Kingston Council
Kingston Council is currently addressing a significant SEND deficit and reviewing its funding formula, alongside managing a projected budget overspend.
Kingston Council is currently addressing a significant financial deficit in its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, with a cumulative shortfall of £20.5 million on the Dedicated Schools Grant reported in September 2026. This is projected to reduce to £16.9 million with a proposed stability grant. Councillors also discussed in September 2026 how the historical high-needs block funding formula contributes to inequalities in provision.
The council is forecasting a £720,000 overspend on its General Fund revenue budget for 2026/27, as reported in September 2026, though this is considered an improvement on previous years. In September 2026, the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee approved the external audit plan for 2025-26. Earlier, in June 2026, an additional £372,000 was approved for the NEC Housing Management System upgrade.
From October 31, 2026, Kingston Council's neighbourhood committees will no longer determine planning applications due to new national regulations. In September 2026, the Corporate and Resources Committee awarded a new five-year, £1.1 million cleaning contract for housing for older people, starting in January 2027. The Place Committee also adopted a new proactive road maintenance plan in September 2026.
Key facts
- Kingston Council's cumulative SEND deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant is £20.5 million, as reported in September 2026. Source
- The SEND deficit is expected to reduce to £16.9 million following a proposed stability grant allocation. Source
- Kingston Council is forecasting a £720,000 overspend on its General Fund revenue budget for the 2026/27 financial year. Source
- From October 31, 2026, neighbourhood committees will no longer determine planning applications due to new national regulations. Source
- The council awarded a new five-year, £1.1 million cleaning contract for housing for older people, starting in January 2027. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.