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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary

Last updated: about 2 months ago

Councillor Andrew Bolton's council service across 2024, 2025, and 2026 reveals a consistent dedication to community well-being and responsible governance, with a notable increase in focused activity and specific contributions in the most recent years.

Recent Focus (2026): In 2026, Councillor Bolton's engagement was particularly concentrated within the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee. His participation in grant application discussions highlights a direct involvement in community funding. While declaring a non-registrable interest in the Oxygen community grant due to a personal connection, he actively participated in the decision-making process. Notably, he voted against an amendment for the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group but ultimately supported its £1,100 funding, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to community support. He also unequivocally backed significant funding for Kingston Giving and Oxygen, approving £3,000 for each, underscoring a commitment to established community initiatives.

Evolving Priorities and Consistent Interests (2025 & 2024): Councillor Bolton's activities in 2025 and 2024 provide valuable context for his recent work. In 2025, he assumed a leadership role as Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, indicating a growing responsibility and a focus on regulatory matters. His participation in policy discussions, such as voting in favour of a School Street for Christchurch Infants School, demonstrates an interest in improving local infrastructure and educational environments. His inquiry into the council's funding strategy for a proposed footbridge over the River Thames, specifically regarding asset sales, points to a keen interest in financial prudence and long-term planning. His representation of Coombe Vale Ward and inquiries into staff flux within the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel suggest a broader concern for council operations and service delivery.

In 2024, Bolton's consistent engagement with the Licensing Sub-Committee, culminating in his election as Chair, solidified his role in overseeing important regulatory functions. His use of Councillor Ward Funding (CWF) to support the Dickerage Youth Centre and the Coombe School Poster Competition in 2024 showcases a direct commitment to local youth and educational initiatives. His vote in favour of a motion addressing the funding crisis facing England's councils in December 2024 indicates a broader awareness of and concern for the financial stability of local government.

Key Themes and Contributions: Across these years, key themes include community funding and support, regulatory oversight (particularly licensing), financial prudence and planning, and local infrastructure and education. His most significant recent contributions in 2026 lie in his direct involvement and voting on community grant approvals, demonstrating a hands-on approach to allocating resources. His earlier roles as Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee and his engagement with financial planning in 2025 and 2024 show a progression towards more impactful leadership and strategic thinking.

Evolution of Focus: Councillor Bolton's focus appears to have evolved from broader participation and committee leadership in earlier years to more specific and direct involvement in community funding decisions in 2026. While maintaining an interest in financial matters and regulatory oversight, his recent activities highlight a strong commitment to tangible community benefits through grant allocation.

Yearly Activity Timeline

In January 2026, Councillor Andrew Bolton was active in the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee. He declared a non-registrable interest in the Oxygen community grant due to a personal connection. He participated in votes on grant applications, voting against an amendment for the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group but ultimately supporting its £1,100 funding approval. He also voted in favor of approving £3,000 each for Kingston Giving and Oxygen.

Monthly Activity in 2026

During the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee meeting on January 22, 2026, Councillor Andrew Bolton declared a non-registrable interest in the Oxygen community grant application due to a personal connection. He voted against an amendment related to the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group application but later supported its approval for £1,100 in funding. Councillor Bolton also voted in favor of approving grant funding for Kingston Giving (£3,000) and Oxygen (£3,000).

Meetings in January 2026
New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee - Thursday 22 January 2026 7:30 pm - 22 January 2026

Councillor Andrew Bolton declared a non-registrable interest in the Oxygen community grant application due to knowing someone involved with the charity. He made a comment before leaving the room. During the meeting, Councillor Bolton voted against an amendment concerning the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group application but subsequently voted in favour of approving their application for £1,100 in Neighbourhood Community Grant funding. He also voted in favour of approving grant funding for Kingston Giving (£3,000) and Oxygen (£3,000).

Activity Timeline

Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.

60 meetings · Page 1 of 12

Council Member

Annual Council, Council - Thursday 21 May 2026 7:30 pm

May 21, 2026, 7:30 pm
Place Committee Member

Place Committee - Thursday, 12 March 2026 - 7:30 pm

The Place Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss a revised abandoned vehicle policy, the council's delivery plan for 2026/27, and the local development scheme. The meeting also included discussions on planned highway maintenance, street lighting, and the procurement strategy for electric vehicle infrastructure.

March 12, 2026, 7:30 pm
Council Member

Budget Council, Council - Thursday 26 February 2026 8:00 pm

The Kingston upon Thames Council convened for a Budget Council meeting on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to discuss and potentially approve the financial strategy and detailed budget for the upcoming years. Key items on the agenda included the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026-2030 and the detailed budget for 2026/27, alongside the Capital Strategy and Treasury Strategy. The meeting also scheduled discussions on the Statement of Licensing Policy, a determination of a complaint against Councillor Kamala Kugan, and a review of political proportionality on Council bodies.

February 26, 2026, 8:00 pm
Council Member

Special Meeting, Council - Thursday 26 February 2026 7:30 pm

The Council of Kingston upon Thames convened for a special meeting on Thursday 26 February 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was the potential conferment of the Freedom of the Borough on the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteer Corps).

February 26, 2026, 7:30 pm
Place Committee Member

Place Committee - Thursday 5 February 2026 7:30 pm

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.

February 05, 2026, 7:30 pm

Decisions from Meetings

75 decisions · Page 4 of 15

Seething Wells - Annual Update

From: Place Committee - Thursday 18 September 2025 7:30 pm - September 18, 2025

...to note the updates regarding the Seething Wells Filter Beds, including progress on heritage protection applications, landowner dialogue, and community engagement, as detailed in paragraphs 4-12 of the report.

Recommendations Approved

Motion: Welfare Reform Bill - changes to disability and long-term sickness benefits

From: Council - Tuesday 8 July 2025 7:30 pm - July 08, 2025

...to address concerns about the Welfare Reform Bill's potential impact on disability and long-term sickness benefits, the Council resolved to work with MPs to campaign against cuts, monitor the Timms Review and the Bill, monitor the back-to-work support package, keep the People Committee informed, foster an inclusive community, ensure adequate advice services, help with applications and appeals, and enhance their Information, Advice and Guidance offer.

Summary

Meetings Attended: 60

Average per Month: 2.5

Decisions Recorded: 75