This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council Scrutinises Financial Controls and Project Oversight

Richmond upon Thames Council's Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee convened on Thursday 26 February 2026, tackling crucial issues of financial governance and project management. The meeting provided a deep dive into the council's internal audit work, with a particular focus on the significant Twickenham Riverside development and the management of council fleet vehicles.

Twickenham Riverside Audit Highlights Areas for Improvement

The committee reviewed the internal audit report for the Twickenham Riverside Project, which received a Reasonable Assurance opinion. This means that while core project controls are largely in place, there are still areas where improvements are needed to ensure objectives are fully met.

Key recommendations from the audit included:

• Consistent Reporting: Ensuring monthly reports to governance boards are consistent and comprehensive.
• Documentation: Strengthening the documentation of contractor meetings and variations to contracts.
• Benefits Realisation: Implementing a formal method for tracking the benefits realised from the project.
• Communications Strategy: Developing and approving a formal communications strategy.

Management has agreed to all recommendations, with implementation dates ranging from December 2025 to May 2026. The audit highlighted that while the project has a clear governance structure, including a Project Board and Sponsor Board, and sound financial monitoring, the consistency of reporting and documentation needs attention. This is particularly important for a project of this scale, where clear oversight is essential to manage public funds effectively and ensure value for money. The potential for contract variations to significantly impact project costs was also a point of concern, with councillors stressing the need for vigilance and professionalism in managing these.

The committee also discussed the project's social value assessment, which is a key justification for its proceeding. Monitoring and formalising the realisation of these benefits, such as biodiversity improvements and community engagement, was identified as a challenging but crucial task.

Read more about the Twickenham Riverside audit findings here.

Fleet Vehicle Management Under Scrutiny

The committee also examined overdue recommendations from an audit of the council's fleet vehicles. While some progress has been made, particularly with the installation of trackers on approximately 30% of council vehicles, significant work remains.

Priority one recommendations that are still outstanding or only partially implemented include:

• Council-wide Policies and Procedures: Updating procedures for fleet vehicles to ensure a consistent, council-wide approach.
• Vehicle Monitoring: Establishing central monitoring for all fleet vehicles, not just those within the DSO and Highways departments.
• P11Ds and Taxable Benefits: Addressing issues related to the reporting of taxable benefits for company vehicles, which could have financial and reputational implications if not managed correctly.

Concerns were raised about the lack of clarity regarding ownership and responsibility for implementing these recommendations, leading to delays. The committee stressed the need for clear timelines and accountability to ensure these critical control measures are put in place, especially given the potential for financial penalties and reputational damage if issues like private use of council vehicles are not properly declared and managed.

Read more about the fleet vehicle audit findings here.

Councillor Induction and Training Programme

The committee also received an update on the proposed Member Induction and Refresher Programme. This comprehensive programme, designed to equip councillors with the necessary skills and knowledge, will be delivered over 12-18 months. It includes mandatory courses, role-specific training, and individual support. The programme aims to be accessible, with hybrid delivery options and a dedicated section on the council website for resources. The importance of IT security training was also highlighted, with potential sanctions for non-compliance to protect the council's systems and vulnerable residents.

Read more about the Member Induction and Refresher Programme here.

Policy and Performance Review Board Examines Corporate Performance and KPIs

The Policy and Performance Review Board met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to review the council's performance against its Corporate Plan and to discuss the approach to managing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The meeting highlighted both areas of strong performance and areas requiring further attention, alongside a review of how the council measures its success.

Mid-Year Performance Shows Strengths and Weaknesses

The board received an update on the mid-year (Q2 2025/26) performance results for Richmond's Corporate Plan. Encouragingly, 83% of indicators were on target, with over 50% showing improvement compared to the previous year. However, the report also identified areas of underperformance, particularly within children's services, where issues such as the percentage of children looked after receiving timely health assessments and the number of social work cases with adequate supervision remain concerns. These indicators directly impact the well-being and safety of vulnerable children, and the board's focus on these areas is crucial for ensuring they receive the support they need.

The board also discussed specific areas for potential deeper scrutiny, including litter and detritus management and the effectiveness of pedestrian crossings. These are issues that directly affect the daily lives and safety of residents.

Read more about the mid-year performance review here.

Refining How Success is Measured: The KPI Review

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the council's approach to performance management for its KPIs. The discussion was prompted by feedback that the council may have too many indicators, potentially diluting focus, and a desire to align more closely with the new Local Outcomes Framework (LOF).

Key proposals and discussion points included:

• Reducing KPI Numbers: A move to reduce the number of corporate plan KPIs from the current 104 to a more focused set, potentially between 70-80, to better align with other London boroughs and ensure a clearer focus on what truly drives performance.
• RAG Rating Thresholds: A debate on adjusting the thresholds for Red, Amber, and Green (RAG) ratings. While the current system has been in place for eight years, there's a recognition that targets should be challenging and that the current thresholds might lead to an overly green dashboard. The proposal to shift the red threshold to 10% off target was discussed, aiming to ensure that red truly signifies significant underperformance.
• Direction of Travel: Maintaining the direction of travel indicator to show whether performance is improving or deteriorating year-on-year, providing crucial context beyond a simple snapshot. However, the clarity of the current arrow system was questioned, with suggestions for alternative visualisations.
• Visualisation Tools: Exploring enhancements to performance visualisation tools, such as Power BI dashboards, to provide clearer trend charts and more intuitive ways to present performance data over time. This would allow for better understanding of long-term trends and more effective scrutiny.

The review also touched upon the importance of ensuring KPIs are within the council's control or influence, particularly in light of the LOF metrics, some of which are influenced by external factors. The need for transparency in how KPIs are set and reported, especially concerning their relevance to council priorities and the impact of initiatives like the transformation programme, was also emphasised.

Read more about the KPI review here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Council on Tuesday 03 March 2026 will discuss the revenue budget and Council Tax for the upcoming financial year, alongside reports from its various committees and the proposed pay policy.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday 12 March 2026 will discuss key health and wellbeing strategies and initiatives for the borough.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 10 March 2026 will consider licensing applications.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Teddington Development Sparks Debate Over Design and Community Impact

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, to consider two significant planning applications in Teddington. The most prominent of these was a proposal for the demolition of an existing building at 42 High Street, Teddington, TW11 8ES and its replacement with a new four-storey building containing eight residential flats and retail units. This application, which had been refused twice previously on grounds of design and impact on the local street scene, saw revisions aimed at addressing these concerns.

The applicant, Unico Developments Ltd, presented a revised scheme featuring a mansard roof and architectural details intended to better complement the Teddington High Street Conservation Area. While officers recommended approval subject to a Section 106 Agreement, concerns were raised by residents and councillors regarding the lack of affordable housing within the development. The applicant stated that a financial viability review indicated the scheme could not support an affordable housing contribution.

Councillor Chas Warlow, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, expressed a common sentiment regarding the design, noting a sense of disappointment about the design particularly onto the high street and finding it bland considering the more charming aspects of the rest of the street. However, he acknowledged that the development would fill a long-empty space and was prepared to vote for it. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to approve the application, signalling a move towards redeveloping underutilised sites.

The committee also considered a variation to a previously approved planning permission at 83 Udney Park Road, Teddington, TW11 9BB. The application sought to add two bedrooms to each of the two proposed dwellinghouses by utilising roof space. This proposal also faced objections from a neighbour, Ms. Hagstrom, who raised concerns about overlooking and the impact on bats, citing the site's proximity to Udney Park Playing Fields, a known bat corridor.

The council's ecology officers deemed the revised plans, which omitted rear-facing roof lights, acceptable in relation to bat activity. However, the neighbour argued that any additional light would be harmful and that the proposed roof lights would still allow for overlooking. The committee debated the interpretation of privacy standards and the 1.7-metre threshold for obscure glazing, ultimately deciding to impose a condition to ensure roof lights do not fall below this height. The application was approved, with a condition added to address the privacy concerns.

Read more about the discussions and decisions of the Planning Committee here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Policy and Performance Review Board on Tuesday 24 February 2026 will review the council's performance against its corporate plan and discuss its approach to performance management.
• The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee on Thursday 26 February 2026 will consider internal audit reports, including one on the Twickenham Riverside Project, and review its work programme.
• The Council on Tuesday 03 March 2026 will cover a range of council business.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council Grapples with Budget Overspends and Service Charges Amidst Financial Pressures

Richmond upon Thames Council is facing significant financial challenges, with projected overspends across several directorates and a need to revise service charges. The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee and the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee both met on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 February 2026 respectively, to review budget monitoring reports and propose new fees and charges. The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee also met on Thursday 12 February 2026, to discuss the broader financial picture, including the proposed Council Tax increase.

Housing and Social Care Services Face Projected Overspends

The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee noted a projected overspend of £2.765 million for the 2025-26 financial year. The majority of this overspend, £2.408 million, is within the Resident Services Directorate, primarily due to increased costs in Housing Services and Strategy. This surge is largely attributed to a rise in demand for homelessness services and temporary accommodation, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis and domestic abuse cases. Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the committee, acknowledged the difficulties in forecasting, but the council is implementing measures to improve demand management and prevention work.

Waste Disposal Costs Drive Environmental Services Overspend

The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee reported a projected overspend of £566,000 for its services. Within this, Waste & Recycling services face a significant projected overspend of £389,000. This is primarily driven by increased disposal costs for dry mixed recycling, which have risen due to market fluctuations. Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the committee, noted that efforts are underway to mitigate these costs through measures to reduce contamination and boost recycling uptake.

Proposed Council Tax Rise and Budgetary Challenges

The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee discussed the proposed revenue budget for 2026-27, which totals £89.794 million for Adult Social Care and Public Health, and £37.256 million for Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports. Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member, highlighted the council's significant financial challenge, with a projected £29 million cut in government grant funding by 2028/29. To address this, the council is proposing a 2.99% increase in Council Tax, plus a 2% increase for the Adult Social Care Precept, leading to a total Band D Council Tax of £2,486.10 – an overall increase of 4.81%. This rise is necessary to plug the funding gap created by reduced government grants, even with planned efficiency savings and the use of reserves.

Revised Fees and Charges for Council Services

Both the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee and the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee approved revised fees and charges for various services from 1 April 2026. These increases are generally indexed in line with inflation (3.8% CPI). For example, fees for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licences will see an uplift of 3.8%, and day centre meals will also increase by this amount. Garden waste collection fees are set to rise by approximately 5% to cover rising costs.

Read more about the discussions and decisions of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee here. Read more about the discussions and decisions of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee here. Read more about the discussions and decisions of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee here.

Licensing Sub-Committee Approves Off-Licence Despite Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 10 February 2026 to consider an opposed application for a new premises licence for Kingston Off-Licence, located at Unit 1, 1 Hampton Court Road, Hampton Wick, KT1 4AE. Despite objections from a local resident concerning potential increases in crime and disorder and public nuisance, the application was granted with conditions.

Concerns Over Anti-Social Behaviour and Street Drinking

A local resident raised concerns about the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and street drinking in the vicinity of Home Park and the adjacent bus shelter, suggesting that a new off-licence could exacerbate existing issues. The resident noted that Hampton Wick already has an off-licence on its High Street.

Conditions Agreed to Mitigate Risks

The Metropolitan Police, a responsible authority, did not object to the application after the applicant agreed to a comprehensive list of conditions. These conditions, designed to uphold the four licensing objectives, include requirements for a CCTV system, staff training on proxy sales and not serving intoxicated individuals, and specific restrictions on alcohol sales, such as no spirits in bottles of less than 20cl. The applicant also agreed to a policy of 20% of the shop space being dedicated to alcohol display.

The Sub-Committee's decision to grant the licence, with these conditions in place, aims to balance the applicant's business aspirations with the need to protect the local community. The applicant, Mr. Didar Singh, highlighted the investment planned for the premises and the creation of jobs, while also emphasising the commitment to responsible trading.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Planning Committee on Wednesday 18 February 2026 will consider planning applications for new residential developments in Teddington.
• The Policy and Performance Review Board on Tuesday 24 February 2026 will review various policy matters and performance indicators.
• The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee on Thursday 26 February 2026 will discuss audit findings and financial governance.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Heathrow Expansion Plans Spark Fierce Opposition and Calls for Legal Action

Richmond upon Thames Council is standing firm against Heathrow Airport's expansion plans, with the Special Standing Committee on Heathrow meeting on Thursday 5 February 2026 to discuss the latest proposals. The council reiterated its strong opposition to any expansion that would increase flight movements and disrupt residents, while campaigners are exploring legal avenues to challenge the plans.

The Fight Against a Third Runway Intensifies

Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) is pushing forward with its ambitious £49 billion expansion plans, which include a new third runway and terminal complex. These proposals aim to significantly increase the airport's capacity, allowing for 756,000 flights per year and accommodating 150 million passengers annually. However, Richmond Council remains resolutely opposed, particularly to the introduction of mixed-mode operations, which would end the current practice of alternating runway use, thereby removing periods of respite for residents affected by noise.

The government is currently reviewing its Airport National Policy Statement (ANPS), with a consultation on a revised draft expected in Summer 2026. Measures introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2026 could potentially speed up the consenting process for major infrastructure projects, reducing approval times by up to three years.

The government's decision will hinge on four key tests: economic growth, air quality obligations, noise commitments, and climate change obligations. However, the metrics for these tests remain ill-defined. Concerns have been raised about the economic growth claims, with some analyses suggesting a net negative economic benefit when environmental and social costs are factored in. Similarly, doubts exist about the purported benefits for regional growth, with potential negative impacts on smaller regional airports.

Regarding noise, HAL claims expansion can be managed while limiting noise impacts. However, it is estimated that over 300,000 people could be affected by noise from an expanded Heathrow, potentially impacting areas like Richmond Park. The committee is closely monitoring the judicial review of Gatwick Airport's expansion approval, which partly cited noise concerns, for any implications for Heathrow.

On air quality and climate change, HAL suggests that expansion can be achieved alongside carbon commitments through Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). However, significant concerns persist about the viability and production levels of SAF, as well as the substantial increase in carbon emissions and pollution from ground traffic associated with a larger airport. The committee also noted that the government's inclusion of the third runway in the UK's 6th Carbon Budget may not fully account for the combined impact of other airport expansions.

HAL has begun preparing its Development Consent Order (DCO) application, with a public consultation expected in September-October 2026. Richmond Council, as a host authority for some works, is engaging with HAL on planning matters, particularly concerning waterways within the borough. The council is considering whether to tender for consultants or collaborate with other authorities through the Heathrow Strategic Planning Group (HSPG).

Airspace Modernisation and Easterly Alternations Raise Further Concerns

The committee also discussed the ongoing modernisation of airspace around Heathrow. The establishment of the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) as a national body to oversee airspace modernisation has raised concerns that it may reduce local stakeholder involvement. Richmond Council is opposing measures within the Civil Aviation Authority's consultation on streamlining the airspace change process that could reduce community consultation requirements.

Furthermore, HAL has applied to Hillingdon Council for ground infrastructure works to enable easterly alternations. This would allow planes to land on the northern runway and depart from the southern runway during easterly operations, mirroring current westerly operations. While this aims to provide predictable respite, it could also lead to new areas being overflown. Hillingdon Council approved the application in December 2025, but the works, expected to take up to 18 months, could be delayed if integrated with wider expansion plans.

Richmond upon Thames Council's longstanding policy of opposing Heathrow expansion and campaigning for reduced night flights, as outlined in the 2022-2026 Richmond Corporate Plan, remains unchanged. The council is committed to challenging Heathrow and advocating for its residents. The committee agreed to meet more frequently to address these critical issues, particularly around consultation periods.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Transport Budget Boosted Amidst Concerns Over Car Club Viability

The Transport and Air Quality Committee met on Monday 2 February 2026, approving a significant increase in funding for highway maintenance and discussing the future of car club services in the borough. While the budget for road improvements is set to rise substantially, the withdrawal of a major car club operator has created uncertainty for users.

Record Investment in Road and Footway Maintenance

The committee approved ambitious highway maintenance programmes for 2026/27, backed by a 159% increase in funding compared to the previous year. This substantial investment aims to proactively address the condition of roads and footways across the borough, reducing the need for reactive repairs and minimising public liability claims. The plan details numerous resurfacing and renewal schemes across all wards, signalling a commitment to improving the borough's infrastructure and enhancing safety and customer satisfaction.

Car Club Landscape Shifts Dramatically

A significant development discussed was the withdrawal of car club operator Zipcar from the UK market. This has left 58 dedicated car club bays vacant, impacting residents who rely on these services for flexible transport options. The committee is exploring ways to maintain car club provision, including waiving car club parking permit fees until April 2027 to encourage other operators to step in. Options for repurposing the vacant bays by summer 2026 are also being considered, including cargo bike parking, e-bike/e-scooter bays, and resident parking, following consultation with ward councillors. This situation highlights the delicate balance of providing sustainable transport options and the reliance on private operators.

School Streets Made Permanent

The committee also moved to make permanent two School Streets initiatives at St James Catholic Primary School and Sheen Mount Primary School. These schemes, which restrict vehicle access outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times, have received strong support from parents and residents for improving safety and encouraging active travel. Updates were also provided on ongoing and planned School Streets at other primary schools across the borough.

Budget Proposals and Parking Charges

The committee reviewed the proposed Directorate Budget for 2026/27, which includes a net expenditure of £9,695,900. Proposed fee increases across various services, including licences, traffic charges, and parking permits, were discussed. Notably, parking charges are proposed to take effect from July 2026. The committee also noted a projected underspend of £411,000 for the third quarter of the financial year, largely due to higher-than-anticipated income from parking charges and savings from the street lighting energy efficiency project.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Council Debates Future of Public Spaces Protection Orders

Richmond upon Thames Council's Regulatory Committee met on Tuesday 3 February 2026 to discuss the potential extension of two key Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). These orders, designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and dog control issues, are due to expire in September 2026, prompting a review of their effectiveness and scope.

Extending Orders to Combat Anti-Social Behaviour and Dog Control Issues

The committee considered proposals to extend the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (Anti-Social Activity) and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (Dog Control) for a further three years. These orders grant council officers the power to issue fixed penalty notices for specific behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the community.

The report highlighted that since the orders were last renewed in September 2023, the Parks Patrol contractor has issued 1,286 advisories, directed 448 people to leave an area, and issued 388 fixed penalty notices. Only six prosecutions have occurred, indicating a focus on education and advice before resorting to sanctions.

The committee agreed to proceed with a public consultation on the proposed extensions. This consultation, running from 4 February to 26 March 2026, will gather feedback from residents, partners, and stakeholders on their experiences with the current PSPOs and whether the measures should continue. The feedback will be crucial in determining if any amendments are needed to ensure the orders remain proportionate and effective. A further report will be presented to the committee and Full Council following the consultation.

Potential Amendments and Clarifications

During the discussion, councillors raised points regarding the scope of the orders and potential amendments. Concerns were voiced about the clarity of the definition of power-driven aircraft in relation to model aircraft and drones, with a suggestion to include electrically powered options. The committee also discussed the process for handling complaints and the need for clear procedures for residents to report issues. The potential for extending restrictions on fireworks and barbecues to council-controlled land beyond parks was also raised, with a commitment to consider public feedback on this matter during the consultation.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee on Tuesday 10 February 2026 will discuss the proposed Directorate Budget for 2026/27, review the performance of local housing associations, and receive an update on the council's financial position.
• The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee on Wednesday 11 February 2026 will discuss an update on the Richmond Climate and Nature Strategy and Action Plan, the Q3 quarterly monitoring report, and the proposed Directorate Budget for 2026/27.
• The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday 12 February 2026 will review the council's financial performance and strategic priorities.
• The Planning Committee on Wednesday 18 February 2026 will consider various planning applications.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 10 February 2026 will consider an application for a new premises licence for Kingston Off-Licence.