Kingston Council has approved a four-year financial plan acknowledging an £18 million budget gap through to 2029. But while the Corporate and Resources Committee signed off on "efficiency savings across all departments" on 14 November, residents deserve to know what this actually means for their streets.
The reality behind the rhetoric
The council speaks of "efficiency savings" and "reviewing fees and charges" — but these euphemisms mask real cuts to services that residents rely on daily. Every ward will feel the impact, though some more than others.
Where the axe will fall hardest
While the council has not published a detailed ward-by-ward breakdown (and residents should ask why not), we can predict where cuts will bite deepest based on current spending patterns and demographic pressures.
Surbiton and Tolworth: Transport and highways
These wards see heavy commuter traffic and rely on robust highway maintenance. With transport budgets facing scrutiny, expect longer delays for pothole repairs, reduced street cleaning frequency, and potentially cuts to traffic management schemes. The council spent £2.1 million on highways maintenance last year — this figure is now under review.
New Malden and Raynes Park: Library and community services
Both wards have active community centres and well-used libraries. The council's promise to review "all departments" puts these facilities at risk. New Malden Library's recent refurbishment may seem like progress, but operating costs remain vulnerable. Community centre bookings and facility hire charges are likely to increase substantially.
Kingston Town and Canbury: Waste and cleansing
High-density areas generate more waste and require more frequent cleaning. The town centre's commercial refuse collection brings in revenue, but residential services could face cuts. Expect reduced frequency for bulk waste collection and higher charges for garden waste services.
Coombe Hill and Coombe Vale: Green spaces maintenance
These leafy wards benefit from extensive parkland and green spaces. Parks maintenance budgets are traditionally vulnerable during financial squeezes. Residents may see longer grass, reduced seasonal planting, and deferred repairs to playground equipment.
Beverley and Chessington: Social care pressure
These wards have higher proportions of older residents requiring social care support. While adult social care receives some protection, the £18 million gap means difficult decisions about eligibility criteria and service levels. The 2% adult social care precept may not be enough.
The hidden costs for residents
Beyond direct service cuts, the "review of fees and charges" signals higher costs for residents across all wards. Planning application fees, parking permits, leisure centre memberships, and cemetery charges are all under scrutiny.
What the council isn't telling you
Several questions remain unanswered from the 14 November meeting:
The timing tells a story
Approving this financial plan in November, just months after setting the current year's budget, suggests the council's financial position has deteriorated rapidly. Residents deserve to know what changed and why projections were so far off.
Beyond the numbers
The £18 million gap represents approximately £200 per household over four years — but the impact won't be evenly distributed. Vulnerable residents who rely most heavily on council services will bear the greatest burden, while those who can afford private alternatives will barely notice.
Questions for your councillor
Every ward will face difficult choices. The corporate language of "efficiency savings" obscures real decisions about real services that real people depend on.
Residents should ask their councillors:
Demanding transparency
The council's reluctance to provide ward-specific details suggests they know these cuts will be unpopular. But democracy requires transparency, especially when public services are at stake.
Your councillors approved this financial plan. They owe you clear answers about how it affects your neighbourhood, your family, and your daily life. Don't let them hide behind corporate speak when real cuts are coming to real services.
Don't let your councillors hide behind vague promises of "efficiency savings." Use Council Clarity to message your ward councillors directly and demand specific answers about which services in your area will be cut, reduced, or made more expensive. Your councillors voted for this £18 million budget gap — they must explain how it affects your street.
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