Published: Thursday 22 October 2026
Kensington and Chelsea Council leader Cllr Elizabeth Campbell has taken the fight for fairer funding directly to Government, joining three other London council leaders in Whitehall.
Alongside the leaders of Westminster, Wandsworth and Richmond councils, Cllr Campbell has submitted proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act, calling on ministers to rethink changes to how councils are funded.
It follows a public consultation through which more than 90 per cent of respondents backed the use of the Act to challenge the Fair Funding Review.
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said:
“The so-called Fair Funding Review will strip £108 million from our budget – money that funds the vital services our residents rely on. That is unfair funding, plain and simple.
“Central London helps power the nation’s economy, creating jobs, attracting investment and generating billions in tax revenues that benefit the whole country. Yet money is being taken away from Kensington and Chelsea to be spent elsewhere, leaving our residents to pay the price. How can that possibly be fair?
“I will use every tool at my disposal to fight these cuts, stand up for our residents and secure the fair deal our borough deserves.”
Why are we challenging the Government?
The Government’s Fair Funding Review could leave Kensington and Chelsea £108 million worse off over the next four years.
This would put significant pressure on our budget and the vital services that residents rely on.
We believe the proposed changes are unfair, particularly given the important contribution our borough and central London make to the country's economy.
What is the Sustainable Communities Act?
The Sustainable Communities Act gives councils a way to formally ask the Government to make changes that would help improve their local areas.
We have joined forces with Westminster, Wandsworth and Richmond councils to use the Act to challenge the proposed funding changes and make the case for a fairer deal.
By working together, we hope to send a stronger message to Government about the impact these changes could have on our communities.
What happens next?
The Secretary of State must consider our proposal and decide whether to accept all or part of it, giving reasons for the decision.
Our visit to Whitehall is part of our ongoing efforts to protect council services and stand up for residents. We will continue to press the Government to reconsider its proposals and make sure Kensington and Chelsea's voice is heard.