Council agrees balanced budget that protects essential services and continues to deliver for whole borough
Kingston Council has agreed a budget for 2025-26 that focuses on delivering essential support to people most in need, as well as services that maintain the borough and keep it clean and safe for all.
Like most local authorities, Kingston is facing acute financial challenges as costs continue to rise, more people need support and it continues to manage the impact of significant long term underfunding.
Kingston’s 2025-26 budget sets out that the council will spend £190.62 million on vital support and services across the borough. It will be necessary to spend the largest proportion on meeting the growing social care needs of vulnerable adults and children and providing temporary housing for the increasing number of homeless households.
A total of 37% will be spent on adult social care, supporting almost 2,000 adults and their carers with things like help at home, mental health support and community day services. A further 24% will be spent on children’s services, including supporting over 1,000 children in need and almost 2,000 young people with education, health and care plans. In addition, 6% will be spent on temporary accommodation for around 1,000 homeless families and individuals. In total, 67% of the council’s budget will be spent on these services that the council has a legal duty to deliver.
Alongside this, the council continues to deliver for all residents and communities. It is building new homes at sites across the borough, delivering a new leisure centre in Kingston and investing in digital technology to make services more accessible. Over 6,000 street lights are being upgraded with energy efficient and cost effective LED bulbs, investment in parks and green spaces is improving these areas for all, and high quality recycling and waste services are delivered across the borough, with over 800,000 collections completed each month.
The majority of the council’s income is made up of what it receives from council tax and the proportion of business rates it is allowed to keep. With the extreme financial pressures facing local government, to continue to deliver the essential services and support people rely on, the council has agreed a council tax increase of 2.99%, along with a 2% increase in the adult social care precept.
Leader of Kingston Council Cllr Andreas Kirsch said:
“Despite these tough financial times we are passionate about delivering for our residents and supporting the most vulnerable.
“We are working hard with partners and communities to transform our services and support residents in the best and most efficient way possible. This includes innovative early support and prevention work and using technology in new and creative ways to help residents live more independent and fulfilling lives. We also continue to work with regional partners to lobby for a fair funding deal for local authorities.
“I recognise that many households are also facing financial challenges. Help is available for those on low incomes or claiming certain benefits through our council tax reduction scheme.”
- Find out more about the council tax reduction scheme
- Get information, advice and support with the rising cost of living