The People Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 3 February 2026 to discuss the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy and detailed budget for 2026/27, as well as school admission arrangements for community schools for the 2027/28 academic year. The committee also received updates on Adult Social Care services and the post-16 education and training offer for young people.

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

The committee was scheduled to consider the proposed budget for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30. This included recommendations for the general fund, the schools budget, and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The report outlined growth and savings proposals, with a projected budget gap of £24.06 million by 2029/30. It also detailed proposed increases to Council Tax and the Adult Social Care precept, alongside plans for capital investment totalling £248 million over four years. The HRA budget proposed an average social rent increase of 4.8% and increases to tenant service charges, with a total HRA capital programme of £105.07 million.

Admission Arrangements For Kingston Community Schools

The committee was asked to determine the school admission arrangements for community schools for entry in the 2027/28 academic year. A key proposal was to lower the Published Admission Number (PAN) for King's Oak Primary School from 90 to 60, due to a decline in birth rates and reduced demand for school places. The report indicated that this change would help the school with its financial planning and ensure the long-term sustainability of primary schools in the borough, as sufficient places would still be available in nearby schools. A public consultation on these arrangements had taken place, receiving no responses.

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 Care Act 2014 duties, the ongoing reform towards a National Care Service, and government priorities for adult social care focusing on quality, independence, and integrated health services. It also mentioned the forthcoming Mental Health Bill and the evolving Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS). Locally, the report noted the challenges of demographics and financial pressures, alongside opportunities presented by the 'Place Partnership' with health and voluntary sector partners. The committee was informed of the positive outcome of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, which rated the directorate as 'Good' overall, with commendations for its clear vision, positive culture, and effective leadership. Areas identified for further improvement included assessing needs and ensuring care provision meets evolving needs. The report also detailed transformation and improvement priorities, including a digital and technology-enabled care programme, improving outcomes in learning disabilities and mental health services, and strengthening data insights. Key achievements included the development of a Practice Framework, the launch of a Quality Assurance Framework, and the successful implementation of digital tools like 'Magic Notes'.

Post-16 Education Offer

The committee received an update on 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). The report indicated a high rate of participation in sustained education, employment, and training, with 96.5% of young people in Kingston upon Thames continuing in such activities post-Key Stage 4, exceeding the national average. The local offer included a strong choice of A Level subjects at school sixth-forms and Kingston College, with an expansion in vocational provision. For young people with SEND, the report highlighted provision in special schools and commissioned external placements, with efforts to expand vocational opportunities through supported internships, traineeships, and apprenticeships. The proposed development of a Post-16 Campus for young people with SEND was noted as a priority. The report also detailed the provision for students needing to improve functional skills or retake GCSEs, including programmes at Kingston College and the Catalyst programme. The borough's low rate of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) was also highlighted.

Validated School Test and Exam Results

This report detailed the educational outcomes achieved by pupils in Kingston upon Thames schools in the 2024-25 academic year. It indicated that achievement remained strong and above national averages across all key stages. In the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP), 72% of children achieved a good level of development, an improvement from the previous year. The Phonics Screening Check also saw an increase, with 82% of children achieving the expected standard. At Key Stage 2, 67% of children achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, remaining above the national average. At Key Stage 4, 82% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and mathematics, placing Kingston first nationally for these measures. The report noted that 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

The committee was scheduled to debate a motion referred from Full Council, proposing the creation of a national long-service medal for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to recognise their contribution to communities. The motion highlighted the vital role PCSOs play in neighbourhood policing, visibility, and community reassurance, and noted their ineligibility for the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. The council was asked to support the national campaign for such a medal and for the Leader of the Council to write to the Home Secretary endorsing the proposal. Officers' comments noted Kingston upon Thames' consistently low crime rate and the close working relationship with the police, emphasizing the foundational role of PCSOs in the Safer Neighbourhoods model. The report also provided background information on the national campaign, including a proposal to the Home Office and a similar motion passed by the London Assembly.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as Public Questions, Petitions, Apologies for Absence, and Declarations of Interest. There was also a standard item for Urgent Items Authorised by the Chair and the Exclusion of the Press and Public, should any exempt matters need to be considered.