corporate and Resources Committee will also review the new Inclusive Kingston Strategy 2025-2029, alongside the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 2025. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting

• The strategy builds on the previous Inclusive Kingston Strategy 2021-2025 and aims to create a borough where everyone feels they belong.
• It sets out four equality objectives: understanding community needs, tackling inequality, creating an inclusive and safe borough, and building an inclusive workplace.
• The strategy was drafted following engagement with over 700 residents, stakeholders, and staff.

This strategy aims to address systemic inequalities and promote inclusivity across Kingston. Its success will depend on effective implementation and ongoing engagement with diverse communities.

CCTV Upgrade and Control Room Relocation: Enhancing Public Safety or Costly Overhaul?

Kingston Council is planning to award a contract for the supply, installation, and relocation of the CCTV control room as part of a broader CCTV infrastructure upgrade project. The Corporate and Resources Committee will discuss the proposal on Thursday. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting

• The current CCTV infrastructure is nearing the end of its life and at risk of failure.
• The new CCTV control centre will be located at unit 6 of Kingsmill Business Park.
• The upgrade aims to enhance public safety and improve the council's ability to monitor and respond to incidents.

While proponents argue that the upgrade is necessary to maintain public safety and prevent costly breakdowns, critics may question the cost-effectiveness of the project and its potential impact on privacy.

Other Matters

• The Corporate and Resources Committee will consider a motion referred from Council regarding the Committee System versus Leader and Cabinet in Kingston, opposing the government's plans to abolish the committee system. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting
• The Corporate and Resources Committee will discuss the award of a contract to Amazon Web Services (AWS) for Cloud Data Centre Services. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting
• The Corporate and Resources Committee will receive a report on the revenue and capital monitoring forecast outturn positions for 2025/26 as at month 6 (30 September 2025). Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting
• The Corporate and Resources Committee will receive a report regarding an urgent decision taken under Procedure Rule 30 relating to Cleaning Services for Corporate Sites Contract Modification with YBC Cleaning Services Ltd. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting
• The Corporate and Resources Committee will consider the proposed timetable of Committees, Panels and similar meetings for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting
• The South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee met on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Link to the South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee meeting No video was provided.
• The Blue Badge Appeals Panel met on Friday 28 November 2025 to consider an appeal against the refusal of a Blue Badge. Link to the Blue Badge Appeals Panel meeting No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025 to discuss the National 10 Year Health Plan, Neighbourhood Health, and receive a verbal update on changes to the Mental Health Act and public health matters in the borough. Link to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025 to review a premises licence and potentially exclude press and public from a portion of the meeting. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Pension Fund Panel will meet on Thursday 04 December 2025 to review the fund's investment strategy, performance, administration, governance, and budget. Link to the Pension Fund Panel meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025. Link to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee will meet on Thursday 11 December 2025. Link to the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee meeting

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Schools Forum Faces £19 Million Deficit: Special Needs Funding Crisis

Kingston's Schools Forum is grappling with a severe financial crisis, projecting a £19 million deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) by the end of the financial year. Link to the Schools Forum meeting The High Needs Block (HNB), which funds special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), accounts for the majority of this overspend. This shortfall could have serious consequences for vulnerable students and the schools that support them.

• The forum heard that post-16 spending has increased by over £1 million, driven by independent placements and specialist provisions.
• Demand for alternative provision (AP) is unsustainable, forcing children and young people into unsuitable placements.
• Therapy services are stretched thin, with an over-reliance on spot commissioning¹ and insufficient early intervention.

Esther Brooks, CEO of Coombe Academy Trust and Chair of the HNB Subgroup, highlighted key areas for the forum to consider, including the long-term funding of the Kingston cluster model², rising further education (FE) costs, therapy shortfalls, and the impact of part-time timetables.

The forum's discussions and decisions will directly impact the level of support available for children with SEND in Kingston, potentially leading to longer waiting lists, reduced services, and increased pressure on schools.

Late-Night Noise or Economic Boost? Kings Tun Licence Extension Sparks Debate

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application by JD Wetherspoon Plc to extend the premises licence for Kings Tun pub. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting The proposal to extend opening hours and alcohol sales until 1:30 am on weekends has drawn both support and strong objections from local residents.

• Supporters argue that the extension would boost the local economy and provide more entertainment options.
• Objectors fear increased antisocial behaviour, noise, and public drunkenness in the late hours.

Representations from other persons included concerns about antisocial behaviour, noise, public drunkenness, shouting and disturbing the peace during late hours.

The Sub-Committee was reminded of its duty to consider the application in accordance with the licensing objectives³, the Statutory Guidance and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

The decision will balance the economic interests of a major business with the quality of life for residents living near the pub.

Kingston's Transport Future: £859,000 Bid for Greener Streets and Safer Routes

The Place Committee approved a £859,000 bid to Transport for London (TfL) for the second year of the 2025-28 Local Implementation Plan (LIP). Link to the Place Committee meeting The plan aims to improve sustainable transport, reduce speeds, and enhance public spaces across the borough.

• Proposed schemes include cycle training, a cargo-bike scheme, and improvements to the North Kingston Healthy Streets Area.
• The plan also focuses on safety, with pedestrian crossing upgrades near Kingston Hospital and a review of the Victoria / Brighton Road Junction.
• A tri-borough bid with Richmond and Sutton Councils aims to enhance bus operations within town centres.

The report before the committee noted that:

From a borough perspective, it is crucial that the LIP programme is aligned with other key Council policies, and the scheme list has been reviewed and assessed alongside the Climate Emergency Action Plan. The scheme elements and physical measures have also been reviewed to ensure that they align with the Borough's Air Quality Action Plan, specifically around providing infrastructure to support modal shift and reduce speeds. The Council wants to help to shape a cleaner, greener Kingston by creating spaces where residents can breathe clean air, walk around safely and feel more connected to the community and enable residents and visitors to use more sustainable transport options.

These projects could significantly improve the lives of Kingston residents by making it easier and safer to walk, cycle, and use public transport.

Other Matters

• The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee approved recommendations for the allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds⁴, but deferred a decision on the Tudor Library Mindful Garden supplementary request. Link to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee reviewed traffic data and considered measures to reduce speeds in problem areas. Link to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The Blue Badge Appeals Panel met to consider an appeal against the refusal of a Blue Badge. Link to the Blue Badge Appeals Panel meeting No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Blue Badge Appeals Panel will meet on Friday 28 November 2025 to consider an appeal against the refusal of a Blue Badge. Link to the Blue Badge Appeals Panel meeting
• The South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Link to the South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee meeting
• The Corporate and Resources Committee will meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Pension Fund Panel will meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Link to the Pension Fund Panel meeting
• The Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. Link to the Planning Committee meeting
• The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee will meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Link to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Link to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting
• The Blue Badge Appeals Panel will meet on Friday 05 December 2025. Link to the Blue Badge Appeals Panel meeting

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Standards Sub-Committee Finds Councillor Kugan Breached Code of Conduct

The Standards Sub-Committee determined that Councillor Kamala Kugan, Opposition Spokesperson for Corporate and Resources, failed to comply with the Members Code of Conduct at a meeting on Wednesday 12 November 2025. Link to the Standards Sub-Committee meeting

• The complaint against Councillor Kugan was made by the Executive Director of Children's Services and the Chief Executive, alleging breaches of the Code.
• The sub-committee found that Councillor Kugan's manner and language in emails were rude and offensive, constituting a personal attack.
• They also found that she transmitted privileged information to someone who should not have had it, without consulting the Council's Monitoring Officer.

The sub-committee resolved that Councillor Kugan should:

1. Write a letter of apology to the Executive Director for Children's Services and his colleagues.
2. Attend mandatory Code of Conduct training.
3. Her Group Leader will be informed of the hearing's outcome.
4. Her access to the all-member email distribution list will be reinstated, provided the behaviour is not repeated.

Councillor Kugan defended her conduct, stating it was justified in trying to help a family. This decision highlights the importance of maintaining respectful communication and confidentiality, even when advocating for constituents.

People Committee Discusses School Place Planning and Childcare Sufficiency

The People Committee met on Tuesday 11 November 2025 to discuss school place planning, childcare sufficiency, and annual reports from Achieving for Children (AfC). Link to the People Committee meeting

• The committee received an update on school place planning, covering primary, secondary, and specialist provision.
• They discussed the annual Childcare Sufficiency Assessment, a statutory requirement for the council.
• The committee also reviewed annual reports from Achieving for Children (AfC), an organisation providing children's services in Kingston and Richmond.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring that Kingston has sufficient school places and childcare options to meet the needs of its growing population. The committee's oversight of Achieving for Children is also vital for ensuring the quality of children's services in the borough. No video was provided.

Home to School Travel Appeals Heard Behind Closed Doors

The Home to School Travel Appeals Panel met on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss home to school travel arrangements. Link to the Home to School Travel Appeals Panel meeting

• The panel considered a report regarding home to school travel provided by the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames.
• The press and public were excluded from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the information to be discussed.

The panel's decisions on these appeals directly impact the ability of eligible children and young people to access education. No video was provided.

Audit, Governance and Standards Committee Discusses Financial Management and Fraud Prevention

The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee met on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss treasury management, audits, fraud prevention, and the appointment of independent advisors. Link to the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee meeting

• The committee received an interim report from KPMG on the external audit of the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts and Pension Fund Accounts.
• They discussed the council's treasury management activities during the first six months of the financial year.
• The committee received an internal audit update, noting a Limited assurance opinion for the Cash and Bank audit.
• They also received an update on fraud work undertaken by the South West London Fraud Partnership (SWLFP).
• The committee discussed the appointment of additional Independent Persons to advise on the Member Code of Conduct, and the extension of terms for existing independent members of the committee.

These discussions are essential for ensuring the council's financial stability, transparency, and accountability. No video was provided.

Other Matters

• The Kingston Partnership Board met on Thursday 13 November 2025. Link to the Kingston Partnership Board meeting No video was provided.
• The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 12 November 2025 was cancelled. Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Schools Forum will meet on Monday 17 November 2025 to discuss the budget and High Needs Budget. Link to the Schools Forum meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to discuss a variation to the premises licence for the Kings Tun pub. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to discuss traffic calming measures, planning applications, and the allocation of community infrastructure levy funds. Link to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The Place Committee will meet on Thursday 20 November 2025 to discuss the proposed Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Programme for 2026/27. Link to the Place Committee meeting
• The South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Link to the South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee meeting
• The Corporate and Resources Committee will meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting