The People Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to discuss the council's financial strategy for the coming years, review the post-16 education and training provision for young people, and consider the admission arrangements for community schools. The committee will also receive updates on adult social care services and review validated school test and exam results.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026-2030 and Detailed Budget 2026/27

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the council's financial planning, with a detailed discussion scheduled on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2030 and the detailed budget for 2026/27. The report pack outlines the proposed budget for the next four years, detailing projected expenditure and income, including anticipated increases in council tax and social care precepts. It highlights the challenging financial context local government is operating within, with rising demand for services such as adult social care, children's social care, and temporary accommodation, coupled with insufficient funding. The report also details proposed budget growth and savings across various directorates, including significant allocations for Adult Social Care & Health and Children's Services. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27 and rent and service charge levels are also to be considered, with proposals for a 4.8% increase in social rents and tenant service charges. The committee will be asked to make recommendations to the Corporate and Resources Committee regarding these budget proposals.

Post-16 Education Offer

The committee will receive an update on the post-16 education and training provision for young people aged 16 to 18, and up to age 25 for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The report aims to provide assurance that the local offer is sufficiently broad and suitable to meet the needs of these young residents. It will detail the high rate of participation in sustained education, employment, and training, and highlight the range of options available, including school sixth-forms, further education institutions, apprenticeships, and specialist provision for young people with SEND. The report will also discuss the development of a Post-16 Campus for young people with SEND and efforts to expand vocational opportunities.

Admission Arrangements For Kingston Community Schools

A statutory duty requires the local authority to determine the school admission arrangements for community schools for entry in 2027/28. The report details proposed changes to the Published Admission Number (PAN) for King's Oak Primary School, reducing it from 90 to 60 due to declining demand. This change is intended to ensure efficient educational and financial planning for the school and contribute to the long-term stability of primary schools in the borough. The report confirms that a public consultation was held, receiving no responses, and outlines the proposed admission arrangements for community primary, infant, junior, and nursery schools.

Adult Social Care Update

An update on strategic developments and future plans for Adult Social Care is scheduled for discussion. The report will cover the national policy context, including the ongoing reforms to the National Care Service, priorities for Adult Social Care, and the implications of the new Mental Health Bill and Liberty Protection Safeguards. It will also address the Employment Rights Bill and its potential impact on provider fees and local authority budgets. Locally, the report will highlight progress against transformation and improvement priorities, including a focus on promoting independence through digital and technology-enabled care, improving outcomes in learning disabilities and mental health services, and enhancing data insights. Key achievements, such as the development of a Practice Framework and a Quality Assurance Framework, will be presented, alongside the positive outcome of the recent CQC inspection which rated the directorate as 'Good'.

Validated School Test and Exam Results

The committee will receive a report detailing the educational outcomes achieved by pupils in Kingston upon Thames schools during the 2024-25 academic year. The report indicates that achievement in Kingston schools remains strong and above national averages across all key stages. Specific improvements are noted in the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile and the Phonics Screening Check. While Key Stage 2 results show a slight decrease compared to previous years, they remain above the national average, with particular strengths in reading. Key Stage 4 results are highlighted as being particularly strong, with Kingston ranking first nationally for the proportion of pupils achieving a grade 4 or above in English and mathematics.

Motion on Recognising the Contribution of Police Community Support Officers

A motion, proposed by Councillor James Giles and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Tracey, will be debated. The motion seeks to recognise the significant contribution of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to communities across Kingston. It highlights their role in neighbourhood policing, visibility, and community engagement, particularly in mitigating the impact of police abstraction. The motion notes that PCSOs are not eligible for the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and calls for the creation of an equivalent national honour. The council is asked to support this national campaign and for the Leader of the Council to write to the Home Secretary endorsing the introduction of a formal decoration for PCSOs. Officers' comments will be presented, noting Kingston's consistently low crime rate and the foundational role of PCSOs in the Safer Neighbourhoods model. The report also provides background information on the national campaign, including the Home Office's assessment of eligibility and costs, and the London Assembly's support for the initiative.