The People Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, approving several key policies and plans to improve services for residents. Decisions included the endorsement of the SEND Reform Plan, the approval of the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, and the adoption of a Local Lettings Plan for the Acre Road development.

Safer Kingston Partnership Plan and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy

The committee noted progress against the Safer Kingston Partnership Plan (2024-29) and the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy (2025-30). Key achievements highlighted included national recognition for innovative approaches to preventing violence and exploitation, such as the EnTRAPreneurship project and the Vulnerable Adolescent Supported into Adulthood (VASA) Panel. The co-produced VAWG strategy also received a Silver Award at the Local Government Chronicle Awards. For the upcoming year, two new priorities have been introduced: Online Harm and Reducing Reoffending, alongside cross-cutting themes of multiple disadvantage, trauma-informed response, and disproportionality. Councillor Yvonne Tracey raised a question about how the partnership aims to increase crime reporting, particularly from victims who may lack confidence. Stephanie Royston-Mitchell, Head of Community Safety, explained that the aim is to provide alternative reporting mechanisms and support services, even if victims do not report to the police, to gain a better understanding of hidden harm. Councillor Lorraine Dunstone inquired about the impact of ending external funding streams on frontline community safety work. Officers confirmed that while some grant-funded posts may be at risk, they are working to prioritise essential services and explore sustainable funding models. Councillor Brian Austen asked about the incorporation of charities like Voices of Hope into the partnership's work, and was assured that Voices of Hope is a key partner in the VAWG strategy. Councillor Helen Grocott questioned the representation on the Safer Kingston Partnership Board, and officers acknowledged the challenges in achieving full representation at board level but highlighted efforts to engage with communities at a grassroots level. Councillor Grocott also asked about the operational working of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), and it was confirmed that the council's team coordinates the MARAC.

Housing Landlord Annual Performance and Service Improvement Report 2025/26

The committee approved the Housing Landlord Complaints Self Assessment 2026/27 and the Annual Housing Complaints, Performance and Service Improvement Report 2025/26. The report indicated an improvement in responding to Stage 1 complaints within 10 working days, with 74% achieved in 2025/26, up from 57% the previous year. Repairs and maintenance remained the largest area of complaint, accounting for 68.4% of Stage 1 complaints. Wale Adetoro, Director of Housing, explained that maladministration refers to unreasonable delays or failures in handling complaints, or ignoring council policy. He clarified that the 86% maladministration rate mentioned related to a small sample of five determinations. Councillor Joanne Barker asked about operational changes in response to complaints, and Wale Adetoro detailed increased resources for complaints handling, closer work with contractors, and improved staff training. Councillor Tom Reeve questioned the measurement of service improvements and actions taken if expected outcomes are not achieved, and was informed about the Repairs Alliance Board involving residents, key performance indicators, and dispute resolution processes, with financial penalties for contractors if performance targets are not met. Councillor Helen Grocott raised concerns about the high percentage of complaints related to repairs and maintenance, and the monitoring of KPIs. Wale Adetoro explained that KPIs are monitored monthly and that challenges with the previous repairs contractor had contributed to backlogs. He also noted a recent significant drop in overdue repair complaints. Councillor Grocott also questioned the handling of complaints submitted by third parties, such as councillors advocating for residents, and the potential conflict with members' inquiry SLAs. Councillor Emily Davey, Portfolio Holder for Housing, acknowledged the point and stated it would be taken offline with the contact centre.

Acre Road Supported Living Project

The committee approved the recommended procurement strategy for the care and support service at the Acre Road Supported Living Scheme for Adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism. An indicative maximum contract value of £6,151,000 over an initial five-year term, with an option to extend for up to five years, was also approved. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and the Commissioning Governance Board, to refine evaluation criteria. Sam Raffell, Director of People Commissioning, described Acre Road as a transformative scheme providing 12 self-contained flats at Hartington House and 33 self-contained flats with three adapted bungalows at Campbell House. The scheme aims to support residents' independence and well-being, enabling them to live in the borough and adapt to individual needs. Councillor Helen Grocott asked about the modest incentive offered to people downsizing into Campbell House, and it was explained that incentives range from £2,000 for giving up a two-bedroom property to £4,000 for a four-bedroom property. Councillor Sue Ansari inquired about the core support provided, and it was detailed that the model includes approximately eight hours of support per day and night, with additional cluster costs based on individual needs. Councillor Brian Austen asked if support would involve camera monitoring, and it was clarified that the focus is on individualised support and utilising technology aids and adaptations, not camera monitoring of residents.

Local Lettings Plan - Acre Road

The committee noted the progress on the physical delivery of new homes at Acre Road and approved the Local Lettings Plan for Acre Road. This plan will be adopted as an additional element to the Council's Housing Allocations Policy. The intention to cease further lettings on Sobraon House was also noted, ahead of proposals for its redevelopment. Discussions will begin with existing Sobraon House tenants regarding potential relocation into Campbell House or elsewhere within the Council's housing for older people estate. Wale Adetoro, Director of Housing, explained that the plan aims to maximise the benefits of the accommodation by setting out principles and eligibility criteria. He also highlighted that Acre Road presents an opportunity to address challenges with sheltered housing stock, including empty properties. Councillor Lorraine Dunstone asked about the speed of re-letting vacant properties and arrangements to minimise void periods. Wale Adetoro stated that, under normal circumstances, a property turnaround takes about six weeks, but there is currently a backlog due to a contractor change. Councillor Barker asked for clarification on the phrase should tenants wish to remain within lower-cost accommodation, which Wale Adetoro explained referred to offering alternative accommodation at similar rents if Acre Road's indicative rent levels are a concern. Councillor Austin asked if support would involve camera monitoring, and it was clarified that the focus is on individualised support and utilising technology aids and adaptations, not camera monitoring of residents.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (2026-31)

The committee approved the Housing Enforcement Policy, Civil Penalty Enforcement Policy, and amendments to the Tenants' Fees Enforcement Policy. Minor amendments to the policy were delegated to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to facilitate the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Councillor Tom Reeve asked about informing residents and landlords of the changes and fines, and Fiona Meads, Corporate Head of Services for Regulatory Services, detailed a comprehensive communications package including social media, member briefings, letters to landlords, and a central government campaign. She also confirmed that landlords were required to inform tenants of the new Act by May 31st. Councillor Reeve also inquired about the reliance on informal engagement and how this would be monitored to prevent cases from dragging on. Fiona Meads explained the tiered approach to enforcement, starting with informal engagement and escalating to formal action, with checks and balances in place to monitor progress.

SEND Reform Plan

The committee noted the content of the government's White Paper on Schools and its proposals for reforming the system of support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The SEND Reform Plan submitted to the Department for Education on 19 June 2026 was endorsed. Ian Dodds, Executive Director of Children's Services, outlined the proposed reforms, which focus on early intervention, greater inclusion in mainstream schools, and a tiered framework of support. He noted that the timescale for developing the plan had been tight, limiting full co-production with parents and carers. Councillor Sue Ansari thanked Ian Dodds and the team for their work and asked about communicating the changes to families to reduce anxiety. Ian Dodds explained the use of the local offer website, social media, and the production of talking head videos. Councillor Yvonne Tracey raised concerns about the ongoing shortage of speech and language therapists and occupational therapists, and Ian Dodds acknowledged this as a significant risk to implementing the reforms, noting that recruitment is challenging. Councillor Helen Milestone asked about communication plans for SENCOs, senior leadership teams, and specialist schools, and Ian Dodds confirmed communication through various networks and forums. Councillor Milestone also inquired about the potential for the reforms to reduce the number of parents needing to go to tribunal and expressed concerns about the vastness of the plan given the government's evolving outline. Ian Dodds agreed that the plan was a first draft and would organically change. Councillor Brian Reeve asked about the timeline for seeing results in schools and expressed concerns about the adequacy of government funding, questioning if the council would be on the hook for additional costs. Ian Dodds acknowledged the funding concerns and estimated that full implementation of the reforms could take three to four years. Councillor Brian Austen asked how the council would help schools prepare for the changes, and Ian Dodds outlined close collaboration with schools, headteachers, and SENCOs, including clustering schools to share resources and expertise. Councillor Joanne Barker asked if recruited experts would be ring-fenced for SEND students, and it was confirmed that they would be allocated to the Experts-at-Hand model and work with the workforce.

Best Start in Life Local Plan

The committee noted the development of the Best Start in Life Local Plan. Ian Dodds, Executive Director of Children's Services, explained that the plan aims to provide better coordinated support to families from conception to a child's fifth birthday, consolidating health advice, early years education, and family support. He highlighted the plan's alignment with the council's commitment to developing family hubs and building on existing work through children's centres. Councillor Sue Ansari asked about Kingston's strongest foundations for giving children the best start in life and lessons learned from the Old Malden family hub. Ian Dodds cited the existing infrastructure of children's centres, now developing into family hubs, and high-quality early years settings. He noted concerns about unequal access to resources and the need to target support in specific areas. Councillor Lorraine Dunstone asked about areas of development presenting the greatest challenge against the 75% target and work to increase awareness and accessibility of family hub services. Ian Dodds identified family poverty and food security as key challenges, and explained outreach efforts to engage families who may not traditionally access council services. Councillor Yvonne Tracey raised a point about potential inaccuracies in the report regarding Richmond upon Thames instead of Kingston, and Ian Dodds confirmed this would be corrected. She also inquired about conducting two-year development checks at nurseries, and it was suggested that diversifying access points to health visiting services, including nurseries, would be explored. Councillor Helen Grocott asked about specific actions in the south of the borough, and Ian Dodds outlined plans for a network approach and enhanced outreach, while acknowledging the challenges in identifying a suitable venue for a family hub. Councillor Rizwana Malik raised similar concerns about accessibility in the north of the borough, and it was stated that the same principles would apply, with provision in the north being slightly better due to a larger children's centre.

Appointments to Outside Bodies and Internal Working Groups for 2026/27

The committee agreed to make appointments to various outside bodies and internal working groups for the 2026/27 municipal year. This included noting the progress on the physical delivery of new homes at Acre Road and approving the Local Lettings Plan for Acre Road. The intention to cease further lettings on Sobraon House was also noted, with discussions to begin with existing tenants about relocation. The committee also resolved to appoint Councillor Stephen Evans as Armed Forces Champion and Councillors Ian George and James Giles as Assistant Armed Forces Champions to the Armed Forces Community Covenant Working Group for the municipal year 2026/27.

The meeting concluded at 21:34.