Here is a summary of the Kensington and Chelsea Leadership Team meeting on 24 September 2025. Councillors approved the procurement strategy for the new open space on Lots Road, and discussed the financial challenges facing the council due to government funding cuts, and the Q1 financial monitoring report. The meeting also included a 72-second silence to remember those who lost their lives in the Grenfell tragedy.

Government Funding Cuts

The Leadership Team discussed the significant financial challenges facing the council due to the government's proposed funding reforms. The council is anticipating a cut of £83 million from its net budget over the next four years, which Councillor Emma Will, Lead Member for Property, Parks & Leisure, described as the opposite of a rosy picture .

Councillor Kevin, criticised the government's plans to simplify funding, calling it Orwellian speak for cutting money. He highlighted the potential impact of the government's suggestion that the council increase council tax to meet assessed needs. He noted that the average Band D council tax in the borough is £2,000, and the suggestion is that the council should have the ability to increase it from its current level of £1,100. Councillor Kevin asked:

I just wondered if there's ever been any referendum in history that would vote in favour of a capital increase to 1,000, 100 per cent?

It was confirmed that there is a cap of 5% on council tax increases before a referendum is required, and that no council has ever had a successful referendum to increase council tax by more than this amount.

Councillor Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Family & Children's Services, expressed her despair at the funding formula being applied to Family and Children's Services, stating that it doesn't make sense and is brutally unfair for the borough's poorest children. She highlighted that the formula does not adequately consider factors such as housing costs and the incongruent progression affecting children index, and eligibility for preschool meals.

Councillor Josh Rendall, Lead Member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, raised concerns about the impact of the cuts on health services, the lack of democratic consent for the cuts, and the cumulative effect of pressures from the NHS, policing, and taxation.

In response to concerns, it was stated that the council is actively campaigning against the government's proposals, working with London Councils, the Society of London Treasurers, and Central London Forward. The council has also met with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and continues to engage in discussions with them.

Quarter 1 Financial Monitoring Report

The Leadership Team reviewed the Quarter 1 Financial Monitoring Report for 2025/26. The report indicated that the council had balanced its budget with a nil variance, which was considered commendable given the pressures on government funding. However, some departments experienced overspends.

Councillor Catherine Faulks reassured the team that all savings targets were on track to be delivered. The overspend in Family and Children's Services was attributed to the high cost of placements for looked-after children, with 14% of children accounting for a disproportionate amount of the overall placement costs.

Councillor Sof McVeigh, Lead Member for Housing Management, Housing Safety & Building New Homes, noted that while the Housing Department had reduced temporary accommodation numbers, costs had increased due to rising accommodation prices and a lack of increased government grants.

Councillor Jolly thanked the Office of Environment and Neighbourhoods for their performance, noting a recoupment of income from parking services and the planting of more than 400 trees, exceeding the council's manifesto pledge.

Samia, from the Curve Legacy group, commended the council's decision to allocate legacy funds to local communities, specifically mentioning the £1.3 million managed by the group. She requested assurance that this work remains a top priority for the council. Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for Communities & Community Safety, confirmed that the money has been ring-fenced and that discussions with the group are ongoing.

Lots Road New Open Space

The Leadership Team approved the procurement strategy for the construction of a new open space on Lots Road. Councillor Emma Will expressed her excitement about the project, noting that it would be the first new park in the borough for a long time, particularly significant given that Kensington and Chelsea is the most densely populated borough in London, and the Lots Road area is the most densely populated part of the borough.

The open space will be a meanwhile open space due to its location on a Thames Water site, meaning that it will be demountable within 24 hours if necessary. The initial procurement part of the contract is valued at £142,000.

Councillor Josh Rendall raised concerns about the estimated contract value and ensuring the project stays within budget, given the council's financial challenges. Monica Castelino explained that the project is being funded from a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contribution, ensuring that residents benefit from the development in the area. She also detailed the design process, which involved public consultation and co-design with residents.

Councillor Kim Taylor-Smith, Deputy Leader, Lead Member for Employment, Culture & Economy, welcomed the project, particularly the potential for it to link the walkway and include access to the Grand Banks and Chelsea Waterfront. He enquired about the opening hours and management of the site, particularly regarding potential access requirements for Thames Water.

The planned opening hours are 7am until dusk, with full-time staffing based at Cremorne Gardens to maintain the site. While floodlights are not planned, there will be some lighting for safety. Thames Water has indicated that they will provide a two-hour notice window for emergency access and sufficient notice for other closures.

The design incorporates resident feedback, including a lack of informal sports facilities in the area. The new open space will include small-scale football, pickleball, pétanque, basketball practice, a running track, quiet spaces, greening, habitat panels, and play areas.

The project aims to start on-site by February and be open by early summer next year, following planning submissions and a tender process for construction.

Samia asked whether the council would seek social value from the contract, and whether this could translate into monetary value for the estates around the site. Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke agreed to take this away and come back with the options.