The People Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 10 March 2026, approving key agreements and contracts that will shape public health services and children's services for the coming years. Decisions included the approval of a Section 75 Partnership Agreement with the South West London Integrated Care Board, the extension of major public health contracts, and the award of a new pan-London sexual health e-service contract. The committee also approved the budget, financial strategy, and strategic plan for Achieving for Children, the company responsible for delivering children's services across Kingston, Richmond, and Windsor & Maidenhead.

Council Delivery Plan 2026/27

The committee recommended the actions within the draft Council Delivery Plan for 2026/27 that are relevant to the People Committee for approval by the Corporate and Resources Committee. This plan outlines the key strategic priority actions for the upcoming financial year, aligning with the Council Plan's vision of a fairer, safer, greener, and more connected borough, with a commitment to a future-ready council. The plan is informed by resident feedback and aims to ensure that council activities are aligned with the council's ambitions for its residents and communities.

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 2026/27 with the South West London Integrated Care Board (SWL ICB). This agreement, governed by Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006, facilitates collaboration and integration between the NHS and local government, enabling more effective commissioning of preventative services and improved health and care outcomes for Kingston residents. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care & Health, in consultation with other relevant directors and portfolio holders, to finalise any in-year changes to the agreement.

Additionally, the committee approved the extension of major public health contracts for 2026/27. These include the ICB Mental Health contract with South West London St George's (SWLStG) for Drug and Alcohol Services, and contracts with Kingston & Richmond NHS Foundation Trust for Health Visiting and School Health (0-19) services, Contraceptive and Sexual Health (CaSH) Services, and the Level 3 Specialist Sexual Health Service (GUM). These extensions are crucial for ensuring the continuity of essential public health services.

Achieving for Children Ownership Decisions

The committee approved the detailed 2026/27 budget, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Treasury Plan, and Strategic Plan for Achieving for Children (AfC). As a joint owner of AfC, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, along with Richmond and Windsor & Maidenhead, has reserved decision-making powers over these key strategic and financial matters. The approved budget for AfC in 2026/27 is £242.414 million, with over 88% allocated to social care and education services. The Medium Term Financial Strategy aims for financial sustainability amidst escalating pressures, focusing on value for money, frontline service maximisation, and shared budget responsibility. The Strategic Plan outlines priorities for safe and healthy children, positive futures, stronger families, and a dynamic organisation, guiding AfC's work over the next five years.

Contract Award for the Sexual Health London (E-service)

Approval was granted for Kingston Public Health to enter into a high-value contract award for the Sexual Health London (SHL) e-service. This decision follows a competitive tender process led by the City of London Corporation on behalf of 30 London boroughs. The new contract, commencing in August 2026 and potentially extending to March 2035, will provide residents aged 16 and over with convenient and confidential access to sexual health testing and treatment online. The pan-London model leverages collective purchasing power and ensures consistent service standards, with Kingston's forecasted expenditure over the nine-year period being approximately £2.195 million, funded by the Public Health Grant. This service is estimated to be 33% cheaper than clinic-based testing and contributes to improved sexual health outcomes and reduced health inequalities.

Community Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Service (Adults)

The committee approved the commissioning of a new community-based drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service for adults, with a new contract set to commence on 1st April 2027. The procurement will utilise the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Competitive Process. The estimated value of the contract for the initial five-year term is £11,544,120 (excluding VAT), with an option to extend for a further two years, bringing the total potential contract value to £16,474,952. This recommissioning aims to rationalise the service delivery structure and ensure long-term stability, innovation, and workforce retention, aligning with national strategies to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm and improve health outcomes.

Procurement of Health Visiting & School Health Services (0-19)

Approval was given for the re-procurement of the 0–19 Health Visiting and School Health Service using a Competitive Process under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). The contract will have an initial term of five years with an option to extend for a further two years, with a total contract value estimated to range from £23,100,000 to £25,900,000 excluding VAT. This service is crucial for supporting children, young people, and families, contributing to improved health outcomes, reduced health inequalities, and enhanced child development. The procurement aims to ensure the delivery of quality universal and targeted services, aligning with the Healthy Child Programme and contributing to the council's broader priorities for a fairer, safer, and healthier borough.

Council Delivery Plan 2026/27 Appendix B

The committee recommended the actions within the draft Council Delivery Plan for 2026/27 that are relevant to the People Committee for approval by the Corporate and Resources Committee. This plan outlines the key strategic priority actions for the upcoming financial year, aligning with the Council Plan's vision of a fairer, safer, greener, and more connected borough, with a commitment to a future-ready council. The plan is informed by resident feedback and aims to ensure that council activities are aligned with the council's ambitions for its residents and communities.