Subscribe to updates

You'll receive weekly summaries like the ones below about this council every week.

If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.

AI Generated

Weekly updates

Petrol Station Alcohol Licence Sparks Resident Concerns in Kingston

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Petrol Station Alcohol Licence Sparks Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, July 15th, to consider an application from Motor Fuel Limited to extend the hours for alcohol sales to 24 hours a day at the Rose Cottage Service Station, Murco Costcutter, located at 159 Kingston Road, New Malden. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

  • The application sought to remove existing conditions and replace them with new ones.
  • Trading Standards withdrew their initial objection after amendments to the operating schedule.
  • However, four residents raised concerns about crime, disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children.
  • Councillor James Giles, Leader of the Opposition, objected to the 24/7 alcohol sales, citing potential issues with crime, disorder, and public nuisance, referencing past problems with a previous tenant and concerns about students from nearby Arbury Court.
  • Councillor Giles stated that selling alcohol 24 hours a day would attract drunkards and those with alcohol issues at very unsociable hours.

The decision on the licence could significantly impact the local community, particularly regarding potential noise and anti-social behaviour. Residents are concerned that the extended hours could exacerbate existing issues and create new problems.

Tacos MX Seeks Licence to Serve Alcohol in Kingston

Also at the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting, an application for a new premises licence for Tacos MX Kingston, located at 4 Town End Parade, High Street, Kingston upon Thames, was discussed. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

  • The applicant, TwoMexicans Ltd, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.
  • The Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns about crime and disorder, but withdrew their objection after amendments to the operating schedule.
  • One resident raised concerns about crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

The sub-committee was reminded of its duty to consider the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, the Secretary of State's Guidance, and the council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The decision will determine whether Tacos MX can serve alcohol and how it will operate within the community.

Surbiton Committee Considers Housing Development and Traffic Woes

The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee convened on July 15th to address a range of local issues, including a controversial planning application and ongoing traffic concerns. Link to the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee meeting

  • The committee considered planning application 25/00232/FUL for The Ranch, 8 Southborough Close, which proposes demolishing the existing property and building two new family homes.
    • The Director of Planning and Regeneration recommended approval, subject to conditions.
    • The application has faced significant opposition, with 7 objections citing concerns about design, overdevelopment, impact on the conservation area, parking, and traffic.
    • The council's Heritage Officer advised that the proposed scheme responds well to the character of the existing conservation area.
    • The council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, as required by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), meaning planning permission should be granted unless any adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.
  • The committee also discussed mitigation measures to address through traffic from the A3 into Fullers Way North.
    • Representatives from Transport for London (TfL) attended a question and answer session.
    • TfL expressed concerns about the safety and performance of the road network if a left turn into Fullers Way North from the A3 were banned.
    • TfL stated that over 400 vehicles per hour use the left turn during peak times, and this flow cannot be accommodated through the nearby A3 eastbound slip and Tolworth Roundabout, which already operate at capacity.

The decisions made by the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee have the potential to significantly impact the local environment, traffic flow, and the character of the Southborough Conservation Area.

Community Grants Boost Local Initiatives

The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee approved a £3,000 Neighbourhood Community Grant for Voices of Hope to support their BRITE Box project. Link to the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting

  • The BRITE Box project provides weekly meal kits with ingredients and recipes to families at risk of food insecurity.
  • The grant will support nine families in the South of the Borough area for 36 weeks, specifically benefiting families from Castle Hill Primary School.
  • 21% of pupils at the school are in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM).

This grant will provide vital support to families struggling with food insecurity, promoting healthy eating and cooking skills.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Kingston Pension Review, Welfare Bill Fight, Parking Debate

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Pension Fund Task Force to Review Investments After Palestine Petition

Following a petition signed by over 1,500 residents, Kingston Council has agreed to establish a cross-party task force to conduct a full review of its pension fund investments. The petition, presented at Tuesday's Council meeting, called for the council to divest from companies allegedly complicit in human rights violations in Palestine and throughout the world.

  • Sonu Saeed, who presented the petition, argued that the council's investments in companies like Lockheed Martin and Palantir contradicted its own responsible investment policy.
  • Councillor Patrick Hall, Chair of Kingston's Pension Fund Panel, said the council first introduced an ethical investment strategy in 2018, and that this was constantly reviewed.
  • Councillor James Giles, Leader of the Opposition, described the petition as a moral wake-up call and a demand for accountability.
  • Councillor Sabah Hamed said that the gravity of the situation in Palestine was beyond comprehension, and that the council needed to do this for the sake of humanity.
  • Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of the Council, promised a thorough review of the pension fund and ethical investment strategy.

The council voted to establish a cross-party task and finish group to conduct a full, urgent and transparent review of all pension fund investments, including those held via the London CIV1, to identify holdings in companies allegedly complicit in violations of international law and human rights in Palestine and throughout the world. The council also agreed to instruct the task and finish group to make recommendations to the pension fund panel, to commit to full transparency by writing to all petitioners following the pension fund's review of the task and finish recommendations, and to refer the outcome to the task and finish group, of the task and finish group, to the pension fund panel, in time for their meeting, on the 17th of September, 2025. The council also noted that it no longer holds any Israeli government bonds in its pension fund.

This decision marks a significant step towards greater transparency and ethical responsibility in the management of public funds. Residents will be watching closely to see how the task force conducts its review and what recommendations it makes to the pension fund panel.

Link to the Council meeting

Council to Campaign Against Welfare Reform Bill

At the same Council meeting, councillors debated a motion on the Welfare Reform Bill, proposed by Councillor Kirsch and seconded by Councillor Hamed. The motion noted the upcoming debate and vote in the House of Commons on the government's Welfare Reform Bill concerning potential changes to disability and long-term sickness benefits, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

  • The motion noted that PIP is a crucial benefit for people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions, paid regardless of employment, which acts as a gateway to other benefits.
  • The motion stated that government data shows there are currently 3,300 PIP claimants in the Kingston and Surbiton area and that 1,280 claimants could lose out, and that government cuts to PIP and disability benefits are likely to have detrimental budgetary pressure for RBK and its partners.

The council resolved to work with its MPs to campaign against the cuts, monitor the progress of the Bill and lobby its MPs to oppose it, and to request officers keep the People Committee informed proactively.

This decision demonstrates the council's commitment to protecting vulnerable residents and advocating for their rights. Residents who rely on disability benefits will be looking to their elected representatives to fight against any changes that could negatively impact their lives.

Link to the Council meeting

Parking Petition Sparks Debate, But No Immediate Action

The Council also debated a petition titled 'Unfair Parking Charges 2025 Increase', which had received 1,198 verified signatures. Gia Borg-Darcy presented the petition, highlighting the impact of recent parking charge hikes on small businesses, self-employed individuals, carers, and residents.

  • Councillor Andreas Kirsch responded that the council was reverting back to 30-minute increments for parking charges in CPZs2.
  • Councillor James Giles criticised the administration for slipping through the increases without proper consultation or transparency.
  • Councillor Rowena Bass highlighted that parking costs were going up 24.4%, and expressed concerns about the impact on local restaurants and pubs.
  • Councillor Richard Thorpe explained that the council was under significant pressure on costs, particularly in adult social care, children's social care, and homelessness.
  • Councillor Nicola Nardelli stated that the council was still competitive with its neighbours in terms of parking charges.
  • Councillor Alison Holt, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Economic Development, said that the economic development team would look at high streets, sub-high streets and parades to see how the parking charges were impacting them.

The council voted to note the petition.

The debate highlighted the tension between the council's need to generate revenue and the impact of parking charges on residents and local businesses. While the council has taken some steps to address concerns, many residents and business owners may feel that more needs to be done to create a fair and sustainable parking system.

Link to the Council meeting

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The London Collective Investment Vehicle (London CIV) is a collaboration of London local authority pension funds pooling their assets to reduce costs and improve investment outcomes. ↩

  2. A controlled parking zone (CPZ) is an area where parking is restricted to certain times of the day or to permit holders only. ↩

Chicken King's Late-Night Bid Paused; Fulham FC Gets Drinks OK

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Chicken King's Late-Night Dreams on Hold: Licence Decision Deferred

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday to consider an application for a new premises licence for Chicken King, located at 54 Tolworth Broadway. The application, submitted by Mr. Charles Periana Yagasami, sought authorisation for late-night refreshment from 11pm to 2am, Monday to Sunday.

  • Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the applicant amended the application to close to the public at midnight, offering late-night refreshment via delivery service only from midnight to 2am.
  • Representations from the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Environmental Health Pollution Control Lead Officer were withdrawn after mediation and amendments to the operating schedule.
  • One representation was received from another person, raising concerns relating to all four licensing objectives1.
  • Councillor Peter Herlinger, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, questioned whether deliveries would be made from the front or back of the premises.
  • The decision was deferred because the applicant was not present at the meeting.

The deferral leaves the future of Chicken King's late-night service uncertain. Residents and local businesses will be watching closely to see if the applicant addresses the committee's concerns and secures the necessary licence.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Fulham Football Club Training Ground Gets Green Light for Alcohol Sales

In contrast to the Chicken King decision, the Licensing Sub-Committee approved a new premises licence for Fulham Football Club Training Ground, located in Motspur Park. The licence authorises the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises only, from 10am to 11pm every day.

  • Representations from the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Trading Standards Officer were withdrawn following mediation and amendments to the operating schedule.
  • Three representations were received from other persons, raising concerns relating to the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.
  • The licence was granted with conditions, including operation only during home football matches of the Women's First Team or designated Under 21 football matches, CCTV installation, a search policy on entry, and staff training on age verification.

The approval allows Fulham Football Club to enhance the matchday experience for fans attending Women's First Team and Under 21 games. The conditions imposed aim to address potential concerns about crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Christmas Cheer Approved: All Saints Church Lawns Granted Seasonal Licence

The Licensing Sub-Committee has approved an application by Seventa Events Limited for a new premises licence at All Saints Church Marketplace in Kingston-upon-Thames. The licence is seasonal, running from 1 November to 31 January each year, and allows for:

  • Films: every day from 10:00 to 22:00
  • Live music: every day from 10:00 to 22:30 (both indoor and outdoor)
  • Recorded music: every day from 10:00 to 22:30 (both indoor and outdoor)

  • Alcohol: every day from 10:00 to 23:00 (both on and off the premises)

  • The initial hearing was adjourned to allow the applicant to provide additional information about the event concept and layout.

  • Councillor Olly Wehring, Chair of the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee, stated that the new information addressed previous uncertainties.

  • One valid representation from other persons was received, but the person was not in attendance.

  • Brendan Herbert, the solicitor for Seventa Events Limited, addressed the representation, stating that it seemed rather ill-conceived because it raised concerns about noise during summer months, while the event is scheduled for November to January.

The approval paves the way for festive events at All Saints Church Lawns during the winter months. Residents can look forward to film screenings, live music, and other activities, contributing to the vibrancy of the town centre during the holiday season.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. The four licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003 are: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. ↩

Kingston Council Approves £4.5m Google Contract, Savings Lag

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Google Licence Costs Soar: Council Approves £4.5m Contract Under Urgency Procedures

The Corporate and Resources Committee will be informed of an urgent decision to award a £4.5 million contract to XMA Limited for Google Workspace licences and associated professional services. The decision, made under Procedure Rule 301, bypassed the usual competitive tendering process due to complexities and delays in the renewal process.

  • The contract, commencing 1 June 2025, spans 60 months and includes a non-committal spend of up to £800,000 on behalf of the council and its partners.
  • The report cites changes to Google licensing and pricing, complex negotiations, and the need to secure the best value offer as reasons for the urgency.

This decision raises questions about transparency and value for money, especially given the significant financial pressures the council is currently facing. Residents may be concerned about the lack of competitive bidding and whether the council secured the most cost-effective solution.

Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting

Council Plan Progress: Most Actions on Track, But Savings Lag

The Corporate and Resources Committee will review the Council Plan's end-of-year report for 2024/25, revealing that while most actions are on track, the council is struggling to meet its savings targets.

  • 71 out of 87 actions are either fully completed or have the majority of milestones met.
  • However, the council only delivered £7.23 million of its £8.23 million planned savings, with £0.6 million still needing alternative plans.
  • The General Fund position shows a £1.95 million overspend, covered by drawing from earmarked reserves.
  • Children's Services faces significant pressures, particularly in Children Looked After (CLA), with residential placement costs increasing by 42%.

These financial challenges could impact the council's ability to deliver essential services and support vulnerable residents. The overspend in Children's Services, coupled with the failure to meet savings targets, highlights the need for careful financial management and difficult decisions in the coming year.

Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting

Social Media Conduct and National Insurance Hikes: Motions Before Committee

The Corporate and Resources Committee will consider two motions referred from the council meeting on 1 April 2025, addressing social media conduct and national insurance increases.

  • The motion on social media, proposed by Councillor Yvonne Tracey and seconded by Councillor Jamal Chohan, calls for greater accountability from social media companies and adherence to high professional standards by councillors. It condemns misinformation, harassment, and abuse online.
  • The motion on national insurance, proposed by Councillor Rowena Bass and seconded by Councillor Ian George, expresses disappointment regarding the increase in National Insurance contributions and its potential impact on local businesses and services. It requests that the Leader of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reconsider the changes.

These motions reflect ongoing debates about ethical conduct in public life and the economic challenges facing local businesses and residents. The committee's discussion will provide an opportunity to address these important issues and consider potential actions the council can take.

Link to the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Procedure Rule 30 allows for urgent decisions to be made by officers in consultation with committee chairs and the Chief Executive when a delay would prejudice the council's interests. ↩

Kingston Council bans junk food ads; SEND school place shortfall

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Healthier Advertising: Committee Approves Restrictions on Unhealthy Food Ads

The People Committee has approved a new Healthier Advertising Policy that will restrict the promotion of products high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) on council-owned assets and through procured services. This builds on existing restrictions on alcohol, vape and e-cigarette, and gambling products. The move aims to create a healthier environment for residents and reduce the negative impact of advertising on consumer choices.

  • Councillor Sabah Hamed, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Equalities, welcomed the policy, saying she was pleased at the policy's progression, acknowledging the extensive work undertaken by officers.
  • Councillor Andrew Sillett, Chair of the Licensing Committee, raised concerns about potential income reduction due to the ban, but was assured that other boroughs had not experienced this, and the council planned to move towards more digital advertising, which would increase income.
  • Councillor Rowena Bass voiced concerns about the policy's rigidity, particularly around seasonal advertising and high-energy products for athletes, and ultimately abstained from the vote. She said:

I just think this could kind of have unintended consequences, which I'll probably abstain.

  • Councillor Robert Dongsung Kim highlighted that people from low socioeconomic backgrounds are 50% more likely to be exposed to unhealthy advertising.

The policy aims to address health inequalities by reducing exposure to unhealthy advertising, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Link to the People Committee meeting

SEND Futures Plan: Concerns Raised Over School Place Shortfall

The People Committee discussed the progress of the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Futures Plan, including performance against the Safety Valve Agreement. Concerns were raised about the shortfall of places at the temporary Spring School site due to delays in building the permanent Moor Lane site1.

  • Councillor Helen Grocott, Chair of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee, noted that the shortfall primarily affected early years admissions due to limited outdoor space.
  • Councillor Dianne White, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, including Education and St Marks and Seething Wells Ward, added that in September, the site would have 55 pupils instead of the expected 87.
  • Ian Dodds, the executive director of children's services, confirmed that mitigation measures included setting up a satellite provision at Dysart School on the Latchmere School site.
  • Councillor Grocott also questioned the 17% increase in EHC (Education, Health and Care) needs assessments. Charis Penfold, director of education services, explained that the increase was due to various factors, including the impact of Covid-19, more requests from the independent sector, and an increase in requests from the 16 to 25 population. She said:

I think we're realistic that we don't see the number of needs assessments going down in the foreseeable future.

The committee also heard that the council is facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for SEND services, with a growing number of cases going to tribunal.

Link to the People Committee meeting

Blue Badge Appeals Panel Hears Cases Behind Closed Doors

The Blue Badge Appeals Panel met to consider appeals against the refusal of a blue badge. The panel, consisting of Councillor Helen Grocott, Chair of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee, Councillor Peter Herlinger, Councillor Anita Schaper, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Commissioning and Customer Contact and Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee, Councillor Thay Thayalan, and Councillor Diane White, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services (including Education) and Co-Chair of the People Committee, was scheduled to consider two appeals. The agenda frontsheet notes that the appeals would disclose information relating to particular individuals, and therefore the panel was scheduled to consider a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion of these items. No video was provided.

Link to the Blue Badge Appeals Panel meeting

Other Matters

  • Adult Social Care Transport: The People Committee approved the extension of access to the existing London Borough of Sutton and AFC (Achievement for Children) dynamic purchasing system for adult social care passenger transport provision until February 2029. Link to the People Committee meeting
  • Cambridge Road Estate: The People Committee approved amendments to the Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) Freeholder and Leaseholder Decant Policy to clarify certain provisions and ensure consistent interpretation. The committee also approved proposed variations to the RBK (Cambridge Road) LLP project agreements, including incorporating requirements of the new Building Safety Act, updating affordable housing and handover requirements, and amendments relating to the GLA loan. Link to the People Committee meeting
  • Housing Complaints: The People Committee noted the Annual Housing Landlord Complaints Report, which included a self-assessment and performance and service improvement report. Link to the People Committee meeting
  • Resident Engagement: The People Committee approved the Housing Resident Engagement Strategy 2025-28. Link to the People Committee meeting
  • Committee Appointments: The People Committee appointed Councillors Noel Hadjimichael and Ian George to the Armed Forces Community Covenant Working Group for the municipal year 2025/26. Link to the People Committee meeting
  • The Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee met, but no video was provided. Link to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

  1. Spring School is a school for pupils with special educational needs, particularly autism. ↩

Recent meetings
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 29 July 2025 1:30 pm

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene to consider a licensing application and discuss procedures for hearings. The meeting will include a discussion of a new premises licence application for the Corinthian Casuals Football Club. The committee may also exclude the press and public from matters to be considered in private.

July 29, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 29 July 2025 10:00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to consider a street trading application. The main item on the agenda was an application for a temporary street trading licence for a mobile pizza business to operate outside St Pius X Church, and the report pack included the application and objections received. The meeting was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of a previous meeting.

July 29, 2025
New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee CANCELLED

New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee - Thursday 17 July 2025 7:30 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 17, 2025
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee

South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Wednesday 16 July 2025 7:30 pm, NEW

The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee met on Wednesday 16 July 2025 and approved a Neighbourhood Community Grant for Voices of Hope. The committee also received information about the viewpoint over the golf course from Huntingate Walk, Chessington.

July 16, 2025
Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee

Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee - Tuesday 15 July 2025 7:30 pm

The Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee met to discuss traffic issues, community grant applications, and a planning application. The committee approved three community grant applications and heard questions from the public and the committee about traffic mitigation measures. A planning application was withdrawn from the agenda.

July 15, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 15 July 2025 9:45 am

The Kingston upon Thames Council Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss an application for a new premises licence for Tacos MX Kingston and an application for a variation of premises licence for Rose Cottage Service Station. The committee agreed to consider the minutes of previous meetings held on 1 and 3 July 2025 as a correct record, although Councillor Anne Owen was unable to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 3 July 2025. The sub-committee then heard the submissions for both applications but deferred making a decision until a later date.

July 15, 2025
Blue Badge Appeals Panel CANCELLED

Blue Badge Appeals Panel - Friday 11 July 2025 9:45 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 11, 2025
Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel

Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Thursday 10 July 2025 7:30 pm

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to review Kingston's Adult Community Health Services, receiving an update on public health matters and discussing future work plans. The panel reviewed the plans for standardisation and developments in line with the 'left shift' to community based care. Councillors requested more information on the Connected Kingston website, and discussed how to involve the neighbourhood system and residents in health service changes.

July 10, 2025
Pension Board

Pension Board - Wednesday 9 July 2025 10:00 am

The Kingston upon Thames Council Pension Board met virtually on 9 July 2025, and welcomed new members Kola Agbulla from Kingston University and Sandeep Bajwa from Achieving for Children. The board discussed pension administration performance and projects, governance and risk, and investment strategy and performance, and noted all updates.

July 09, 2025
Planning Committee CANCELLED

Planning Committee - Wednesday 9 July 2025 7:30 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 09, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 12 August 2025 9:45 am

August 12, 2025