This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Smoking and Vaping, and Shapes Neighbourhood Health Services

The Joint Health & Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, May 28th, to discuss critical public health initiatives, including progress on smoking cessation and the evolving role of the board in shaping neighbourhood health services. An update on the Better Care Fund¹ was also provided.

A significant focus was placed on Ambition 2 of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which targets smoking cessation and tobacco control. Smoking remains a major cause of preventable illness and premature death, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as those in deprived areas, individuals with mental health needs, and certain ethnic minority communities. The board reviewed a comprehensive strategy that includes prevention programmes for young people, robust enforcement against illicit tobacco and vapes, and enhanced smoking cessation support services. The upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is expected to provide new powers to tackle these issues.

The board also considered its strategic role in the shift towards neighbourhood-based healthcare, as outlined in national guidance. This approach aims to deliver health and care services around defined neighbourhood populations, with an emphasis on prevention, proactive care, and reducing health inequalities. The board is positioned as the strategic anchor for this new model, ensuring that neighbourhood health plans align with local needs and priorities.

This proactive approach to public health is vital for improving the well-being of all residents and addressing existing health disparities across the borough.

Read more about the Joint Health & Wellbeing Board meeting.

Council Formalises Committee Structures and Appointments

The Meetings of Council-side Committees convened on Wednesday, May 27th, to formalise committee memberships and appoint Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the upcoming year. These appointments are crucial for the effective functioning of the council, as committees are responsible for scrutinising council work, making decisions on specific policy areas, and ensuring accountability to residents.

The meeting confirmed changes to committee memberships that had been approved at the Annual Meeting of the Council. The appointments of Chairs and Vice-Chairs for committees including the Adult Social Care and Health Select Committee, Environment Select Committee, Family Services Select Committee, and Planning Committee, among others, were also finalised. These roles are vital in guiding the work of each committee and ensuring that council business is conducted efficiently and effectively.

Read more about the Meetings of Council-side Committees.

Planning Applications Committee Reviews Diverse Development Proposals

The Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday, May 26th, to consider a wide array of planning applications that will shape the borough's built environment. These decisions directly influence the character of our neighbourhoods, the availability of housing, and the quality of life for residents.

The committee reviewed numerous applications, including:

• Residential Improvements: Proposals for window replacements and extensions at various residential properties, such as 51 Golborne Road and Flat 5, 55 Linden Gardens, were discussed. These decisions often involve balancing the need for property upgrades with the preservation of architectural heritage.
• New Developments: The committee considered significant redevelopment proposals, including the demolition and rebuilding of Alan Morkill House to create a new care home, and the redevelopment of Unit 9, Latimer Industrial Estate, for mixed commercial and residential use. These large-scale projects have a substantial impact on local areas, and the committee carefully weighs the benefits against potential concerns.
• Commercial and Infrastructure Projects: Applications for alterations to commercial units, such as at Harrington Court, and for infrastructure upgrades, like at the Central Library, were also on the agenda. These decisions contribute to the economic vitality and public services within the borough.

The committee's deliberations ensure that development proposals align with local planning policies and contribute positively to the community, while also addressing resident concerns regarding issues such as privacy, noise, and the impact on local amenity.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Full Council met on Wednesday, May 27th, to elect the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, marking the commencement of the new civic year. The meeting also included a review of committee appointments and a discussion on the council's budget and Council Tax for the upcoming year. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the Grenfell tragedy.

Read more about the Full Council meeting.

The Leadership Team met on Thursday, May 28th, to approve a significant contract for the refurbishment of homes on the Lancaster West Estate. This £74.7 million contract with Amber Construction Services Ltd will upgrade 367 homes across Barandon Walk, Hurstway Walk, and Testerton Walk, focusing on improving thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and fire safety. This is a crucial step towards ensuring all tenanted homes in the Walkways blocks meet the Decent Homes Standard² by 2030.

Read more about the Leadership Team meeting.

The Licensing Sub-Committee meetings scheduled for Thursday, May 28th, were cancelled.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Major Estate Refurbishment Contract Worth Over £74 Million Approved

The Leadership Team met on Thursday, May 28th, to approve a significant contract for the refurbishment of homes on the Lancaster West Estate. The decision greenlights a £74.7 million contract with Amber Construction Services Ltd to upgrade 367 homes across Barandon Walk, Hurstway Walk, and Testerton Walk.

This extensive project aims to improve thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and crucially, fire safety for residents. Works will include new triple-glazed windows, external wall insulation, balcony refurbishments, and upgraded electrical systems. This is a vital step in the council's commitment to ensuring all tenanted homes in the Walkways blocks meet the Decent Homes Standard¹ by 2030.

The decision follows extensive resident engagement and co-design processes, with a majority of residents supporting the proposed works. The council has also conducted thorough Equality Impact Assessments (EqIA) and Safety Impact Assessments (SIA) to ensure the project is delivered safely and inclusively, addressing potential impacts on residents.

This substantial investment highlights the council's focus on improving living conditions and safety for its residents, particularly those in social housing.

Read more about the Leadership Team meeting.

Council Gears Up for New Mayoral Year and Committee Appointments

The Full Council met on Wednesday, May 27th, to elect the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, marking the start of the new civic year. The meeting also focused on reviewing committee representation and making appointments to various council bodies.

These appointments are fundamental to how the council operates, as committees are responsible for scrutinising council work, making decisions on specific areas, and ensuring accountability. The outcome of these appointments will shape the direction of council policy and service delivery for the coming year.

The meeting also included a moment of silence in remembrance of the Grenfell tragedy, underscoring the council's ongoing commitment to safety and community well-being.

Read more about the Full Council meeting.

Health and Wellbeing Board to Focus on Neighbourhood Health and Smoking Cessation

The Joint Health & Wellbeing Board is set to meet on Thursday, May 28th, with a key focus on the strategic role of the board in shaping neighbourhood health and tackling smoking and vaping-related harm. The meeting will also provide an update on the Better Care Fund¹.

The board will discuss how national guidance is driving a shift towards neighbourhood-based healthcare, aiming to improve prevention, proactive care, and reduce inequalities. The board is expected to act as a strategic anchor for this new approach, ensuring that healthcare models are tailored to the diverse needs of local populations.

A significant part of the agenda is dedicated to Ambition 2 of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, focusing on smoking cessation and tobacco control. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable illness and premature death, with disproportionately high rates among vulnerable groups, including those in deprived areas and individuals with mental health needs. The board will review a comprehensive strategy that combines prevention, enforcement, and cessation support, with targeted efforts to reduce smoking and vaping among young people. The upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is expected to strengthen enforcement powers and introduce new regulations to curb the appeal of tobacco and vapes.

This focus on public health initiatives is crucial for improving the well-being of residents and addressing health inequalities across the borough.

Read more about the Joint Health & Wellbeing Board meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee meetings scheduled for Thursday, May 21st, and Thursday, May 28th, were cancelled.

The Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday, May 26th, to consider a range of planning applications, including proposals for residential extensions, new dwellings, and commercial developments. These decisions directly impact the character of our neighbourhoods and the quality of life for residents.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

The Meetings of Council-side Committees convened on Wednesday, May 27th, to discuss changes to committee memberships and the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Council Constitution Reviewed: The Rulebook for Local Governance

The Constitution committee met on Wednesday, May 13th, to discuss and review the council's foundational document: the Constitution. This is the rulebook that governs how the council operates, makes decisions, and ensures accountability to residents. Understanding the Constitution is key to understanding how your local government functions.

The Constitution is divided into several parts, each addressing a critical aspect of council operations:

• The Council and Local People: This section outlines the council's structure, how councillors are elected, and their responsibilities to you, the residents. It also details the council's core values, such as Putting communities first, and how you can participate in local decision-making.
• Councillors' Roles and Conduct: This part sets out the ethical standards expected of councillors through the Councillor Code of Conduct, ensuring integrity and accountability. It also covers how councillors access information and their allowances.
• The Mayor and Full Council Meetings: This defines the roles of the Mayor and the Full Council, the primary forum for debating and deciding on major issues like the budget and local policies. It also includes the Standing Orders that govern how meetings are conducted.
• The Executive Structure: This explains how the Leadership Team, responsible for most major service and policy decisions, operates. It clarifies what constitutes a Key Decision and how these are communicated to the public.
• Committees and Non-Executive Functions: This details the various committees that scrutinise council work and make decisions on specific areas, from planning to licensing.
• Joint Arrangements, Officers, and Procedures: These sections cover how the council works with other authorities, the roles and responsibilities of council officers, and the essential procedural rules for governance, finance, and contracts.

The committee's review ensures that these fundamental rules remain robust, transparent, and effective in guiding the council's work for the benefit of all residents.

Read more about the Constitution meeting.

Planning Applications: Shaping Our Neighbourhoods

The Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday, May 26th, to consider a range of development proposals that will shape our local environment. These decisions have a direct impact on the character of our streets, the availability of housing, and the quality of life for residents.

The committee reviewed numerous applications, including:

• Window Replacements and Maintenance: Applications for window replacements at properties like 51 Golborne Road and 210 Ladbroke Grove were discussed. These decisions often balance the need for building improvements with the preservation of architectural character.
• New Dwellings and Extensions: Proposals for new dwellinghouses, such as at Garage and Former Sub-station adjacent to 51 Cathcart Road, and extensions, like the mansard roof extension at Flat A, 27 Holland Street, were on the agenda. These decisions can impact housing supply and the density of our neighbourhoods.
• Community Facilities and Infrastructure: The committee considered plans for refurbishing facilities, such as at the Central Library, and for new community amenities. These developments are crucial for providing services and recreational opportunities for residents.
• Major Redevelopments: Significant applications included the proposed redevelopment of Unit 9, Latimer Industrial Estate, into a five-storey building with commercial and residential units, and the demolition and rebuilding of Alan Morkill House to provide a new care home. These large-scale projects have a substantial impact on the local area, and the committee carefully weighs the benefits against concerns raised by residents.
• Concerns Raised by Residents: Many applications generated objections from residents, citing issues such as loss of privacy, noise, impact on conservation areas, and concerns about the loss of local amenities. For example, the proposed roof terrace at Flat 5, 55 Linden Gardens received objections related to overlooking and impact on the conservation area. The committee's role is to balance development aspirations with the need to protect the quality of life and amenity of existing residents.

These planning decisions are a core function of local government, directly influencing the physical landscape of our borough and the living conditions of its inhabitants.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, May 14th. While the meeting status is pending council publication, it is understood that the committee considered a range of licensing applications. These decisions directly impact local businesses and the amenity of residential areas, balancing economic activity with the prevention of public nuisance and ensuring public safety.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Council Reaffirms its Governing Rules: What the Constitution Means for You

The Constitution committee met on Thursday, May 7th, to re-adopt the council's governing document, the Constitution, with amendments. This is a crucial process that underpins how the council operates, makes decisions, and remains accountable to you, the residents.

The Constitution is more than just a rulebook; it's the framework that ensures fairness, transparency, and effectiveness in local government. It outlines everything from how councillors are elected and expected to behave, to how major decisions are made and how council services are managed.

Key Aspects of the Constitution and Their Impact:

• Part One: The Council and Local People: This section defines the council's relationship with you. It sets out the values that guide council decisions, such as Putting communities first and Respect, and details how you can get involved through engagement, consultation, and co-design. This means your voice can directly influence local policies and projects.
• Part Two: Councillors: This part includes the Councillor Code of Conduct, which sets high ethical standards for elected officials. It ensures councillors act with integrity and are accountable to you. It also covers allowances and support for councillors, aiming to make public service accessible.
• Part Three: The Mayor and Full Council Meetings: This details the roles of the Mayor and the Full Council, the main forum for debating and deciding on significant issues like the budget and local policies. The rules for these meetings ensure they are conducted openly and efficiently.
• Part Four: The Executive: This describes the Leadership Team, responsible for most major service and policy decisions. Understanding how the Executive operates is key to knowing who makes the big calls on your behalf and how those decisions are made.
• Part Five: Committees: This outlines the various committees that scrutinise council work and make decisions on specific areas, from planning to licensing. These committees are vital for ensuring specialist knowledge is applied and that decisions are well-considered.
• Part Seven: Officers: This section defines the roles and responsibilities of council staff, ensuring clear lines of accountability and professional conduct. It highlights the importance of impartial advice and efficient service delivery.
• Part Eight: Procedures: This includes crucial rules on financial management, contract awards, and access to information. These procedures are designed to prevent misuse of public funds and ensure that council business is conducted openly.

The re-adoption of the Constitution, with amendments made following its previous adoption on January 28th, 2026, signifies the council's commitment to maintaining robust governance. This process ensures that the council continues to operate effectively and ethically, serving the best interests of all residents.

Read more about the Constitution meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, May 7th. While the meeting status is pending council publication, it is understood that the committee considered a range of licensing applications. These decisions directly impact local businesses and the amenity of residential areas, balancing economic activity with the prevention of public nuisance and ensuring public safety.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.