The Full Council meeting of Kensington and Chelsea Council on 22 July 2026 addressed a range of issues, with a significant focus on resident concerns regarding housing affordability, safety, and council tax. Key decisions included the adoption of a new community safety plan and constitutional amendments to streamline decision-making processes.

Housing Affordability and the Future of the Borough

A primary concern raised by the Youth Cabinet Lead for Community Safety, Ms. Tallulah Imuvieyi, was the worry that young people would be unable to afford to live in the borough they grew up in. Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the high cost of housing in Kensington and Chelsea but highlighted the council's efforts to build new homes, including 536 social units, and the planning permission granted for a further 4,000 homes at Earl's Court and Cancel. Councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Housing, is reportedly reviewing how to give local people greater priority for social housing.

Councillor Monica Press, Leader of the K+C Labour Group, criticised the council's record on house building, stating it had inherited its social housing stock from the GLC and only began building new social housing after the Grenfell disaster in 2017. She advocated for striking better deals with developers to increase affordable housing, citing Westminster City Council's model of 70% social affordable housing to 30% market housing.

Public Safety and Policing

Concerns about crime rates were raised by Ms. Tarana Akhavan Masolei, a general member of the Youth Council, who noted that Kensington and Chelsea has the third highest crime rate in London. Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Resident Services, Planning, and Enforcement, outlined the council's new community safety plan, developed with local input, which focuses on working with partners, including the Met Police, to reduce crime and tackle anti-social behaviour. He emphasised the importance of prevention and early intervention, including training for professionals to identify signs of harm and exploitation, and intelligence sharing through a monthly serious youth violence panel.

Councillor Jack Reason, the opposition councillor for Colville, highlighted that much of the crime in his ward occurs around Portobello Road, primarily phone theft by external gangs. He also expressed concern about rising shoplifting among young people, linking it to the cost-of-living crisis, and suggested that the council should curate the market to create job opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.

A motion to make Kensington and Chelsea safer, moved by Councillor Stéphanie Petit and seconded by Councillor Georgia Hardisty, called for more police on the streets and the reopening of 24/7 police front counters, specifically at Kensington Police Station and a full service at Notting Hill Police Station. The motion also urged the council to introduce a nighttime enforcement team and 50 new CCTV cameras. Councillor Lucy Shaw, however, raised concerns about the outsourcing of street enforcement, suggesting it could incentivise issuing more penalty notices and potentially lead to negative interactions with residents.

Council Tax and Financial Pressures

Ms. Ayesha Khan, a general member of the Youth Council, questioned the impact of a 4.99% council tax increase and reduced council tax support for low-income households. Councillor Emma Will, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Finance and Property, explained the council's difficult financial position, citing a £127 million cut to its budget over the next four years due to government reforms. She stated that savings alone were insufficient, necessitating a tax increase and a reduction in council tax support from 100% to 90%. Councillor Monica Press argued that this decision doubled the burden on the poorest residents and could lead to debt, homelessness, and increased council costs for debt collection.

Mental Health Support for Young People

Ms. Mayar Abouamna, Deputy Youth Mayor, highlighted that only one in three young people needing mental health support receive it, with average waits exceeding 300 days. Councillor Lucy Knight, Lead Member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, acknowledged the figures and stated that while much of the delay lies with NHS services, the council is investing in earlier support through embedding mental health teams in schools and funding dedicated youth mental health workers. She also committed to raising the issue of long waits with the new chief executive of the Integrated Care Board. Councillor Portia Thaxter criticised the council's current mental health services as poorly communicated and not integrated with NHS services, advocating for trauma-informed, community-based support.

Constitutional Amendments and Committee Appointments

The council adopted several constitutional amendments recommended by the Administration Committee, including changes to decision-making processes for procurement, lease renewals, and Section 278 Highways Act payments. The terms of reference for the Investment Committee were also updated to comply with new legislation. The council also agreed to designate the Executive Director of Finance and Assurance as the Section 151 Officer from 1 September 2026.

Other Issues Discussed

• Lifeline Reliability: Councillor Walaa Idris raised concerns about the frequent breakdowns of lifts at Wilshire Close, impacting elderly and disabled residents. Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Resident Services, Planning, and Enforcement, acknowledged the issue and outlined a proactive approach to replacing worn parts.
• Pavement Cleanliness: Councillor Greg Hammond asked about preserving the appearance of new pavements on Gloucester Road from greasy waste. Councillor Johnny Thalassites stated that street enforcement patrols would be conducted, advice given to businesses, and enforcement action considered, including the use of Community Protection Notices.
• Pembridge Hospice: Councillor Dr Marc Goldfinger inquired about the future of Pembridge Hospice. Councillor Lucy Knight clarified that the inpatient unit had closed due to workforce challenges, but outpatient services continue. The council is pressing the NHS to reopen the beds and is exploring options to protect the building's community value.
• Central Line Noise: Councillor Stéphanie Petit raised concerns about persistent noise and vibration from the Central Line affecting residents in Notting Hill, following the removal of noise dampening pads by Transport for London (TfL). Councillor Josh Rendall, Lead Member for Transport, Parks, and Clean Streets, stated that TfL is responsible for resolving the issue and that the council is pressing for remedial measures.
• Waste and Litter Collections: A motion to extend waste and litter collections was debated and carried, with councillors from across the chamber expressing support for maintaining twice-weekly bin collections and exploring new technologies and enforcement measures.
• Royal Marsden Hospital Expansion: Councillor Aarien Areti noted the planning permission granted for a significant expansion of the Royal Marsden Hospital, acknowledging its positive impact on cancer care and research but also its potential impact on local residents due to the three-year construction period.
• Portobello Road Barriers: Councillor Peter Marshall raised concerns about temporary anti-terror barriers in Portobello Road, which were causing significant access issues for residents, particularly those with mobility problems. He called for urgent legal and expertise to be applied to the issue.
• Youth Engagement and Voting: Ms. Sumaya Jamal, Cabinet Lead for Mental Health in the Youth Council, asked how the council planned to incentivise voting and political education for young people. Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke highlighted the success of Youth Mayor and Youth Cabinet elections and ongoing youth participation in council planning.
• Adult and Children's Social Care: Ms. Maisie Thornton, Deputy London Youth Assembly representative, questioned the long-term structural changes to protect adult and children's social care services amidst significant budget cuts. Councillor Josh Rendall outlined plans for AI integration, operational estate reviews, and ensuring resources are directed to the frontline. Councillor Sina Lari criticised the council's approach to funding and privatisation of social care.