The minutes of the meeting of Full Council held on 25 June 2025 are submitted for confirmation.

Council confirmed, and the Mayor signed as a correct record, the minutes of the Council meeting held on 25 June 2025.

Any member of the Council who has a disclosable pecuniary interest in a matter to be considered at the meeting is reminded to disclose the interest to the meeting and to leave the Chamber while any discussion or vote on the matter takes place.

Members are also reminded that if they have any other significant interest in a matter to be considered at the meeting, which they feel should be declared in the public interest, such interests should be declared to the meeting. In such circumstances Members should consider whether their continued participation, in the matter relating to the interest, would be reasonable in the circumstances, particularly if the interest may give rise to a perception of a conflict of interests, or whether they should leave the Chamber while any discussion or vote on the matter takes place.

No Members made any declaration of interest.

The Mayor announced that on 11 September 2025, he would be abseiling from the Heliport 17 floors up at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel to raise money for London's Air Ambulance Charity. He encouraged donations via the fundraising page London's Air Ambulance - The RBKC Mayor’s Team.

The Mayor, on behalf of Council, wished Doug Goldring - Director of Housing Management who was leaving the Council in August [2025] - a long, healthy, and happy retirement. Councillors Campbell, McVeigh, Simmons, and Taylor-Smith also spoke, and Members gave Mr Goldring a standing ovation.

The Mayor also congratulated Councillor Thalassites on his recent marriage at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

(i)       Apologies for Absence

(ii)     Other Communications

Councillors Adam, Ahmed, Cyron, Jedut, Mackover, Marshall, Thaxter, Wade, and Zvedeniuksubmitted apologies for their absence.

Up to one hour has been set aside at this meeting for Council to hear from members of the Youth Council who have registered in advance to address this meeting.

The Mayor welcomed the public speakers, all of whom were members of the Borough’s Youth Council.

(i)         Integrating young people in the Council’s affairs

Ms. Maisie Thornton asked how the Council planned to integrate young people further within the Council’s affairs in order to improve political literacy.

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Council, thanked Ms. Thornton for speaking at the Council meeting and praised the involvement of young people, noting the range of questions they were due to pose, from apprenticeships to knife crime. She explained that the Youth Council, elected by their peers, meet weekly to discuss local issues. Councillor Campbell added that last week, Councillors McVeigh and Addenbrooke attended a Youth Council meeting, and further meetings with the Member of Parliament in Parliament were planned. She added that young people had been shadowing the Leadership Team since last year. Councillor Campbell welcomed suggestions through Councillor Addenbrooke and reiterated the Council's openness to youth participation.

Councillor Mohammed Bakhtiar, Opposition Spokesperson, also thanked Ms. Thornton for her question. He pointed out that the Youth Council's success depended on the effectiveness of its members and the project's promotion, including collaboration with schools across the Borough to inform students about Council and committee meeting schedules, and enable attendance or online viewing. He suggested that workshops in schools were vital and should be held annually in all secondary schools. Councillor Bakhtiar acknowledged that while digital engagement was important, face-to-face interaction remained the most effective. He commented that the Council could partner with schools to introduce a subject on democracy and local governance, developed collaboratively to meet educational standards and engage students effectively.

(ii)        Increased access for under eighteens to leisure centres

Mr. Stanley Reynolds referred to the 2022 Your Voice survey, which said that 47% of young people reported that they rarely used Chelsea or Kensington Leisure Centres. He wanted to know if the council could work with the Youth Council to trial free or subsidised access for under-eighteens, especially those on free school meals.

Councillor Emma Will, Lead Member for Property, Parks & Leisure Services, thanked Mr. Reynolds and emphasised her commitment towards helping young people stay active. She stated the range of options included discounts of up to 50% were offered at two leisure centres for those under eighteen, with further discounts for families receiving benefits. She added that free swimming was available during school holidays for under eights, and swimming cost £1 for under sixteens. In addition, free leisure centre membership was provided for those living within five hundred metres of the Grenfell tragedy. Councillor Will cited further free activities including football, skateboarding, disability sports, Taekwondo, and swimming.

Councillor Abdullahi Nur, Opposition Spokesperson, also thanked Mr. Reynolds for his question and stated that 47% of young people had no access to the centres. He supported the idea of subsidised or free use for under eighteens, especially those on free school meals and acknowledged that families in the north of the borough were being priced out of services that should support their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Presentation of petitions (if any).

Councillor Lloyd North read a petition’s prayer, with 44 signatures, which declared opposition to the railings that had been installed at 40 Gordon Place outside the shop on the corner of Gordon Place and Holland Street. The petition stated that the railings blocked part of the pavement that had been used by the public for many decades and drew attention to the fact that a similar proposal at that site had been denied permission in 2024. The petition stated that the railings had been installed in a Conservation Area, without regard to the look and feel of the neighbourhood and requested that the Council urgently reassess its decision not to classify the land a public Right of Way. The petition would be passed to the Director of Planning and Place.

The Mayor invited the Leader of the Council to address the meeting. The Leader then rose to speak:

Mr Mayor, I want to start by thanking the Youth Council for being here tonight. It’s inspiring to see such a passionate group of young people not just interested in politics – but shaping it. The Youth Council mirrors the Council’s leadership team and helps to ensure young people are involved in decisions in every area of the Council. Planning is already underway for how your budget will be spent – and I know you’ll use it to drive real change. And I understand that you have already made your voices heard in the most important places – meeting our lead members, visiting Parliament, and challenging decisions that affect your future. That matters.

Mr Mayor, it matters because budgets across the borough are under pressure, including youth and children’s services. Our outlook is suddenly deeply worrying. Over the past two weeks, I’ve been working with colleagues across London to challenge a new Government funding formula that could strip £1.5 billion from services for children and youth services in the capital from young people who live, work, and learn in our capital.

Here in Kensington and Chelsea, the figures are stark: £82 million to find over the next three years. A budget gap at a scale we’ve never faced before. Let’s be clear – this isn’t just a number. This would have a devastating impact on the services that support our young people.

Our children’s centres, youth hubs, mental health services, and care leaver support aren’t nice-to-haves – they’re there to give people a chance in life, to help them get ahead. Council services and support help to give children safety, stability, and opportunity. If these cuts go ahead, we’ll face deeply painful choices.

Our Early Years services which focus on those crucial first 1,000 days l could be reduced. Children’s centres may close. Support for parents could shrink. Fewer health checks, fewer interventions, less prevention, and more children slipping through the cracks before they’ve even started school. Our youth services – something we are incredibly proud of – are at risk too. We fund youth workers, safe spaces, mentoring, skills training. Those with special educational needs, in care, or at risk—these are the children who will feel the cuts most. We already stretch every penny to support them. With £82 million less, we will face impossible, heartbreaking decisions.

This Council has always believed in prevention. In acting early, not too late. But this new funding formula threatens to undo all we’ve built—putting services, communities, and young lives in jeopardy.

So, Mr Mayor, a message for our Youth Council: you matter. Work with us to talk to Government, and make the case for this borough, and make the case for London, and young people growing up in London. Help us send a message to Government: this is not just about numbers. It’s about futures. Kensington and Chelsea may be seen as wealthy –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Mayor to announce the order of business for the remainder of the meeting.

The Mayor confirmed that the order of business would be as printed on the agenda.

There were no items from Leadership Team.

Councillor Hargreaves proposed and Councillor Yankson seconded the report’s reception.

Councillor Hargreaves introduced the joint report, which set out the Committee’s work in approving the statement of accounts, undertaking councillor complaints hearings, and responding to internal audits. He stated that the committee had also completed a review into its own effectiveness, and he thanked the committee members, the independent members, and the officers who supported the Audit and Transparency Committee for their work.

Councillor Simmons thanked the chair and the committee members and drew Council’s attention to the need to complete a review of Grenfell expenditure, as stated at the Overview & Scrutiny Committee in September 2023. She also asked whether the Councillors’ code of conduct and the Constitution promoted the best culture within the Council to support opposition group councillors.

Councillor Yankson added his thanks to the chair, the committee, and the supporting officers. He cited an example of how, through the committee’s work, a resident was able to question an aspect of the borough’s finances.

Council RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Councillor Addenbrooke proposed, and Councillor Taylor-Smith seconded the report’s reception.

Council RESOLVED that the changes to the Constitution set out in the report be approved.

Councillor Knight proposed and Councillor Weale seconded the report’s reception.

Councillor Knight introduced the report and reflected on the joint committee’s work to scrutinise proposed changes to mental health services, which followed the closure of 51 acute mental health beds at the Gordon Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. At eight meetings over two years, the committee heard extensive evidence from various stakeholders. Councillor Knight emphasised the importance of both community mental health services and acute inpatient beds. The outcome of the review included reopening 10 beds at Westminster and the retention of the MHCAS at St. Charles. Councillor Knight concluded by referring to the collaborative effort of this scrutiny, including the Westminster City Council members, and the ongoing need for scrutiny to ensure residents receive the mental health care they deserve.

Councillor Weale emphasised the committee’s positive effect on mental health services, praising Councillor Knight and her team for their efforts. She stated that effective scrutiny was crucial as it influenced various council services, including adult social care, housing, and environmental services. Councillor Weale acknowledged that the committee’s robust evidence and public involvement strengthened the Council’s case.

Councillor Simmons thanked the committee and noted how its work had raised significant issues about on-going mental health concerns for those affected by the Grenfell Tragedy. She added that life expectancy in North Kensington was falling while the Integrated Care Board was cutting services.

Councillor Rendall, Lead Member for Adults and Health, drew Members’ attention to the 10 care beds at the Gordon Hospital that would now be retained because of the committee’s submission. He stated that this was an example of the two Councils putting the communities’ needs first and not politics and that this showed the benefit of good scrutiny as it had changed the NHS’s policy decision.

Council RESOLVED that the report be noted.

(i)     Proposed Gloucester Road streetscape improvements

Councillor Greg Hammond asked the Lead Member for an update on the Gloucester Road streetscape improvement proposals.

Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Environment and Planning, replied that he had signed off a decision for work to commence in December, to be completed in 2026, and he referred to similar work in Chelsea, Green, St. Helens, Hogarth Road, Hollywood Road.

Councillor Hammond asked a supplementary question, asking the Lead Member to note that 70 % of residents’ consultation responses welcomed this work, but that the project was dependent on TfL for safe crossing on Cromwell Road.

Councillor Thalassites commended the consultation response and confirmed that in phase two there would be a dependency on TfL. He informed Council that there had been productive conversations with TfL that he would continue.

(ii)    State of affairs at Hazelwood and Adair Towers

Councillor Sina Lari asked a question based on a resident’s email that sought the Lead Member for Housing ‘s response to the state of affairs at Hazelwood and Adair Tower. The issues included disruption through repairs over six years, the low level of compensation offered by the Council and whether this could be increased. He also asked if compensation could be paid into rent accounts as well as bank accounts and sought assurance that only those who had lived through the disruption would receive compensation.

Councillor Sof McVeigh, Lead Member for Housing, acknowledged the Council’s shortcomings after taking over from the Tenants’ Management Organisation and citied poor contractor performance, work quality, and delays. She agreed that Adair and Hazelwood residents had experienced significant disruption, with delays of just under and over a year, respectively. Following legal advice, the Council had offered £1,400 compensation per household for the 156 flats. Councillor McVeigh added that discussions with the contractor were ongoing. She concluded saying that a meeting with residents was scheduled for the following Monday [21 July 2025] and emphasised the need to learn from this experience to prevent future issues.

Councillor Lari asked a supplementary question requesting that the Council review what had caused the delays and poor quality of work as well as seeking further means to increase the compensation for those who had lived through all the disruption.

Councillor McVeigh restated that those directly affected by the construction work would receive compensation. She was unable to comment on any further sums that could be secured.

(iii)    Government-proposed changes for planning committees

Councillor Walaa Idris asked the Lead Member that, given the government was now consulting on changes that would take small and medium-sized developments out of local committee hands, impose one-size fits all thresholds, and tighten performance targets based on appeal outcomes, while giving councils less and less control, could he tell Members whether this Council would be challenging these proposals, which seemed to be far more about speeding things up for developers than about listening to communities or protecting local accountability?

Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Environment and Planning, responded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Councillors may draw to the Council’s attention Ward or other ‘live’ issues that are primarily local in nature. Each Councillor raising such an issue under this Standing Order may speak for not more than two minutes, however they will receive no response at the meeting. No more than three Majority Group Councillors and one Minority Party or ungrouped Councillor may raise issues in this way per meeting. Councillors wishing to raise such matters must register their intent with the Head of Governance & Mayoralty prior to the meeting and such registration will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. The relevant Lead Member or Executive Director will be expected to respond to the Councillor raising this issue within six weeks.

(i)         Impact of NHS reforms on neighbourhood health plans

Councillor Preety Hudd drew Council’s attention to how the government’s NHS reforms, including the abolition of Healthwatch, would have an adverse impact with less ward or local influence on strategic plans. She spoke about how there would be no additional funding for the Council to replace services previously provided by the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

(ii)        Young people’s mental health needs in North Kensington

Councillor Claire Simmons told Council about mental health needs in North Kensington for those affected by the Grenfell Tragedy. She highlighted the work of the Space Youth National Campaign, which had launched its ‘Their Healing campaign.’ She informed Members of the campaign’s two aims: an immediate assessment of the mental health needs of young people affected by the deconstruction of Grenfell Tower, and a UK Youth Parliament inquiry into youth mental health and crisis recovery fully led by young people to address wider systemic issues beyond Grenfell.

This Council notes the growing pressure of temporary accommodation. Providing safe and decent housing for those most in need is absolutely vital and we take that responsibility seriously. But the shortage of available homes means it is getting harder to meet these responsibilities, and it is also getting more expensive. London Councils are currently spending £1 billion on temporary accommodation every year.

This Council, therefore, welcomes the work underway by its Councillors and officers to: 

1. Use monies made available by the Pension Fund for levelling up purposes to acquire temporary accommodation properties, which is a new way of tackling a pan London problem that could be a game changer if it succeeds; and
2. Promote the financial model that makes using monies made available by the Pension Fund possible, so that this Council and other councils can unlock external institutional investment to acquire the homes needed to help address the problem. 

And this Council wishes to thank the Investment Committee, in particular the chairman Cllr Marshall, for their work in managing the Fund, both discharging their fiduciary duties and thinking creatively about how to reduce the burden on local people, as well as Cllr Will, who has driven this work forward with a single-minded focus on doing what is right for the greater good.

This Conservative Council includes people who have lived in temporary accommodation in the borough and who live in social housing. We know that safe and decent homes are the foundation upon which a stable and happy life can be built. We will continue supporting the most vulnerable.

Moved by: Councillor Joanna Gardner

Seconded by: Councillor Sam Mackover

The Mayor deferred this item.

2025 marks 60 years since the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea came together to form the RBKC we know and love today. What better way to mark this anniversary than by taking bold action to green our borough even more.

We know how much our residents value nature — our trees, our parks, our shared green spaces — and as a council that’s committed to being greener, this is the right time to go further. Let’s build on our progress and invest in something that supports both our community and the environment and encourage others to do the same.

Through a renewed engagement programme, we can inspire and support residents to get involved, whether it’s planting pollinator-friendly flowers on balconies, community gardening, or joining local greening initiatives. We know our residents want to help — let’s show them how.

Additionally we also want to see developers play their part in greening our borough and supporting our pollinators. 

This Council already supports temporary green walls on hoardings erected during development as a means of improving visual amenity and increasing greenery in the borough. 

We call on the Lead Member for Property, Parks & Leisure Services and the Lead Member for the Environment & Planning to discuss with planning officers how s106 and ‘works in kind’ agreements can be used to encourage applicants to put up green walls and promote greening in the future.

Moved by: Councillor Lloyd North

Seconded by: Councillor Walaa Idris

Councillor North moved and Councillor Idris seconded that:

‘2025 marks 60 years since the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea came together to form the RBKC we know and love today. What better way to mark this anniversary than by taking bold action to green our borough even more.

We know how much our residents value nature — our trees, our parks, our shared green spaces — and as a council that’s committed to being greener, this is the right time to go further. Let’s build on our progress and invest in something that supports both our community and the environment and encourage others to do the same.

Through a renewed engagement programme, we can inspire and support residents to get involved, whether it’s planting pollinator-friendly flowers on balconies, community gardening, or joining local greening initiatives. We know our residents want to help — let’s show them how.

Additionally, we also want to see developers play their part in greening our borough and supporting our pollinators.

This Council already supports temporary green walls on hoardings erected during development as a means of improving visual amenity and increasing greenery in the borough.

We call on the Lead Member for Property, Parks & Leisure Services, and the Lead Member for the Environment & Planning to discuss with planning officers how s106 and ‘works in kind’ agreements can be used to encourage applicants to put up green walls and promote greening in the future.’

After the mover and seconder had spoken, there were contributions from Councillors Benton, Faulks, Hargreaves, Hudd, Isse, Lane, Lari, Petit, Simmons, Will, and Yankson.

During the debate Councillor Simmons sought to raise a point of order under Standing Order 28.02 to restate that the motion itself called for Lead Members to work with officers to use Section 106 funding.

The motion was put to the vote by the Mayor and was declared carried.

At the last Council meeting the outgoing Mayor Will Lane made the most extraordinary speech in celebration of diversity and the co-dependent community it has engendered. I surprised myself by giving him a standing ovation; I believe most if not all Council members joined in.

In London, many boroughs are working towards becoming Boroughs of Sanctuary, demonstrating a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those seeking refuge. This currently includes: Lewisham; Camden; Islington; Ealing; Richmond; Wandsworth; Royal Greenwich; Waltham Forest; and Sandwell.  

A Borough of Sanctuary is a term used by the City of Sanctuary UK network, which works to create a more welcoming environment for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in the UK. It signifies a local authority's commitment to providing a place of safety and support for individuals fleeing persecution or violence. 

Key aspects of a Borough of Sanctuary:

o   Welcoming and inclusive environment:

Boroughs of Sanctuary aim to create a culture of welcome and support for those seeking sanctuary. 

o   Collaboration and partnerships:

They often involve local councils, community groups, and charities working together to provide resources and support. 

o   Specific goals:

These may include ensuring fair treatment and access to essential services, providing language support, and promoting cultural understanding. 

o   Recognized by City of Sanctuary:

Boroughs are formally recognized as such by the City of Sanctuary UK organization. 

Given our history of opening our arms to migrants and to refugees – most recently those from Ukraine and Afghanistan – and the stability of our communities now comprising 54% of non-British born residents, we ask the Council to commit fully to the four guidelines above, and to ask for recognition to be acknowledged as a Borough of Sanctuary.

Moved by Councillor Emma Dent Coad

Seconded by Councillor Dr Mona Ahmed

The Mayor deferred this item.

This Council welcomes the Amazing Spaces programme, which has seen the transformation of Chelsea Green, Bute Street, St Helen's Gardens—and now, Hogarth Road. 

But what a contrast there is between Hogarth Road, sympathetically paved and greened, and nearby roads managed by Transport for London (TfL), such as Earl's Court Road / Redcliffe Gardens and Warwick Road / Finborough Road. 

The difference between the Council’s and TfL’s approach to streets is stark, and—as we heard at the April 2025 Full Council meeting—residents have noticed.

Both these TfL streets suffer from noise pollution, congestion, and poor-quality pavements. And despite pressing TfL for quick approvals for acoustic cameras, the removal of Covid-era build outs on Earl's Court Road, a safer redesign of Warwick Road junctions, and the replacement of old paving stones, there is little to no action on any of these fronts. 

This Council calls on the Lead Member for Environment and Planning to ensure that there will continue to be funding for future enhancements to the street scene in Earl's Court, and that TfL are held to account for their responsibilities and failings.

Moved by Councillor Hamish Adourian

Seconded by Councillor Sidney Yankson

The Mayor deferred this item.

Education is a vital pathway to opportunity, success, and long-term prosperity for individuals and communities alike.

In recognition of the lives lost and the enduring impact of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, this Council calls for the establishment of a Grenfell Scholarship to support children and young people from the local area, particularly those in and around North Kensington. The scholarship should aim to provide financial assistance and educational opportunities to young people facing similar socio-economic circumstances as those affected by the Grenfell disaster.

This Council believes that the Grenfell Legacy should include a meaningful, lasting investment in the future of the next generation. A borough-wide Grenfell Scholarship would serve both as a tribute and a practical commitment to the memory of our community members lost in the tragedy.

To that end, we will seek meetings with the relevant Government Ministers to explore and pursue the creation and funding of this scholarship initiative.

This Council supports the establishment of a Grenfell Scholarship as part of our collective responsibility to honour the memory of the victims and help build a better future for the affected community.

Moved by: Councillor Kasim Ali

Seconded by: Councillor Marwan Elnaghi

The Mayor deferred this item.

There were no appointments.

[Each written report on the public part of the Agenda as detailed above:

(i)   was made available for public inspection from the date of the Agenda;

(ii)  incorporates a list of the background papers which (i) disclose any facts or matters on which that report, or any important part of it, is based; and (ii) have been relied upon to a material extent in preparing it. (Relevant documents which contain confidential or exempt information are not listed.); and

(iii)  may, with the consent of the Mayor and subject to specified reasons, be supported at the meeting by way of oral statement or further written report in the event of special circumstances arising after the despatch of the Agenda.]

Exclusion of the Press and Public

There are no matters scheduled to be discussed at this meeting that would appear to disclose confidential or exempt information under the provisions Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Should any such matters arise during the course of discussion of the above items or should the Mayor agree to discuss any other such matters on the grounds of urgency, the Council will wish to resolve to exclude the press and public by virtue of the private nature of the business to be transacted.