The Corporate and Resources Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026, approving budget monitoring reports, performance reports, contract awards, and amendments to the council's constitution. Key decisions included approving capital budgets for the Guildhall refurbishment and schools, awarding a cleaning services contract, and recommending constitutional changes to align with new national planning regulations.

Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 2026/27

The committee noted the forecast adverse outturn position for the General Fund (£0.72m), the Housing Revenue Account (£0.28m), and the Schools Budget and Dedicated Schools Grant (£18.18m). An underspend of £31.61m was forecast for the Capital Programme. Several capital budgets were approved: £0.65m for the Main Guildhall Refurbishment, £1.31m for Schools Capital Projects, and an initial allocation of £0.97m for Schools High Needs Provision Capital Allocation. Authority was also delegated for the award of a contract for replacement Chromebooks. Councillor Mark Durrant, Chair of the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee, raised concerns about the overspend in community housing, but Matthew Essex, Executive Director of Place, provided an update on acquisition programmes, highlighting successful overachievement in securing homes for temporary accommodation. Councillor Yvonne Tracy, Councillor for Green Lane and St James' Ward, sought clarification on figure inconsistencies and the Guildhall project costs, which were addressed by Sue Cuerden, Executive Director of Corporate Services. Councillor Sachin Tulyani, Councillor for Tudor Ward, inquired about the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) trajectory and its impact on the Medium Term Financial Plan, with Sue Cuerden explaining the complexities of the grant and its current deficit.

Annual Corporate Performance and Service Improvement Report 2025/26

The committee approved the Annual Corporate Performance and Service Improvement Report 2025/2026 and the annual Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) Code self-assessment. They also noted the LGSCO Annual Letter and that the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Commissioning, Customer Contact & Governance would draft the governing body response. Councillor Anita Schaper, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Commissioning and Customer Contact & Governance, highlighted the significant reduction in corporate complaints, particularly an 84% drop in waste-related complaints, and Kingston's leading position in London for LGSCO recommendation compliance. Lil Brett, Director of Culture, Customer and Residents, presented the report, noting a 48% overall drop in complaints and improvements in resolving issues at first contact. Councillor John Dubin asked about the use of new technologies like AI in casework management, to which Lil Brett responded positively about ongoing projects. Councillor Yvonne Tracy raised concerns about response targets for Stage 1 and Stage 2 complaints and requested performance breakdowns for council inquiries. Councillor Robert Sadler questioned the learning process from upheld LGSCO complaints, and Lil Brett explained the filtering process and the council's 100% compliance with LGSCO recommendations. Councillor Olly Wehring, Chair of Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee, provided feedback on the member inquiry process, suggesting improvements for tracking and closure. An amendment proposed by Councillor Tracy to reintroduce a dedicated corporate complaints email address was debated but ultimately not carried.

Amendments Required to the Constitution as a Result of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025

The committee recommended to the Council the proposed amendments to the constitution resulting from the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. Matthew Essex, Executive Director of Place, explained that the new regulations, effective from October 2026, introduce a national scheme of delegation for planning decisions. While Kingston's current practices largely align, neighbourhood committees will no longer determine planning applications. The changes include establishing a gateway test for applications to be considered by the Planning Committee and removing the call-in function. Councillor Mark Durrant, Chair of the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee, expressed satisfaction that neighbourhood chairs would retain speaking rights. Councillor Anita Schaper sought clarification on the gateway process and the balance between officer and political views, which Matthew Essex detailed. Councillor Ian George raised concerns about the clarity of ward councillors' speaking rights, which Matthew Essex addressed by referring to specific sections of the updated committee procedure rules. Councillor Yvonne Tracy questioned the publication of gateway decisions and the seven-day deadline for ward councillor representations. Councillor David Beving inquired about the robustness of wording regarding neighbouring wards, and Victoria, an officer, confirmed limitations to Kingston Borough Council wards. Councillor Olly Wehring raised concerns about the clarity of speaking time limits at planning committees, with Fiona Cotter, Democratic Services Team Manager, assuring that clarity is provided in correspondence and on the agenda. An amendment proposed by Councillor Tracy to retain the right of any councillor to speak at planning committees and to publish gateway decisions with reasons was debated but not carried.

Cleaning Services for Housing for Older People and Hostels - Contract Award

The committee resolved to award the contract for cleaning services to Housing for Older People (HfOP) schemes, Hostels, and Queen Mary Hall to Bidder A for an initial three-year term, with an option for two one-year extensions. Matthew Essex, Executive Director of Place, presented the report, noting that the contract value, including VAT, exceeded the £1.3 million threshold, necessitating committee approval. He explained that the specification was co-produced with residents, leading to increased cleaning frequency and expanded areas covered. Councillor Yvonne Tracy questioned the value for money given only one bidder progressed beyond the quality threshold and how additional costs between January and April would be funded, which Matthew Essex addressed by explaining benchmarking and service charge reconciliation mechanisms. The award was unanimous.

Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) - Power of Attorney

The committee resolved to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place to enter into legal agreements for a new Power of Attorney for the Cambridge Road Estate (CRE) regeneration project. Matthew Essex, Executive Director of Place, provided an update on the project, highlighting the first residents moving into new homes and the secured planning permission for Phase 2. He explained that the Power of Attorney, expiring in November 2026, needed renewal to ensure continued progress and proposed adding clauses for surrendering subleases and making declarations to the Building Safety Regulator. Councillor Yvonne Tracy sought confirmation that the extended power would not alter the Council's financial exposure or land interests without further approval, which Matthew Essex confirmed. Councillor Olly Wehring expressed enthusiasm for the planning news regarding Phase 2, which Matthew Essex clarified meant delegated authority and consent had been granted.

Motion Referred to Committee by Council: Armed Forces Covenant

The committee unanimously approved the motion regarding the Armed Forces Covenant. Councillor Yvonne Tracy spoke in support, highlighting Kingston's existing commitments and the need for clear guidance, funding, and accountability from the UK Government. Councillor Stephen Evans emphasised the importance of the Covenant in acknowledging the relationship between society and the armed forces, particularly in the current geopolitical climate. Councillor Ian George supported the motion, noting its practical implications and the complexity of the Covenant. Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture, also expressed full support, referencing the council's ongoing engagement with the armed forces community through events and civic recognition. The motion called on the UK Government to provide improved statutory guidance, funding, promotional activity, monitoring, and redress mechanisms, and requested an update on Kingston's own delivery of the Covenant.