The Place Committee meeting scheduled for 5 February 2026 was set to discuss the council's financial strategy, including the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the detailed budget for 2026/27. Other key items on the agenda included proposals for highway maintenance, street lighting, and the development of the Local Plan. The committee was also scheduled to consider motions referred from the Council concerning the over-concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and the Vehicle Crossover Policy.

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

The committee was scheduled to review the proposed budget for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30. This included detailed information to inform recommendations to the Corporate and Resources Committee, which would then advise the Council on the budget and Council Tax for 2026/27. The report outlined projected growth and investment in services, new revenue savings, inflationary pressures, and the proposed capital programme over four years. It also detailed the financial context, including national economic conditions and the impact of the cost of living crisis on local government finance. The report highlighted the significant financial challenges faced by local authorities, particularly in adult social care, children's social care, and temporary accommodation. The proposed budget included an average Council Tax at Band D of £2,098.69, representing a 2.99% increase in general Council Tax and a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept. The report also detailed the proposed use of statutory parking and traffic reserves, and outlined budget growth and savings proposals by Council Plan theme.

Motion referred to Committee by Council: Stopping the Over-concentration of HMOs

A motion referred from the Council on 14 October 2025 was scheduled for discussion. The motion noted concerns about the rapid and unchecked growth of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough, particularly in family residential streets, and the perceived negative impacts on community cohesion, antisocial behaviour, parking, waste management, and local services. It highlighted that many smaller HMOs can be created without planning permission under national permitted development rules. The motion proposed that the Council instruct officers to begin implementing an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the conversion of family homes into HMOs, introduce strict saturation policies and thresholds in planning policy, and strengthen licensing and enforcement by imposing tougher licence conditions, increasing inspections, and pursuing maximum penalties against rogue landlords. It also called for full public consultation and a letter to the Secretary of State demanding urgent reform of national planning laws. A petition titled HMO Impact Reduction with 341 verified signatures was also to be considered. Officers' comments indicated that Kingston has a lower proportion of PRS housing and HMOs compared to the London average, and that all PRS housing is subject to regulation under the Housing Act 2004. The report detailed current enforcement activity and the upcoming Renters Rights Act 2025. It also noted that a stock condition assessment had been commissioned, which suggested sufficient evidence to justify further regulation of HMOs. The report outlined the process and timescale for implementing an Article 4 Direction, which could take up to two years, and the potential for introducing a discretionary licensing scheme.

Local Development Scheme for the Local Plan

The committee was asked to approve a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS), which establishes a new work programme for the production of the Borough's Local Plan. The report explained that the previous timetable was outdated due to upcoming policy changes at regional and national levels, including the Government's ambition to accelerate housing delivery, new housing targets, and the GLA's development of a new London Plan. The updated LDS covers the period from December 2025 to December 2027, with the aim of submitting the Local Plan by 31 December 2026 to meet the government's deadline for submission under the current system. The new Local Plan will set out the vision and development strategy for the Borough up to 2043, including strategic and non-strategic policies and site allocations. The report also detailed the current Development Plan documents, including the London Plan, Core Strategy, and the Kingston Town Centre Area Action Plan, and outlined the process for community and stakeholder involvement.

Motion referred to Committee by Council: Vehicle Crossover Policy

A motion from the Council concerning the Vehicle Crossover Policy was scheduled for discussion. The motion noted concerns that the current policy's requirement for a minimum space of 3x4.6m and restrictions on grass verge depth (maximum 2m loss) had led to numerous refusals, even when adequate space for safe off-street parking was available. It highlighted disparities, particularly in areas like Berrylands with deep grass verges. The motion also pointed out that prior to 2019, rejected applications could be referred to Neighbourhood Committees for determination by elected members, ensuring democratic oversight, a process that has since been removed. The motion proposed reviewing and amending the policy on grass verges to allow for deeper verges where safe and practical, and reinstating an appeals process for rejected applications to be referred to Neighbourhood Committees for final determination by elected councillors. Officers' comments indicated that the current policy, adopted in early 2024 and largely based on the 2019 version, is broadly in line with neighbouring authorities. They stated that the policy does not differentiate based on vehicle type, including EVs, and that the 2m limit on verge loss is considered reasonable. An exception for Blue Badge holders to extend the verge limit to 3m was noted. The report detailed the current crossover application statistics, showing a high approval rate, and explained that introducing an appeals process to a committee would add time, cost, and complexity without clear grounds for appeal, as standards are measurable.

Planned Highway Maintenance and Street Lighting Capital Programme 2026/27

The committee was asked to approve the planned highway maintenance programme for 2026/27, including carriageway and footway resurfacing, and to note the situation regarding the street lighting column replacement programme. The proposed carriageway and footway maintenance programme was prioritised based on road condition, usage levels, and other factors. An additional allocation from the Department for Transport (DfT) for highway infrastructure maintenance was also detailed, with a list of proposed roads for maintenance in 2026/27. For street lighting, the corporate budget remained at £400,000, with a programme to be developed following structural testing. The report noted that over 97% of the council's street lighting stock had already been converted to LED. Suggestions from Neighbourhood Committees for the 2025/26 programme were considered for the 2026/27 programme.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) - Procurement Strategy

The committee was asked to approve the outline procurement strategy for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Concession contracts for Kingston and Sutton. This project aims to utilise £886,000 in LEVI Capital funding to deliver on-street electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The report detailed the LEVI objectives, the partnership between Kingston and Sutton, and the proposed procurement strategy, which favoured an Open Procedure. The evaluation criteria would be weighted at 70% quality, 20% commercial, and 10% social value. The procurement would be split into two Lots: Lot 1 for lamp column charging points and Lot 2 for fast and rapid charging points. Authority was sought to progress with the procurement, subject to approval from the LEVI Support Body and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). A further report would be presented for the award of the contracts. The project aligns with the Council's Climate Action Plan and EV Charging Strategy, aiming to provide charging infrastructure at no direct cost to the councils by leveraging external funding and operator investment.

Urgent Decision Taken under Procedure Rule 30 - Procurement Strategy for E-Bike Hire Contract

This report was to inform the committee of an urgent decision taken regarding the procurement strategy for an e-bike hire contract. The decision, made by the Executive Director Corporate Services and Section 151 Officer on the recommendation of the Commissioning Governance Board (CGB) and in consultation with the Co-Chairs of the Place Committee, approved the procurement strategy for concession contracts with two suppliers to operate e-bike hire in Kingston and Sutton. The initial term is 3 years with a 2-year extension option, with an estimated total contract value of £7.88m exc. VAT over the full term. The report noted that the current contract with Human Forest Ltd was extended until 5 May 2026 to allow for reprocurement. Ride volumes had significantly increased, and the market was rapidly evolving. The proposed strategy aims for a revenue-generating contract that covers administration costs and generates a nominal surplus. The procurement would use an Open Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, with bids assessed on price/quality and social value criteria, focusing more on quality. The decision was deemed urgent due to the current contract's expiry date and the need for timely approval to proceed with the tender process.

Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to consider the proposed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2026/27 and set rent and service charge levels. Recommendations included approving the HRA base budget, growth and savings proposals, and the indicative HRA revenue budgets for 2026/27 to 2029/30. The report detailed a proposed average social rent increase of 4.8% in line with government policy, and increases to service charges for sheltered accommodation and garages. It also outlined the capital programme, including significant investment in decarbonisation and retrofit works. The report highlighted the HRA's forecast surplus for 2026/27 and the projected reserve levels, while also identifying key risks such as uncertainty around future rent increases, availability of decarbonisation funding, and potential delays in the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration.

Planned Highway Maintenance and Street Lighting Capital Programme 2026/27

The committee was asked to approve the planned highway maintenance programme for 2026/27, including carriageway and footway schemes, and to note the street lighting column replacement programme. The proposed programme was prioritised based on road condition, usage, and other factors. Additional Department for Transport (DfT) funding for highway infrastructure maintenance was also detailed, with a list of proposed roads for maintenance. The street lighting column replacement programme budget remained at £400,000, with a programme to be developed following structural testing. The report noted that over 97% of the council's street lighting stock had been converted to LED, resulting in significant carbon and financial savings. Suggestions from Neighbourhood Committees for the programme were considered.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) - Procurement Strategy

This report provided information on the development of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Capital Fund project and sought permission to proceed with an Open Procurement for Concession contracts. The LEVI Partnership 9 (Kingston and Sutton) had been allocated £886,000 in LEVI Capital funding. The procurement strategy proposed two Lots: Lot 1 for lamp column charging points and Lot 2 for fast and rapid charging points. The evaluation criteria would be weighted at 70% quality, 20% commercial, and 10% social value. Authority was requested to progress the procurement, subject to approval from the LEVI Support Body and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). A further report would be presented for the award of the contracts. The project aims to increase public EV charging points, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve air quality, aligning with the Council's Climate Action Plan.

Urgent Decision Taken under Procedure Rule 30 - Procurement Strategy for E-Bike Hire Contract

This report informed the committee of an urgent decision taken regarding the procurement strategy for an e-bike hire contract. The decision approved the strategy for awarding concession contracts to two suppliers for e-bike hire in Kingston and Sutton. The initial contract term is 3 years with a 2-year extension option, with an estimated total contract value of £7.88m exc. VAT. The current contract was extended to 5 May 2026 to allow for reprocurement. Ride volumes had significantly increased, and the market was evolving. The proposed strategy aims for a revenue-generating contract. The procurement would use an Open Procedure, with bids assessed on quality, price, and social value, with a greater emphasis on quality. The decision was deemed urgent due to the current contract's expiry and the need for timely approval.

Motion referred to Committee by Council: Vehicle Crossover Policy

A motion concerning the Vehicle Crossover Policy was scheduled for discussion. The motion raised concerns about the current policy's strict requirements for minimum space and grass verge depth, leading to refusals despite adequate space for off-street parking. It highlighted disparities, particularly in areas with deep grass verges, and proposed reinstating an appeals process to Neighbourhood Committees for rejected applications. Officers' comments indicated that the current policy is broadly in line with neighbouring authorities and is considered fair and consistently applied. They argued that introducing an appeals process would add time, cost, and complexity without clear grounds for appeal. The report detailed crossover application statistics, showing a high approval rate, and noted that no appeals had been upheld by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Place Committee - Urgent Decision Taken under Procedure Rule 30 - Procurement Strategy for E-Bike Hire Contract

This report informed the committee of an urgent decision taken regarding the procurement strategy for an e-bike hire contract. The decision approved the strategy for awarding concession contracts to two suppliers for e-bike hire in Kingston and Sutton. The initial contract term is 3 years with a 2-year extension option, with an estimated total contract value of £7.88m exc. VAT. The current contract was extended to 5 May 2026 to allow for reprocurement. Ride volumes had significantly increased, and the market was evolving. The proposed strategy aims for a revenue-generating contract. The procurement would use an Open Procedure, with bids assessed on quality, price, and social value, with a greater emphasis on quality. The decision was deemed urgent due to the current contract's expiry and the need for timely approval.

Planned Highway Maintenance and Street Lighting Capital Programme 2026/27

The committee was asked to approve the planned highway maintenance programme for 2026/27, including carriageway and footway schemes, and to note the street lighting column replacement programme. The proposed programme was prioritised based on road condition, usage, and other factors. Additional Department for Transport (DfT) funding for highway infrastructure maintenance was also detailed, with a list of proposed roads for maintenance. The street lighting column replacement programme budget remained at £400,000, with a programme to be developed following structural testing. The report noted that over 97% of the council's street lighting stock had been converted to LED, resulting in significant carbon and financial savings. Suggestions from Neighbourhood Committees for the programme were considered.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) - Procurement Strategy

The committee was asked to approve the outline procurement strategy for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Concession contracts for Kingston and Sutton. This project aims to utilise £886,000 in LEVI Capital funding to deliver on-street electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The report detailed the LEVI objectives, the partnership between Kingston and Sutton, and the proposed procurement strategy, which favoured an Open Procedure. The evaluation criteria would be weighted at 70% quality, 20% commercial, and 10% social value. The procurement would be split into two Lots: Lot 1 for lamp column charging points and Lot 2 for fast and rapid charging points. Authority was sought to progress the procurement, subject to approval from the LEVI Support Body and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). A further report would be presented for the award of the contracts. The project aligns with the Council's Climate Action Plan and EV Charging Strategy, aiming to increase public EV charging points, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve air quality.

Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to consider the proposed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2026/27 and set rent and service charge levels. Recommendations included approving the HRA base budget, growth and savings proposals, and the indicative HRA revenue budgets for 2026/27 to 2029/30. The report detailed a proposed average social rent increase of 4.8% in line with government policy, and increases to service charges for sheltered accommodation and garages. It also outlined the capital programme, including significant investment in decarbonisation and retrofit works. The report highlighted the HRA's forecast surplus for 2026/27 and the projected reserve levels, while also identifying key risks such as uncertainty around future rent increases, availability of decarbonisation funding, and potential delays in the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration.

Schools Budget Estimates and Schools' Funding Formula

The committee was asked to recommend the approval of the Schools Budget for 2026/27. This included proposals for the Central School Services Block, Early Years Block, High Needs Block, and the Schools Block, along with the Schools Funding Formula. The report detailed the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation for 2026/27, noting an overall increase in funding but highlighting significant financial pressure on high needs education services, with an anticipated cumulative deficit. The report outlined proposed hourly rates for early years entitlements and a minimum funding guarantee of +0.0% per pupil for individual schools' budgets. It also detailed the proposed central services budget and the breakdown of the Early Years Block budget by various elements. The significant budget gap for high needs services was acknowledged, with mitigation strategies outlined in the SEND Futures Plan.