The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee approved grants for three local organisations totalling £6,060. The committee also received updates on ongoing council decisions and reviewed its work programme.

Community Grants Programme

The committee approved Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs) for three organisations. Man & Boy received £2,230 to support their Stronger Families South of the Borough project, which aims to provide focused support to families facing multiple barriers. Oxygen was awarded £2,230 for their mentoring programme, which supports marginalised, disadvantaged, and isolated young people in the South of the Borough. The Kingston Tamil Heritage Group received £825 to help fund their Kingston Tamil Heritage and Harvest Festival, scheduled for Sunday 25 January 2026 at Richard Challoner School in New Malden.

The Neighbourhood Community Grants programme, as outlined in the Community Grants Programme Guidelines, provides funding of up to £3,000 per application to support projects and activities that benefit local communities. Each of the four neighbourhood areas receives an annual allocation of £20,000 for these grants.

The report noted that approving these applications would result in the South of the Borough NCG fund being in deficit by £1,815, as the remaining funds were £5,285 and the total requested was £6,060.

Decisions Progress Update

The committee received an update on decisions made in previous meetings. This included the completion of work at Tolworth Court Farm, which was funded by the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL). The NCIL is a charge levied by the council on new developments to help fund infrastructure improvements.

An update was also provided on the Rhodrons Avenue 3.5-tonne weight restriction, where objections were set aside and the scheme will proceed. A review of its impact on surrounding roads will be brought back to the committee in 12 months. Proposals for Bridge Road and Moor Lane, including a raised table at an existing pedestrian crossing near the junction with Parbury Rise, are proceeding subject to statutory consultation.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for future meetings. Key items include a standing item on the Community Grants Programme, a report on Ranger Activity Undertaken in 2025, a review of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Community Plan, and a half-yearly Community Safety Update. The next meeting is scheduled for 10 December 2025.