The Council debated and unanimously passed a motion to endorse the LGA's Debate Not Hate campaign, aiming to combat abuse against councillors. The council also unanimously agreed to make several adjustments to its committee structures, including increasing the size of the Corporate Parenting Panel, amending representation on the Safer Neighbourhood Board, and disestablishing the Property Investment Company Shareholders Committee.

Debate Not Hate Campaign

The Council unanimously endorsed the Local Government Association's (LGA) Debate Not Hate campaign, which seeks to address the increasing levels of abuse and intimidation faced by councillors. The motion, proposed by Councillor Andreas Kirsch¹ and seconded by Councillor Alison Holt², noted that councillors are susceptible to such abuse, which can negatively impact them, their families, and local democracy. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors, encourage respectful debate, and improve support for those facing abuse.

The Council resolved to:

• Endorse the Debate Not Hate campaign and call on all political groups to sign the public statement.
• Support councillors in preventing and managing abuse by adopting the LGA's principles: a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, clarity of process and responsibility, strong relationships with the police, tailored risk assessments, and prioritising councillor wellbeing.

The motion highlighted that a 2022 LGA survey found seven out of ten councillors had experienced abuse, with one in ten experiencing it frequently. The Council believes that debating and disagreement are fundamental to a healthy democracy, but this should always be done with respect.

Adjustments to Committees, Panels, and Other Bodies

The Council unanimously approved several changes to its committee and panel structures. These adjustments were made to ensure political balance and to reflect the dissolution of certain company structures.

The Corporate Parenting Panel will be increased in size from four to six members, with the additional seats allocated to the Liberal Democrat Group. While these seats are not statutorily subject to proportionality rules, the revised composition is consistent with the principles of political balance.

Representation on the Safer Neighbourhood Board will be increased from two to four elected members. This change will allow for two Liberal Democrats, one member from The Opposition Group, and one Conservative representative. This board is also not subject to proportionality rules.

Finally, the Property Investment Company Shareholders Committee will be disestablished. This decision follows the dissolution of RBK Holdings Ltd and Kingston upon Thames Investments Ltd in April 2024, rendering the committee obsolete.

Appointments to Committees, Panels, and Other Bodies

Following the adjustments to committee structures, the Council approved several appointments.

• Corporate Parenting Panel: Councillors Anita Schaper³ and Tom Reeve⁴ were appointed to fill the two newly created places.
• Safer Neighbourhood Board: Councillors Lorraine Dunstone⁵ and Ian George⁶ were appointed to serve on the board.
• Teacher's Appeals Committee: Councillor Lorraine Dunstone was appointed to this committee, replacing former Councillor Steph Archer⁷.
• Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE): Councillor Jackie Davies⁸ was appointed to SACRE, also in place of former Councillor Steph Archer.
• Health Overview Panel: Councillor Lorraine Dunstone was appointed to the Health Overview Panel, replacing Councillor Sharukh Mirza⁹.

All appointments were made unanimously.

Member Questions

The Council addressed several questions from members regarding various council services and policies.

Councillor Ian George¹⁰ raised concerns with Councillor Nicola Nardelli¹¹ (Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Transport, Waste and Recycling) regarding a report that nearly 3,000 motorists were fined unfairly due to roadworks on Eden Street. Councillor Nardelli stated that while individual appeals are not precedent-setting, the council has a process for appeals and noted that adjudicators have reached different conclusions on similar cases. Data was provided showing the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued during the roadworks period and comparable periods in previous years. The council maintained that drivers who pay a PCN accept liability and will not be refunded.

Councillor Olly Wehring¹² asked Councillor Ian Manders¹³ (Portfolio Holder for Climate Action, Biodiversity and Planning Policy) about how the next government should help local authorities achieve net zero. Councillor Manders highlighted the importance of central government providing policy direction, regulation, and funding, citing the support for district heat networks as an example. He also expressed concerns about the adequacy of proposed funding for home energy efficiency improvements and the need for central government to address issues with water companies polluting local rivers.

Councillor Rowena Bass¹⁴ questioned Councillor Alison Holt¹⁵ (Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Economic Development) about the delayed timeline for the replacement of the Kingfisher Leisure Centre. Councillor Holt explained that the project's original timeline was impacted by national and international events and financial shocks. A revised timeline was presented, with public engagement ongoing, a planning application expected in Autumn 2024, construction starting in Spring 2025, and the new centre opening in Spring 2027.

Councillor Jackie Davies¹⁶ inquired with Councillor Andreas Kirsch¹⁷ (Leader of the Council) about the Kingston Independent Film Festival (KIFF). Councillor Kirsch noted KIFF's success in supporting independent filmmaking and providing opportunities for young talent, highlighting its inclusive approach and its work with local colleges and schools.

Councillor Ian George raised concerns with Councillor Nicola Nardelli¹⁸ about a faulty belisha beacon¹⁹ at a pedestrian crossing near Surbiton station, which had been reported in September of the previous year and remained unrepaired. Councillor Nardelli confirmed that officers had apologised for the delay and that council contractors had given a deadline of 27 July for the repair, with ongoing monitoring to ensure completion.

Councillor Mark Durrant²⁰ asked Councillor Sabah Hamed²¹ (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Equalities) about the council's response to increased pressures and demand in learning disabilities and mental health services. Councillor Hamed outlined a transformation programme, including developing the market, enhancing strengths-based practice, and working with health partners. Preventative models, such as the anticipatory care model and the Connected Kingston social prescribing model, are being implemented, alongside technology-enabled care. The council is also committed to the Acre Road development for adults with learning disabilities.

Councillor Rowena Bass again questioned Councillor Nicola Nardelli regarding the introduction of advisory white lines in Ladderstile Ride, Warboys Road, and surrounding areas to address inconsiderate parking near Richmond Park. Councillor Nardelli stated that ward members had been asked for their final comments on proposals for free-to-park bays, with implementation planned for September 2024.

Councillor Rowena Bass also asked Councillor Alison Holt about the costs and timings of investigations and works related to the roof of The Malden Centre. Councillor Holt detailed a two-phase approach: initial mechanical plant adjustments costing under £10,000 and a more extensive survey and repair programme estimated at £250,000, planned for a two-week closure in late Summer/early Autumn.

Councillor Ian George questioned Councillor Diane White²² (Portfolio Holder for Children's Services) regarding a Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman²³ report that found the council had caused avoidable frustration and uncertainty to a mother due to delays in providing therapy for her son with special educational needs. Councillor White apologised for the delay, citing complicating factors, workforce challenges in the SEND service, and NHS provider issues. She stated that these workforce issues are being addressed through the SEND Futures Plan, with strengthened management oversight and quality assurance processes in place.

Councillor Ian George also raised concerns with Councillor Nicola Nardelli about offensive graffiti on a cut-through near Surbiton station. Councillor Nardelli confirmed that the Ranger service regularly removes similar graffiti from the public footpath and that the offensive graffiti on private land was painted over on 10 July.

Councillor Ian George further questioned Councillor Nicola Nardelli about the poor state of Blagdon Road Car Park in New Malden, which had been covered in graffiti for over six months. Councillor Nardelli stated that vandalism is a recurring issue, but the council has recently replaced lighting, installed anti-vandal cages, and cleared all graffiti in the car park.

Councillor Ian George asked Councillor Ian Manders about potential delays to Kingston's Local Plan due to changes in the Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy. Councillor Manders confirmed that the Local Development Scheme remains unaltered and the administration is committed to progressing the Local Plan, with any legislative changes to be addressed post-adoption.

Councillor Ian George also inquired with Councillor Ian Manders about staffing issues within the Planning and Enforcement department. Councillor Manders explained that enforcement is a discretionary function operating on a prioritisation system, with resources allocated based on the nature of the breach. He added that funding has been prioritised for the enforcement function, and recruitment of additional staff is underway.

Councillor Ian George asked Councillor Andreas Kirsch about the ongoing discussions regarding Kingstonian Football Club's need for a permanent home ground. Councillor Kirsch confirmed that discussions are ongoing, and the council is working with the club's new board to review options, though no feasible solution has yet emerged.

Finally, Councillor Ian George questioned Councillor Ian Manders regarding Kingston Council's actions to help Chessington Football Club address drainage and flooding issues at their grounds. Councillor Manders stated that the property is leased to the club on a long lease, with the tenant responsible for all repairs and maintenance. He clarified that the council's powers do not extend to managing flood risk from surface runoff in this instance.