The Council met on 29 February 2024 to approve the budget for the upcoming financial year and elect the Mayor for the next municipal year. Key decisions included the adoption of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Detailed Budget for 2024/25, which involves a 2.99% increase in general Council Tax and a 2.00% increase in the Adult Social Care precept. Councillor Liz Green was elected as the Mayor for the 2024/25 Municipal Year.

Medium Term Financial Strategy and Detailed Budget 2024/25

The Council approved the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-2028 and the Detailed Budget for 2024/25. This comprehensive budget includes £16.024m in growth and investment for services, alongside £7.989m in revenue savings. The approved budget will result in an average Council Tax at band D of £1,903.95, reflecting a 2.99% increase in general Council Tax and a 2.00% increase in the Adult Social Care precept. Inflationary pressures of £8.626m have been funded, and a general fund reserve of £19.633m has been maintained. A significant Capital Programme of £237.7m over four years is also planned for infrastructure investment.

The budget aims to support the Council in meeting significant challenges, including the cost of living crisis and increasing demand for services, within a difficult operating environment for local authorities. The provisional government settlement provided a 6.5% increase in spending power, largely through the ability to raise council tax.

Key decisions within the budget approval included:

• Noting the comments of the People Committee and the Place Committee.
• Authorising the Interim Director of Finance to make necessary changes to the GLA precept.
• Approving the budget proposals and Council Tax for 2024/25.
• Authorising officers to deliver the agreed budget and service charges, including increasing fees and charges in line with inflation.
• Noting the Section 151 Officer's comments on the robustness of estimates and reserves.
• Calculating the statutory Council Tax for 2024/25.
• Approving the Capital Strategy and detailed capital programme for 2024/25 to 2027/28.
• Approving the Treasury Strategy, including the Annual Investment Strategy, prudential indicators, and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy.
• Approving the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 2024-25 base budget and proposals for growth and savings.
• Approving the pay policy for 2024/25.
• Approving the Schools Budget for 2024-25, including proposals for the Central School Services Block, Early Years Block, High Needs Block, and Schools Block, with a Minimum Funding Guarantee of +0.5% per pupil.
• Approving a 100% increase in the Council Tax charge for second homes, effective from 1 April 2025.
• Reducing the period before a qualifying dwelling attracts a 100% Council Tax premium from two years to one year, effective from 1 April 2024.

The budget was approved with 40 votes in favour and 3 against.

Election of the Mayor 2024/25

Councillor Liz Green was elected as the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames for the 2024/25 Municipal Year. The election was unanimous. Councillor Green's appointment will commence on 14 May 2024.

Calendar of Meetings 2024/25

The Council approved the proposed timetable of Committees, Panels, and similar meetings for the 2024/25 Municipal Year. The calendar has been sequenced to facilitate reporting linkages between committees and minimise decision-making delays. Amendments to the timetable can be made by the Corporate Head of Democratic and Electoral Services in consultation with Committee Chairs.

Kingston Better Care Fund Governance Changes

The Council approved changes to the governance arrangements for the Kingston Better Care Fund. This will see the Kingston Partnership Board, acting as Kingston's Health & Wellbeing Board, approve the final Better Care Fund Delivery Plan and End of Year Report. This change aims to provide more flexible, joined-up, and compliant strategic oversight for the fund, which supports people to stay well, safe, and independent at home for longer. The decision was unanimous.

Planning Protocol - Public Speaking on Planning Applications

Amendments to the public speaking arrangements for planning applications at Committee meetings were approved. The existing five-minute slot for objectors will be split into two five-minute slots: one for residents directly impacted by the application and another for individuals representing specialist organisations or campaigning views from outside the notification area. This change, effective from 1 March 2024, aims to ensure that residents most directly affected have adequate opportunity to make representations. The decision was unanimous.

Audit, Governance & Standards Committee - Independent Persons

The Council approved amendments to the membership of the Audit, Governance & Standards Committee to include two Independent Members, aligning with CIPFA best practice. The Monitoring Officer is authorised to recruit these two members for a term ending in the 2025/26 Municipal Year. The role profile for the Independent Member was also agreed. This decision was unanimous.