Citizens' Panel event - Let's talk K&C - September 2022

Our first ever Citizens' Panel event was held in September 2022. This launched the Let's Talk K&C conversation around what the Council's priorities should be over the coming years. Kensington and Chelsea Council has taken up the challenge to become the best Council, in all that we do, so the borough is greener, safer, and fairer for everyone who lives here.

We asked for feedback on four key questions:

• What do you love and value most in Kensington and Chelsea and/or your local area?​
• What are the biggest issues and challenges faced by residents/the community in Kensington and Chelsea and/or your local area?​
• How can the Council best support residents, businesses and partners to enhance their lives over the coming 10 years?​
• Those affected by the Grenfell tragedy have challenged the Council to use the learning from Grenfell to be the best Council. What does being the best Council, in light of Grenfell, mean to you?​

A big thank you to the 70 plus Panel members who attended the event and had the opportunity to talk with staff and Councillors and to feedback what is most important to them. 

Some of things you valued most about Kensington and Chelsea included:

• Its diversity and community spirit, the voluntary and community sector, and events like Carnival;
• It was felt to be safer than other boroughs and generally cleaner, regular waste collections were appreciated;
• The local amenities, the 'feel' of the high streets and parks and open spaces; and
• The history and culture of the borough.

Some of the biggest issues and concerns raised included:

• The lack of social housing and problems with hiusing repairs;
• Lack of police visibility in the borough and concerns about antisocial behaviour;
• The lack of independent businesses and empty shops;
• Challenges to reaching net zero;
• Lack of communication and transprency from the Counci and a sense that it was always easy talking to the right people at the Council; and 
• The need for more support for young people.

Further details on the emrging themes and priorities from the event can be found in report below. 

Panel members feedback from the event has been used to inform the emerging priorities for the Council Plan, which are now subject to further consultation including a Panel survey. All the feedback from the event,will help inform the new Council Plan.