The Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday 1 April 2025 was set to discuss a range of significant issues, including proposed changes to national planning rules and the council's new Local Plan, as well as the impact of National Insurance increases on local businesses. The meeting agenda also included motions on social media use by councillors and the divestment of pension funds from arms companies, alongside the election of the Mayor for the upcoming municipal year and the annual review of the council's constitution.

Government Planning Rules and Kingston's Local Plan

A key item scheduled for debate was a motion concerning Government Changes to Planning Rules and Kingston's proposed new Local Plan. This motion, proposed by Councillor Ian George and seconded by Councillor Rowena Bass, expressed concern over proposed government legislation designed to liberalise planning rules, citing reservations from the Local Government Association and the government's intention to reallocate degraded green belt sites for development. The motion noted that Kingston Council had delayed its new Local Plan, potentially leaving it vulnerable to predatory development. It highlighted a recent planning appeal that allowed the demolition of a family home in Coombe Hill for the construction of seven shared-living flats.

The motion stated a belief that the proposed government changes would lead to the majority of planning decisions being made without councillor input, which could erode public trust. It also emphasised the importance of green belt land for biodiversity. The proposed resolutions included the Leader of the Council writing to the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, to outline opposition to the plans, and the Planning Committee and Neighbourhood Planning sub-Committees preparing mechanisms for councillors to express views on planning applications. Furthermore, it proposed a review of green-belt land to identify and enforce against unapproved uses that degrade these areas, and a reconsideration of the draft Local Plan to account for the potential future lack of councillor input.

National Insurance Increases and Local Businesses

Another significant motion, proposed by Councillor Rowena Bass and seconded by Councillor Ian George, addressed the potential damage of National Insurance increases on local businesses and vital services. The motion noted that employer National Insurance contributions were set to increase from April 2025, with a reduced threshold, which the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicted would lead to employers passing on costs to workers and consumers through lower wages and higher prices. The motion highlighted that businesses and vital services such as nurseries and care homes would be negatively impacted. It also referenced Kingston Council's own budget report, which recognised a £3.5 million risk due to potential third-party provider cost increases stemming from these changes. The council believed these increases amounted to a tax on working people and would strain council finances. The proposed resolution was for the council to express its disappointment and for the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer requesting a reconsideration of the proposed changes.

Social Media Use by Councillors

A motion proposed by Councillor Yvonne Tracey and seconded by Councillor Jamal Chohan, scheduled for referral to the Corporate and Resources Committee, focused on Social Media Use. The motion acknowledged the critical role of social media in public discourse and political engagement, while also highlighting the need to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect residents and councillors from online harassment. It stated a belief that social media content posted by councillors should be free from defamatory or discriminatory language and that a toxic online environment could deter individuals from standing for election. The council was asked to resolve to advocate for greater accountability from social media companies, uphold high professional standards in social media use, avoid promoting anonymous accounts, and avoid sharing content that could undermine the local political climate. The motion also suggested upholding the Local Government Association's 'Social Media Guidance for Councillors' and providing additional training.

Pension Fund Divestment from Arms Companies

A motion proposed by Councillor Jamal Chohan and seconded by Councillor Kamala Kugan, also for referral to the Corporate and Resources Committee, concerned Pensions Divestment. The motion noted the Council's Responsible Investment Policy, which commits to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues into pension fund investment decisions and minimising irresponsible corporate behaviour. It raised concerns that local government pension funds were being used to fund the purchase of products, including arms, which are used in global conflicts. The motion referenced Waltham Forest Council's decision to divest from companies engaged in weapons dealing. The council believed that public pension funds should not facilitate harm and that residents have a right to know where their money is being spent. The proposed resolutions included reaffirming commitment to the Responsible Investment Policy, calling for a complete audit of pension fund usage, and publicly declaring an intent to divest from companies dealing with arms within 12 months, with a formal report requested on accelerating this process.

Third Runway at Heathrow

A motion proposed by Councillor Kumala Kugan and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Tracey, for referral to the Place Committee, expressed strong objections to Heathrow Airport being granted permission to build a third runway. The motion stated that the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames resolves to work with residents, other London Boroughs, the Greater London Authority (GLA), and the London Mayor to campaign against the expansion.

Election of Mayor and Constitutional Review

The meeting was also scheduled to include the election of the Mayor for the Municipal Year 2025/26, following the agreement from a 2001 Council meeting that the Mayor should be elected at the ordinary Council meeting preceding the Annual Meeting.

Additionally, the Council was to consider recommendations from the Corporate and Resources Committee regarding the Timetable of Meetings for 2025-26 and the Annual Review of the Constitution. The review of the Constitution, undertaken with a cross-party Member Working Group, proposed a series of changes, including the transfer of Housing functions from the Place Committee to the People Committee to rebalance workloads. It also recommended the removal of the Councillor recall scheme as it was not compliant with legislation, and the inclusion of reference to the oversight of the six-month rule for councillor attendance.

Appointment of Members to Committees

Finally, the Council was recommended to make any necessary changes to appointments to Committees, Panels, or other bodies, as set out in any late material.