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News, analysis, and updates about Kingston council decisions.

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: why are residents paying 5% more for services that are getting worse?

Kingston Council has pushed through a 4.99% council tax rise while admitting it cannot balance the books. We break down where your money actually goes.

27 Feb 2026
council-taxbudgetkingstonfinance2026