Kensington and Chelsea Council
Kensington and Chelsea Council is grappling with a significant funding gap while making key planning decisions, including approving a development with no affordable housing.
Kensington and Chelsea Council is addressing a projected funding gap exceeding £120 million over four years, largely attributed to the government's Fairer Funding formula. In October 2026, the Leadership Team agreed to challenge this formula and is exploring options like a 'tourist tax' and reducing its property estate to manage the anticipated £108 million resource reduction.
The council's Planning Committee recently granted permission in October 2026 for a development at Telford Road and Ladbroke Grove, comprising 27 residential flats but no affordable housing, despite local opposition. Earlier in October 2026, the Planning Applications Committee refused an extension at 1A Victoria Gardens and air conditioning units at 89 Blenheim Crescent due to scale and visual impact.
The Full Council is scheduled to meet on 21 October 2026. These financial challenges coincide with the council's adoption of a new four-year plan for 2026-2030 in October 2026. The council also reported a £4.5 million overspend in the first quarter of the financial year, partly due to a November 2025 cyber attack.
Key facts
- Kensington and Chelsea Council granted planning permission in October 2026 for a development with 27 flats and no affordable housing at Telford Road and Ladbroke Grove. Source
- The council faces a projected funding gap of over £120 million over four years. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- The government's Fairer Funding formula is projected to reduce the council's resources by £108 million over four years. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- In October 2026, the Leadership Team agreed to challenge the government's funding formula using the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. Source
- The council reported a £4.5 million overspend in the first quarter of the financial year, partly due to a November 2025 cyber attack. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.