This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Cyber Attack Cripples Council Services: Residents Face Weeks of Disruption

Kensington and Chelsea Council, along with Westminster City Council and Hammersmith and Fulham Council, is grappling with the aftermath of a significant cyber attack that has crippled its systems and disrupted services. The attack, which occurred last week, has forced the council to take its systems offline, impacting residents' ability to access essential services and raising concerns about data security.

• Emergency Response: The council has activated its emergency response arrangements under the Civil Contingencies Act, establishing a gold command and operating the Borough Emergency Command Centre.
• Expert Assistance: Cyber security specialists and the NCC Group are working to investigate the cause of the attack, assess the impact, and restore systems.
• Data Breach: The council has confirmed that some data has been copied, raising concerns about potential misuse of personal or financial information. Residents have been advised to take precautions to protect themselves.
• Service Disruptions: While essential services like bin collections and libraries are operating, residents are experiencing difficulties contacting the council by phone and accessing website functionality. The customer centre will be open on weekends to provide support.
• Council Leader's Commitment: Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Council, has pledged to be transparent with the public and to support residents who need assistance. > We will continue to tackle this incident with honesty, professionalism, and absolute determination. Our priority is to protect our residents, restore our systems, and ensure that services remain resilient.
• Opposition Concerns: Councillor Kasim Ali, Leader of the K+C Labour Group, expressed concerns about residents unable to pay rent or access essential services due to the attack, and emphasized the need to ensure residents are not penalized.

The cyber attack poses a significant challenge to the council and its residents, with weeks of disruption expected as systems are restored and data security is assessed. Read more about the Full Council meeting.

Pension Fund Investments Under Fire: Council Faces Pressure to Divest from Companies Linked to Human Rights Abuses

The Full Council meeting saw passionate calls from residents for the council to divest its pension fund from companies allegedly complicit in war crimes, human rights abuses, and illegal settlements, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The issue sparked a heated debate, with councillors grappling with ethical concerns and their fiduciary duty to maximize returns for pension holders.

• Resident Concerns: Residents argued that investing in companies linked to military supply chains, illegal settlements, and mass surveillance poses long-term financial risks due to potential sanctions, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
• Ethical Considerations: Speakers emphasized the moral imperative to avoid complicity in human rights abuses and genocide, urging the council to align its investments with its ethical commitments.
• Legal Framework: Councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Planning & Public Realm, emphasized that the pension fund's primary objective is to ensure pensions are paid in full and on time, and that decisions on divestment must be based on a clear assessment of financial risk.
• Limited Control: Councillor Kemahli stated that the council does not hold direct investments in the companies in question, and any exposure is through large, pooled global equity funds. Under LGPS rules, councils cannot direct individual stock selection within these pooled funds.
• Labour Support: Councillor Ali expressed support for ensuring that the council invests in companies that are not involved in crimes against humanity, and called for a focus on peace and prosperity in Israel and Palestine.
• Bailey-Gifford Mandate Terminated: Councillor Sina Lari, a member of the Investment Committee, announced that the committee had terminated Bailey Gifford's mandate on November 3, 2025, following a period of underperformance.
• Ethical Investment Framework: One resident asked if RBKC was willing to take a leadership role within the London CIV and with its tri-borough partners in promoting an ethical investment framework. Councillor Kemahli responded that RBKC is open to contributing constructively to discussions within the CIV, provided that the framework remains consistent with legal responsibilities and the need to protect long-term returns for beneficiaries.
• Grenfell Precedent: Councillor Lari noted that after Grenfell, the council took the view that having an association with companies negatively associated with the Grenfell Tower tragedy is unacceptable from an ESG standpoint and the investment committee acted on that view to instruct our investment managers to divest from its exposure to Kingspan, Celotex, Iconic and Ryden.

The debate highlights the growing pressure on local authorities to consider the ethical implications of their investments and to balance financial returns with social responsibility. Read more about the Full Council meeting.

Public Participation Charter Approved: A New Era of Resident Engagement or Just Lip Service ?

The Full Council approved an amendment to the council's constitution, adopting a revised Charter for Public Participation aimed at fostering greater transparency and resident involvement in decision-making. However, the move was met with skepticism from some opposition councillors, who questioned the council's commitment to genuine engagement.

• Resident Input: Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for Communities & Community Safety, emphasized that the new charter was designed with and for residents, with over 600 people taking part in the review process.
• Key Changes: The new commitments include broader and deeper engagement, prioritized accessibility, better transparency and feedback, and regular review.
• Resident Oversight Group: A resident oversight group will be formed to monitor how the council is delivering on its promises.
• Skepticism: Councillor Claire Simmons, Chair of the Housing and Communities Select Committee, dismissed the charter as a joke and an insult, arguing that the council has a history of disregarding its own commitments and silencing minority voices.
• Exclusion Allegations: Councillor Emma Dent Coad, of The Independent Group, echoed these concerns, alleging that minority party councillors are routinely excluded from important discussions and decisions.
• Council's Defense: Councillor Addenbrooke defended the consultation process, stating that the council had listened to and co-designed the charter with a diverse group of residents.

The adoption of the revised charter represents a significant step towards greater public participation, but its success will depend on the council's willingness to translate its commitments into meaningful action and to address concerns about inclusivity and transparency. Read more about the Full Council meeting.

Other Matters

• The Full Council approved the revised statement of licensing policy 2026 to 2031. Councillor Janet Evans, Chair of the Licensing Committee, stated that the committee always balances the needs of residents with business, and both are an integral part of life in this borough. Read more about the Full Council meeting.
• The Full Council received a report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Mary Weale, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, highlighted the committee's work on environmental services, health and adult social care, family and children's services, and housing. Read more about the Full Council meeting.
• The Planning Applications Committee was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including a retrospective application, internal and external refurbishments, and the installation of air conditioning units. No video was provided. Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a new premises licence for a Nisa Local store on Kensal Road. No video was provided. Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below:

• Housing & Communities Select Committee - Monday 16 December 2025
• Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 16 December 2025
• Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 17 December 2025
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 18 December 2025

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Star Kebab Licence Approved With Conditions: Residents' Concerns Partially Addressed

After a lengthy and contentious hearing, the Licensing Sub-Committee has granted Earl's Court Food Limited a new premises licence for Star Kebab House, allowing it to operate until 4am on weekdays and 5am on weekends. However, the decision comes with a raft of conditions aimed at mitigating the potential negative impacts on local residents.

• Resident Opposition: The application faced significant opposition, with 112 representations from residents, councillors, and residents' associations, citing concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour, and public nuisance.
• Applicant's Plea: Ismail Khan, representing Star Kebab, argued that the extended hours were crucial for the business's survival, highlighting the challenges of inflation and competition from delivery platforms. > This license is very important for me to help my family and my staff family. The way businesses are going on now, it's really bad.
• Conditions Imposed: The sub-committee imposed a number of conditions, including a ban on delivery services, a requirement to keep a daily litter log, and a commitment to clean the pavement and surrounding streets.
• Litter Patrols: Star Kebab will conduct three litter patrols a day, covering Child Street, Child's Place, Nevin Place, Longridge Road (up to Templeton Place), and the section of Templeton Place in between.
• Legal Officer's Clarification: The council's legal officer clarified that the ban on delivery services applies from 11pm to 11:30am, when the business opens.
• Toilet Access: Customers and delivery drivers collecting from the premises will have access to the toilet, with clear signage to be displayed.
• Annual Meeting: Star Kebab will hold an annual meeting with residents to discuss any issues, with ward councillors meeting with the business every six months.
• Existing Licence: Earl's Court Food Limited will keep its existing licence, which allows it to operate until 2am.

While the extended hours may provide a lifeline for Star Kebab, the imposed conditions reflect the council's attempt to balance the needs of the business with the concerns of the local community. Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Council Grapples With Budget Gap: Social Care and Environment Face Tough Choices

The Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee and the Environment Select Committee have been scrutinising budget proposals for 2026/27, revealing the difficult decisions facing the council as it seeks to address a significant budget gap.

Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee

• Budget Shortfall: The council is facing a potential £41.5 million shortfall in 2026/27, potentially rising to £140 million by 2029/30.
• Proposed Savings: Proposals for the Adult Social Care Directorate include £3.5 million in savings for 2026/27, with an additional £3.8 million in future years.
• Self-Funder Administration Fee : One controversial proposal involves introducing a self-funder administration fee to recover the costs of arranging care for individuals who are not eligible for council-funded care. This proposal is subject to consultation.
• Equality Impact: An initial equalities impact analysis suggests that one saving proposal has a negative impact, and one has unknown equalities impacts.

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

Environment Select Committee

• Budget Gap: The council is expecting a budget gap of £41.5 million in 2026/27, potentially rising to £140 million by 2029/30.
• Proposed Growth: Proposed growth for Environment and Neighbourhoods in 2026/27 includes £705,000 to improve the street cleaning service, £319,000 for new waste and recycling crews, and £100,000 for maintenance at Cremorne Wharf Park.
• Proposed Savings: Proposed savings include £2.0 million of increased income from parking, £400,000 more income from bus shelter advertising, £350,000 of energy savings from new street lighting, and £200,000 of cost efficiencies from the Leisure Services contract.
• Culture Cuts: The total proposed savings for culture in 2026/27 is £175,000, to be realised through increased income from Leighton House and Sambourne House Museums.

Read more about the Environment Select Committee meeting.

These budget discussions highlight the difficult choices facing the council as it seeks to balance its books while maintaining essential services.

Joint Health & Wellbeing Board Focuses on Accessible Services and Needs Assessment

The Joint Health & Wellbeing Board met to discuss progress on accessible and quality health services, receive an update on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), and discuss the Better Care Fund.

• Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA): The board received an update on the JSNA programme, which is used to understand local needs and develop evidence-based strategies to improve residents' health and wellbeing, and reduce inequalities.
• Borough Stories: The latest version of the Borough Stories for Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea were presented, highlighting key messages such as the diverse and vibrant nature of the boroughs, the good health of many residents, and the variation in health outcomes by area, ethnicity, and income.
• Ambition 7: The board received an overview of progress on Ambition 7: accessible, quality services that meet the needs of those who require them are crucial to health and wellbeing.
• Neighbourhood Health: The development of Neighbourhood Health (formally described as Integrated Neighbourhood Teams) has been a key Place-based Partnership priority across recent years.
• Family Hubs: Both boroughs have established a robust Family Hub offer, with five main hubs strategically located in areas of highest need and deprivation.

Read more about the Joint Health & Wellbeing Board meeting.

Muncheez Licence Application: Decision Pending on Pembridge Road

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application for a new premises licence for Muncheez, located at 24 Pembridge Road. No video was provided. Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below:

• Housing & Communities Select Committee - Monday 08 December 2025
• Planning Committee - Tuesday 09 December 2025
• Leadership Team - Wednesday 10 December 2025
• Planning Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025
• Family Services Select Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

McDonald's 24-Hour Bid Rejected: Victory for Residents Over Late-Night Nuisance?

In a major win for residents, the Licensing Sub-Committee has rejected Smash Operations Limited's application to extend the opening hours of the McDonald's at 208 Earl's Court Road to 24 hours a day. The decision follows a huge wave of opposition, with residents and the police raising concerns about increased crime, noise, and anti-social behaviour.

• Overwhelming Opposition: The sub-committee received a staggering 166 representations against the application, highlighting the depth of community concern.
• Police Concerns: The Metropolitan Police submitted a representation, raising concerns about public nuisance caused by delivery drivers.
• Planning Conflict: A planning officer pointed out that granting the licence extension would breach existing planning control.
• Licensing Objectives: The sub-committee ultimately sided with residents, concluding that granting the extension would undermine the licensing objectives¹ related to public nuisance and crime prevention.

The decision is a significant victory for the Earl's Court community, protecting residents from the potential negative impacts of a 24-hour fast-food operation. Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Grenfell Inquiry Commitments: Council Faces Scrutiny Over Progress and Risks

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee received an update on the council's progress in implementing the 45 commitments made in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report. While the council highlighted progress, the report also identified key risks and issues that could hinder the implementation of these crucial commitments.

• Commitment Tracker: Of the 45 commitments, 9 are marked as complete, 22 are underway, and the remaining 14 are described as core standards to be embedded in the council's work.
• Cross-Cutting Delivery Groups: The council has established cross-cutting delivery groups to support collaborative work across the council.
• Key Risks: The report identified several key risks, including the risk that bereaved, survivors and residents do not feel sufficiently informed about progress, capacity constraints, cultural resistance, and the impact of financial resources.
• Organisational Memory: The council is looking at best practices in terms of methods to capture and then utilise lessons learned, citing the NATO and NASA Lessons Learned Libraries as examples.

The committee's scrutiny of the council's progress and the identified risks will be crucial in ensuring that the lessons of the Grenfell Tower tragedy are truly learned and that the commitments are fully implemented. Read more about the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Public Participation Commitments: A New Era of Resident Engagement?

The Administration Committee discussed a report on the review of the Charter for Public Participation, recommending a revised document, 'Our Public Participation Commitments', for adoption by the Full Council. The council claims the new commitments mark a clear change in how it works with residents, moving beyond traditional consultation to embed accessibility, proactive outreach, and transparency.

• Co-Created with Residents: The new commitments were reviewed and co-created with over 600 local people this year.
• Accountability Framework: The new commitments will be accompanied by an accountability framework, resident oversight panel, and clear feedback loops.
• Resident Oversight: A resident oversight group will be recruited to review the progress of the new commitments' implementation, with a progress report published annually.
• Staff Training: A programme of staff training will focus on ensuring the expectations and requirements in the new commitments are understood and upheld.
• Your Community, Your Voice : The council plans to launch a Your Community, Your Voice campaign throughout 2026-27 to promote the new commitments.

The Administration Committee's decision could signal a significant shift in the council's approach to public engagement, potentially empowering residents to have a greater say in local decision-making. Read more about the Administration Committee meeting.

Other Matters

• The North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed place-based partnerships² and special school nursing. No video was provided.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Dynasty, 251 Old Brompton Road. No video was provided.
• The Planning Applications Committee discussed various planning applications, including those concerning Burton Court, St Leonard's Terrace, and 326 Earl's Court Road. No video was provided.
• The Schools' Forum discussed the Dedicated Schools Grant position, the local funding formula review, and recommendations from the High Needs Budget Review Group. No video was provided.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to review an application from Smash Operations Limited to vary the premises licence for the McDonald's restaurant at 208 Earl's Court Road.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below:

• Environment Select Committee - Monday 24 November 2025 - To discuss the Environment and Neighbourhoods Department's budget for 2026-2027, review key performance indicators, and update its work programme for the municipal year.
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 24 November 2025 - To consider an application for a new premises licence for Muncheez, located at 24 Pembridge Road, London, W11 3HL.
• Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee - Wednesday 26 November 2025
• Joint Health & Wellbeing Board - Thursday 27 November 2025
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 27 November 2025 - To consider an application for a new premises licence for Star Kebab House.
• Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 02 December 2025
• Full Council - Wednesday 03 December 2025
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 04 December 2025

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Star Kebab House Licence Extension Sparks Fury: Will Late-Night Chaos Descend on Earl's Court?

The Licensing Sub-Committee is set to decide on a controversial application from Earl's Court Food Limited to extend the opening hours of Star Kebab House at 178 Earl's Court Road, potentially allowing it to operate until 4am on weekdays and 5am on weekends. The proposal has triggered a massive wave of opposition, with residents fearing a surge in antisocial behaviour, noise, and public nuisance.

• Overwhelming Opposition: A staggering 112 representations have been submitted against the application, highlighting the depth of community concern.
• Councillor Concerns: Councillors Linda Wade, Hamish Adourian and Tim Verboven have weighed in, raising concerns about worsening antisocial behaviour, noise, and the impact on local residents' quality of life.
• Resident Fears: Residents are worried about the impact on their quality of life, citing potential increases in shouting, street drinking, drug dealing, litter, and sleep disturbance.
• Noise and Nuisance Concerns: The council's Noise and Nuisance team has suggested conditions to safeguard residential amenity, including prohibiting delivery services, controlling noise and vibration, preventing cooking odours, and restricting rubbish disposal and deliveries during night hours.
• Applicant's Promises: Earl's Court Food LTD's application states that the pavement area immediately outside the premises is kept clear of litter and washed down at the close of business each day, and that no deliveries will be made by the proprietor or any third-party companies.

The sub-committee's decision will have a significant impact on the Earl's Court community, potentially transforming the area's late-night atmosphere. Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Council Reviews Public Participation: Will Residents' Voices Finally Be Heard?

The Administration Committee is scheduled to discuss a review of the Charter for Public Participation, a document outlining how the council engages with residents. The review, prompted by commitments made following the Grenfell Inquiry¹, aims to create a more accessible, proactive, and transparent approach to public participation.

• Clear Step Change : The council claims the new commitments mark a clear step change in how it works with residents, moving beyond traditional consultation.
• Accountability Framework: The new commitments will be accompanied by an accountability framework, resident oversight panel, and clear feedback loops.
• Resident Oversight: A resident oversight group will be recruited to review the progress of the new commitments' implementation, with a progress report published annually.
• Staff Training: A programme of staff training will focus on ensuring the expectations and requirements in the new commitments are understood and upheld.
• Your Community, Your Voice : The council plans to launch a Your Community, Your Voice campaign throughout 2026-27 to promote the new commitments.

The Administration Committee's decision could signal a significant shift in the council's approach to public engagement, potentially empowering residents to have a greater say in local decision-making. Read more about the Administration Committee meeting.

Schools Forum to Discuss Funding Formula: Will Fairer Funding Reach All Schools?

The Schools' Forum is scheduled to discuss the 2026/27 Dedicated School Grant (DSG) position and review the local funding formula used to calculate school budgets. With the national funding formula (NFF) allocations delayed, the forum will consider options for moving closer to the NFF factor values.

• Three Options: The forum will consider three options for the local funding formula: moving a further 10%, 15%, or 20% towards the NFF factor values.
• High Needs Budget: The forum will also discuss recommendations from the High Needs Budget Review Group (HNBRG), including increasing provision for autistic children and establishing a fund for primary schools facing financial pressure when exceptionally vulnerable pupils arrive unexpectedly.
• Early Years Overpayments: The forum will receive an update on early years deprivation overpayments in 2024/25, after an error in the funding portal led to incorrect deprivation funding supplements.

The Schools' Forum's decisions will have a significant impact on the funding and resources available to schools across the borough, potentially affecting the quality of education and support provided to students. Read more about the Schools' Forum meeting.

Other Matters

• The Shareholder Committee was scheduled to discuss making Notting Dale Heat Network Ltd dormant. No video was provided.
• The Leadership Team discussed housing management performance, a draft licensing policy, medium-term financial planning, and the allocation of the Household Support Fund². No video was provided.
• The Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss a planning application concerning land near Canal Way. No video was provided.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below:

• North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 18 November 2025 - To discuss dentist commissioning and children's dental health, the future of place-based partnerships, and special school nursing.
• Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 18 November 2025 - To review various planning applications, including those concerning conservation areas, listed buildings, and community infrastructure.
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 19 November 2025 - To consider an application for a new premises licence for Dynasty, located at 251 Old Brompton Road.
• Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 20 November 2025 - To discuss updates on Grenfell Tower Inquiry commitments, the Grenfell Support Programme, and the council's annual complaints report.
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 20 November 2025 - To consider an application from Smash Operations Limited for a variation of the premises licence for McDonald's at 208 Earl's Court Road.
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 24 November 2025 - To consider an application for a new premises licence for Muncheez, located at 24 Pembridge Road, London, W11 3HL.
• Environment Select Committee - Monday 24 November 2025 - To discuss the Environment and Neighbourhoods Department's budget for 2026-2027, review key performance indicators, and update its work programme for the municipal year.
• Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee - Wednesday 26 November 2025
• Joint Health & Wellbeing Board - Thursday 27 November 2025
• Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 27 November 2025 - To consider an application for a new premises licence for Star Kebab House.