The Full Council meeting on 22 July 2026 addressed a range of issues, including concerns raised by the Youth Council on housing affordability, lifeguard provision, crime prevention, data privacy, mental health support, and council tax increases. The Council also debated and voted on motions concerning waste and litter collections, and making the borough safer, while also approving constitutional amendments and committee appointments.

Youth Council Raises Concerns on Key Issues

The meeting featured significant input from the Borough's Youth Council, with young people raising critical issues. Ms. Tallulah Umuvyeyi questioned the Council's strategy to ensure housing affordability for young people in Kensington and Chelsea. Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the borough's high housing costs and outlined the Council's commitment to building new homes, including social units, and working with partners. Councillor Monica Press, Leader of the Opposition, challenged the Council's record on social housing and advocated for stronger developer agreements to increase affordable housing.

Ms. Salmaa Nur highlighted the need for more female lifeguards to ensure female swimmers feel comfortable, a concern echoed by Councillor Nadia Nail, who called for local training and mandated staffing for women-only sessions. Ms. Taraneh Akhavan Masolae inquired about preventative measures to reduce youth crime and improve safety, particularly in high-crime wards. Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Resident Services, Planning, and Enforcement, detailed the new Community Safety Plan, work with the police, and early intervention initiatives. Councillor Jack Reason, Opposition spokesperson, pointed to issues in Colville ward, linking increased shoplifting to the cost of living and advocating for youth markets and support for excluded children.

Mr. Stanley Reynolds raised concerns about data privacy following the Council's use of third-party technology providers. Councillor Tom Bennett, Lead Member for Modernisation and Change, assured that data protection was taken seriously, with providers acting as data processors under strict contractual obligations. Councillor Peter Marshall expressed reservations, citing ongoing litigation against Oracle in the US and the Council's own cyber-attack history.

Ms. Mayar Aboamna asked about specific actions to improve mental health provision for under-25s, with Councillor Lucy Knight, Lead Member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, acknowledging long waiting times and outlining the Council's early support measures, while promising to raise the issue with the Integrated Care Board. Councillor Portia Thaxter argued for more community-based, trauma-informed services designed by and for young people.

Ms. Ayesha Khan questioned how low-income households would be supported amidst council tax increases and reduced support. Councillor Emma Will, Deputy Leader, explained the financial pressures and the difficult decision to increase council tax and reduce support, while highlighting existing hardship schemes. Councillor Monica Press criticised the Council's choices, arguing that the tax changes disproportionately affected the poorest and called for the full discount to be reinstated.

Ms. Sumaya Jemal asked about encouraging voter turnout and political education among young people. Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for Business and Communities, detailed the Council's engagement with the Youth Council and its role in shaping services. Councillor Billy Beckett emphasised the importance of hard-working councillors and demonstrating the impact of voting.

Ms. Maisie Thornton inquired about long-term structural changes to protect adult and children's social care services. Councillor Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Family & Children's Services, highlighted the Council's strong performance in these areas and outlined plans for AI integration and estate review. Councillor Sina Lari, Opposition spokesperson, discussed national and local funding challenges and contrasted the Council's approach with that of Labour-run councils.

Extending Waste and Litter Collections Motion Carried

A motion to extend waste and litter collections, moved by Councillor Lloyd North and seconded by Councillor Max Dodd-Noble, was debated and carried. The motion reaffirmed the Council's commitment to twice-weekly bin collections and called for further investment in street cleaning, graffiti removal, and the exploration of new technologies like electric buggies and time-banding for commercial waste collections. Councillors from across the chamber spoke in support, with several maiden speeches delivered. Councillor Beckett, however, voted against the motion, citing concerns about vagueness and the Council's past performance in managing waste infrastructure.

Motion to Make Kensington and Chelsea Safer Carried

A motion to make Kensington and Chelsea safer, moved by Councillor Stéphanie Petite and seconded by Councillor Georgia Hardisty, was also debated and carried. The motion called for increased police presence on the streets, the reopening of 24/7 police front counters, and the introduction of a nighttime enforcement team and 50 new CCTV cameras. Councillor Thalassites, Lead Member for Resident Services, Planning, and Enforcement, highlighted the Council's existing work in community safety and the effectiveness of CCTV. Councillor Shaw, however, expressed concerns about the outsourcing of enforcement and its potential impact on residents. Several maiden speeches were made during the debate.

Constitutional Amendments and Committee Appointments Approved

The Council approved several constitutional amendments recommended by the Administration Committee, including changes to decision-making processes for procurement, lease renewals, and Section 278 Highways Act payments. These amendments aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The Council also adopted new terms of reference for the Investment Committee and updated the terms of reference for various scrutiny committees.

Additionally, Councillor Anne Cyron was appointed to the Investment Committee, replacing Councillor James Husband.

Matters of Local Concern Raised

Several councillors raised local issues. Councillor Georgia Hardisty highlighted ongoing Central Line tube noise affecting Notting Hill residents. Councillor Sidney Yankson raised safety and accessibility concerns on Redcliffe Gardens and Finborough Road. Councillor Kim Taylor-Smith noted the Royal Marsden Hospital's expansion and the need to manage construction impacts. Councillor Monica Press raised concerns about the restrictive nature of temporary anti-terror barriers on Portobello Road, particularly for residents with mobility issues.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor thanking the Youth Council members for their contributions and wishing everyone a good summer break.