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

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Willow Grange HMO Approved: Vulnerable Residents to be Housed Amidst Local Concerns

The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee approved a controversial application to convert a former care home, Willow Grange, 1-3 Adelaide Road, into a 38-room House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for vulnerable individuals. Link to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee meeting

• The HMO will provide specialist supported accommodation for vulnerable individuals, with shared kitchen, dining, and living rooms.
• The approval is subject to conditions and a legal agreement.
• Sixteen objections were received, with concerns raised about the loss of the care home, the land use being out of keeping with the residential character of the neighbourhood, and increased noise and disturbance.

The Surbiton Neighbourhood Conservation Areas Advisory Committee raised concerns that there was no evidence that CONNECT, the name on the Operational Management report, is a registered social housing provider. They suggested that poor management of a 38-person HMO could radically alter the residential character of Adelaide Road and, coupled with only modest internal communal facilities, could engender an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area, including noise and loitering.

The planning officer's report argued that the proposed HMO would have an employment generating capacity comparable to the existing care home, and would provide specialized accommodation for another community group, being vulnerable individuals in need of supported housing.

This decision highlights the tension between providing much-needed accommodation for vulnerable people and addressing the concerns of local residents about the impact on their neighbourhood. The legal agreement includes restrictions on parking permits and a financial contribution towards the council's carbon offset fund.

New Home Approved on The Ridge Despite Objections

The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee also approved an application for a new four-bedroom detached dwelling at Land To The Rear Of 21-23 The Ridge, Surbiton, despite objections from ward councillors and local residents. Link to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee meeting

• The development involves demolishing an existing outbuilding and attached garage block.
• Concerns were raised about the development being out of keeping with the local area, excessive scale and mass, and loss of natural light for neighbouring properties.
• The planning officer's report stated that the proposal would make a small but positive contribution to the borough's housing supply targets and that the design and siting of the proposal would not adversely impact the character and appearance of the local area.

This decision reflects the council's commitment to increasing housing supply, even in established residential areas, while attempting to mitigate the impact on existing residents.

Community Grants Awarded to Support Families, Celebrate Tamil Heritage, and Aid the Visually Impaired

The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee approved several community grants to support local organizations. Link to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee meeting

• £2,000 Neighbourhood Community Grant and £1,000 Councillor Ward Funding for Man&Boy, supporting families experiencing relationship breakdown.
• £1,100 Councillor Ward Funding for the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group, supporting the Kingston Tamil Heritage and Harvest Festival.
• £1,200 Councillor Ward Funding for the Surbiton Club for the Blind, supporting their Christmas lunch.

These grants demonstrate the council's commitment to supporting a diverse range of community initiatives that benefit vulnerable groups and celebrate local culture.

South of the Borough Committee Funds Community Projects

The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee also approved Neighbourhood Community Grants for Man & Boy, Oxygen, and the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group. Link to the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting

• Man & Boy: £2,230 to support their Stronger Families South of the Borough project.
• Oxygen: £2,230 to support their mentoring programme.
• Kingston Tamil Heritage Group: £825 to support the Kingston Tamil Heritage and Harvest Festival.

Other Matters

• The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee received an update regarding the Berrylands Area Healthy Streets Scheme, including decisions on objections to Traffic Management Orders (TMOs). Link to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for 24 Poplar Grove in New Malden, but no video was provided. Link to the New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee meeting
• The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 04 November 2025 was cancelled. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The People Committee will meet 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 Standards Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025 to confirm minutes and potentially discuss exempt matters. Link to the Standards Sub-Committee meeting
• The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss treasury management, audits, fraud prevention, and independent advisors. Link to the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee meeting
• The Kingston Partnership Board will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Link to the Kingston Partnership Board meeting
• The Home to School Travel Appeals Panel will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss home to school travel arrangements. Link to the Home to School Travel Appeals Panel meeting
• 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. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The Place Committee will meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Link to the Place Committee meeting

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Carer Support Under the Microscope: Health Panel Examines Kingston's System

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss support for carers in Kingston, receiving an overview of the current system and its challenges. Link to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting

• The panel heard that the number of unpaid carers in Kingston is likely much higher than official figures suggest, with estimates ranging up to 37,000.
• The report pack highlighted that over half of carers surveyed reported that their physical health had suffered as a result of their caring role, and that carers often experienced high rates of stress, anxiety and depression.
• The panel also discussed the financial challenges faced by carers, with research indicating that many live in poverty.
• The report pack stated that Kingston partners are committed to the continued collaboration to improve outcomes and experiences for carers, and that the goal is to involve more carers as experts by experience in the shaping of health and care models and to run partnership programs as outlined, e.g. to enhance employer practices or improve multi-agency working to better support carers.

This discussion is crucial as Kingston's aging population increases the demand for care, placing greater pressure on unpaid carers and the support systems available to them. The panel's findings could lead to changes in how the council identifies and supports carers, potentially improving their health, wellbeing, and financial stability.

Religious Education Standards and Support Discussed by SACRE

The Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss standards of religious education (RE) and collective worship in Kingston schools, and to approve their annual report. Link to the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education meeting

• The council was scheduled to approve the Annual Report for the academic year 2024/25.
• The meeting was scheduled to include further discussion on monitoring standards of RE and collective worship in Kingston schools.
• The RE Today consultant was scheduled to provide updates, including those from the National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (NASACRE).

The National Association of Teachers of RE (NATRE) reported that 64% of the UK adult population consider religious education important. However, almost one in six schools reported not offering it in year 11, which is a breach of the legal requirement to teach RE to age 18.

These discussions are important for ensuring that all students in Kingston receive a high-quality religious education that promotes understanding and respect for different beliefs.

Senior Staff Panel Interviews Director Candidates

The Senior Staff Panel met to interview candidates for the position of Director of Strategy & Transformation. Link to the Senior Staff Panel meeting

• The panel interviewed shortlisted candidates for the position of Director of Strategy & Transformation.
• The press and public were excluded from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the discussions.

The appointment of a new Director of Strategy & Transformation will play a key role in shaping the council's future direction and priorities.

Blue Badge Appeal Heard Behind Closed Doors

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

• The panel considered an appeal against the refusal of a Blue Badge.
• The public and press were excluded from the meeting due to the personal information involved.

The outcome of this appeal will directly impact the individual's ability to access parking concessions and maintain their independence.

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 21 October 2025 was cancelled. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Place Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 22 October 2025 was cancelled. Link to the Place Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Link to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee will meet on Wednesday 05 November 2025. Link to the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting
• The New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 06 November 2025. Link to the New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee meeting