We have set out a programme to continue to build a thriving borough, where prosperity is shared and the most vulnerable are protected.
The council will continue working to give every child in Kingston the best possible start in life, support people to maintain their independence for as long as possible, protect our environment and create communities where everyone feels safe and valued, whatever their background.
A warm safe home is the foundation for so much of this, so I am absolutely delighted that this week we have reached an incredible milestone in Kingston Council’s most ambitious housing regeneration programme in living memory.
History is being made as families move into the first brand new council homes on Cambridge Road Estate. A total of 42 households are now settling into new homes in Daisy Court. The properties embody everything residents said they wanted when they voted overwhelmingly in favour of the scheme back in 2020.
This is the result of years of work, partnership, and the support, vision and patience of local residents and neighbours.
Work continues across the wider estate regeneration programme, with Building Safety Regulator approval now secured for Phase 1C and work due to start shortly. This will deliver a further 122 new council homes alongside the estate’s new community hub. The planning application for Phase 2 has also been submitted.
As well as a home, we know families are stronger when they have the practical support they need. We are investing in support for the most vulnerable children, expanding family hubs and focusing on early intervention and prevention through the Best Start for Life programme.
We are also opening a new residential home for children in care with complex needs later this year, as well as working to expand accommodation for care leavers.
Maintaining a clear focus on prevention and early support is also a priority in our adult social care services, working with health partners to help people live independently and with dignity. We’re using innovative technology to empower residents with care needs to have the choice to stay in their own homes safely for longer. This includes devices for safety and independence at home, different types of sensors and alarms and even AI virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa to set reminders, enabling people to retain more independence.
We’re supporting job creation across the borough, particularly green jobs, working with major employers, as well as Kingston University, Kingston College and the Chamber of Commerce to generate opportunities. The skills and employment hub on the council website – kingston.gov.uk/skills-employment. – offers access to a range of programmes and support, including our AI chatbot Ask Nim.
We also believe every person who works in Kingston borough deserves a wage that enables a decent standard of living, which is why we ensure all council suppliers and contractors pay the London Living Wage. We aim to build on this by promoting London Living Wage with our partners and businesses.
Alongside this work, we are protecting the local environment, investing in our parks and green spaces and investing in sustainable transport. We’re committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for our council operations by 2030, and carbon neutrality across the whole borough by 2038. We are delivering more school streets, continuing to improve our cycle network and working with neighbouring councils and Transport for London to campaign for improvement in public transport.
I’m very proud that together with residents, communities and partners, we are creating a fairer, safer, greener and stronger community for years to come.
- Cllr Andreas Kirsch is the Leader of Kingston Council
