The Full Council meeting of Kensington and Chelsea Council was scheduled to address key administrative and financial matters, including the election of a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and the approval of the council's budget for the upcoming year. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation and debate of the Revenue Budget, Capital Programme, and Council Tax for 2026/27, alongside the Housing Revenue Account Budget Setting and Business Plan.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the election of the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for the Council Year 2026/27, followed by the appointment and investment of a Deputy Mayor. A vote of thanks was also planned for the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Budget and Financial Matters

A central focus of the meeting was the presentation and discussion of the council's financial plans. The Revenue Budget, Capital Programme, and Council Tax 2026/27 was presented, with Councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Finance, Digital and Efficiency, outlining proposals. These included savings totalling £22 million, planned investments in areas such as a new park in Chelsea Riverside Ward, enhanced street cleansing, housing stock, temporary accommodation, and a new care home. Councillor Kemahli highlighted the challenges arising from the Government's fair funding review, which was expected to reduce the council's resources by £108 million.

Councillor Kasim Ali, Leader of the K+C Labour Group, presented Labour's Alternative Budget for 2026/27, which emphasised fairness, resilience, and investment. This alternative budget proposed savings of approximately £300,000 without drawing on reserves, alongside investments in community programmes and capital funding. Councillor Ali raised concerns about the administration's choices regarding council tax support and advocated for a higher premium on second homes. The Labour Group's amendment to the budget was put to a vote and was lost, with the main budget subsequently approved.

The Housing Revenue Account Budget Setting and Business Plan 2026/27 was also scheduled for discussion, with contributions expected from Councillor Sof McVeigh, Lead Member for Housing Management, Housing Safety & Building New Homes, and other councillors. Additionally, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement was to be considered.

Review of Council Operations and Appointments

The meeting agenda included a review of representation and appointments to various committees, as well as appointments to outside organisations. Reports on these matters were expected to be tabled at the meeting.

Public Speaking and Special Announcements

The meeting was to commence with 72 seconds of silence in remembrance of the Grenfell tragedy. The Mayor was also scheduled to make special announcements. The Chief Executive's communications, including apologies for absence and other announcements, were also on the agenda.

Previous Meeting Minutes and Declarations of Interest

The minutes of the previous Full Council meeting held on 25 February 2026 were submitted for confirmation. Members were reminded of the procedures for declaring any disclosable pecuniary interests or other significant interests in matters to be considered.

Other Business

The agenda also included provisions for any other oral or written items that the Mayor considered urgent. There were no matters referred to Full Council from Overview and Scrutiny or Select Committees, and given the late hour, questions asked of Lead Members were to be responded to in writing, and the item on Matters of Local Concern was not to be taken. Finally, an opportunity was provided for Members not seeking re-election to address the Council. Several motions for main debate were deferred due to the meeting proceeding beyond the scheduled time.