Councillor Andreas Kirsch
Email: Andreas.Kirsch@kingston.gov.uk
Council: Kingston upon Thames
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Andreas Kirsch's council service across 2024 and 2025 reveals a consistent dedication to representing constituents and advocating for robust local government, with a pronounced emphasis on resident welfare and proactive policy engagement in the more recent year.
Key Themes and Priorities:
Across both years, Kirsch's primary focus has been on advocating for improved local government funding and addressing the needs of residents. In 2024, this manifested as a strong push for increased and sustained funding for councils, highlighting the England's Councils in Funding Crisis - Key Asks from the New Government
motion. In 2025, this commitment broadened to encompass specific resident concerns, such as parking charges and the potential impact of national legislation on vulnerable individuals.
Evolution of Focus: While the core concern for council funding and resident representation remained, Kirsch's activities in 2025 show a more granular and direct engagement with specific policy issues and resident welfare. The earlier focus on broad financial advocacy in 2024 evolved into targeted actions in 2025, including campaigning against the Welfare Reform Bill's impact on PIP, opposing the Heathrow third runway, and proposing motions on safety and responsible investment. This suggests a deepening of his proactive approach to policy and a more direct intervention in issues affecting the community.
Most Significant Contributions (Especially in Recent Years):
In 2025, Kirsch's contributions were particularly impactful. His strong opposition to the Heathrow third runway expansion, citing detrimental effects on residents, and his successful advocacy for a return to 30-minute parking increments demonstrate direct wins for constituents. His proactive motion to monitor the Welfare Reform Bill and lobby MPs regarding PIP cuts highlights a commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, his proposed motion Everyone has a right to feel safe
and his adopted amendment to the Responsible Investment Policy
in December 2025 showcase his engagement with broader ethical and safety considerations within council operations.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest: Kirsch consistently demonstrates a commitment to:
- Constituent Representation: Actively engaging in council meetings and addressing resident concerns (e.g., parking charges, PIP).
- Local Government Finance: Advocating for sustainable and adequate funding for councils.
- Proactive Policy Engagement: Proposing motions and amendments to influence council policy and address emerging issues (e.g., safety, responsible investment, welfare reform).
- Environmental Concerns: Opposing infrastructure projects with perceived negative environmental and resident impacts (Heathrow).
Overall, Councillor Andreas Kirsch's recent activity in 2025 underscores a dynamic and engaged councillor who is not only advocating for the financial health of local government but is also deeply invested in the direct welfare and safety of his constituents, demonstrating a clear evolution towards more targeted and impactful policy interventions.
Yearly Activity Timeline
Throughout 2025, Councillor Andreas Kirsch demonstrated consistent engagement in council activities, participating in meetings across eight months. His leadership roles were prominent, serving as Chair for multiple Senior Staff Panel meetings (February, May, October, December) and as Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee (February, September). A key theme of his activity was advocating against the Heathrow third runway expansion, which he strongly opposed in June, citing detrimental effects on residents and noting the redundancy of proposed actions. Kirsch also addressed resident concerns regarding parking charges in July, announcing a shift back to 30-minute payment increments. Furthermore, he actively campaigned against the Welfare Reform Bill's potential cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), proposing a motion to monitor the bill, lobby MPs, and support affected individuals. His involvement in the Kingston Partnership Board in September included welcoming attendees and guiding discussions on a 10-year health plan and the Kingston Compact. In December, Kirsch proposed a motion titled Everyone has a right to feel safe
and an amendment to the Responsible Investment Policy
which was adopted. His contributions highlight a focus on resident welfare, environmental concerns related to infrastructure, and proactive policy engagement.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During December 2025, Andreas Kirsch was active in two council meetings. On December 16th, he served as the Chair of the Senior Staff Panel. In the Council meeting later that day, he proposed a motion titled Everyone has a right to feel safe
on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group. He also proposed an amendment to the Responsible Investment Policy
motion, which was adopted and he voted in favor of it.
Meetings in December 2025
Council - Tuesday 16 December 2025 7:30 pm - 16 December 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch was active in the Council meeting on December 16, 2025. He proposed a motion on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group titled Everyone has a right to feel safe
. Additionally, he proposed an amendment to the Responsible Investment Policy
motion, which was seconded by Councillor Sabah Hamed. This amendment was debated and ultimately adopted as the substantive motion. Councillor Kirsch voted For
the amended Responsible Investment Policy
motion.
Senior Staff Panel - Tuesday 16 December 2025 10:30 am - 16 December 2025
Andreas Kirsch served as the Chair of the Senior Staff Panel during the meeting on December 16, 2025. No specific statements or actions by him were recorded in the provided documents.
During November 2025, Andreas Kirsch participated in two council meetings. He is a member of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee, though no specific actions or statements are recorded for him at the November 5th meeting. He also served as Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting on November 27th, but specific details of his contributions beyond this role are not available in the provided documentation.
Meetings in November 2025
Corporate and Resources Committee - Thursday 27 November 2025 7:30 pm - 27 November 2025
Andreas Kirsch served as Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting on November 27, 2025. However, the available documentation does not provide any specific details regarding statements made or actions taken by him during the meeting beyond his role as Co-Chair.
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Wednesday 5 November 2025 7:30 pm - 5 November 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch is listed as a member of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee. However, the provided document does not indicate any specific actions or statements made by him during the meeting.
During October 2025, Andreas Kirsch's primary recorded activity was serving as the Chair of the Senior Staff Panel on October 24th. No specific statements or actions were documented for him during this meeting.
Meetings in October 2025
Senior Staff Panel - Friday 24 October 2025 9:30 am - 24 October 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch served as the Chair of the Senior Staff Panel during the meeting on October 24, 2025. No specific statements or actions by him were recorded in the provided documents.
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Wednesday 8 October 2025 7:30 pm - 8 October 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch is listed as a member of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee for the meeting on Wednesday 8 October 2025. However, the provided documents contain no record of him speaking or performing any actions during the meeting.
During September 2025, Andreas Kirsch was actively involved in two council meetings. On September 25th, he chaired the Kingston Partnership Board meeting, where he opened the session, welcomed attendees, outlined meeting procedures, facilitated introductions, and guided the board through agenda items including the approval of minutes, a 10-year health plan, and the Kingston Compact for 2025-2028. On September 30th, Kirsch served as Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee. In his roles as Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture, he was associated with the Corporate Peer Challenge Report and Action Plan.
Meetings in September 2025
Corporate and Resources Committee - Tuesday 30 September 2025 7:30 pm - 30 September 2025
Andreas Kirsch served as the Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting on September 30, 2025. He also holds the position of Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture. In his capacity as the Relevant Portfolio Holder, he was associated with the Corporate Peer Challenge Report and Action Plan.
Kingston Partnership Board - Thursday 25 September 2025 2:00 pm - 25 September 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch chaired the Kingston Partnership Board meeting on 25 September 2025. He opened the meeting, welcomed attendees, and explained the meeting procedures, including live-streaming and emergency evacuation. He initiated introductions of the board members and moved through the agenda, approving the minutes of the previous meeting. Kirsch introduced the first business item, the 10-year health plan and neighbourhood health update, before opening the floor for questions. He then introduced the pharmaceutical needs assessment and the final substantive item, the Kingston Compact for 2025-2028.
During the July 8, 2025 council meeting, Councillor Andreas Kirsch addressed resident concerns about parking charges, announcing a shift back to 30-minute payment increments and explaining the rationale behind the increases. He also provided reassurance regarding CAREVAS permissions and dispensations. Additionally, Kirsch proposed a motion to campaign against the Welfare Reform Bill's potential cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), highlighting the anticipated impact on local services and resolving to monitor the Bill, lobby MPs, and equip council advice services to support PIP recipients and their carers.
Meetings in July 2025
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Wednesday 16 July 2025 7:30 pm, NEW - 16 July 2025
Andreas Kirsch, a Councillor for Chessington South and Malden Rushett Ward, was a member of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee. However, the provided reports pack contains no record of any specific statements or actions attributed to him during the meeting.
Council - Tuesday 8 July 2025 7:30 pm - 8 July 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch addressed concerns regarding unfair parking charges, explaining the rationale behind the increases and outlining changes to the payment structure. He stated that the council is reverting to 30-minute increments for parking charges, meaning residents will only pay for the time parked up to 30 minutes, rather than a full hour. He also reassured petitioners about potential issues with CAREVAS, explaining available options for special permissions and dispensations.
Kirsch also proposed a motion concerning the Welfare Reform Bill and its potential impact on disability and long-term sickness benefits, specifically Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The motion highlighted that the proposed changes could affect a significant number of PIP claimants in the Kingston and Surbiton area, potentially leading to increased demand for council welfare, housing, and social care services. The council resolved to campaign against these cuts, monitor the Bill's progress, and lobby MPs to oppose it, while also ensuring council advice services are equipped to support PIP recipients and their carers.
During June 2025, Andreas Kirsch, Leader of the Council & Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture and Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee, strongly voiced his opposition to the third runway at Heathrow. He reiterated the council's long-standing stance against the expansion, dating back to 2019, and highlighted their active campaigning against it in conjunction with the mayor and the GLA. Kirsch emphasized the detrimental effects on residents, including air and noise pollution, mental health concerns, and increased pressure on the transport network. He also noted that the motion before the committee was redundant in case that we already acted on the things you were suggesting.
Meetings in June 2025
Place Committee - Tuesday 24 June 2025 7:30 pm - 24 June 2025
Andreas Kirsch, Leader of the Council & Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture and Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee, expressed strong opposition to the third runway at Heathrow. He highlighted the council's long-standing tradition of opposing the expansion, dating back to 2019 when they joined an alliance against it. Kirsch stated that the administration actively campaigning against it together with the mayor and the GLA
and acted on this as soon as possible after the government announced this.
He emphasized the negative impacts on residents, including air and noise pollution, mental health issues, and additional strain on the transport network. Kirsch concluded that the motion before the committee was redundant in case that we already acted on the things you were suggesting.
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Thursday 12 June 2025 7:30 pm - 12 June 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch, representing Chessington South and Malden Rushett Ward, was a member of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee at the meeting on June 12, 2025. However, the provided documents contain no record of him speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting.
During May 2025, Andreas Kirsch's primary activity was serving as the Chair of the Senior Staff Panel meeting on May 6th.
Meetings in May 2025
Senior Staff Panel - Tuesday 6 May 2025 9:30 am - 6 May 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch served as the Chair of the Senior Staff Panel meeting on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.
In April 2025, Andreas Kirsch, as Leader of the Council, participated in a cross-party Member Working Group that had previously reviewed the Constitution. The group convened twice between December 2024 and January 2025 to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution, which were then submitted to the Corporate and Resources Committee for recommendation to the Council. There is no record of Andreas Kirsch speaking or taking action at the Kingston Partnership Board meeting on April 24, 2025.
Meetings in April 2025
Kingston Partnership Board - Thursday 24 April 2025 10:00 am - 24 April 2025
There is no record of Andreas Kirsch speaking or taking action in the provided documents from the Kingston Partnership Board meeting on April 24, 2025.
Council - Tuesday 1 April 2025 7:30 pm - 1 April 2025
Andreas Kirsch, as Leader of the Council, participated in a cross-party Member Working Group that reviewed the Constitution. The group convened twice between December 2024 and January 2025 to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution. These proposals were subsequently submitted to the Corporate and Resources Committee for recommendation to the Council.
During March 2025, Councillor Andreas Kirsch participated as a member of the Blue Badge Appeals Panel on March 28th. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him in the public reports.
Meetings in March 2025
Blue Badge Appeals Panel - Friday 28 March 2025 9:45 am - 28 March 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch was a member of the Blue Badge Appeals Panel for the meeting on Friday, 28 March 2025. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him in the provided public reports pack.
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Tuesday 25 March 2025 7:30 pm - 25 March 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch is a member of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee, representing Chessington South and Malden Rushett Ward. He allocated a total of £1720 from his Councillor Ward Funding, leaving a remaining balance of £280. The allocations were as follows:
- £800 to Chessington Square 1 Cafe & Chessington Community Pantry
- £600 to Planters across Chessington South & Malden Rushett
- £300 to Kingston Roots Community Kitchen
- £20 to Hook Centre AED Pads
During February 2025, Councillor Andreas Kirsch was actively involved in several council meetings. He served as the Chair for two Senior Staff Panel meetings, one on February 10th and another on February 20th. Additionally, he was a listed member of the Blue Badge Appeals Panel on February 7th and attended the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting on February 13th in his capacity as Co-Chair. While his participation in these meetings is noted, there are no specific records of him speaking or taking individual actions.
Meetings in February 2025
Senior Staff Panel - Thursday 20 February 2025 9:30 am - 20 February 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch served as the Chair of the Senior Staff Panel meeting on Thursday, 20 February 2025. No specific statements or actions by him were recorded in the provided documents.
Corporate and Resources Committee - Thursday 13 February 2025 7:30 pm - 13 February 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch attended the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting on 2025-02-13 in his capacity as Co-Chair. The provided report pack does not contain any record of him speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.
Senior Staff Panel - Monday 10 February 2025 9:45 am - 10 February 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch served as the Chair of the Senior Staff Panel meeting on February 10, 2025. No specific statements or actions by him were recorded in the provided documents.
Blue Badge Appeals Panel - Friday 7 February 2025 10:30 am - 7 February 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch was a listed member of the Blue Badge Appeals Panel for the meeting on Friday 7 February 2025. There is no record of him speaking or taking any action in the provided documents.
Kingston Partnership Board - Tuesday 4 February 2025 1:30 pm - 4 February 2025
Councillor Andreas Kirsch is listed as a member of the Kingston Partnership Board. However, the available documentation does not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
In 2024, Councillor Andreas Kirsch's activities focused on two key areas: representing his constituents and advocating for improved local government funding. In October, he sent his apologies for an absence from a South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting. In December, he took a prominent role in council meetings, proposing and advocating for a motion addressing the England's Councils in Funding Crisis - Key Asks from the New Government.
This motion outlined significant financial challenges faced by councils and called for specific government actions, including increased and sustained funding, multi-year settlements, an end to competitive bidding, immediate support for the care sector, investment in social housing, flexible homelessness prevention funding, greater financial autonomy, and a review of council tax. Councillor Kirsch also voted in favour of this critical motion.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During the December 2024 council meetings, Councillor Andreas Kirsch, representing the Liberal Democrat Group, was active in proposing and advocating for a motion addressing the England's Councils in Funding Crisis - Key Asks from the New Government.
This motion highlighted the critical financial challenges faced by councils due to funding gaps, rising costs in essential services, and unsustainable funding models. Councillor Kirsch proposed that the council write to government officials to request increased and sustained funding, multi-year settlements, an end to competitive bidding for funds, immediate support for the care sector, investment in social housing, flexible homelessness prevention funding, greater financial autonomy for local authorities, and a review of council tax. He also voted in favour of this motion.
Meetings in December 2024
Council - Thursday 12 December 2024 7:30 pm - 12 December 2024
Councillor Andreas Kirsch, on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group, proposed a motion titled England's Councils in Funding Crisis - Key Asks from the New Government.
The motion detailed the severe financial crisis facing councils, citing significant funding gaps, increased cost pressures, and rising expenditure in essential services like children's social care, adult social care, and homelessness prevention. It argued that the current funding model is unsustainable and that central government retains too much control. The motion resolved to write to key government figures outlining specific asks, including increased and sustained funding, multi-year settlements, an end to competitive bid funding, immediate funding for the care sector, investment in social housing, flexible funding for homelessness prevention, greater financial autonomy for local authorities, and a fundamental review of council tax. Councillor Kirsch also voted in favour of this motion.
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Wednesday 4 December 2024 7:30 pm - 4 December 2024
Councillor Andreas Kirsch, representing Chessington South and Malden Rushett Ward, is a member of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee. He allocated Councillor Ward Funding to several initiatives, including £500 for Chessington Square 1 Cafe, £1100 and £900 for unspecified purposes, and £600 for planters across Chessington South & Malden Rushett.
During November 2024, Councillor Andreas Kirsch served as a Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting held on November 21, 2024. However, the available documentation does not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by him during the meeting.
Meetings in November 2024
Corporate and Resources Committee - Thursday 21 November 2024 7:30 pm - 21 November 2024
Councillor Andreas Kirsch served as a Co-Chair of the Corporate and Resources Committee meeting on November 21, 2024. However, the available documentation does not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
Councillor Andreas Kirsch sent his apologies for his absence from the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting on October 1, 2024.
Meetings in October 2024
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Tuesday 1 October 2024 7:30 pm - 1 October 2024
Councillor Andreas Kirsch sent his apologies for his absence from the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting on October 1, 2024.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
55 meetings · Page 4 of 11
Council - Tuesday 8 July 2025 7:30 pm
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council met to debate petitions regarding parking charges and pension fund investments, as well as to discuss a motion on welfare reform. Councillors agreed to establish a cross-party task force to review pension fund investments and also voted to campaign against changes to disability benefits. The council also formally recognised John Azar OBE, for being admitted to the status of Honorary Freeman of the Royal Borough.
Corporate and Resources Committee - Thursday 26 June 2025 7:30 pm
Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions at the upcoming Corporate and Resources Committee meeting. The agenda includes reports on the council's financial performance, progress against the Council Plan, and motions concerning social media use and national insurance increases. Also to be noted is an urgent decision regarding Google Workspace licences.
Place Committee - Tuesday 24 June 2025 7:30 pm
The Place Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including parking charges, a proposed footbridge, opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport, habitat banks, retrofitting council buildings, and the redevelopment of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station. The committee approved progressing with the investigation and setting up of habitat banks on council-owned land, and also approved the implementation of energy conservation measures at council buildings. The committee also agreed to progress with the redevelopment of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station to the end of RIBA[^1] 4.
Kingston Partnership Board - Monday 23 June 2025 3:00 pm
The Kingston Partnership Board was scheduled to discuss the Director of Public Health's annual report, and the Better Care Fund year end report. There was also scheduled to be a verbal update on the work of the board.
South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee - Thursday 12 June 2025 7:30 pm
The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee met on 12 June 2025 to discuss neighbourhood working arrangements, community grant applications, and a proposed weight restriction. The committee was also scheduled to elect a chair and vice chair for the 2025/26 municipal year, as well as a chair for the Planning Sub Committee. Members were also expected to answer questions from the public.
Decisions from Meetings
109 decisions · Page 1 of 22
Appointment to Outside Bodies
From: Council - Tuesday 16 December 2025 7:30 pm - December 16, 2025
Decision made
Timetable of Meetings 2026/27
From: Council - Tuesday 16 December 2025 7:30 pm - December 16, 2025
Appointment of Members to Committees, Panels or other bodies
From: Council - Tuesday 16 December 2025 7:30 pm - December 16, 2025
Renewal of Appointment of Independent Members
From: Council - Tuesday 16 December 2025 7:30 pm - December 16, 2025
Decision made
Retention of the Committee System Governance Arrangements
From: Council - Tuesday 16 December 2025 7:30 pm - December 16, 2025
Decision made
Summary
Meetings Attended: 55
Average per Month: 2.6
Decisions Recorded: 109