Issues and SWOT

strength

Support the local people caring for Wild Tolworth

The project has restored wetlands and trained local volunteers.

Proposed response: Keep stewardship and accessible visits part of the long-term offer.

Evidence

strength

Bring support closer to people in poor health

3.4% of people reported bad or very bad health in Kingston upon Thames council area (21 March 2021). Across England, the figure was 5.2%. People reporting bad or very bad health ranged from 2.5% in St Mark's & Seething Wells to 4.6% in Green Lane & St James — a gap of 2.1 percentage points.

This is how residents described their health in the census. It can reveal differences between neighbourhoods, but does not diagnose illness or measure current waiting times. Age profiles differ between places, so these shares do not measure service quality.

strength

Connect local skills to local opportunities

51.4% of people aged 16 or over had a degree or equivalent (21 March 2021) in Kingston upon Thames council area. Across England, the figure was 33.9%. People aged 16+ with no qualifications ranged from 6.9% in St Mark's & Seething Wells to 18.4% in Hook & Chessington North — a gap of 11.6 percentage points.

Qualifications show one part of the skills available locally. They do not show whether people have secure jobs or work that uses those skills.

weakness

Maintain swimming access while the new centre is built

The new centre is still under construction.

Proposed response: Help residents find suitable alternatives and plan affordable opening sessions.

Evidence

weakness

Make room for homes people can afford

Average private rent is £1,811 a month (August 2026) in Kingston upon Thames council area. This is £352 higher than the England average for the same month. Homes rented privately ranged from 13.3% in Hook & Chessington North to 42.7% in St Mark's & Seething Wells — a gap of 29.4 percentage points.

Housing costs matter most alongside earnings and the number of affordable homes available. A local average cannot tell us whether a particular household can afford its home.

opportunity

Keep estate renewal shaped by existing residents

Cambridge Road plans include homes, gardens and community facilities.

Proposed response: Use resident involvement to resolve practical design and move questions.

Evidence

opportunity

Plan homes and care around an older population

14.5% of people in Kingston upon Thames council area were aged 65 or over (21 March 2021). People aged 65 or over ranged from 9.8% in Norbiton to 20.3% in Coombe Hill — a gap of 10.5 percentage points.

Age alone does not mean poor health or a need for care. Accessible homes, reliable transport and support close to home matter as people get older.

opportunity

Target safety work where problems repeat

Mapped police records are available for neighbourhoods in Kingston upon Thames council area.

Published locations are approximate and some crimes are not mapped. Counts show recorded incidents, not the chance of an individual becoming a victim.

opportunity

Turn published plans into visible progress

3 named local projects or plans have official evidence in this collection.

A published plan makes responsibilities and intentions easier to inspect. It does not prove that funding is secured or that promised benefits have arrived.

opportunity

Target support where disadvantages overlap

Households facing two or more measured disadvantages ranged from 9.2% in Coombe Hill to 20.4% in Norbiton — a gap of 11.3 percentage points.

These households met at least two census conditions covering education, employment, health and housing. This is not an income or poverty measure.

threat

Keep the restored wetlands working

Tolworth’s benefits depend on water management and continuing site care.

Proposed response: Fund inspections and monitor how the wetlands behave after rain.

Evidence