Andrew Bolton - Councillor for Kingston upon Thames (Coombe Vale Ward)

Councillor Andrew Bolton

Liberal Democrat Coombe Vale Ward

Email: andrew.bolton@kingston.gov.uk

Council: Kingston upon Thames

Council Profile: View on council website

Committees: Council (Member) New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee (Member) New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee (Member) Place Committee (Member) Licensing Sub-Committee Licensing Committee Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Member)

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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary

Last updated: 9 days ago

Councillor Andrew Bolton's council service across 2024, 2025, and 2026 reveals a consistent dedication to community well-being and responsible governance, with a notable increase in focused activity and specific contributions in the most recent years.

Recent Focus (2026): In 2026, Councillor Bolton's engagement was particularly concentrated within the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee. His participation in grant application discussions highlights a direct involvement in community funding. While declaring a non-registrable interest in the Oxygen community grant due to a personal connection, he actively participated in the decision-making process. Notably, he voted against an amendment for the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group but ultimately supported its £1,100 funding, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to community support. He also unequivocally backed significant funding for Kingston Giving and Oxygen, approving £3,000 for each, underscoring a commitment to established community initiatives.

Evolving Priorities and Consistent Interests (2025 & 2024): Councillor Bolton's activities in 2025 and 2024 provide valuable context for his recent work. In 2025, he assumed a leadership role as Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, indicating a growing responsibility and a focus on regulatory matters. His participation in policy discussions, such as voting in favour of a School Street for Christchurch Infants School, demonstrates an interest in improving local infrastructure and educational environments. His inquiry into the council's funding strategy for a proposed footbridge over the River Thames, specifically regarding asset sales, points to a keen interest in financial prudence and long-term planning. His representation of Coombe Vale Ward and inquiries into staff flux within the Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel suggest a broader concern for council operations and service delivery.

In 2024, Bolton's consistent engagement with the Licensing Sub-Committee, culminating in his election as Chair, solidified his role in overseeing important regulatory functions. His use of Councillor Ward Funding (CWF) to support the Dickerage Youth Centre and the Coombe School Poster Competition in 2024 showcases a direct commitment to local youth and educational initiatives. His vote in favour of a motion addressing the funding crisis facing England's councils in December 2024 indicates a broader awareness of and concern for the financial stability of local government.

Key Themes and Contributions: Across these years, key themes include community funding and support, regulatory oversight (particularly licensing), financial prudence and planning, and local infrastructure and education. His most significant recent contributions in 2026 lie in his direct involvement and voting on community grant approvals, demonstrating a hands-on approach to allocating resources. His earlier roles as Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee and his engagement with financial planning in 2025 and 2024 show a progression towards more impactful leadership and strategic thinking.

Evolution of Focus: Councillor Bolton's focus appears to have evolved from broader participation and committee leadership in earlier years to more specific and direct involvement in community funding decisions in 2026. While maintaining an interest in financial matters and regulatory oversight, his recent activities highlight a strong commitment to tangible community benefits through grant allocation.

Yearly Activity Timeline

In January 2026, Councillor Andrew Bolton was active in the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee. He declared a non-registrable interest in the Oxygen community grant due to a personal connection. He participated in votes on grant applications, voting against an amendment for the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group but ultimately supporting its £1,100 funding approval. He also voted in favor of approving £3,000 each for Kingston Giving and Oxygen.

Monthly Activity in 2026

During the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee meeting on January 22, 2026, Councillor Andrew Bolton declared a non-registrable interest in the Oxygen community grant application due to a personal connection. He voted against an amendment related to the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group application but later supported its approval for £1,100 in funding. Councillor Bolton also voted in favor of approving grant funding for Kingston Giving (£3,000) and Oxygen (£3,000).

Meetings in January 2026
New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee - Thursday 22 January 2026 7:30 pm - 22 January 2026

Councillor Andrew Bolton declared a non-registrable interest in the Oxygen community grant application due to knowing someone involved with the charity. He made a comment before leaving the room. During the meeting, Councillor Bolton voted against an amendment concerning the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group application but subsequently voted in favour of approving their application for £1,100 in Neighbourhood Community Grant funding. He also voted in favour of approving grant funding for Kingston Giving (£3,000) and Oxygen (£3,000).

Activity Timeline

Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.

55 meetings · Page 3 of 11

Place Committee Member

Place Committee - Thursday 18 September 2025 7:30 pm

The Kingston upon Thames Place Committee met to discuss the implementation of a lane rental scheme and to receive an annual update on the Seething Wells Filter Beds. The committee agreed in principle to implement a Lane Rental Scheme in the borough and delegated authority to the Director of Highways, Transport and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to progress the application to join the London Borough Lane Rental Scheme. The committee also noted the updates regarding the Seething Wells Filter Beds.

September 18, 2025
New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee Member

New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee - Thursday 4 September 2025 7:30 pm

Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the New and Old Malden Planning Sub-Committee meeting on 4 September 2025. The meeting was scheduled to take place at Richard Challoner School. On the agenda were planning applications for 11 Cotsford Avenue and 23-29 Blagdon Road.

September 04, 2025
Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel Member

Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Thursday 10 July 2025 7:30 pm

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to review Kingston's Adult Community Health Services, receiving an update on public health matters and discussing future work plans. The panel reviewed the plans for standardisation and developments in line with the 'left shift' to community based care. Councillors requested more information on the Connected Kingston website, and discussed how to involve the neighbourhood system and residents in health service changes.

July 10, 2025
Council Member

Council - Tuesday 8 July 2025 7:30 pm

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council met to debate petitions regarding parking charges and pension fund investments, as well as to discuss a motion on welfare reform. Councillors agreed to establish a cross-party task force to review pension fund investments and also voted to campaign against changes to disability benefits. The council also formally recognised John Azar OBE, for being admitted to the status of Honorary Freeman of the Royal Borough.

July 08, 2025
Place Committee Member

Place Committee - Tuesday 24 June 2025 7:30 pm

The Place Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including parking charges, a proposed footbridge, opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport, habitat banks, retrofitting council buildings, and the redevelopment of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station. The committee approved progressing with the investigation and setting up of habitat banks on council-owned land, and also approved the implementation of energy conservation measures at council buildings. The committee also agreed to progress with the redevelopment of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station to the end of RIBA[^1] 4.

June 24, 2025

Summary

Meetings Attended: 55

Average per Month: 2.6

Decisions Recorded: 75