The Council meeting on 1 April 2025 saw councillors debate and pass a motion opposing government changes to planning rules, and also passed motions concerning National Insurance increases, social media use by councillors, pension fund divestment, and the proposed third runway at Heathrow. The meeting also saw the election of the new Mayor for the 2025/26 municipal year and approved the timetable of meetings and an annual review of the council's constitution.

Government Changes to Planning Rules and Kingston's Proposed New Local Plan

The Council debated and carried a motion expressing opposition to proposed government changes to planning rules, which the motion argued would reduce local democratic decision-making. The motion, proposed by Councillor Ian George and seconded by Councillor Rowena Bass, noted that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has published a planning and infrastructure bill designed to relax planning rules, and that the Local Government Association has expressed reservations about these plans. The Council believes that removing the ability for councillors to be involved in planning decisions will erode public trust. The motion resolved that the Leader of the Council would write to Angela Rayner outlining this opposition. It also stated that councillors would continue to be notified of all applications and that the council would review green-belt land to identify and enforce against unapproved uses, aiming to restore these areas for local biodiversity. The draft Local Plan will also be reconsidered to include provisions and safeguards against applications that could negatively alter neighbourhoods.

National Insurance Increases Will Damage Local Businesses and Vital Services

A motion was referred to the Corporate and Resources Committee concerning the proposed increase in National Insurance contributions for employers. Proposed by Councillor Rowena Bass and seconded by Councillor Ian George, the motion noted that the Labour government's budget includes an increase in employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025, and a reduction in the threshold from £9,100 to £5,000 per year. The motion cited the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) stating that employers will pass on these costs to workers and consumers through lower wages and higher prices. The Council believes these increases are detrimental to businesses and vital services such as nurseries, care homes, and charities, and will place greater pressure on council finances. The Council resolved to express its disappointment and requested that the Leader of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reconsider the proposed changes.

Social Media Use

A motion concerning social media use by councillors was referred to the Corporate and Resources Committee. Proposed by Councillor Yvonne Tracey and seconded by Councillor Jamal Chohan, the motion highlighted the importance of honesty in politics and the role of social media in public discourse. It stated that councillors and social media companies must work to prevent misinformation and protect residents and councillors from harassment. The Council condemned the use of online accounts to target other councillors and the sharing of posts from anonymous accounts. The Council resolved to advocate for greater accountability from social media companies, uphold the highest professional standards in social media use, avoid promoting anonymous accounts, and avoid sharing content that could toxify the local political climate. It also committed to upholding the Local Government Association's 'Social Media Guidance for Councillors' and providing additional training.

Pensions Divestment

A motion regarding pensions divestment was referred to the Corporate and Resources Committee. Proposed by Councillor Jamal Chohan and seconded by Councillor Kamala Kugan, the motion noted the Council's Responsible Investment Policy, which integrates ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues into investment decisions. It raised concerns that local government pension funds are being used to fund the purchase of arms, often used in global conflicts. The motion cited Waltham Forest Council's decision to divest from companies dealing in weapons. The Council believes that public pension funds should not facilitate violence and that residents have a right to know where their money is being spent. The Council resolved to reaffirm its commitment to its Responsible Investment Policy, call for a complete audit of pension fund investments, and publicly declare its intent to divest from companies dealing with arms within 12 months. A formal report on accelerating this divestment process will be brought to the next Pensions Fund Panel.

Third Runway at Heathrow

A motion concerning the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport was referred to the Place Committee. Proposed by Councillor Kumala Kugan and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Tracey, the motion expressed regret over the government's position on airports in the South East and reasserted strong objections to Heathrow being granted permission for a third runway. The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames resolved to work with residents, other London Boroughs, the Greater London Authority (GLA), and the Mayor of London to campaign against the third runway.

Election of the Mayor 2025/26

Councillor Noel Hadjimichael was elected as the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames for the 2025/26 Municipal Year. He was nominated by Councillors Griseldis Kirsch and Mike Massimi.

Timetable of Meetings 2025-26

The Council approved the proposed timetable of meetings for the 2025/26 Municipal Year, as recommended by the Corporate and Resources Committee. The Corporate Head of Democratic and Electoral Services, in consultation with Committee Chairs, was authorised to make any necessary amendments to the timetable. Notably, no meetings, including Council meetings, have been scheduled in April 2026 in anticipation of the local elections in May 2026.

Annual Review of the Constitution

The Council approved the proposals for constitutional change following the annual review, as recommended by the Corporate and Resources Committee. This included transferring housing functions from the Place Committee to the People Committee to rebalance workloads, disestablishing the Staff Appeals Panel and Teacher Appeals Committee, and removing the Councillor recall scheme due to non-compliance with legislation. The review also proposed including reference to the oversight of the six-month rule for councillor attendance, in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972. The Monitoring Officer was authorised to make any further consequential minor changes.

Installation of Honorary Alderman

Former Councillor Julie Haines was installed as an Honorary Alderman of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in recognition of her eminent service. She served as a councillor for Cambridge and Coombe Vale wards between 1986 and 2006, chaired the Social Services Committee, and was involved in campaigns such as securing new pedestrian crossings and saving New Malden Post Office from closure.