This week in Richmond upon Thames:

New Mayor and Council Leadership Take the Helm

Richmond upon Thames Council officially ushered in the new mayoral year on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, with the election of Councillor Nancy Baldwin as the new Mayor. Councillor Gareth Roberts was re-elected as Leader of the Council, with Councillors Alex Ehmann and Jim Millard appointed as Joint Deputy Leaders. This marks the beginning of a new municipal year, setting the tone for the council's priorities and leadership.

A New Civic Year Begins

The Council meeting on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, began with the formal election of the Mayor. Councillor Nancy Baldwin was elected as the new Mayor of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for the Municipal Year 2026-2027. Councillor Matthew Wherry was appointed as the Deputy Mayor. The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Penelope Frost, reflected on her year in office, highlighting numerous events and expressing gratitude for the support she received.

Leadership Appointments and Governance Review

Councillor Gareth Roberts was elected as the Leader of the Council, with Councillors Alex Ehmann and Jim Millard taking on the roles of Joint Deputy Leaders. In his address, Councillor Roberts acknowledged the council's unique position of having a single party controlling all seats. He addressed concerns about a one-party state and outlined plans to introduce constitutional amendments to allow parties with over 5% of the vote to ask questions at council meetings. This move aims to ensure a broader range of voices are heard, even within a single-party administration. A review of governance is also planned to further enhance inclusivity.

Mayor's Charities Announced

Mayor Nancy Baldwin announced her chosen charities for the year: Cocoon Care After Care, which supports care-experienced young adults, and Skylarks, which provides support to families with children who have additional needs and disabilities. These charities will benefit from the Mayor's fundraising efforts throughout her term.

Read more about the Council meeting here.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council Strengthens Financial Oversight and Tackles Fraud

The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee met on Tuesday 14 April 2026, focusing on strengthening the council's financial controls, risk management, and fraud prevention efforts. These measures are crucial for ensuring public money is managed responsibly and that vulnerable residents are protected from financial crime.

Internal Audit Plan and Strategy Approved for 2026/27

The committee reviewed and approved the proposed Internal Audit Plan, Charter, and Strategy for 2026/27. This plan is a vital tool for providing independent assurance over the council's risk management, control, and governance processes, as mandated by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. The strategy aligns with the Global Internal Audit Standards for the UK Public Sector, ensuring a robust and modern approach to internal auditing.

The risk-based plan considers various inputs, including the Annual Governance Statement and discussions with departmental management. Risks are assessed based on their potential impact on reputation, legislation, finances, and health and safety. A significant portion of the plan is dedicated to auditing key financial systems, which is essential for safeguarding public funds and preventing fraud. The plan also allocates resources to support the council's ongoing transformation programme, ensuring that new initiatives are implemented with strong financial oversight.

The committee also noted the approved Internal Audit Plan for Achieving for Children, the organisation responsible for delivering children's services across Richmond, Kingston, and Windsor and Maidenhead. This ensures that even services for our most vulnerable young people are subject to rigorous financial scrutiny.

Read more about the Internal Audit Plan, Charter, and Strategy here.

Enhanced Risk Management Framework to be Implemented

An update on the strategic review of the council's risk management approach highlighted the need for a more dynamic and digital framework. In response to increasing local government challenges and the need for improved oversight, the council is transitioning to a quarterly risk management process supported by a digital platform.

This new three-tier model will ensure that risks are identified, assessed, and escalated more effectively. The move to a digital risk management platform will provide greater real-time visibility and enable quicker responses to emerging threats. This is particularly important for ensuring the council can proactively address issues that could impact service delivery, especially for those residents who rely most heavily on council support. Training for board members and service leads will be provided to ensure the successful adoption of this enhanced framework.

Read more about the update on the strategic review of risk management here.

Renewed Focus on Fraud Prevention and Detection

The committee received a summary of fraud work undertaken by the South West London Fraud Partnership (SWLFP) during 2025/26. The report underscored the persistent and evolving threat of fraud, noting an increase in individuals committing fraud due to need. Emerging risks, particularly in Temporary Accommodation (TA), were highlighted due to rising costs, which can make vulnerable individuals more susceptible to exploitation.

The council is reinforcing its commitment to fraud prevention, with an increased allocation of resources for this work in the 2026/27 indicative fraud plan. This proactive approach is vital for protecting public funds and ensuring that resources are directed to those who genuinely need them. The report also detailed the value of fraud and overpayments identified, demonstrating the tangible impact of these efforts. The council's compliance with the Local Government Transparency Code regarding fraud investigation activity was also confirmed.

Read more about the fraud update here.

New Premises Licence Granted for The Hope in Kew

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Hope, located at 115-117 Kew Road, Kew, Richmond, TW9 2PN. The committee granted the licence with modified conditions, aiming to balance the applicant's operational needs with the concerns of local residents regarding public nuisance.

The application, which sought to replace an existing licence with extended hours and new activities, was situated within the Richmond Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone. This designation means that new applications are generally refused unless the applicant can demonstrate they will not exacerbate existing issues.

Several representations were received from residents and local councillors, primarily focusing on noise disturbance from late-night refreshment and live music in the rear garden, as well as concerns about extended hours for alcohol sales and potential increases in traffic and parking issues.

To address these concerns, the committee agreed to several modifications. Crucially, live music in the rear garden will now cease by 8 pm, and any incidental music in a covered area must not be detectable at property boundaries and must end by 11 pm. The applicant also agreed to ensure the garden closes at 11 pm and that film screenings would conclude by the same time. While extended hours for alcohol sales on Fridays and Saturdays were granted, these were primarily intended for private functions.

These conditions are designed to mitigate the impact on nearby residents, particularly concerning noise and disturbance, and to ensure the premises operates in a manner that respects the local amenity.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

Quality Accounts Sub-Committee Reviews Mental Health Trust Performance

The Quality Accounts Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss the draft Quality Account for the South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust for the 2025/2026 financial year. This review is crucial for understanding how the Trust is delivering safe, effective, and person-centred care and for informing the council's response.

The draft Quality Account highlights the Trust's priorities for the year, including improving the adult patient journey, making the Trust a better place to work, and ensuring financial and operational sustainability. It details progress in areas such as patient safety, effectiveness of treatment, and patient feedback, with a strong emphasis on embedding lived experience at all levels of the organisation.

A significant focus is placed on addressing health inequalities and tackling racial inequality within mental health services. The Trust is committed to ensuring equitable access and outcomes, particularly for racialised and marginalised communities. The report also notes the Trust's preparation for an anticipated Well-Led inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2026/27.

The committee's review of this document is vital for ensuring that mental health services provided to Richmond residents are of the highest standard and that the needs of all individuals, especially those from vulnerable groups, are being met effectively and equitably.

Read more about the Quality Accounts Sub-Committee meeting here.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. Please note that some meetings have been cancelled.

• The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee on Monday 20 April 2026 has been cancelled.
• The Policy and Performance Review Board on Tuesday 21 April 2026 has been cancelled.
• The Planning Committee on Wednesday 22 April 2026 has been cancelled.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

New Cafes and Shops Face Scrutiny Over Alcohol Licences

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, to consider applications for new premises licences for two local businesses: The Mirror Café in Richmond and Jays Food and Wine in Twickenham. These decisions have the potential to impact local amenity and public nuisance, particularly for residents living nearby.

The Mirror Café: Concerns Over Noise and Public Nuisance

An application for a new premises licence for The Mirror Café, located at 4 Church Court, Richmond, TW9 1JL, was discussed. The applicant, Evren Yazici, sought permission for the sale of alcohol and live music. The application was situated within the Richmond Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone, an area where the council already has concerns about the concentration of licensed premises.

Three representations were received, raising significant concerns about potential public nuisance, noise disturbances, and the suitability of the premises for live music. Residents and local groups, including the Friends of Richmond Green, voiced worries about noise levels, particularly from live music and karaoke, and its impact on nearby residential homes. Concerns were also raised about the premises' capacity and fire safety.

Mr. Yazici clarified that the café would primarily operate as a food establishment with alcohol served alongside meals, and that any live music would be small-scale and indoors. The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider granting the application with conditions, including a maximum capacity of 10 people in the basement, alcohol being ancillary to food, no live music, and a prohibition on delivery services. These conditions aim to mitigate the potential for public nuisance and ensure the café's operation is compatible with its surroundings.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

Jays Food and Wine: Addressing Resident Concerns

The committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for Jays Food and Wine, located at 117 Nelson Road, Twickenham, TW2 7AZ. The applicant, Balbir Singh Kapoor, sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.

While the Metropolitan Police agreed to conditions, one local resident, Mr. Pankaj Reddy, opposed the application. Mr. Reddy raised concerns about potential public nuisance from people drinking and shouting in front of the shops, particularly on Twickenham Stadium match days, and issues related to illegal parking.

In response, Mr. Kapoor, who has extensive experience in licensed retail, agreed to reduce the proposed hours for alcohol sale and closing time to 10 pm. He also highlighted the comprehensive conditions agreed with the Metropolitan Police, which included the installation of CCTV and restrictions on alcohol display. These measures are designed to prevent crime and disorder and protect children from harm, while also addressing the resident's concerns about public nuisance. The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider granting the licence subject to these conditions.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Petition Challenges Plan to Reclaim Shacklegate Lane Allotment Land

The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee met on Tuesday 24 March 2026, hearing a contentious petition about the council's plan to reclaim a portion of the Shacklegate Lane allotments for the expansion of Teddington Cemetery. The petition reflected significant public opposition, with 1,697 signatures submitted against the move. The committee also endorsed the future direction of the Culture Richmond strategy and approved initiatives for a low-waste future.

Shacklegate Lane Allotments: A Community's Green Lung at Risk

In a previous version, we incorrectly said that this committee meeting made the decision to proceed with reclaiming part of the Shacklegate Lane allotments for cemetery expansion. In fact, the meeting heard a petition asking the council to reconsider an earlier decision, discussed the issue, and then moved on without taking a vote on it.

The future of the Shacklegate Lane allotments was the subject of impassioned pleas from residents and local councillors. Mrs. Jane Cowling presented a petition urging the council to reconsider its decision. She highlighted the allotments' long history, their vital role as a green lung for the community, and the importance of local food production. This isn't just a piece of land, Mrs. Cowling stated, It's a living, breathing part of our community.

Councillor Chas Warlow, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the decision should be re-evaluated in light of the declared climate and nature emergency. He proposed exploring alternative burial solutions and preserving a portion of the allotments. Residents also pointed out that nearly half of recent burials have been for non-residents, questioning the urgency of the cemetery expansion.

Council officers, however, stressed the need for burial space, saying there was very little room left at Teddington Cemetery. They explained that while reusing old graves is a long-term goal, current legislation and practicalities make it a complex and time-consuming process. The committee was advised that a phased reclamation of the allotments was not feasible due to excavation and safety requirements. After hearing the petition and officers' responses, the committee moved on to the next agenda item.

Read more about the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee meeting here.

Culture Richmond Strategy Gains Momentum

The committee received a positive update on the Culture Richmond strategy, a five-year framework designed to foster arts, culture, and creativity across the borough. Councillor John Coombs, Spokesperson for Arts, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, particularly the establishment of a peer network for cultural organisations. This network, chaired by Paul Jennings, CEO of Habitats and Heritage, facilitates collaboration and shared learning among diverse cultural groups.

The strategy's impact is evident in initiatives like the partnership between Habitats & Heritage and a dance organisation, which explored environmental themes through performance. Joe Terrell, Head of School for Creative Industries at Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge College, highlighted how these collaborations provide students with invaluable real-world experience and contribute to the borough's vibrant cultural life. The committee endorsed the strategy's proposed focus areas for the next five years, including strengthening creative industries and developing creative health programmes. The grant limit for the Challenge & Innovation Fund was also recommended to be raised from £3,000 to £5,000 to support more ambitious projects.

Roadmap to a Low Waste Future: New Services and Campaigns

Natasha Epstein, Director of Waste and Street Cleansing, presented the Roadmap to a Low Waste Future, outlining ambitious plans to reduce waste and improve recycling rates. Key initiatives include a new recycling and food waste service for flats above shops (FLASH), trials for collecting soft plastics, and enhanced communication campaigns. The committee was informed about upcoming Simpler Recycling regulations that will mandate separate collections for various materials.

Essential projects include the implementation of the FLASH service and trials for soft plastic collection, with options for residents to use their own bags being explored. Desirable projects include extending the spillage crew resource, a London-wide food waste reduction campaign (Eat Like a Londoner ), promoting home composting, and improving the collection of textiles and electrical items. The committee agreed to implement the proposed essential and desirable projects, signalling a strong commitment to a more sustainable future for the borough.

Read more about the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee meeting here.

Education Committee Notes Strong School Performance and Post-16 Offer

The Education and Children's Services Committee met on Thursday 26 March 2026, reviewing the validated school test and exam results for the 2024-25 academic year. The committee noted the strong overall performance of pupils in Richmond upon Thames, with particular praise for early years and Key Stage 2 outcomes. However, the persistent attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils remains a key concern. The committee also confirmed that the post-16 education and training offer for young people aged 16 to 18 is suitable and sufficient, and approved the budget and strategic plan for Achieving for Children (AfC).

Attainment Gap for Disadvantaged Pupils Persists

The committee received a detailed report on the validated school test and exam results, which showed Richmond pupils performing exceptionally well, ranking first nationwide for the phonics screening test and for Key Stage 2 expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. Councillor Julia Cambridge, Chair of the committee, commended the efforts of pupils, teachers, and parents.

Despite these successes, the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils remains a significant challenge. While disadvantaged pupils in Richmond perform better than their national counterparts, the gap between them and their non-disadvantaged peers locally is substantial. This is partly attributed to a higher proportion of disadvantaged pupils having Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). The committee heard that targeted support and collaborative sessions are underway to address this, with a focus on early years development through the Best Start in Life strategy. Councillor Michael Butlin raised concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early years development, a point acknowledged by officers who are working to re-engage families and services.

Post-16 Offer Deemed Suitable and Sufficient

The committee endorsed the assessment that the post-16 education and training offer for young people aged 16 to 18, and up to 25 for those with SEND, is suitable and sufficient to meet the council's statutory responsibilities. The report highlighted a high rate of sustained education, training, and employment for young people in the borough, exceeding national rates.

The provision includes strong academic pathways through school sixth forms and Richmond upon Thames College, alongside an expanding range of vocational opportunities and apprenticeships. Efforts are being made to reduce the number of young people travelling outside the borough for post-16 education, with proposals for a new Post-16 Campus to enhance local provision. Councillor Zoe McLeod raised questions about how the offer prepares young people for future career needs in a changing world, with officers noting that vocational qualifications are adapting more quickly than traditional A-levels. The committee also discussed the importance of collaborative arrangements between schools to offer a wider range of subjects, particularly languages, and the role of careers advice in guiding young people towards suitable pathways.

Achieving for Children (AfC) Budget and Strategic Plan Approved

The committee approved the 2026/27 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy for Achieving for Children (AfC), the organisation responsible for delivering children's services across Richmond, Kingston, and Windsor and Maidenhead. The proposed AfC budget for 2026/27 is £242.4 million, with Richmond's contribution being £95.5 million. The Medium Term Financial Strategy aims to ensure financial sustainability amidst escalating pressures in children's services, focusing on value for money and maximising resources for frontline services. The approved five-year Strategic Plan incorporates national reforms in children's social care, early help, SEND, and early years, with a focus on collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Read more about the Education and Children's Services Committee meeting here.

Richmond Burial Ground Trust Meeting Postponed

The Richmond Burial Ground Trust meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday 25 March 2026, was postponed. The meeting was set to discuss plans for a new wildlife trail, the results of memorial stability testing, and the proposed work programme for the upcoming year. Further details will be provided once the meeting is rescheduled.