The People Committee meeting on 3 February 2026 focused heavily on the council's financial future, with significant discussion and recommendations made regarding the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the detailed budget for 2026/27. Key decisions were also made regarding school admission arrangements for community schools for the 2027/28 academic year, and updates were provided on Adult Social Care services and the post-16 education offer.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026-2030 and Detailed Budget 2026/27

The committee extensively reviewed the proposed budget for 2026/27 to 2029/30, which aims to ensure the council's financial sustainability and its ability to deliver services. The report highlighted significant financial pressures, including rising demand for services like Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care, coupled with insufficient national funding. Councillors were asked to make recommendations to the Corporate and Resources Committee regarding the approval of various budget proposals across directorates, including Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health, and Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

A key aspect of the financial strategy was the proposed average social rent increase of 4.8% for 2026/27, in line with government policy. This increase was deemed necessary to fund the HRA's capital plans, including decarbonisation and property improvements. The budget also detailed proposed growth and savings across services, with a total of £1.71m in new revenue savings identified for 2026/27. The committee was presented with detailed annexes outlining budget growth, savings, the capital strategy, and the housing revenue account budget. The proposed average Band D Council Tax for 2026/27 was set at £2,098.69, representing a 2.99% increase in general Council Tax and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept.

Admission Arrangements for Kingston Community Schools

The committee was tasked with fulfilling the local authority's statutory duty to determine school admission arrangements for community schools for entry in 2027/28. A key proposal was to lower the Published Admission Number (PAN) for King's Oak Primary School from 90 to 60. This reduction was attributed to a decline in birth rates and a subsequent decrease in demand for school places across the borough. The report indicated that this change would allow the school to manage its educational and financial planning more efficiently and contribute to the long-term financial stability of primary schools in the borough, as sufficient places would still be available in nearby schools. A public consultation on these arrangements received no responses. The committee was asked to approve these arrangements.

Adult Social Care Update

An update was provided on strategic developments and future plans for Adult Social Care. The report highlighted the national policy context, including the ongoing reform of the Care Act and the development of a National Care Service roadmap. It also detailed the positive outcome of the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, which rated the directorate as 'Good' overall, commending its clear strategic vision, positive working culture, and effective leadership. Areas for further improvement were identified, including the assessment of needs and ensuring that services and the market can meet evolving needs. The report also outlined transformation and improvement priorities, focusing on promoting independence through digital and technology-enabled care, improving outcomes in learning disabilities and mental health services, and enhancing data insights. Key achievements included the development of a Practice Framework, the launch of a Quality Assurance Framework, and the successful implementation of the 'Magic Notes' AI tool for social workers.

Post-16 Education Offer

The committee received an assurance that the local education and training offer for young people aged 16 to 18, and up to age 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), is suitable and sufficient. The report detailed high participation rates in education, employment, and training, with 96.5% of young people in Kingston upon Thames continuing in sustained education, training, or employment post-Key Stage 4. The report highlighted the strong academic performance in the borough's school sixth-forms and at Kingston College, with a good range of A Level subjects and vocational qualifications available. For young people with SEND, the report noted strong provision in special schools and an expanding range of vocational opportunities, including supported internships and apprenticeships. The proposed development of a Post-16 Campus for young people with SEND was also mentioned as a key initiative to further strengthen local provision.

Validated School Test and Exam Results

The committee was presented with a report detailing the educational outcomes achieved by pupils in Kingston upon Thames schools in the 2024-25 academic year. The report indicated that achievement remained strong and above national averages across all key stages. Specific improvements were noted in the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile and the Phonics Screening Check. At Key Stage 2, while overall achievement remained above the national average, there was a slight decrease from previous years, with progress measures set to return in the following academic year. Key Stage 4 results were particularly strong, with Kingston ranking first nationally for the proportion of pupils achieving a grade 4 or above in both English and mathematics. Progress 8 measures, a key indicator of pupil progress, could not be calculated for 2024-25 due to the cancellation of Key Stage 1 assessments during the pandemic.

Motion on Recognising the Contribution of Police Community Support Officers

A motion, referred from the Full Council meeting on 16 December 2025, was considered. The motion proposed supporting a national campaign for the creation of a long-service medal for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to recognise their 20 years of service. It also called for the Leader of the Council to write to the Home Secretary endorsing this initiative, aiming for parity with police officers. The officers' comments highlighted Kingston upon Thames' consistently low crime rate and the foundational role of PCSOs in the Safer Neighbourhoods model. The report noted that a national medal proposal was with the Home Office for a ministerial decision and that the London Assembly had already passed a motion supporting the creation of such a medal.

Other items discussed included:

• Minutes of Previous Meeting: The minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2026 were approved as a correct record.
• Council Delivery Plan 2026/27: The committee recommended the draft Council Delivery Plan 2026/27 to the Corporate and Resources Committee for approval.
• Approval of Draft Section 75 Partnership Agreement 2026/27 and Extension of Public Health Major Contracts 2026/27: The committee approved the draft Section 75 Partnership Agreement with the South West London Integrated Care Board (SWL ICB) and the extension of major Public Health contracts.
• Achieving for Children Ownership Decisions: The committee approved the company's business plan, medium term financial strategy, budget for 2026/27, treasury plan, and strategic plan.
• Contract Award for the Sexual Health London (E-Service): The committee approved the award of the high-value Sexual Health London (SHL) e-service contract to the preferred bidder.
• Community Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Service (Adults): The committee approved the commissioning of this service, with a new contract to commence in April 2027.
• Procurement of Health Visiting & School Health Services (0-19): The committee approved the re-procurement of these services using the Competitive Process route under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).