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News, analysis, and updates about Kingston council decisions.

explainer

Borough Elections 7 May 2026: What Kingston Residents Need to Know

All 48 seats on Kingston Council are up for grabs on 7 May 2026. Here's why this election matters more than most — and what you need to do before polling day.

29 Jun 2026
borough electionskingston councilcouncil taxvoter registration
explainer

How to Appeal a School Place in Kingston 2026: Deadlines and Evidence

Missed out on your preferred school in Kingston? Here's what parents need to know about appeals, key 2026 deadlines, and what evidence actually works.

28 Jun 2026
school admissionseducationkingston upon thamesappeals
explainer

Why Residents Are Watching: Kingston's 2026/27 Budget and Council Tax

Kingston residents face a £119.77 rise in their Band D council tax bill this year — and an £18M budget gap looming. Here's what you need to know.

25 Jun 2026
council taxbudgetadult social caremedium term financial strategy
decision

965 Homes in Tolworth and 150 at Kingston Hospital: What These Planning Decisions Mean for You

Kingston's Planning Committee has considered two major housing schemes. Here's what residents need to know about Signal Park and Kingston Hospital.

24 Jun 2026
housingcommunityplanningtolworth
explainer

Extensions & Loft Conversions in Kingston: What Needs Permission?

Kingston's planning rules catch many homeowners off guard. Here's what permitted development actually allows — and where Article 4 directions change everything.

18 Jun 2026
planning permissionpermitted developmentconservation areashousing
accountability

Motspur Park Gasholders: 586 Homes, Three Boroughs, and a Fight Over Metropolitan Open Land

Berkeley Homes and SGN's plan for 586 homes on the Motspur Park gasholder site was rejected. Here's what was proposed, why residents were furious, and what happens next.

16 Jun 2026
planningmetropolitan open landhousingmotspur park
decision

Lever House Twin Towers: Kingston's Most Controversial Planning Application Explained

Cube Real Estate wants to demolish the 11-storey Lever House and replace it with two 19-storey towers beside Eden Campus. Here's what's proposed — and why residents are fighting back.

14 Jun 2026
planningtall buildingskingston town centrehousing
explainer

Kingston's Crisis and Resilience Fund 2026–2029: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The Household Support Fund closed in March 2026. Kingston's new Crisis and Resilience Fund has replaced it — but do residents know what changed, and how to claim?

12 Jun 2026
crisis and resilience fundfinancial hardshipwelfare supporthousehold support fund
explainer

Why Residents Are Watching: Kingston's 2026/27 Budget and Council Tax

Kingston residents face a £119.77 rise in their annual council tax bill — and an £18M budget gap looming over the next four years. Here's what it means.

10 Jun 2026
council taxbudget2026/27 budgetkingston council
explainer

Kingston's Villiers Road Tip: Your Complete Guide to Booking, Limits and Rules

Pre-booking, a 20-visit annual cap, van permits, banned items, and a pedestrian-only weekend window — here's everything Kingston residents need to know.

9 Jun 2026
recyclingvilliers roadhousehold wastekingston council
explainer

Free School Meals in Kingston 2026/27: Transitional Protections Are Ending

National transitional protections for free school meals end in September 2026. Kingston families must recheck eligibility now — here's what the rules mean for you.

7 Jun 2026
free school mealseducationkingston familiespupil premium
explainer

Kingston's Crisis and Resilience Fund: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The Household Support Fund closed in March 2026. Kingston's new Crisis and Resilience Fund runs to 2029 — here's what changed and how to get help.

5 Jun 2026
financial hardshipcost of livingcouncil supportcrisis fund
accountability

Kingston Planning Delays 2025: The 6-Week Backlog Explained

Kingston council acknowledged a 6-week validation backlog in November 2025. Here's what that means for your application, your legal rights, and what to do next.

2 Jun 2026
planningkingston councilhousingdelays
accountability

The Thames at Ham and Kingston Is Now a Designated Bathing Water — What That Actually Means for Swimmers

The Thames at Ham and Kingston gains official bathing water status from May 2026. Here's what Environment Agency testing, Hogsmill sewage, and council monitoring mean for you.

31 May 2026
thames bathing waterhogsmill sewagewild swimmingenvironment agency
explainer

The Renters' Rights Act Is Now Law: What Kingston Private Tenants Need to Know

Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are gone, tenancies are now rolling by default, and rent challenge rights are stronger. Here's what it means for Kingston renters.

29 May 2026
renters rights actprivate tenantshousing enforcementsection 21
accountability

Eden Campus Is Open: What Kingston Residents Get — and What They Don't

Unilever has moved into Eden Campus. We audit what was promised — 2,000 jobs, a restored river, public space — against what residents can actually see.

28 May 2026
planningeden campusunileverkingston regeneration
explainer

Pothole Damaged Your Car in Kingston? How to Claim Compensation

Step-by-step guide to claiming compensation from Kingston Council for pothole damage — evidence, legal standards, and what to realistically expect.

26 May 2026
potholeshighwayscompensationkingston council
explainer

Kingston Council Tax Reduction 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Kingston now has London's highest Band D council tax at £2,608.12. Here's every discount and reduction scheme residents can claim — and how to apply.

24 May 2026
council taxcouncil tax reductiondiscountscost of living
explainer

Kingston's Local Plan 2026: The Consultation That Shapes Every Planning Decision to 2041

Kingston's Regulation 19 Local Plan sets every planning rule until 2041. Here's what it means, what's controversial, and how to have your say before the deadline.

23 May 2026
local planplanning policyhousingconsultation
accountability

The 18-Month Dig: UKPN's 13km Cable Project — Every Road Affected

UK Power Networks is digging up Kingston for 18 months from September 2025. Here's every ward hit, the worst pinch-points, and how to fight back.

21 May 2026
roadworksukpntrafficsurbiton
explainer

How to Appeal a Kingston Parking Fine (PCN): A Step-by-Step Guide

Got a parking ticket in Kingston? Here's exactly how to challenge it — from the 14-day discount window to the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal.

19 May 2026
parkingpcn appealsenforcementresidents rights
accountability

Hook Park, Chessington: 2,000 Homes on Green Belt — What It Means

An outline application for 2,000 homes on grey/green belt land off Clayton Road, Chessington is heading for a decision in June 2026. Here's what's proposed and how to object.

17 May 2026
planninggreen beltchessingtonhousing
accountability

Kingston's Parking Charge Hike: Why Some Areas Tripled — and What Residents Can Do

Kingston's parking charges rose sharply in April 2025, with some areas seeing costs triple. We decode the increases, examine the 1,200-signature petition, and explain your rights.

15 May 2026
parkingkingston councilcpztransport policy
accountability

Kingston's Housing Register: How Long the Wait Really Is

Over 2,000 households on Kingston's housing register, ~40 family homes freed per year, and waits of up to 17 years. Here's what the numbers really mean.

10 May 2026
housingcouncil housinghousing registersocial housing
accountability

Cambridge Road Estate Phase 2: 383 Homes, 13 Storeys, and an Affordable Housing Gap

Phase 2 of the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration has been submitted. Here's what the timeline looks like, why the affordable housing figures matter, and how residents can have their say.

7 May 2026
cambridge road estateregenerationaffordable housingnorbiton
accountability

Kingston's SEND Funding Crisis: A £20m Deficit and What It Means for Families

Kingston's special educational needs budget is haemorrhaging money — £13.1m overspent in 2025/26 alone. Here's what it means for families navigating the SEND system.

3 May 2026
senddedicated schools grantehcpkingston upon thames
accountability

Kingston this summer: roadworks, park events and builds to watch

From road closures to park events and building sites, here is what Kingston Council has planned for summer 2026 — and the questions residents should be asking.

30 Apr 2026
roadworkskingston parkssummer 2026construction
explainer

Every Kingston ward explained: who represents you and what they do

Kingston has 19 wards and 48 councillors. Do you know who yours are — and what they're actually responsible for? Here's your complete guide.

28 Apr 2026
kingston wardskingston councillorslocal electionscouncil accountability
explainer

A complete guide to Kingston Council: who runs it and how to have your say

48 councillors, 19 wards, a £2,608.12 council tax bill and an £18M budget gap. Here's how Kingston Council actually works — and how you can influence it.

26 Apr 2026
kingston councilcouncillorscouncil taxlocal democracy
accountability

Kingston vs Richmond vs Sutton: comparing tax, services and transparency

Kingston residents pay £2,608.12 in Band D council tax in 2026/27. But how does that compare to Richmond and Sutton — and what are you getting for it?

24 Apr 2026
council taxbudgetkingston upon thamestransparency
accountability

Kingston's LTNs: Do They Work — and Who Pays the Price?

Traffic inside Kingston's LTNs fell — but boundary roads surged by up to 50%. We examine what the data shows and how the council weighs those trade-offs.

23 Apr 2026
ltntraffictransport policykingston council
accountability

Market House licence rejected: Kingston's night-time economy under scrutiny

Kingston's Licensing Committee rejected a premises licence at Market House in January 2026. We ask what this means for the town centre's night-time future.

22 Apr 2026
kingston nightlifemarket house kingstonlicensing committeetown centre
accountability

Kingston net zero: who pollutes most and who gets the green investment?

Kingston Council has admitted it is missing its own net zero target. We ask which wards bear the heaviest carbon burden — and who is actually benefiting from green spending.

20 Apr 2026
net zeroenvironmentcarbon emissionsplace committee
explainer

Kingston's Homelessness Crisis: Inside the Temporary Accommodation System

Over 1,100 Kingston families are in temporary accommodation. Here's what the council's band priorities, out-of-borough placements, and £23m buy-back scheme really mean for residents.

19 Apr 2026
temporary accommodationhomelessnesshousing registerkingston council
explainer

What happens when a Kingston councillor breaks the rules — explained

Cllr Kugan has been found in breach of the Members' Code of Conduct for a second time. Here's how Kingston's standards process actually works.

18 Apr 2026
councillor conductstandards committeegovernanceaccountability
explainer

Getting SEND Support in Kingston: How the EHCP Process Works

Kingston faces a £12.67m High Needs Block overspend as EHCP demand rises. Here's how to apply — and what the council isn't telling you.

17 Apr 2026
sendehcpchildren's serviceskingston council
investigation

Kingston recycling rate is below the London average — here's why

Kingston upon Thames lags behind the London average on recycling. We look at what's dragging the rate down and what other boroughs are doing differently.

16 Apr 2026
recyclingwasteenvironmentgarden waste
explainer

Kingston School Places 2026: Deadlines and Key Dates Parents Must Know

Missing Kingston's school application deadlines could cost your child their preferred place. Here are every date and detail parents need for 2026 admissions.

12 Apr 2026
school admissionskingston educationeadmissionsprimary schools
explainer

How to Contact Kingston Council: Phone, Hours and What Actually Works

Phone numbers, opening hours, email routes and the honest truth about which contact methods Kingston Council actually responds to fastest.

9 Apr 2026
kingston councilcontact detailscouncil servicesresident guide
accountability

Six months after Ofsted: has Kingston actually improved children's services?

Kingston's children's services were rated 'requires improvement' by Ofsted. The council's approved a plan, but are vulnerable children actually safer?

5 Apr 2026
childrens-servicesofstedsocial-workersaccountability
investigation

Budget cuts by ward: How Kingston's £18m gap hits your street

Council's £18m budget shortfall will impact every Kingston ward differently. We break down what residents can expect in their neighbourhood by 2029.

4 Apr 2026
budgetwardscutsresidents
investigation

Kingston Council reveals where £18m budget cuts will fall by 2029

Council approves four-year plan targeting efficiency savings across all departments. But which services face the axe and how will residents feel the impact?

3 Apr 2026
budget cutsfinancial planningservice reductionscouncil savings
Environment

Kingston climate targets: 32% progress sounds good until you look at what is left

Kingston declared a climate emergency in 2019 and set a 2030 net zero target. It now admits it will miss it. Was the target ever realistic?

26 Mar 2026
climateenvironmentnet-zerokingstoncarbonev-chargingsolarrewilding
Community

Kingston's new leisure centre: grand promises, but where is the plan?

The council keeps mentioning the new leisure centre in budget announcements. But there is no confirmed location, no design, and no timeline. Should residents be worried?

23 Mar 2026
leisure-centrekingstonkingfisherswimmingsportscommunity
Social Care

Adult social care in Kingston: the hidden crisis behind your 2% council tax precept

Care provider fees are rising 6.7% but still below the real cost of care. The 2% precept on your council tax is a sticking plaster, not a solution.

20 Mar 2026
social-careadult-carekingstoncouncil-taxelderlydisabilitycare-homes
Transport

Kingston Road yellow box junctions: £451,000 in fines — traffic management or cash cow?

Three councillors called a special meeting after data showed two junctions generated over £450,000 in fines in eight months. The council says it is about safety. Residents disagree.

17 Mar 2026
yellow-box-junctionfineskingston-roadnew-maldentrafficenforcementparking
Children

Kingston children's services rated "requires improvement" — what went wrong?

Ofsted found caseloads too high, early help inconsistent, and assessment delays. After eight years of Lib Dem control, families deserve answers.

14 Mar 2026
childreneducationofstedkingstonsafeguardingsendfoster-carefamilies
Transport

Kingston's £4.5m cycling plan: genuine green transport or a scheme that ignores most residents?

Segregated cycle lanes sound great — but with just 4% of Kingston residents cycling to work, is £4.5 million the best use of scarce resources?

11 Mar 2026
cyclingtransportkingstonsurbitonnew-maldeninfrastructureactive-travel
Housing

Kingston wants to build 964 homes a year — but where, and who actually benefits?

The housing strategy promises 50% affordable homes. But Kingston's track record on affordable housing tells a different story.

8 Mar 2026
housingplanningaffordable-homeskingstonnorbitondevelopment
Democracy

Kingston elections May 2026: your chance to change the council — if you know how

All 48 seats are up for grabs on 7 May. After eight years of Lib Dem dominance with almost no opposition, this election matters more than most.

5 Mar 2026
electionsvotingkingstondemocracymay-2026councillorswards
Environment

Kingston is charging you £60 to collect your garden waste — here is what they are not saying

Garden waste goes behind a paywall while the council admits recycling rates are below the London average. Is this cost-cutting dressed up as environmental policy?

2 Mar 2026
wasterecyclinggarden-wastekingstonbinsenvironment
Council Tax

Kingston council tax rises 4.99% for 2026/27: the numbers behind the bill

Kingston's Band D council tax for 2026/27 rises to £2,608.12 — a 4.99% increase. Here's where the money goes, what the council's own papers say about the gap ahead, and how the vote was cast.

27 Feb 2026
council-taxbudgetkingstonfinance2026