This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Council Grapples with Planning Applications: From Basement Excavations to New Sports Facilities

The Planning Applications Committee met on Thursday, April 16th, to consider a wide array of development proposals that will shape our neighbourhoods. These decisions impact everything from the character of our streets to the availability of community amenities, and crucially, the living conditions of residents.

Homes, Extensions, and Community Spaces

The committee reviewed numerous applications for residential extensions and alterations. Proposals included:

• Basement Excavations: Applications for basement developments at 120-122 Holland Park Avenue and 38 Kelso Place were discussed. These proposals, which involve lowering floor levels and creating new basement spaces, are subject to strict policies like the Basement SPD¹ to mitigate impacts on neighbouring properties, trees, and flood risk. The council's approach here aims to balance development with the protection of existing living conditions.
• Residential Extensions and Alterations: Plans for roof extensions, pergolas, and internal reconfigurations at properties like Flat 37, Addisland Court, 21A Carlyle Square, and 11 Penywern Road were considered. These often involve balancing the applicant's desire for improved living space with the need to protect the character of conservation areas and the privacy of neighbours. For instance, at 49 Radnor Walk, a proposed roof terrace was deferred for further site visits due to concerns about loss of privacy.
• New Facilities and Refurbishments: The committee also looked at plans for a new sports facility, the refurbishment of a ball court into a Football Foundation Playzone adjacent to 11 Blantyre Street. While the loss of a mature London Plane tree was noted, the benefits of an improved sports facility were deemed to outweigh this, highlighting the council's role in balancing environmental considerations with community needs. Additionally, proposals for refurbishing toilet facilities at the Public Library, Chelsea Old Town Hall, aimed to improve accessibility and meet modern standards.

Concerns Over Gambling Venues and Housing Loss

A particularly contentious application involved a proposed change of use at 177-179 Earl's Court Road. The plan to convert financial services premises into a Bingo facility and Adult Gaming Centre, alongside residential units, was recommended for refusal. Concerns were raised about the potential for inactive frontages, the proliferation of gambling establishments, and the risk of anti-social behaviour. This decision reflects the council's commitment to maintaining the vitality of town centres and protecting residential amenity, especially for vulnerable residents who might be disproportionately affected by such developments.

Another application, for Flats C and D, 5 Brechin Place, proposed amalgamating two flats into one larger dwelling. This was recommended for refusal due to the net loss of a residential unit, directly conflicting with Local Plan Policy HO1, which aims to protect existing housing stock. This highlights the council's focus on preserving housing availability for residents.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

Council Constitution Under Review: Ensuring Good Governance

The Constitution committee met on Tuesday, April 14th, to discuss proposed amendments to the council's governing document. The Constitution is the bedrock of how the council operates, defining its structure, decision-making processes, and the conduct of its members and officers.

Key Areas of Review:

The committee's discussions covered several critical aspects of the council's governance:

• Councillor Conduct: This included reviewing the Councillor Code of Conduct, ensuring ethical standards are maintained, and outlining councillors' rights to access information.
• Decision-Making Processes: The Constitution details how the Executive and Full Council operate, including the process for making Key Decisions and Executive Decisions.
• Committee Structures: The roles and responsibilities of various committees, including those for non-executive functions and scrutiny, were examined.
• Officer Roles and Responsibilities: The Constitution defines the duties of senior officers, such as the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer, ensuring clear lines of accountability.
• Procedural Rules: This encompasses codes of governance, access to information, financial procedures, and contract regulations, all vital for transparent and effective operation.

The review and potential amendment of the Constitution are essential for ensuring the council remains accountable, transparent, and effective in serving its residents.

Read more about the Constitution meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, April 16th. 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:

Children's Health and Wellbeing Take Centre Stage Amidst Homecare Reforms

The Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee met on Monday, March 23rd, to discuss critical updates on children's health and wellbeing, alongside the mobilisation of a new homecare framework. The committee also received an update on the Suicide Prevention Strategy Working Group.

Children's Health and Wellbeing: A Focus on Young Voices

A key focus of the meeting was the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, titled In Children's Own Words. This report, which surveyed 1,952 pupils across eighteen primary, four secondary, and one special school, highlights rising concerns about children's emotional wellbeing and mental health. It also points to increasing risks associated with digital exposure and online safety, persistent challenges with nutrition and oral health, and a worrying rise in youth vaping.

The report's recommendations strongly advocate for prioritising children's voices in decision-making, strengthening collaboration across services, and focusing on prevention and equity. This approach is vital for ensuring that support reaches those who need it most, particularly in areas of deprivation. The committee's discussion of this report underscores the council's commitment to understanding and addressing the complex health needs of its youngest residents.

Transforming Homecare for Vulnerable Residents

The committee also reviewed the mobilisation of the Bi-borough Homecare Framework. This new place-based model aims to improve the continuity of care for residents by allocating dedicated providers to specific neighbourhoods. The framework, which covers neighbourhood homecare delivery, spot purchasing, complex care, and bridging and reablement, involves twenty-two providers and an estimated £78 million over seven years.

Crucially, all providers are mandated to pay the London Living Wage and for travel time, ensuring fair compensation for care workers. The model's co-design with residents, care workers, and partners signifies a commitment to person-centred outcomes. This initiative is particularly important for vulnerable groups who rely on consistent and high-quality homecare support.

Suicide Prevention Efforts

An update was provided on the work of the Suicide Prevention Strategy Working Group, which has been specifically examining adult males as a high-risk group. This focus highlights the council's dedication to addressing sensitive and critical public health issues.

Read more about the Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee meeting.

Council's Financial Health and Pension Fund Management Under Scrutiny

The Pension Board met on Monday, March 23rd, to review the financial standing of the council's pension fund, including actuarial valuation results and investment performance. These discussions are fundamental to ensuring the long-term security of pensions for current and future retirees.

Actuarial Valuation and Funding Strategy

A significant item on the agenda was the actuarial valuation results and the proposed funding strategy statement. This report assesses the financial health of the pension fund and outlines the strategy for meeting future pension obligations. The proposed employer contribution rates for 2026-2029 were also under review, directly impacting the council's financial planning and the sustainability of the pension fund.

Risk Management and Investment Performance

The board also examined the pension fund's risk management strategies and its quarterly investment performance. Reports from investment managers like Northern Trust and Baillie Gifford were presented, offering insights into how the fund's assets are performing. Understanding these financial details is crucial for maintaining the fund's solvency and ensuring it can meet its commitments to pensioners.

Read more about the Pension Board meeting.

Councillor Conduct and Governance Arrangements Reviewed

The Audit & Transparency Committee met on Monday, March 23rd, to discuss matters of councillor conduct and the council's governance procedures.

Councillor Code of Conduct and Complaints

The committee reviewed a report concerning complaints made against Councillor Jedut, where investigators found breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct. The committee's role in determining whether a breach occurred and deciding on appropriate sanctions, such as censure or recommending training, is vital for upholding public trust and ensuring accountability. The discussion also covered the council's arrangements for dealing with councillor complaints, a process designed to be fair and transparent.

Local Government Association Guidance

The committee also considered the Local Government Association's Model Councillor Code of Conduct and accompanying guidance. This review ensures that the council's own standards align with best practices in local government ethics and behaviour.

Read more about the Audit & Transparency Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Administration Committee met on Monday, March 23rd. The meeting's information status is pending council publication, so specific details of discussions and decisions are not yet available.

Read more about the Administration Committee meeting.

The Planning Applications Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th, was cancelled.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

The Leadership Team met on Wednesday, March 25th, to discuss a range of important issues including housing care and support services, the relocation of St Mark's Day Centre, and the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme. Key decisions were made regarding contract awards for housing care and support services and the approval of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme for the upcoming years. The team also reviewed the Residents Survey 2025 Action Plan, the Q3 Financial Monitoring Report, Q3 Housing Management Performance, and the repair of Albert Bridge. A decision was also made regarding the write-off of arrears and accrued rent at 50 Sloane Avenue.

Read more about the Leadership Team meeting.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

• The Environment Select Committee met to discuss Transport for London policies, road safety data, and the closure of Albert Bridge.
• The Schools' Forum was scheduled to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant budget and school place planning.
• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to review cyber attack recovery, financial monitoring, and the council's forward plan.
• The North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the temporary move of children's heart services and the transformation of a learning disability CAMHS ward.
• The Audit & Transparency Committee was scheduled to review progress on equalities and financial management, and plan future internal audits.

Environment Select Committee - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Environment Select Committee convened on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to examine a range of transport-related issues, road safety statistics, and the ongoing closure of Albert Bridge. The committee reviewed Transport for London's (TfL) transport policies, analysed the latest road collision and casualty data for the borough, and received an update on efforts to reopen Albert Bridge.

Transport for London - Transport Policy

The committee scrutinised TfL's services within Kensington and Chelsea, which encompass public buses, the Underground and Overground, taxis, the TfL Road Network (Red Routes), traffic signals, river transport, and the Santander cycle hire scheme. TfL also enforces the Ultra Low Emission Zone and implements the Mayor's Transport Strategy. Discussions included proposed changes to bus routes 211 and 52, and passenger numbers. The committee also sought updates on plans to make South Kensington Underground station step-free, and the feasibility of similar upgrades for Ladbroke Grove, Latimer Road, and Notting Hill Gate stations. Further topics included the regulation of dockless e-bike hire, noise concerns from the Central Line at Notting Hill Gate, Underground performance, and cyclist and pedestrian safety at various junctions. Future public transport demand in Earl's Court, driven by new developments, was also discussed.

Temporary Closure of Albert Bridge to Traffic

An update was provided on the circumstances leading to the temporary closure of Albert Bridge to motor vehicles on 7 February 2026. A routine inspection revealed a cracked cast-iron component within the north-eastern toll booth, which is integral to the bridge's structural support. Specialist engineering consultants advised that the damage was severe enough to prevent the bridge from reopening to motor traffic until repairs are completed. Efforts to reopen the bridge are ongoing, with engineers exploring two options for permanent repair: one that retains the original 1873 design and another involving an engineering upgrade. Temporary repair options are also being investigated. The council has implemented measures to mitigate disruption, including keeping the bridge open to pedestrians and cyclists, installing monitoring equipment, rephasing planned roadworks, and collaborating with TfL and Wandsworth Council to manage traffic signals and analyse traffic data. A Key Decision regarding the repair of Albert Bridge was scheduled to be considered by the Council's Leadership Team on 25 March.

2024 Road Collision and Casualty Data

The committee reviewed the 2024 road casualty data for Kensington and Chelsea. In 2024, there was one fatality, a decrease from three in 2023. However, Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) casualties increased by six per cent to 132, while slight casualties decreased by 14 per cent, resulting in a ten per cent overall decrease in total road casualties to 612. The report highlighted that 73 per cent of 2024 KSI casualties occurred on roads managed by Kensington and Chelsea, with the remaining 27 per cent on the Transport for London Route Network (TLRN). The fatal collision occurred on the TLRN. The Kensington High Street/Kensington Road corridor was identified as having the highest number of casualties on borough-managed roads. A draft road safety study commissioned by officers indicated that 87 per cent of KSI casualties in the borough between 2021 and 2024 were vulnerable road users, with cyclists accounting for a third of these. The study also noted that the majority of drivers involved in collisions were not residents, limiting the council's ability to engage with them. The report recommended a programme of engineering interventions and targeted enforcement as part of a future Road Safety Strategy. The committee was invited to comment on planned interventions, including a road safety study for the Kensington High Street/Kensington Road corridor, and to consider writing to the Department for Transport to request better data on e-bike involvement in collisions.

Select Committee Work Programme 2025/2026

The committee received an update on its work programme for the municipal year 2025/2026. This included a review of TfL's performance, the Road Safety Annual Review, and scrutiny of the council's delivery of active travel initiatives. The committee also noted the update on Albert Bridge and the progress of recommendations from the Local Plan Policies Review Working Group. Items suggested for future meetings included reviews of the Markets Plan, noise and nuisance performance, and licensing enforcement.

Schools' Forum - Monday 16 March 2026

The Schools' Forum met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget monitoring for 2025/26, forecast school balances, and school place planning. The meeting also included an update on recommendations from the High Needs Block Reference Group.

Dedicated Schools Grant Budget Monitoring and Forecast School Balances

The Schools' Forum received an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation for 2025/26, which was £87.379 million. The report indicated a projected overspend of £299,000 for the year, which would increase the cumulative DSG deficit from £3.287 million at the end of 2024/25 to an estimated £3.586 million by the end of 2025/26.

The report also detailed forecast school balances, estimating that the total reserves held by schools at the end of March 2026 would be £4.368 million, a decrease from the previous year. However, it was noted that four schools, including one maintained nursery, were forecasting deficits by the end of 2025/26. The forum was informed that support and advice would be provided to schools in deficit and those at risk of falling into deficit. A previously agreed process for clawbacks, based on year-end balances, was set to be active from April 2026.

Recommendations from the High Needs Block Reference Group

The meeting considered recommendations from the High Needs Block Reference Group (HNBRG), which had met in February 2026. The HNBRG had discussed government policy proposals for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reform, including the Schools White Paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving. Key proposals included a move towards a funded mainstream system transformation, with statutory changes from 2029 requiring schools to create Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children with SEND and the development of nationally defined Specialist Provision Packages for complex needs.

The report highlighted that the High Needs Block was facing significant financial pressure nationally and locally due to increasing numbers of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), rising complexity of need, and the high cost of independent provision. Locally, RBKC's growth in EHCPs, though below London and national averages, contributed to in-year pressure on the High Needs Block. The HNBRG acknowledged the decision not to increase top-up bands for 2026/27, which was attributed to a flat cash settlement for high needs funding. The group also noted the announcement of a new High Needs Stability Grant, intended to fund 90% of existing cumulative deficits nationally, conditional on the approval of a local SEND Reform Plan.

The HNBRG also discussed RBKC's local SEND Strategy 2025–2030, which aims to create capacity in the system and drive earlier support and inclusion.

School Place Planning

The Schools' Forum received an update on school place planning within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). The report indicated that despite efforts to reduce surplus capacity, a modest pupil yield from new housing developments was expected to present challenges over the next five years, with a risk of some schools becoming financially unviable.

The borough was experiencing a sustained decline in younger age cohorts, leading to significant surplus capacity in the primary sector, projected to persist for at least five years. While secondary schools remained well-subscribed, the overall demographic trends pointed to ongoing challenges. The report noted that major housing developments at Kensal Canalside and Earl's Court would contribute to housing stock but were unlikely to offset the projected decline in primary demand in the short to medium term.

The financial implications of this surplus capacity included challenges for staffing structures, curriculum breadth, and overall financial resilience. The report recommended commissioning an independent analysis, at an estimated cost of £15,000, to inform future school organisation and sufficiency planning. It was proposed that this cost be covered by de-delegating funds in 2027/28, should underspends on 2026/27 de-delegated items not be sufficient.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 18 March 2026

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on 18 March 2026 was set to cover a range of important council operations, including updates on the recovery from a significant cyber attack, the council's financial position, and the monitoring officer's duties. The committee was also scheduled to review the forward plan of key decisions and discuss its work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Cyber Attack Recovery Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the ongoing work to recover from the cyber attack that the council experienced in November 2025. The report was expected to detail the progress made in rebuilding IT and cyber infrastructure and capabilities. It was noted that independent cyber security consultants, NCC Group, had completed a full inspection and review of the council's systems, providing attestation that the incident was contained. The update was also anticipated to cover the phased reopening of systems and infrastructure, with a target for full operational status by Summer 2026, and longer-term rebuild and transformation plans. The report highlighted that recovery efforts were prioritised based on resident and business impact, with remaining systems needing remediation relating to data management, reporting, system interfaces, and automated financial functions. The disruption caused by the attack was acknowledged, particularly in areas such as planning, land searches, revenue and benefits, and complaints, with efforts underway to address backlogs.

Monitoring Officer's Duties under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989

This report was intended to provide the committee with an overview of the Monitoring Officer's duties and powers concerning executive decisions, as outlined in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The discussion was prompted by a previous consideration of a report on the future of the Maxilla Hub, where the possibility of issuing a Section 5 report was discussed. The report was expected to explain the role of Section 5A of the Act, which mandates the monitoring officer to prepare a report to the executive if any proposal, decision, or omission appears to contravene any enactment or rule of law, or constitutes maladministration found by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Quarter 3 Revenue and Capital Financial Monitoring Report 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to review the council's financial position at the end of the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report detailed the forecast revenue and capital budget outturn. For the General Fund revenue budget, a nil variance was forecast against a revised net budget of £219.165m. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget also showed a forecast nil variance, with a budget transfer of £27k to the capital programme. The General Fund Capital Programme was forecasting a net underspend of £11.499m against a revised budget of £87.738m, and the HRA Capital Programme was forecasting a net underspend of £7.808m against a revised budget of £70.499m. The report also included information on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation. The impact of the cyber-attack on the financial position was noted, with services incurring additional indirect costs and potential impacts on income receipts. The report highlighted that the council was managing financial pressures within the overall budget envelope, a position noted as being achieved by a minority of councils.

The Forward Plan and Key Decision Tracker

This report was intended to provide the committee with an overview of upcoming key decisions and definitions, outlining the role of the Forward Plan in assisting scrutiny councillors with pre-decision scrutiny. The report explained the definition of a key decision according to both the Local Government Act 2000 and the council's constitution, which relates to significant expenditure, savings, or impact on communities. The Forward Plan itself lists upcoming key decisions, and the committee was asked to review this plan to identify any decisions requiring further scrutiny, either by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or one of the select committees. The report also detailed the call-in process, which allows elected members to request a decision made by the executive to be revisited, and the urgency provisions that can bypass normal processes in exceptional circumstances.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review the Annual Work Programme for 2025-26 and discuss suggestions for the Municipal Year 2026-27. The report summarised the topics that had been scrutinised during the current municipal year, including Grenfell-related matters, statutory scrutiny such as crime and disorder, transformation and savings initiatives, the council's budget and finance, the Oracle project, social investment, complaints, the Maxilla Hub, and the cyber attack. It also noted the work of the Budget Working Group and the outcomes of a workshop on the council's transformation programme. The report highlighted the importance of recommendations tracking and provided a summary of recommendations made between July and December 2025, indicating their acceptance status. Preparations for the upcoming municipal year, including induction for new councillors and planned workshops, were also outlined. The committee was asked to consider items for future meetings, including the annual crime and disorder scrutiny.

North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 19 March 2026

The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss several significant health service matters, including a planned temporary move of specialist children's heart, lung, and critical care inpatient services, and the transformation of a specialist learning disability CAMHS ward. The committee was also set to review progress on cancer prevention and early diagnosis across North West London.

Planned Temporary Move of Specialist Children's Heart, Lung, and Critical Care Inpatient Services

A key item on the agenda was the planned temporary move of specialist children's heart, lung, and critical care inpatient services, currently delivered by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT). The report pack indicated that this move is driven by clinical risk escalation regarding the safety and sustainability of the paediatric cardiac surgical service. The proposal is to consolidate all heart and lung paediatric inpatient services and day cases requiring sedation at the Evelina London Children's Hospital (ELCH) and St Thomas' Hospital site. This consolidation is deemed essential to meet mandated national Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) standards for co-location of services and to address the fragility of the current 1:2.5 on-call rota for cardiac surgeons.

The report highlighted that outpatient clinics, day-case procedures not requiring anaesthetic or sedation, and outpatient imaging services would not be affected by this move. The relocation of cardiac surgery necessitates the temporary move of paediatric respiratory inpatients due to their reliance on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), which would become clinically unsustainable at the Royal Brompton Hospital (RBH) site once cardiac surgery departs. World-leading respiratory sub-services, including those for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), severe asthma, long-term ventilation, and sleep medicine, are also part of this relocation. The report detailed the planned additional bed capacity at Evelina London and St Thomas' campus to accommodate these services.

Transforming the Crystal House Specialist LD CAMHS Ward

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for transforming the Crystal House specialist learning disability (LD) Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) ward. The report pack indicated that the current 5-bed inpatient unit, with an annual running cost of over £2.9 million, is no longer meeting the needs of patients or aligning with national priorities and upcoming legislation for the care of children and young people with learning disabilities. The unit has seen very low admissions, with only 23 children admitted in six years, and 11 of those were from North West London. The report stated that the service is not sustainable, equitable, or clinically justified and has stopped taking new admissions.

The proposed changes are driven by shifts in national policy, including the Mental Health Act, which will focus detention criteria on mental illness, potentially excluding many young people with learning disabilities. The report also cited the NHS 10-year plan mandate to reduce admissions and length of stay for people with learning disabilities. A new model of care is being developed, focusing on earlier, community-based support to prevent escalation and reduce costly admissions. This new model aims to reach up to 40 times more children and young people, with funds reinvested into the CAMHS pathway. The report detailed engagement activities undertaken between summer 2024 and the present, highlighting a strong preference for community-based support and continuity of care. The next steps include discharging the current patient by the end of March, leading to no patients on the unit, and implementing a transitional model in April 2026.

Cancer Prevention and Early Diagnosis Across North West London

The agenda included a discussion on cancer prevention and early diagnosis across North West London. While the specific details of what was scheduled to be discussed were noted as To follow in the agenda, this topic signifies a focus on proactive measures to reduce cancer incidence and improve detection rates within the region.

North West London JHOSC Recommendations Tracker

The committee was scheduled to review the North West London JHOSC Recommendations Tracker. This item provides an overview of scrutiny recommendations made in previous years and tracks the progress of responses from NHS bodies. The report pack included appendices detailing recommendations and information requests from the 2023/24, 2024/25, and 2025/26 municipal years, outlining the detail of the request, the response received, and the current status.

North West London JHOSC 2025/26 Work Programme

The committee was set to note the North West London JHOSC 2025/26 Work Programme. This document outlines the health policy areas the committee plans to review during the municipal year, reflecting its role in scrutinising the plans for meeting the health needs of the population and the implementation of actions by the North West Integrated Care System and its Integrated Care Board. The work programme is designed to be flexible, with potential for items to be added or deferred as emerging issues arise. The report indicated that the planned temporary move of specialist children's heart, lung, and critical care inpatient services and the transformation of the Crystal House Specialist LD CAMHS Ward had been added to the work programme for the meeting on 19 March 2026. Items concerning Digital Health, Data Use, AI and Digital Inclusion, and Weight Loss Drug Supply and Roll Out were noted as deferred to the 2026/27 municipal year.

Audit & Transparency Committee - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Audit & Transparency Committee met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to review progress on equalities and financial management, and to plan future internal audits. The meeting's agenda included discussions on the implementation of recommendations from an equalities audit, an assessment of the Council's compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code, and the proposed internal audit plan for the upcoming year.

Six-Month Progress Report on Equalities and EqIA Audit Recommendations

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress made against the 12 recommendations from the Audit of Equalities and Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs). This audit, which took place in September 2025, had previously provided Limited Assurance and led to the development of a two-year management plan. The report was expected to detail the implementation status of these recommendations, with 4 out of 12 reported as fully implemented and 8 as partially implemented. The report highlighted progress in infrastructure improvements, revising staff-facing materials, and strengthening workforce equalities management. Efforts were also underway to enhance the equalities culture and the EqIA process itself.

Compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code 2025/26

A key item on the agenda was the Council's compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code for 2025/26. This code provides guidance for good and sustainable financial management in local authorities. The report was intended to assess the Council's adherence to the code's principles and standards, with a compliance review conducted towards the end of the financial year. The report aimed to provide confidence in the Council's financial sustainability and the embedding of good financial management practices. The assessment indicated compliance with all 17 standards, with specific areas identified for potential improvement.

Internal Audit Plan 2026/27

The committee was presented with the draft Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27. This plan is based on the Strategic Audit Plan and current identified risks. The approach involves a 3 plus 9 annual audit plan, detailing the first three months in depth and maintaining flexibility for the remaining nine months, with quarterly reviews to adapt to emerging risks and changing needs. The plan aims to ensure that internal audit provides assurance over the breadth of the Council's operations and does not become solely reactive. The draft plan included proposed audits for the first quarter of 2026/27, covering areas such as school audits, contingency planning for digital and technology, transitions in children's and adult services, fire safety compliance, and contract management for parking. Potential audits for the remainder of the year were also outlined, spanning a wide range of council services.

Action Tracker and Forward Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review the Action Tracker, which details progress on actions agreed at previous meetings. This tracker uses a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) system to illustrate the status of each action. Additionally, the Forward Programme for the remainder of the municipal year was presented, outlining the committee's planned work and inviting suggestions for future topics. The tracker indicated that nine actions were in the process of being completed.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Family Services Committee Tackles Social Care Reforms and Youth Violence

The Family Services Select Committee met on Thursday, March 12th, to address critical reforms in social care and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside strategies to combat serious youth violence. The committee also reviewed its work programme and discussed bi-borough initiatives.

Bi-borough Social Care Transformation

A significant focus was the ongoing transformation of Children's Services across Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council. This ambitious programme aims to implement a new service model by April 2027, aligning with Department for Education (DfE) expectations. The report highlighted the challenging context of reduced funding and the necessity of identifying savings. The goal is to create an end-to-end service that provides timely support to families, informed by detailed needs analysis. Changes planned for April 2026 include managing Family Hubs and Clinical Practice services on a bi-borough basis. The committee was asked to provide feedback, with a particular emphasis on ensuring child safety throughout this significant transition.

SEND Reform

The committee received an update on government proposals to reform support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The government's vision is to foster truly inclusive schools where every child with additional needs receives tailored support locally. Key principles include early intervention, local provision, fair distribution, effective practice, and shared responsibility across education, health, and care. Kensington and Chelsea's SEND Strategy 2025-2030 is already aligned with these principles, prioritising early identification and reduced waiting times. The committee was invited to comment on the council's preparations and identify priorities for its formal response to the government's White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving.

Serious Youth Violence and Exploitation

Discussions also covered the national and local landscape of serious youth violence (SYV) and exploitation. The report examined how the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have exacerbated risk factors. While SYV incidents in Kensington and Chelsea are currently lower than pre-pandemic levels, the nature of these incidents has shifted, with an increased use of firearms. The council's multi-agency response, including the work of the Community Safety Youth Violence Reduction Team and the Serious Youth Violence and Exploitation Panel (SYVEP), was detailed. The committee was asked to reflect on the ongoing efforts to address these serious issues.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme, which covers social services, education, youth services, and early years. Discussions included proposals for the new Children and Young People's Plan 2027-2030 and planned visits to local facilities.

Read more about the Family Services Select Committee meeting.

Pension Fund Investments and Strategy Under Review

The Investment Committee met on Monday, March 9th, to discuss the triennial actuarial valuation of the pension fund and updates to its Investment Strategy Statement. These decisions are crucial for the long-term financial health of the council's pension fund, impacting the security of pensions for current and future retirees.

Actuarial Valuation and Funding Strategy

The committee reviewed and was expected to approve employer contribution rates and the Funding Strategy Statement (FSS) as part of the 2025 triennial actuarial valuation. This valuation, conducted by Hymans Robertson LLP, assesses the assets and liabilities of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Pension Fund. The FSS outlines the objectives for managing the fund, aiming for long-term solvency and stable employer contributions. It details how contributions are calculated, considering funding targets and risk management.

Investment Strategy Statement Update

An updated Investment Strategy Statement (ISS) for the pension fund was also on the agenda. This statement, prepared in accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) legislation¹, details the council's investment policy, risk management, and its approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. The update includes a transition from active to passive equity portfolios and an allocation of up to 5% to Temporary Accommodation, funded by the sale of gilts. The ISS outlines investment beliefs, risk management strategies, and the fund's approach to pooling investments through the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV).

Read more about the Investment Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Planning Applications Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 10th, was cancelled.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.