This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Maternity Service Disparities and Mental Health Support Under Scrutiny

The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (NWL JHOSC), which includes representatives from Richmond upon Thames Council, met to discuss critical healthcare issues affecting residents, including maternity provisions, adult mental health services, and the future of the Integrated Care Board (ICB)¹.

• Maternity Disparities: The committee reviewed data revealing significant disparities in stillbirth rates among ethnic groups. Asian women face a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 births, and Black women 2.8 per 1,000, compared to 0.7 per 1,000 for White women. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these inequalities. > White women experience a term stillbirth rate of 0.7 per 1,000 births, whereas Asian women face a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 and Black women 2.8 per 1,000 > > --Public reports pack
• Mental Health Strategy: The committee received an update on adult mental health provision, focusing on raising awareness, increasing equity of access, and providing care in the right place. This is particularly important given the increasing demand for mental health services and the need to ensure timely and appropriate support for vulnerable adults.
• ICB Reconfiguration: The committee discussed the reconfiguration of the ICB and its implications for services, noting that NHS England² had announced a 50% cost reduction for ICBs in the 2025/26 financial year. This raises concerns about potential service cuts and the need to ensure that any changes do not negatively impact patient care.

These discussions highlight the complex challenges facing healthcare in North West London and the importance of effective scrutiny to ensure that services meet the needs of all residents, especially those from vulnerable groups. See the full agenda and details here.

Hampton Wick Development Approved Despite Neighbour Concerns

The Planning Committee has delegated authority to approve a planning application for a new four-bedroom detached house on Vicarage Road in Hampton Wick, despite concerns from neighbours about overdevelopment and loss of garden space.

• Parking Restrictions: A key condition of the approval is a legal agreement restricting future residents from applying for parking permits, addressing previous concerns raised by the Planning Inspectorate. This could mean future residents will either have to find paid private parking or live a car-free life.
• Design and Neighbourliness: The architect for the project, Nicola Walker, stated that the designs had been subject to numerous critiques and that both the planning officers and the appeal inspector had found no fault with the design in policy terms. As a gesture of neighbourliness, the client agreed to reduce the fence height along the boundary of number 18 to two metres high.
• Sustainability Considerations: While the architect mentioned plans for an air source heat pump, this was not included in the application, raising questions about the development's sustainability credentials.

This decision highlights the challenges of balancing development with the concerns of existing residents and the need to ensure that new developments contribute to a sustainable future.

Tree Preservation Order Confirmed in Whitton

The Planning Committee also voted to confirm a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protecting a publicly owned oak tree outside 328 Nelson Road in Whitton.

• Protecting Amenity: The TPO was served to prevent excessive pruning of the tree, which is considered a prominent specimen that enhances the character of the area.
• Resident Concerns Addressed: Councillor Vasileva raised concerns about the tree encroaching on some of the houses and the health and safety implications. A planning officer reassured her that the tree was already managed under the council's tree policy and that branches within two metres of a building would be pruned back.

This decision underscores the council's commitment to preserving green spaces and protecting trees that contribute to the borough's character and environment. See the full agenda and details here.

Elections Act Impact and Corporate Performance Reviewed

The Policy and Performance Review Board discussed the impact of the Elections Act 2022 and reviewed the council's corporate performance.

• Voter ID Awareness: While most people were aware of the need to bring ID to vote, awareness was lower among younger age groups and people from ethnic minority communities. This highlights the need for targeted communication to ensure that all residents are able to exercise their right to vote.
• Corporate Performance: The council's corporate performance showed improvements in several areas, including adult social care, homelessness prevention, and planning application processing. However, there were areas of underperformance, such as affordable housing completions and the number of households living in Temporary Accommodation.

These discussions highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to improve council services and address inequalities in access to opportunities and resources. See the full agenda and details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here’s a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday 23 July 2025 will discuss a new premises licence application for SD Food & Wine, located at Cardinal Wolseley, The Green, Hampton Court Road, East Molesey, KT8 9BW.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Twickenham Riverside Project Faces Scrutiny Over Rising Costs

Richmond upon Thames Council is under pressure to justify a further £16.8 million investment in the Twickenham Riverside development, bringing the total council contribution to £37 million and the overall project cost to £67.19 million. The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee previously discussed the funding gap, citing delays from a Compulsory Purchase Order¹ and stricter building regulations² as key drivers.

• Affordable Housing Questioned: While the council touts benefits like improved public spaces and flood resilience, critics like Councillor Richard Bennett, Chair of Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee, question whether the project's benefits, including affordable housing, justify the escalating costs. The mental health of many people in the borough must be prioritised, said Councillor Richard Warren, Chair of Policy and Performance Review Board, emphasising the need to consider the well-being of residents affected by the project.
• Green Party Opposition: The Green Party voted against the extra funding, raising concerns about scheme viability. Councillor Caroline Wren said that the summary risk register presented to the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee showed the risk to scheme viability and cost for the Twickenham Riverside project as only 'medium'. Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member, defended the project, stating that the key point was that there was now a more accurate jointly agreed cost base with independent oversight, which gave stronger confidence in delivering on time and to budget.
• Affordable Housing Commitment: Councillor Bennett asked if the Lead Member for Finance would commit to maintaining the agreed 50% level of affordable housing in the Twickenham Riverside development. Councillor Millard agreed, and Councillor Zoe McLeod said that the Twickenham Riverside Regeneration was expected to deliver over £43 million in social, economic, and environmental value.

The council faces a tough balancing act: delivering a long-awaited regeneration project while ensuring responsible use of taxpayer money. The debate highlights the challenges of large-scale developments and the need for transparency and accountability.

Council Rejects Parking Charges Based on Vehicle Size and Emissions

A motion to introduce parking charges based on vehicle size and emissions was defeated at a recent Richmond upon Thames Council meeting, sparking debate about how to address air pollution and promote sustainable transport.

• Green Party Push: The motion, proposed by Councillor Wren, aimed to disincentivize larger, more polluting vehicles, citing their impact on air quality, road safety, and space.
• Council Concerns: Councillors expressed concerns about the complexity of implementing such a system and the potential impact on residents, particularly those with larger families or specific needs.
• Alternative Approaches: Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Services Committee, highlighted the council's existing strategy of benchmarking parking charges against the cost of public transport to discourage unnecessary car use.

The rejection of the motion underscores the challenges of balancing environmental goals with practical considerations and the need for a comprehensive approach to sustainable transport.

Council Adopts Climate and Nature Strategy Amid Retrofitting Concerns

Richmond upon Thames Council has adopted its Climate and Nature Strategy 2025-2030, outlining ambitious goals for reducing emissions and enhancing biodiversity. However, concerns remain about the feasibility of retrofitting existing homes to meet the strategy's targets.

• Ambitious Goals: The strategy sets a high level of ambition and commitment to ensure that the council takes good care of the borough, not just for its beauty and its heritage, but for its future liveability and its prosperity.
• Retrofitting Challenges: Councillor Chas Warlow, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns about the retrofitting situation. Councillor Lucy Hayden asked Councillor Roberts about the council acting within its own corporate code of governance in relation to reducing gas boilers. Councillor Roberts confirmed that the council would be acting within the corporate governance framework.
• Council Commitment: Despite the challenges, Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee, urged the council to adopt the strategy, emphasizing the need for urgent action and collaboration with partners and communities.

The adoption of the strategy signals the council's commitment to addressing climate change, but the success of the plan hinges on overcoming the challenges of retrofitting and securing adequate resources and support.

Other Matters

• SEND Voluntary Forum Disbanded: The council has disbanded the SEND Voluntary Forum due to reduced attendance and a lack of items submitted for discussion. Councillor Julia Cambridge, Chair of Education and Children's Services Committee, said she would take away the concerns about the forum's disbanding and consider them.
• Fair Funding Review Concerns: The council approved a motion expressing severe concern about the potential impact of the Fair Funding 2.0 review on borough finances, supporting London Councils' call for no borough to be left worse off. Councillor Millard said that Richmond would suffer the biggest percentage loss of grant across the whole of London, and that the council would continue to lobby.

Upcoming Meetings

Here’s a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Planning Committee on Wednesday 16 July 2025 will discuss a new detached family dwelling on Vicarage Road, and a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on Nelson Road.
• The Policy and Performance Review Board on Thursday 17 July 2025 will discuss the impact of voter identification requirements, review the council's corporate performance, and consider the corporate plan for the coming year.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Treviso Vinoteca Licensing Application Sparks Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday to consider an application for a new premises licence for Treviso Vinoteca, an Italian Restaurant & Bar at 92 Kew Road, Richmond, TW9 2PQ. The application seeks permission for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment until midnight or later, depending on the day.

• Police Approval with Conditions: The Metropolitan Police did not object to the application after the applicant agreed to conditions such as maintaining a CCTV system and primarily using the premises as a restaurant/cafe.
• Richmond Society's Concerns: The Richmond Society raised concerns about potential public nuisance from outdoor tables late at night and sought clarification on the licensing history of the premises. They noted that they could find no trace of a licence registered to either 92 or 94 Kew Road on the council list of Licensed Premises.

The sub-committee will decide whether to grant, partially grant, or refuse the application, balancing the business's needs with community concerns about noise and disruption. This decision matters because it directly impacts the quality of life for nearby residents and sets a precedent for future licensing decisions in the area. See the full agenda and details here.

Schools Forum Grapples with Budget Shortfall and Rising SEND Needs

The Richmond Schools Forum convened to address critical issues surrounding school funding, place planning, and support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The forum reviewed the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation for 2025/26 and the projected outturn position, and noted the proposed budget setting timetable for 2026/27.

• Projected Deficit: Despite a DSG allocation of £235.641m, the borough projects a £3.445m shortfall, leading to a cumulative deficit of £3.670m by March 2026. This includes £1.5m for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)¹ expected to be approved before year-end.
• High Needs Block Overspend: A significant driver of the deficit is a projected £3.773m overspend in the High Needs Block, which funds SEND services.
• Falling Primary Rolls, Rising Secondary Demand: The forum also discussed school place planning, noting a decrease in primary school applications and vacancies, alongside increasing demand for secondary school places, particularly in the east of the borough.

The financial strain on SEND services and the shifting demographics in school populations pose significant challenges for the council. These issues directly affect the quality of education and support available to vulnerable students and families. The forum approved a consultation with schools in advance of the September Forum meeting regarding centrally spent DSG budgets. See the full agenda and details here.

Audit Committee Reviews Governance and Risk Management

The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee met to review the council's governance arrangements, risk management strategy, and change management programme.

• Annual Governance Statement: The committee was asked to approve the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25, which acknowledges the council's responsibility for ensuring a sound system of governance. Significant governance issues detailed within the statement include information and cyber security, knowledge management and agile working, contract management, major projects/project management, and risk management.
• Risk Management Strategy: The committee was asked to approve the existing Risk Management Strategy for use in 2025/26. Key strategic risks identified include strategic oversight, transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber, and unpredictable increases in service demand with limited or reducing supply.
• Change Programme Audit: An audit of the Change Programme, aimed at tackling organisational challenges, concluded that Limited assurance could be given on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the internal controls reviewed. Key areas for improvement include communication, defining activities, programme planning, and benefit realisation.

The audit's findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of the council's internal controls and the Change Programme's ability to deliver its objectives. These issues matter because they affect the council's ability to manage public funds effectively and deliver essential services to residents. See the full agenda and details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here’s a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Richmond upon Thames Council is scheduled to meet on 8 July 2025 (meeting link) to discuss the adoption of the Climate and Nature Strategy, a report into an error that occurred during the count for the Richmond Park constituency during the UK Parliamentary General Election, and several notices of motion.
• An unknown committee will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025 (meeting link) to discuss updates on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Futures plan, the Children and Young People's Plan, pharmaceutical needs, public health, and the Better Care Fund.
• An unknown committee will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025 (meeting link).
• An unknown committee will meet on Thursday 17 July 2025 (meeting link).

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Twickenham Riverside Project Faces Funding Gap

The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee met on Wednesday and discussed a request to approve an additional £16.8 million in funding for the Twickenham Riverside development project. This would bring the total council investment to £37 million, and the total project cost to £67.19 million.

• Why the increase? According to the report pack, delays caused by a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and changes in national building regulations, including the new Building Safety Act (BSA), have significantly increased costs and necessitated a redesign of certain elements of the scheme.
• What are the benefits? An updated Twickenham Riverside Benefits Assessment estimates the scheme will deliver between £37.2 million and £50.3 million in benefits, with a central estimate of £43.7 million. An updated Social and Additional Value Assessment estimates the scheme could generate close to £21.6 million in measurable local impact.

This project has been a long time coming, and the council has previously stated its commitment to revitalizing the riverside area. Whether the benefits outweigh the increased costs remains a key question for residents.

See the full agenda and details here.

Lease of Pensford Field to Dose of Nature Sparks Debate

The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee also discussed a proposal to grant a 10-year lease of Pensford Field in Kew to Dose of Nature (DoN), a registered charity that promotes nature's ability to alleviate stress and assist people with their mental health.

• The Goal: The council intends to grant the lease to DoN to provide broader support to people that require assistance in managing their mental health.
• Objections: The council received 356 comments/objections to the proposal, with 190 objections and 163 comments in support. Concerns were independently collated and analysed by the Resident Engagement Team.

This decision highlights the tension between providing mental health support and preserving green spaces, a balance the council must carefully consider.

See the full agenda and details here.

Cost-of-Living Support Continues

The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee received an update on the Council's support for residents during the cost-of-living crisis.

• Funding: The Council allocated £3.9 million from the Council's Emergency Funding Reserve.
• Targeted Support: The Council continues to use the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) data platform to develop targeted, evidence-based campaigns that increase people's awareness and take-up of benefits and other support.
• Community Spaces: 34 Community Spaces operated across the borough for a third winter.

With many families still struggling, the council's ongoing efforts to provide support are crucial.

See the full agenda and details here.

Responsible Procurement Strategy Update

The committee considered a report outlining that it is now appropriate for the Council to adopt a new Responsible Procurement Strategy, updating the previous Procurement strategy published in 2016.

The new strategy covers five key areas:

• What the Council expects of its suppliers (The Contractor Charter)
• What suppliers can expect of the Council as a contracting authority
• Social Value
• Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
• Support for the Voluntary and Community Sector, SMEs, and the Local Economy

This strategy aims to ensure that the council's spending aligns with its values and supports the local economy.

See the full agenda and details here.

Change Programme Update

The committee received an update on the benefits being delivered by the Change Programme.

The programme has three objectives:

• Enabling the delivery of excellent services and Council priorities
• Attracting and retaining the right workforce
• Securing ongoing financial sustainability

The report pack states that, as a result of the Change Programme, residents benefit from a more responsive and inclusive Council with accessible and simple communication.

See the full agenda and details here.

End of Year Performance Report and Refresh of Corporate Plan

The committee received an update on Richmond Corporate Plan (RCP) actions and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) related to this committee's corporate priorities for 2024/25, and to discuss proposed RCP actions and key indicators for 2025/26.

See the full agenda and details here.

Capital and Revenue Outturn 2024/25

The committee received a report informing members of the council's outturn figures for revenue and capital budget management and the resulting position on reserves.

See the full agenda and details here.

Additional Budget Requests

The committee considered a report requesting funding approval of the budget requests listed.

See the full agenda and details here.

Committee Work Programme

The committee considered the Work Programme for the Committee.

See the full agenda and details here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here’s a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee on Tuesday 01 July 2025 will review the council's governance arrangements, risk management strategy, and change management programme.
• An unknown committee will meet on Tuesday 01 July 2025 (meeting link) to consider an application for a new premises licence for Treviso Vinoteca, 92 Kew Road, Richmond, TW9 2PQ.
• An unknown committee will meet on Thursday 03 July 2025 (meeting link).
• An unknown committee will meet on Tuesday 08 July 2025 (meeting link).
• An unknown committee will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025 (meeting link).