Children and Young People's Plan Update
Kingston upon Thames Council is reconsidering its commitment to Unicef Child Friendly City status due to cost implications.
Kingston upon Thames Council's People Committee agreed to explore alternative approaches to its Unicef Child Friendly Cities and Communities status in September 2025. This decision followed a reassessment of the commitment due to significant cost implications, with the Unicef programme estimated to cost £35,000 annually for at least three years.
Councillors on the committee are seeking to ensure value for money and alignment with other borough-wide inclusion strategies before deciding on the Unicef programme. The council's approved budget to deliver children's services in 2024-25 was £45.68 million, as heard by the People Committee.
Key facts
- Kingston upon Thames Council's People Committee agreed to explore alternatives to Unicef Child Friendly Cities status in September 2025. Source
- The Unicef programme would cost an estimated £35,000 per year for at least three years. Source
- The council's approved budget for children's services in 2024-25 was £45.68 million. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.