The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee meeting scheduled for 13 January 2026 was set to discuss an updated policy for events in the borough's parks and open spaces, and review the mid-year performance of the Richmond Corporate Plan. The committee was also scheduled to consider its own work programme.

Adoption of the Events Policy for Parks, Commons, Open Spaces and Towpaths

A key item on the agenda was the proposed adoption of an updated policy for managing events held in the borough's parks, commons, open spaces, and along towpaths. The report presented for consideration sought approval to replace the existing policy, which was adopted in 2012. The revised policy aims to ensure that events contribute to making Richmond green, safe and fair, foster a diverse events programme, encourage community benefits and engagement, and promote good practice and legal compliance. It also seeks to ensure that the number of events is sustainable, minimising disruption and environmental impact, while maximising opportunities for income generation to reinvest in these spaces.

The revised policy introduces several key changes and commitments following consultation. These include strengthening the involvement of tree and ecology experts, ensuring terms and conditions of hire are regularly updated to reflect sustainable event management, and increasing democratic oversight by requiring consultation with the Committee Chair before certain decisions are made. Event organisers will be required to minimise build and removal times, and the policy clarifies its relationship with licensing and planning permissions. Safeguards such as caps on event days, clear curfews, and audience size limits are also proposed. The policy aims to ensure that commercial event organisers deliver social value and that ticketed events offer an inclusive ticket option for Richmond residents.

Richmond Corporate Plan Mid-Year Performance Report

The committee was also scheduled to receive a progress update on the Richmond Corporate Plan (RCP) actions and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) for the 2025/26 period. The report indicated that out of 14 indicators with comparable data from the previous year, nine showed improvement, four declined, and one remained the same. Of the 17 indicators with profiled targets, 11 were rated as green, two amber, and four red.

Areas of improving performance included the processing of non-major planning applications within statutory timeframes, increased physical visits to library sites, a rise in library issues, and a 100% inspection rate for new massage and special treatment premises within 28 working days.

However, areas of underperformance were also highlighted. The rate of non-collection of bins was red-rated, and the percentage of public streets with acceptably low levels of litter and detritus after cleansing was below the target. The report also detailed progress on various RCP actions relevant to the committee's remit, including the delivery of the Climate and Nature Strategy, carbon literacy training, the retrofit strategy, and the Climate Action Microgrant programme. Updates were also provided on efforts to establish a Circular Economy Hub, improve the Townmead Road Household Recycling and Reuse Centre, and deliver simpler recycling initiatives. Progress on tree planting, biodiversity action plans, and flood risk management strategies was also outlined.

Committee Work Programme

The committee was also set to consider its Work Programme, which outlines upcoming matters for discussion. Items scheduled for future meetings included updates on the delivery of the Climate and Nature Strategy, a progress report on Culture Richmond, and the Directorate Budget Report for 2026/27. The committee was also to review its Q3 quarterly monitoring report. Additionally, several items requested at previous meetings were noted for inclusion in the work programme: the management of conservation sites, the low waste working group, litter enforcement, and funerary approaches.