As we come to the end of the year, I’m proud to say that 2025 has been a year of delivery at Kingston Council - delivery for residents and communities across the borough, despite the stark financial challenges faced by most local authorities.
One of my proudest moments was our Children’s Services being awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in their inspection.
The judgement reflects our commitment to ensuring children and young people across the borough have a fairer start in life, and have the support and services they and their families need to live happy, healthy and successful lives.
I was similarly proud of our Adult Social Care Services, which were rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Inspectors highlighted the strong and supportive workplace culture, where staff feel valued, confident in their roles, and are well led.
The report also praised our focus on prevention and helping people live independent lives for as long as possible.
And our overall ‘residents first’ approach was commended by the Local Government Association’s Peer Review team, who we invited to Kingston to review and assess our performance.
The team found we are a high-performing local authority.
Our year of delivery has seen work begin on a number of big projects to deliver housing and leisure facilities.
Work is underway to deliver 45 new affordable homes for older people and adults with learning disabilities on Acre Road in Kingston.
The scheme will regenerate a vacant site to provide much-needed new homes.
Construction has also started on a new therapeutic children’s home for some of the borough’s most vulnerable children.
The residential home for up to three children will provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment for children who need residential care.
The first phase of our small sites programme has been completed this year, with residents now moved into 101 new council homes across our neighbourhoods.
Exciting progress continues in the construction of Kingston’s new leisure centre, with the pool taking shape and roof beams now in place.
Designed to be welcoming, accessible, and sustainable, the new leisure centre will provide a wide range of activities for residents of all ages and abilities and is set to open in spring 2027.
Alongside this, we have signed a new 10-year agreement with Places Leisure which will see investment in new leisure services and improved facilities across the borough, providing more opportunities for people to get active in Kingston.
Along with getting active, we have also taken steps to promote healthy eating, with committee approval of a new healthier advertising policy, restricting adverts for unhealthy foods to help tackle rising obesity rates.
Our focus on active lifestyles is helping drive up youth participation in sport.
This year we secured the ‘Most Improved Borough’ trophy at the annual London Youth Games, highlighting our success in boosting involvement and building strong links with local sports clubs and organisations.
Our parks and green spaces continue to be wonderful places for people to explore, connect and enjoy.
This year Canbury Gardens, Churchfields Recreation Ground and Fishponds Park have each been awarded the internationally recognised ‘Green Flag’ quality mark for parks and green spaces.
Our innovative and exciting rewilding project at Tolworth Court Farm Fields has reached the next stage.
A collaborative project between the council, Citizen Zoo and The Community Brain, Wild Tolworth is improving the site as a haven for nature which can be enjoyed by all.
Throughout 2025 we have continued our focus on listening to local voices to help shape a more inclusive Kingston.
We published a new five-year all-age autism and ADHD strategy, co-produced with people with lived experience.
More than 240 people contributed through two phases of public engagement - most were experts by experience including autistic people, people with ADHD, and those who support them, as well as professionals.
We have also just approved our new Inclusive Kingston strategy, once again shaped by extensive engagement with communities across the borough and committing us to work together to create a place where we celebrate diversity, tackle inequality and strive to ensure that everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.
We have continued to support and empower forums like the new Kingston Disability Network and the revitalised Kingston Faith and Belief Forum, to ensure the voices of more communities are being listened to.
And I can’t review the year without mentioning Kingston 2025.
What a spectacular community celebration of all that makes our borough so brilliant.
From the launch event in central Kingston in May to Athelstown in July, the River Cultures Festival and royal visit in September, as well as Kingston Carnival and the East South East Asian Festival.
Bridging Kingston - the new musical production specially commissioned and performed at the Rose Theatre by school children from across the borough.
Our community research project uncovering hidden histories of the borough, which has just culminated in the wonderful Kingston Unwritten audio visual exhibition at the Ancient Market House.
All this and so much more.
Kingston 2025, and everything else we have achieved throughout the year, has made me hugely proud to be part of this borough - a place where people of all ages, beliefs and backgrounds are celebrated, supported, encouraged and empowered.
As ever, there is more to do.
We will continue working together with partners and communities to make the borough fairer, safer and greener for all.
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