Kensington and Chelsea Council

Kensington and Chelsea Council is the local government authority for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, United Kingdom. It delivers a broad range of public services to residents, businesses and visitors within its jurisdiction. These services include housing management, adult and children’s social care, waste collection and recycling, street cleaning, planning and building control, leisure and cultural facilities, and environmental health. The council also administers local taxation, such as council tax, and provides advice and support on matters like benefits and licensing. Its role is to ensure the day‑to‑day functioning of the borough and to implement national policies at the local level.

As one of the 32 London borough councils, Kensington and Chelsea Council operates within the framework of the Greater London Authority and reports to central government. It is distinguished by its responsibility for both affluent neighbourhoods and areas with significant social housing, giving it a unique demographic mix within the capital. The council has a statutory duty to regulate local development through its planning committee and to enforce licensing laws for premises such as pubs, clubs and taxis. In November 2025 the council was identified as one of three London boroughs targeted in a coordinated cyberattack that disrupted core public services and operational systems across the affected authorities.

Structurally, the council is a standalone local authority constituted under the Local Government Act 1972 and is not a subsidiary of any parent organisation. Its elected councillors are accountable directly to the electorate of the borough. It works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs, emergency services and health providers to deliver joint initiatives. The organisation’s workforce comprises officers across multiple departments, led by a chief executive. Its funding derives primarily from central government grants, business rates and locally raised council tax. The council’s ongoing focus includes maintaining service resilience, as highlighted by the recent cyber incident, and continuing to meet the diverse needs of its community.