This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Council's Financial Health Under Scrutiny: Audit Plan Approved Amidst Risk Register Review

The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee met on Thursday 3 September 2026, approving the external audit plan for the council's 2025-26 financial year and reviewing the corporate risk register. The approved audit plan, presented by KPMG, outlines the approach to auditing the council's financial statements and the Kingston Pension Fund accounts. Key risks identified include the valuation of post-retirement benefit obligations and potential management override of controls. The audit fee for the council's accounts is set at £353,000, with an additional £63,000 for non-audit services, and £100,000 for the pension fund audit.

The committee also delved into the council's corporate risk register, which details eight strategic risks. A significant point of discussion was the Financial Sustainability risk. Councillor Sachin Tulyani questioned whether the wording accurately reflected the cause of the risk, suggesting it might be misinterpreted as the council actively creating unsustainable plans rather than reacting to external factors. Officers agreed to review the presentation of this risk to ensure clarity.

Other risks under review included:

• Recruitment and Retention: The council is actively working to address challenges in attracting and keeping staff, particularly in vital areas like social work, planning, IT, and procurement. This directly impacts the council's ability to deliver essential services.
• Civil Contingencies for Extreme Weather Events: Following a challenging summer, the council is updating its resilience plans to better prepare for and respond to extreme weather, a growing concern for residents' safety and well-being.
• Social Cohesion: The council continues to monitor and address risks to social cohesion, which can be exacerbated by national and international events, through intelligence sharing and community engagement.
• Safeguarding: Ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable adults remains a top priority, with ongoing efforts to embed lessons learned from reviews.
• Business Continuity: Following an incident at Cumberland House, the council is reviewing its building resilience and business continuity plans to prevent future disruptions.
• Artificial Intelligence Adoption: The council is adopting a cautious approach to AI, focusing on efficiency tools while developing governance to manage risks associated with biased or insecure systems and potential increases in resident demand for AI-assisted services.

The committee noted the updated risks and agreed that the Strategic Leadership Team would continue to review the risk register quarterly. The meeting concluded at 8:50 pm.

Link to the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee meeting

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Late-Night KFC Opening Sparks Fierce Debate Over Noise and Nuisance

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 13 August 2026 to consider two controversial applications for new premises licences. The most heated discussion centred on an application for a KFC in Chessington, where residents voiced strong objections to proposed late-night opening hours for deliveries, citing concerns about noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour. The committee ultimately deferred a decision on this application, indicating a need for further deliberation. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

The KFC application at 2-4 North Parade, Chessington, KT9 1QF sought permission for late-night refreshments until 1am Monday to Thursday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, with delivery and collection services only after midnight. While the Metropolitan Police withdrew their initial objections after mediation, 15 residents submitted valid representations.

Concerns raised by residents and local councillors, including Councillor Barker, centred on the potential for noise from mopeds and delivery vehicles in a predominantly residential area that becomes very quiet after 11pm. David Williams, a resident, stated, Any disturbance in the street at all, it's very, very noticeable if you're a resident and trying to sleep. He added that the inherent noise of moped engines, particularly when accelerating, would be a significant disruption.

Veronica Whitehead, who lives opposite the proposed KFC, echoed these concerns, noting that even with windows closed, smells from the premises can be an issue. Stella Graham presented video footage from the World Cup period showing lights on and a driver collecting at 1:39 am, questioning the applicant's assurances about the premises appearing closed. Rochelle Cook highlighted ongoing litter problems around the existing KFC, with rubbish frequently blown into her garden.

Piers Warren, representing the applicant K & Z Newhaven Limited, argued that the proposed conditions, including drivers waiting inside the premises and a code of conduct, would mitigate noise and nuisance. He also pointed to the use of electric vehicles and the ability to ban drivers from using the platform if they breached the code of conduct. However, Councillor Barker countered that these measures were not realistic to enforce and that the test run during the World Cup was not representative of normal operating conditions. The committee's decision to defer the KFC application suggests these concerns will be a significant factor in their final judgment.

Pepe's Piri Piri Licence Granted with Amended Hours

In contrast, the Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Pepe's Piri Piri at 46 Tolworth Broadway, Tolworth, KT6 7HR. The applicant agreed to amended hours, with the premises operating as delivery-only after midnight and closing at 1:30 am from Sunday to Thursday, and 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. While the Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns about crime and disorder, these were withdrawn after the applicant agreed to specific conditions. Two residents also raised concerns about public nuisance, but were unable to attend the hearing. The subcommittee granted the licence with these agreed conditions. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Council Meeting Scheduled for Monday 10 August

A meeting of the Council was scheduled for Monday 10 August 2026. Details regarding the agenda and any decisions made are pending publication by the council. Link to the Council meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled

A Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 11 August 2026 was cancelled. The agenda included an application for a new premises licence for Rasiga in New Malden, which had received representations from residents concerning public nuisance and protection of children from harm. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Key Director Appointment Interviews Held Amidst Confidential Discussions

The Senior Staff Panel met on Monday 20 July 2026, with a primary focus on interviewing candidates for the critical role of Director of Planning and Infrastructure. This position is vital for shaping the borough's future development and ensuring essential infrastructure projects are managed effectively. The outcome of these interviews, and who will ultimately be appointed to this senior role, remains confidential for now. Link to the Senior Staff Panel meeting

The panel, comprising senior councillors including Councillor Andreas Kirsch (Leader of the Council), Councillor Emily Davey (Portfolio Holder for Housing), Councillor James Giles (Leader of the Kingston Independent Residents' Group), Councillor Sabah Hamed (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Equalities), and Councillor Nicola Nardelli (Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Transport and Waste and Recycling), was tasked with assessing candidates for this high-stakes appointment. The meeting agenda included standard procedural items before moving to the interviews.

A significant portion of the meeting was also dedicated to considering the exclusion of the press and public. This was done under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows for the exclusion of information that is likely to be exempt. The council stated that the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosure. This suggests that sensitive information regarding the recruitment process or other council business was discussed.

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 21 July 2026 was cancelled. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Kingston upon Thames:

Climate Action Debate Stalls as Council Meeting Fails to Proceed

A crucial Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday 14 July 2026 was unable to proceed with its planned agenda, meaning key decisions on climate action, the Blue Badge appeals process, and health governance were postponed. The meeting was intended to address the urgent need for more government action on climate change, a review of the Blue Badge appeals process, and the re-establishment of the Health and Wellbeing Board. Link to the Council meeting

The most significant item on the original agenda was a motion calling for increased government action on climate change. Proposed by Councillor Mike Massimi, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action, Biodiversity and Regulatory Services, the motion highlighted the impacts of recent heatwaves and Kingston Council's commitment to tackling the climate emergency. It sought to lobby the government for increased funding to address climate change impacts on infrastructure, health, and green spaces. An amendment from Councillor James Giles, Leader of the Kingston Independent Residents' Group, aimed to add further resolutions, including the publication of a heat resilience action plan and a review of the tree planting programme. However, with the meeting unable to proceed, these important discussions and potential decisions were put on hold.

Blue Badge Appeals Process Under Review

The Council was also set to consider recommendations from the Corporate and Resources Committee regarding the Blue Badge appeals process. The proposal was to move away from the current member-led appeals panel to an outsourced, single-stage review. Proponents argued this would streamline the process and achieve efficiency savings. However, concerns were raised by opposition councillors, including Councillor James Giles, about a potential gap in service for disabled residents and the lack of consultation with relevant disability groups. Councillor Giles proposed an amendment to delay implementation and require a performance report, highlighting worries about fairness and continuity of service. The postponement of this decision means the future of the appeals process for Blue Badge holders remains uncertain.

Health Governance Changes Delayed

Changes to health governance, including the re-establishment of a separate Health and Wellbeing Board, were also on the agenda. The Corporate and Resources Committee had recommended this move to better align with national policy and ensure sufficient capacity for statutory responsibilities. Councillor James Giles had proposed an amendment to the board's membership to ensure better representation for opposition groups. The inability of the Council meeting to proceed means these important structural changes to how health and wellbeing are governed locally are now delayed.

Planning Committee Approves University Teaching Building, Refuses Care Home

The Planning Committee met on Thursday 16 July 2026 and made decisions on three significant planning applications. The committee approved the demolition of student accommodation at Middle Mill Halls of Residence, Portland Road to make way for a new five-storey teaching building for Kingston University. They also approved the removal of a condition restricting the use of two flats at 3 The Mall, Surbiton from being converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). However, an application for an 80-bed residential care home at Hobkirk House, 109 Blagdon Road, New Malden was refused. Link to the Planning Committee meeting

Kingston University Expansion Moves Forward

The approval for Kingston University's new teaching building at Middle Mill Halls of Residence will see the demolition of existing student accommodation to make way for a 4,827sqm facility for the Kingston School of Art. While the application attracted significant objections from residents and the Kingston Town Society regarding the building's height, scale, and impact on heritage assets, officers recommended approval. They argued that the benefits of modernising the university's estate and future-proofing its educational facilities outweighed the low to moderate harm to heritage assets. The university stated the new building is essential for maintaining its status as a world-leading art school and will provide enhanced spaces for students and civic events.

HMO Restrictions Removed for Surbiton Flats

The committee voted to remove a condition that had previously prevented two new flats at 3 The Mall, Surbiton, from being used as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Officers argued the condition did not meet the necessary tests for planning conditions, citing a lack of evidence of over-concentration of HMOs in the area and the importance of HMOs for local housing needs. They also noted that the existing property was already licensed as a seven-person HMO without significant issues. Objectors, including Mr. Harry Wilder and Councillor Olly Wehring, argued that removing the condition undermined the council's previous decision and would lead to a loss of family housing, potentially increasing occupancy to 12 people without proper assessment. Despite these concerns, the committee approved the removal of the condition.

New Care Home Application Refused

An application for an 80-bed residential care home at Hobkirk House, New Malden, was refused by the Planning Committee. The application, which had been recommended for approval by officers, attracted significant public objection due to concerns about the building's height, scale, massing, design, and impact on neighbouring amenity, parking, and servicing. Residents argued the proposed building was too large and out of character with the surrounding residential area. Councillor Roger Hayes proposed refusal on grounds of excessive scale, discordant design, and negative impact on heritage assets, which was seconded by Councillor Ian George. The committee voted to refuse the application based on these grounds.

Former Councillors Honoured as Honorary Aldermen

A special meeting of the Council was held on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on two former councillors, Liz Green and Diane White. This honour recognises their significant service to the borough. Link to the Council meeting

Both former councillors have served for over 12 years and have indicated they will not seek re-election. The title of Honorary Alderman is a civic honour bestowed upon individuals who have rendered eminent service to the council. The formal installation will take place at the next council meeting on 13 October 2026.

Council Constitution Review Underway

The Constitution of Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames committee met on Friday 17 July 2026 to review the council's governing document. The Constitution outlines how the council operates, makes decisions, and engages with the public. The committee examined various parts of the document, including its introduction, articles, responsibility for functions, rules of procedure, codes of conduct, and members' allowances scheme. Recent revisions noted include updates related to the disestablishment of the Blue Badge Appeals Panel and the re-establishment of the Health and Wellbeing Board. Link to the Constitution of Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames meeting