The Council has decided to call for more action on climate change, highlighting the urgency of the issue and the need for government funding to support local authorities in meeting net-zero targets.

URL: https://moderngov.kingston.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5589

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Council debated a motion which was submitted on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group (the Administration), as proposed by Councillor Mike Massimi and seconded by Councillor Andreas Kirsch. “Call for more action on climate change   Proposed by Councillor Mike Massimi Seconded by Councillor Andreas Kirsch   This Council notes: (i)  the extraordinary heatwave in Europe which has shattered numerous temperature records and had major impacts on human health, ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure and labour productivity; (ii)  the temperature recorded for three consecutive days, with 37.3 °C recorded in southern England on 25 June along with the Met Office’s Red Warnings for Extreme Heat – the first time in the history of the current weather warnings system that red warnings have been issued for three consecutive days (which comes just weeks after May also saw daily temperature records broken;) (iii)  Kingston Council declared a Climate Emergency in June 2019.  'Kingston's Climate Action Strategy 2024 - 2030' recognises the urgency of taking action to address climate change by reducing emissions, protecting and enhancing nature and prepares the borough for the unavoidable impacts of climate change, while also bringing other benefits such as safer streets, healthier homes, new jobs and improved air quality; and (iv)  the vote in the House of Commons last month to back a stricter, long-term climate target, setting the Seventh Carbon Budget to reduce emissions by 87% by 2040. This Council believes: (i) The warning signs are mounting, Kingston Council is on the front line of the climate crisis because the borough faces severe local risks—like frequent flooding and extreme heat—while concurrently holding the direct responsibility to protect vulnerable residents, manage localised infrastructure, and reduce emissions to achieve net-zero targets by 2038. (ii)  the council cannot tackle climate change alone.  Kingston Council faces severe budget constraints primarily due to skyrocketing demand for statutory services, particularly adult and children's social care and massive cost increases in providing temporary housing for the homeless; (iii)  local authorities are best placed to lead on community-based solutions, from retrofitting homes to building public transport infrastructure and supporting sustainable land use; (iv)  the government holds the power of financial initiative for climate change and we must urgently secure and deliver the capital required to make an actionable difference; and (v)  the financial challenges associated with tackling climate change are not unique to Kingston. A recent report commissioned by the Mayor of London outlines an ambition for the whole of London to be net zero by 2030. In that report, there is reference to c£75b of funding required to meet that level of ambition and at this time that funding has not been identified or confirmed. This Council resolves to: (i)  lobby the government to increase funding for councils as a matter of urgency so that we can make decisions that protect our residents and write to the new Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government and to The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero pointing out:  ·         Kingston Council’s budget restraints and challenges; ·         The need for more climate change funding for: §  (list as set out in the Heat Ready London Policy) §  the built environment §  business and economy §  emergency preparedness, resilience and response §  health and care §  green space and nature §  infrastructure ·         the costs and risks of inaction have never been so clear, with communities across the world being impacted by flooding, heatwaves, food shortages and droughts; ·         concerns that as more climate delivery is devolved to councils and mayors, funding has not kept pace and will not keep pace going forward, leaving a widening gap between net-zero ambition and local delivery capacity; and ·         concerns that, regardless of the ownership model ultimately adopted for energy and water infrastructure, continued uncertainty over financing and cost of capital is delaying investment decisions with direct consequences for local environment delivery and energy bills.” The Mayor under Procedure Rule 4 adjourned the meeting to allow for Members to read the content of tabled amendments prior to the debate on the item. Following the resumption of business Councillor James Giles moved, and Councillor Yvonne Tracey seconded, an amendment submitted by the Kingston Independent Residents Group. After some debate a vote was taken on the amendment and it was lost. Voting: For:                 Councillors James Giles, Yvonne Tracey (2) Against:          Councillors Joanne Barker, Rowena Bass, Mark Beynon, Emily Davey, Nicolai Due-Gundersen, Mark Durrant, Stephen Evans, Ian George, Helen Grocott, Sabah Hamed, Roger Hayes, Lesley Heap, Peter Higgins, Alison Holt, Robert Dongsung Kim, Andreas Kirsch, Rizwana Malik, Mark Manners, Mike Massimi, Helen Milestone, Sharukh Mirza, Callum Morrissey, Nicola Nardelli, Elizabeth Park, Tom Reeve, Robert Sadler, Anita Schaper, Manish Shukla, Andrew Sillett, Sachin Tulyani, Sarah Wait-Sillett, Olly Wehring, Wimal Wimalathasan, Andrew Wooldridge (34) Abstentions: Councillors Jane Lim, Thay Thayalan (2) On the resumption of debate Councillor Rowena Bass proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Ian George which was tabled as late material on behalf of the Conservative Group. After further debate a vote was taken on the Conservative Group amendment and it was lost. Voting: For:                 Councillors Rowena Bass, Ian George (2) Against:          Councillors Joanne Barker, Mark Beynon, Emily Davey, Nicolai Due-Gundersen, Mark Durrant, Stephen Evans, Helen Grocott, Sabah Hamed, Roger Hayes, Lesley Heap, Peter Higgins, Alison Holt, Robert Dongsung Kim, Andreas Kirsch, Rizwana Malik, Mark Manners, Mike Massimi, Helen Milestone, Sharukh Mirza, Callum Morrissey, Nicola Nardelli, Elizabeth Park, Tom Reeve, Robert Sadler, Anita Schaper, Manish Shukla, Andrew Sillett, Sachin Tulyani, Sarah Wait-Sillett, Olly Wehring, Wimal Wimalathasan, Andrew Wooldridge (32) Abstain:          Councillors James Giles, Jane Lim, Thay Thayalan, Yvonne Tracey (4) Council then debated the original motion. Members highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the Council’s climate commitments and the need for Government investment to enable local authorities to meet net-zero ambitions and climate resilience objectives. Following debate, a vote was taken on the original motion, and it was carried. Voting: For:                 Councillors Joanne Barker, Mark Beynon, Emily Davey, Nicolai Due-Gundersen, Mark Durrant, Stephen Evans, James Giles, Helen Grocott, Sabah Hamed, Roger Hayes, Lesley Heap, Peter Higgins, Alison Holt, Robert Dongsung Kim, Andreas Kirsch, Rizwana Malik, Mark Manners, Mike Massimi, Helen Milestone, Sharukh Mirza, Callum Morrissey, Nicola Nardelli, Elizabeth Park, Tom Reeve, Robert Sadler, Anita Schaper, Manish Shukla, Andrew Sillett, Yvonne Tracey, Sachin Tulyani, Sarah Wait-Sillett, Olly Wehring, Wimal Wimalathasan, Andrew Wooldridge (34) Against:          Councillors Rowena Bass, Ian George (2) Abstain:          Councillors Jane Lim, Thay Thayalan (2) A further three motions were submitted by the Kingston Independent Residents Group and in accordance with Procedural Rule No 8(A) (7), were moved and seconded and stood referred without discussion to the relevant Committee.   Motion(s) for Referral to Committee   Motion 2 - Armed Forces Covenant Proposed by Cllr James Giles Jointly Seconded by Cllrs Stephen Evans and Ian George “This Council notes that: The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames first signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in June 2013, and renewed that commitment by signing the Armed Forces Covenant on Armistice Day, 11 November 2018. The Armed Forces Covenant represents a promise that those who serve or have served in HM Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect, and should face no disadvantage in accessing public services. Kingston is rightly proud of its Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets, military families and the wider network of organisations and volunteers who support them. The Council has committed locally to appointing elected member Armed Forces Champions, identifying an officer champion, being a forces-friendly employer, raising awareness among staff and elected members, reviewing policies and procedures, and reporting annually on progress under the Covenant. This Council believes: The UK Government’s commitment to further extend the Armed Forces Covenant in law is welcome, and provides an important opportunity to improve support for the Armed Forces community across public services. However, legal duties alone will not deliver the Covenant promise unless public bodies are given clear statutory guidance, adequate funding, effective promotion, and proper monitoring and accountability. This Council resolves to: Write to the Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, in support of the Royal British Legion’s “Keep the Covenant Promise” campaign. Call on the UK Government to provide improved statutory guidance and sufficient funding to all public bodies within scope of the extended Covenant Duty, including local authorities, so that they can deliver better and more consistent support for the Armed Forces community. Ask the UK Government to implement a dedicated programme of promotional activity on the Armed Forces Covenant, to improve public awareness and positively recognise those who serve, or have served, in HM Armed Forces. Call on the UK Government to ensure that the impact of the expanded Covenant Duty is thoroughly monitored, with clear reporting on outcomes for the Armed Forces community. Ask that members of the Armed Forces community are given effective means of redress where the Covenant Duty is not fulfilled. Request that the relevant committee receives an update on Kingston’s own delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant, including awareness among staff and councillors, support available locally, progress against previous commitments, and any further steps needed to strengthen Kingston’s role as a forces-friendly borough.” Motion 3 - Every Councillor for Every Kind Proposed by Cllr Yvonne Tracey Seconded by Cllr James Giles “Council notes the “Every Councillor for Every Kind” Local Government manifesto produced by the RSPCA and that local authorities have a significant role to play in animal welfare through the various responsibilities we have. Council policy can protect domestic pets, livestock and wildlife. Positive policy interventions can include strengthening animal breeding license compliance, improving stray dog services, serving high welfare food in council premises, banning the use of snares, gluetraps and harmful netting on council land, timing maintenance to not disturb nesting and hibernating wildlife and improve reporting and investigation systems for animal welfare concerns. The RSPCA manifesto is split into 5 missions: ·         Protect Pets and Promote Responsible Pet Ownership ·         Raise Welfare Standards for Farm Animals ·         Safeguard Wildlife Welfare and Natural Habitats ·         Enforce Animal Welfare Laws Effectively ·         Build Partnerships to Create Lasting Impact Council resolves to set up a Task and Finish Panel to assess council performance against the 5 missions of the RSPCA Local Government Manifesto and to create a list of recommendations to be presented to the relevant strategic committee(s) to improve animal welfare through council services.” Motion 4 - Protecting Patients Prescribed Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal Use Proposed by Cllr James Giles Seconded by Cllr Yvonne Tracey “This Council notes that: Cannabis-based products for medicinal use, known as CBPMs, have been legally available under prescription in the UK since 1 November 2018. CBPMs may be prescribed, where clinically appropriate, by specialist doctors for a range of conditions, including some chronic pain, neurological, psychiatric, palliative care and other long-term health conditions. Many of the conditions for which CBPMs may be prescribed can amount to disabilities under the Equality Act 2010, depending on their impact on a person’s day-to-day life. Patients prescribed CBPMs should not be treated as though they are using illegal or recreational cannabis when they are using medication lawfully prescribed to them. CBPMs may be prescribed in oil form, which is taken orally, or in flower form, which is administered through a medical vaporiser. Prescribed cannabis flower is not legally smoked. A medical vaporiser is distinct from smoking tobacco or using a nicotine vape. It does not involve combustion and is used by some patients to administer prescribed medication when symptoms arise. There remains a lack of public awareness about the legal position of prescribed medical cannabis. This can leave patients vulnerable to misunderstanding, stigma, inappropriate enforcement, or discrimination when accessing services, housing, employment, public buildings or licensed premises. The Council has duties under the Equality Act 2010, including the Public Sector Equality Duty, and should ensure that its policies, services and frontline practice properly recognise the needs of disabled residents and lawful users of prescribed medication. Kingston Council’s own Equality Impact Assessment process exists to help ensure that council projects, policies and service changes do not discriminate against people with protected characteristics. The Council’s role as a housing landlord, licensing authority, employer, service provider and community safety partner means it is well placed to improve local understanding of CBPMs and prevent avoidable discrimination. This Council believes that: No resident should be excluded from council services, council premises, housing support, employment, community facilities or licensed venues simply because they lawfully use prescribed medication. Reasonable and proportionate arrangements should be made where a resident, employee or visitor needs to administer prescribed medication, while also taking account of the comfort, safety and needs of others. Patients prescribed CBPMs should not be forced into smoking areas to take prescribed medication, particularly where this may expose them to tobacco smoke or undermine their dignity, privacy or health. Council officers, councillors, housing staff, licensing teams, community safety partners and local providers should have clear information about the distinction between unlawful cannabis use and the lawful use of CBPMs under prescription. This Council therefore resolves to: Ask the Chief Executive to ensure that relevant council services are made aware of the legal status of CBPMs and the need to avoid discrimination against patients who lawfully use prescribed medication. Request that guidance is prepared for frontline staff, including customer services, housing, community safety, licensing, facilities management and HR, explaining what CBPMs are, how they differ from unlawful cannabis use, and how reasonable adjustments should be considered. Ask officers to review policies covering council premises, employment, housing management, anti-social behaviour, licensing and community safety to ensure that they do not inadvertently discriminate against residents, employees or visitors who lawfully use prescribed CBPMs. Ensure that Equality Impact Assessments for relevant policies and service changes consider the needs of disabled residents who may be prescribed CBPMs. Ask that council-owned public buildings and workplaces consider, where reasonable and practicable, how a safe and appropriate space could be made available where a person needs to administer prescribed medication. Request that the Council’s licensing team provides appropriate information to licensed premises in Kingston about the legal status of CBPMs, the distinction between prescribed medication and recreational cannabis use, and the need to avoid unlawful discrimination. Ask that any future local policies, Public Space Protection Orders, byelaws or guidance relating to smoking, vaping, anti-social behaviour or public spaces are drafted carefully so as not to inadvertently capture the lawful use of prescribed CBPMs. Write to the Metropolitan Police South West Basic Command Unit to ask what information and training is provided to officers regarding prescribed CBPMs, lawful possession, medical vaporisation, and the statutory medical defence in relevant road traffic cases. Write to registered providers and housing associations operating in Kingston to ask them to confirm that their housing management and anti-social behaviour processes recognise the legal position of CBPMs and do not discriminate against tenants who lawfully use prescribed medication. Request that the People Committee receives a report within six months setting out the steps taken, any policy changes required, and any further work needed with health partners, housing providers, police, licensed premises and disability organisations.”

Date of Decision: July 14, 2026