Kingston Council is investigating a complaint made under the Member Code of Conduct, according to a report presented at the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee meeting on Wednesday, 25 June 2025. The Member Code of Conduct Complaints Annual Report - 2024/25 revealed that a total of five complaints were received during the 2024/2025 municipal year. Four complaints were filed by members of the public, while one was lodged by a council officer.

The nature of the complaints varied, with two relating to unacceptable conduct at council or committee meetings, two concerning bullying and/or intimidation, and one pertaining to other matters. Four of the complaints were rejected at the preliminary stage. One complaint required a formal investigation, which is currently ongoing.

The Audit, Governance and Standards Committee also reviewed the Annual Internal Audit Report, which summarised the work of the Internal Audit Service during 2024/25. The Chief Audit Executive stated that they were satisfied that sufficient internal audit work has been undertaken to allow me to draw a reasonable conclusion as to the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council's control environment. However, the report highlighted several audits that received limited assurance opinions, including those related to Cemeteries and Crematoria, Homes for Ukraine, and Disabled Facilities Grants.

Audit risk assessment chart showing potential impact vs. likelihood of misstatement.
Audit risk assessment chart showing potential impact vs. likelihood of misstatement.Source: Audit, Governance and Standards Committee papers, 25 June 2025

Furthermore, the committee was informed of the council's treasury management activities and performance for 2024-25 in the Annual Treasury Management Report. The report confirmed that the council invested surplus funds when available and complied with the requirements of the Prudential Code. The council's overall external debt at 31 March 2025 totalled £327.39m, and the council maintained an average investment balance of £76.6m, earning an average rate of return of 5.16%.

The 2024/25 Audit Plan from KPMG, the external auditor, identified significant audit risks, including the valuation of property, plant and equipment, and the valuation of level 3 investments in the pension fund.