At a meeting of the Kensington and Chelsea Full Council, councillors debated a motion on national insurance contributions, which passed, and a motion on step-free access at South Kensington station, which also passed. A motion regarding the use of pension fund money for temporary accommodation was deferred, as were motions on enhancing green spaces and the council becoming a Borough of Sanctuary. The council also noted the annual community safety scrutiny report.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

National Insurance Contributions

The council debated a motion regarding the impact of higher employer's National Insurance contributions (NICs). The motion, moved by Councillor Preety Hudd and seconded by Councillor Greg Hammond, noted that the Labour Government had announced an increase of 1.2% to employer's NICs from April 2025, alongside a reduction in the threshold employers pay NICs on each employee's salary from £9,100 to £5,000 a year.

The motion stated that the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates this will result in an average annual tax increase in excess of £800 per employee, and that the council was deeply concerned that employers would pass on these costs to workers through lower wages and higher prices. The motion also highlighted the potential impact on public services and private contractors procured by the council, such as GPs and care homes.

The council requested that Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Finance, Customer Services & Net Zero Council, investigate the implications of the NICs changes and make a written submission to the government on the impacts.

Following a debate with contributions from Councillors Kasim Ali, Janet Evans, Eva Jedut, Cem Kemahli, David Lindsay, Sof McVeigh, Lloyd North, Josh Rendall, Dori Schmetterling, and Claire Simmons, the motion was carried.

Step-Free Access at South Kensington Station

Councillor Mary Weale moved a motion, seconded by Councillor Walaa Idris, regarding step-free access at South Kensington station. The motion highlighted that 500,000 potential journeys a year are avoided because the station is not accessible, and called on the Mayor of London to commit to delivering full step-free access.

The council has committed to contributing 10% of the total costs, up to £12 million, and the motion called on Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Thalassites to keep up the pressure on other stakeholders, particularly the Mayor of London and Westminster City Council, to contribute to the project.

Following a debate with contributions from Councillors Kasim Ali, Toby Benton, Gregory Hammond, Dahabo Isse, Eva Jedut, Will Lane, Sof McVeigh, Lloyd North, Abdullahi Nur, Will Pascall, Josh Rendall, Claire Simmons, and Kim Taylor-Smith, the motion was carried.

Grenfell Tower

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Council, reported that she would be meeting with Alex Norris and his team to discuss government commitments to communicate with the local community on the deconstruction of Grenfell Tower, fund health support in the area, and discuss funding for the refurbishment of the Lancaster West estate.

Councillor Kasim Ali, Leader of the K+C Labour Group, stated that the Labour Group of Councillors would continue to demand justice for Grenfell bereaved families and survivors. He also mentioned a community meeting with local organisations at Canalside House, where 14 local organisations are based, and their concerns about the building being subjected to a managed decline.

Councillor Ali also proposed the establishment of a Grenfell Scholarship to support children and young people from the local area, particularly those in and around North Kensington.

Public Speaking

Members of the public spoke on the following topics:

• Project Flourish, the major redevelopment planned for the Kensal Canalside site: Ms Cordelia Cembrowicz, a North Kensington resident, raised concerns about the redevelopment of contaminated land, prioritising public health and community safety, transparent site investigations, and independent air quality monitoring. Councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Planning & Public Realm, responded that environmental protection standards should be high and consistent across the borough. Councillor Sina Lari, Opposition Group spokesperson, drew attention to the role Canalside House was playing through providing office and meeting spaces for community and voluntary groups, and claimed that there were plans to sell this property to a private developer.
• Reinstatement steering group for the future of Athlone Gardens: Ms Jessica Jones spoke about the redevelopment of Athlone Gardens, urging the council to reinstate a resident-led steering group and establish a firm completion date for the park. Councillor Emma Will, Lead Member for Property, Parks & Leisure, responded, stressing the council's commitment to consultation and delivering a quality park for the community.
• Latimer Road and Imperial University White City Campus Underpass: Mr Maxwell Woodger raised concerns regarding the delayed construction of an underpass promised by Imperial University as part of their campus development. Councillor Kemahli responded that the scheme needed final approval from Hammersmith and Fulham before it could commence. Councillor Portia Thaxter, Opposition Group spokesperson, outlined the history of the development since 2014 and informed Council that Imperial College planned to commence work in late 2025, with an expected completion date in late 2026.
• Possible closure of St Cuthbert with St Matthias school: Ms Carolyn Haynes expressed concern and sadness over the potential closure of St Cuthbert with St Matthias School. Councillor Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Family & Children's Services, responded that the potential closure was initiated by the governors' proposal and a government-led consultation process. Councillor Tim Verboven, Earl's Court ward councillor, urged the council to reconsider the closure and establish a youth hub to support children and families in the area if the closure were to proceed.

Matters of Local Concern

Councillors raised the following local concerns:

• Councillor Verboven voiced concerns about the impact of extended hours opening in Earl's Court, particularly regarding a 5am licence granted to Burger King.
• Councillor Lucy Knight informed the council about the potential adverse impact of new parking restrictions around the neighbouring Kensington on residents of Holland ward.
• Councillor Laura Burns spoke about the new public open space behind the Lots Road pumping station.
• Councillor Walaa Idris told the council about the recently completed plaza in Draycott Avenue and the improvement works to Sloane Square.

Other Motions

The following motions were deferred to a future meeting:

• Motion to enhance greening and bee superhighways.
• Motion for RBKC to be accepted as a Borough of Sanctuary.

Appointments to Committees

The council agreed to the following appointments:

• Gina Ashton (Healthwatch) to replace Cleo Chalk as the co-opted member on Adult Social Care and Health Select Committee.
• Mariella Ardron (Headteacher representative) to fill the vacant non-voting co-opted member place on Family Services Select Committee.
• Councillor Sof McVeigh to fill the vacant Conservative allocation on Licensing Committee.

Annual Community Safety Scrutiny

Councillor Mary Weale, Chair, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, summarised the key elements of the Annual Community Safety Scrutiny report, including communication with residents after crime scenes, tackling anti-social behaviour, the need for prosecutions, improved CCTV access for the police, the impact of losing the Royal Parks police, and data issues. Councillor Claire Simmons thanked the Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for including concerns of North Kensington and the Grenfell Community in the report. Councillor Sidney Yankson focused on concerns from local businesses about the lack of prosecutions for shoplifting. The council noted the report.

Questions to Lead Members

• Councillor Eva Jedut asked Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for Communities & Community Safety, about City Living, Local Life (CLLL) funds in Dalgarno ward. Councillor Addenbrooke offered to hold a meeting with Councillors Jedut and Kasim Ali, and relevant officers to resolve the issue.
• Councillor Portia Thaxter asked Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Council, about steps the council was taking to support older residents struggling with housing costs, energy bills, and digital exclusion. Councillor Campbell outlined various financial support initiatives and efforts towards digital inclusion.

Changes to the Constitution

The council approved changes to the constitution relating to petitions, questions to lead members, and the Chief Executive's ability to delegate decisions. The new wording for Standing Order 10 (Petitions) clarifies the arrangements for presenting petitions at Full Council. A 150-word limit was introduced for Standing Order 22 questions to ensure efficiency. The Chief Executive was also granted the authority to delegate her decision-making functions to a named Executive Director during periods of absence.