A message from the Leader
In 2019, we set out a vision for Kensington and Chelsea focused on achieving better outcomes for all those who live, work and visit here.
This vision was shaped by the changes we knew we needed to make after the Grenfell tragedy. The events of the 14 June 2017 had a profound impact on the bereaved, survivors and local community, laying bare existing issues and inequalities, but they were also a spur for change.
Since then, we have made important changes to our policies, to our culture, and most importantly, to the way we work with residents. We have tried to make sure that the lessons of Grenfell are at the forefront of our drive for change. But we know there is more to do to bridge the gap between the Council and its communities, and to ensure that we are the best that we can be.
Covid-19 has affected us all in this borough, but it has exacerbated existing inequalities. Recovering from this unprecedented health and economic crisis is a significant long-term challenge. As we move to living with Covid, our residents and businesses not only have to contend with the economic effects of the pandemic and its impact on mental and physical health, but also with the rising cost of living. As we support our communities through these challenges, we will listen to their concerns and ambitions so that our efforts are always guided by what matters most to them.
Our communities, businesses, high streets, parks and cultural institutions make Kensington and Chelsea unique. We have many strengths on which to build, both to recover from the pandemic and to ensure the borough is a great place to live, and work for everyone. We are investing £600m in our Council homes, schools, streets and public spaces. As we do so, we must work with our partners, residents and businesses to renew our focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. To make sure our buildings are as green as possible, as a first step we will be investing £100m in our housing estates, £8m in schools, and £4m in Council buildings.
As we look forward to tackle these long-term and complex challenges, we will continue to put our communities at the heart of everything we do. That is why it is so important that our update to this plan reflects what our communities have told us is important to them. I hope this plan will help to consolidate our progress and signal a way forward that builds on our residents’ aspirations, providing a firm foundation for the future whilst learning the lessons of the past. I look forward to working with our partners and our residents to make it a reality.
Elizabeth Campbell
Leader of the Council
Our Council Plan
