This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council Adopts New Policy to Help Homeless Residents Find Private Rented Homes

The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee met on Thursday, 30 July 2026, and unanimously adopted a new Private Rented Sector Offer Policy. This policy aims to provide a more stable housing solution for individuals and families facing homelessness, while also reducing the council's expenditure on temporary accommodation.

Improving Choices for Homeless Residents

The new policy is designed to help those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness secure settled accommodation in the private rented sector. This is a crucial step in discharging the council's main homelessness duty, offering a pathway to a home that can be reasonably occupied for at least six months. The policy is expected to be implemented immediately.

Key aspects of the policy include:

• Suitability Assessment: Any offer of accommodation must be suitable. This means it needs to be affordable for the household, meet their physical and medical needs, and be located within a reasonable distance of essential services like schools. The definition of reasonable distance will consider the specific needs of the household, including the mobility of children and the location of schools, acknowledging that case law requires all factors to be considered.
• Support for Tenancy: While the council's formal contract with a landlord ends upon offering accommodation, officers will aim to maintain contact and intervene if a tenancy is at risk. Support services will also be available to help households maximise their income and access welfare benefits, which can expand their housing options.
• Landlord Vetting: The policy aligns with the Renters' Rights Act, ensuring landlords and letting agents are fit and proper persons. The council will conduct checks on landlords, including reviewing databases and Companies House records, to ensure they meet these requirements.

Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee, highlighted the policy's aim to make the service much more helpful for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Financial Impact and Savings

The implementation of this policy is projected to lead to significant financial savings for the council. Initial estimates suggest savings of £40,000 in the first year, rising to £1.92 million by 2029-30. These savings are based on an estimated 48 private rented sector offers per year, a figure benchmarked against similar London authorities.

Councillor Chris Varley, Lead Member for Housing, emphasised the policy's role in setting the direction of travel for the Council in dealing with our temporary accommodation costs, noting that every penny counts.

Public Reaction and Concerns

During the meeting, councillors raised important questions about the policy's implementation. Concerns were voiced about the definition of reasonable distance for schools, particularly for families with children of different ages or with special needs. Officers clarified that the total journey for the household would be considered, and that case law dictates that the impact on all children, including those not yet of school age, must be taken into account.

Questions were also raised about the accessibility of the review and appeal process for households, with assurances that clear information would be provided in decision letters. The potential for out-of-borough placements was discussed, with a concern that this might lead to a concentration of placements in more affordable neighbouring boroughs. Officers reiterated the primary responsibility to end homelessness by providing affordable and suitable accommodation.

The committee also noted the updated committee work programme, with the Private Rented Sector Offer Policy being a key item. The council's Executive Director of Resident Services, Paul Chadwick, mentioned the upcoming arrival of Altin Smiley, a new Director with experience from Kensington and Chelsea Council, who will bring valuable landlord relationships and expertise in implementing such changes.

Read more about the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee meeting here.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Health Services Under Scrutiny: Better Care Fund, Prevention Framework, and Neurological Needs Assessment

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 16 July 2026, to address critical public health priorities and service updates. Key discussions focused on the Better Care Fund, the ongoing effectiveness of the Prevention Framework, and the findings of a comprehensive Neurological Conditions Health Needs Assessment. The meeting also saw the election of a new Vice-Chair and updates on the Healthwatch Richmond annual report, highlighting the vital role of resident feedback in shaping local services.

Better Care Fund: £21 Million Investment in Integrated Health and Social Care

Brian Roberts, Head of Health and Care Integration for Adult Social Care, presented the Better Care Fund (BCF) plan for 2026-27. This national initiative pools significant resources – totalling £21,079,169 for Richmond in 2026-27 – to integrate health and social care services. The plan's ambitions include reducing emergency admissions for those aged 65 and over, decreasing hospital discharge delays, and lowering reliance on long-term residential care. A substantial portion of the fund is allocated to home care packages, intermediate care services, and support for carers.

Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of fund allocation and the need for clear benchmarks to ensure value for money. Roberts assured the Board that schemes are regularly reviewed for capability, capacity, and productivity. Councillor Kelvin Cheatle highlighted the impact of heatwaves on winter pressures, prompting a discussion on the need for a summer plan or increased resilience for sustained periods of extreme weather.

Read more about the Better Care Fund planning here.

Prevention Framework Endorsed for Continued Use

Nicky, presenting on behalf of the Director of Public Health, sought the Board's continued endorsement for the Prevention Framework. This framework, established in 2021, has become an embedded approach to prevention across the Council and its partners, supporting a Health-in-All-Policies approach. The refreshed framework and toolkit aim to simplify its application, prompting consideration of evidence, need, equity, partnership, sustainability, and outcomes.

Councillor Penelope Frost inquired about the uptake of these recommendations within the council, and Nicky explained its influence on strategies like leisure and libraries. Councillor Kelvin Cheatle suggested using the framework to evaluate policies across sectors such as housing and transport for their impact on harmful emissions. The Board was asked to endorse the continued use of the framework and champion its application across partner organisations.

Read more about the Prevention Framework update here.

Neurological Conditions Health Needs Assessment Highlights Gaps in Support

Dr Nike Arowobusoye, Consultant in Public Health, presented the completed Neurological Conditions Health Needs Assessment for Richmond. The assessment revealed a growing prevalence and complexity of neurological conditions, with Parkinson's disease being the fastest-growing locally. Key findings highlighted significant gaps in support at diagnosis, limited mental health and psychological support, inconsistent recognition of cognitive and communication needs, and challenges in service navigation and coordination. Unpaid carers reported unmet needs, including a lack of dedicated support and limited access to respite.

The report recommended a multi-agency response to improve access to services, reduce health inequalities, and enhance support for people living with neurological conditions and their carers. Concerns were raised about how these recommendations would be monitored, given the distributed responsibility across agencies. A suggestion was made for the Chair to write to partners, including acute trusts, to solicit their responses. Mike Derry from Healthwatch Richmond commented on the stark findings regarding unpaid carers and suggested further discussion with the carers' reference group.

Read more about the Neurological Conditions Health Needs Assessment here.

Healthwatch Richmond Annual Report: Impact and Uncertain Future

Mike Derry, Chief Officer at Healthwatch Richmond, presented the organisation's Annual Report for 2025/26. He highlighted significant achievements, including improvements in patient comfort at Kingston Hospital's Emergency Department, reduced GP waiting times, and a 17% reduction in repetitive assessments within the Mental Health Trust. Healthwatch's work also informed the refresh of the Richmond Carers Charter and the Neurological Needs Assessment.

However, Derry addressed the impending abolition of Healthwatch as an independent body, as proposed by the Health Bill. He noted the uncertainty surrounding its future role and the potential loss of its Enter & View powers and overarching signposting role. Despite these challenges, Healthwatch Richmond remains committed to delivering the best possible service and ensuring a strong legacy for patient and public voice. Councillor Penelope Frost raised concerns about the low uptake of the Carers' Charter, and Derry acknowledged the need for more effort to encourage organisations to sign up, mentioning an upcoming Carers' Seminar on 5 October as an opportunity to promote it further. The Board noted the report and agreed to consider the future of patient voice once more clarity emerges.

Read more about the Healthwatch Richmond Annual Report here.

Other Matters

Planning Committee Approves Hampton Water Treatment Works Redevelopment

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, and granted both full planning permission and listed building consent for the conversion and extension of the Hampton Water Treatment Works site. The development will provide 36 residential units and 310 square metres of flexible business space. Despite concerns about the loss of employment land and the level of affordable housing (two three-bedroom social rented homes, representing 5.5% of units), the committee acknowledged the high costs of renovating the Grade II listed buildings and the heritage benefits of securing their future. The Victorian Society maintained an objection due to the extent of alterations. The decision aims to preserve these heritage assets while providing much-needed housing and employment space.

Read more about the Planning Committee meeting here.

Council Meeting Addresses Hammersmith Bridge, PSPOs, and New Chief Executive

The Council met on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, passing a motion calling for a fully connected Hammersmith Bridge capable of carrying public transport and emergency services. The council also approved the extension of two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle antisocial behaviour and dog control, and formally appointed Anna Popovici as the new Chief Executive for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. The motion on Hammersmith Bridge highlights the significant impact its closure has on residents, including longer journeys and barriers to essential services, and urges central government to break the deadlock. The extension of PSPOs and the increase in Fixed Penalty Notices aim to improve public safety and community well-being. Ms. Popovici's appointment, following a joint recruitment process, was praised for her extensive senior leadership experience.

Read more about the Council meeting here.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council Grapples with Audit Findings and Risk Management Framework

The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee met on Thursday, 02 July 2026, to review the council's financial health, governance, and risk management strategies. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of central government funding and the importance of robust internal controls, particularly as the council navigates significant transformation programmes.

External Audit of Accounts and Financial Risks

The committee received an update on the external audit of the 2025-26 accounts. While the draft accounts were published on time, a key concern raised was the impact of changes in central government funding on the council's finances. External auditors, Ernst & Young (EY), confirmed that their advice on the medium-term financial strategy was based on independent assessments and that similar challenges are being faced by other London boroughs.

Councillor Anton McNulty-Howard voiced concerns about entering contracts without a clear understanding of costs, referencing the arrangement for audit services. EY explained that the Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd (PSAA) acts as a central contracting body, with fees subject to arbitration and benchmarking. The committee was assured that overall financial statement risks, such as material judgments, pensions, and management overrides, have not significantly changed year-on-year. EY expressed confidence in the council achieving an unqualified audit opinion for the 2025-26 accounts, a positive sign for financial stability.

• Key Decisions:
  • Noted the completion and publication of the 2024-25 accounts.
  • Noted Ernst & Young's 2025-26 audit planning report.
  • Noted the fees update for audit services.

Read more about the Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee meeting here.

Governance Arrangements and Internal Audit Report

Andrew Hamilton, Chief Audit Executive, presented the annual internal audit report, concluding that the council's governance, risk management, and internal control arrangements provide reasonable assurance. While most assurance reports received a reasonable opinion, with two achieving substantial assurance, there were no limited or no assurance reports.

A recurring theme in audit findings was the inconsistent implementation of existing controls, often attributed to human error, rather than a lack of controls. Five priority one recommendations were made, focusing on areas like billing and debt monitoring, service monitoring, and regulatory compliance. Management accepted all these recommendations.

The Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025-26 identified several significant governance issues requiring ongoing attention. These include:

• Information and cyber security
• Organisational capacity and workforce sustainability
• Contract management and third-party assurance
• Major projects and project management
• Financial sustainability and transformation
• The ongoing implementation of the risk management framework

These issues are highlighted as areas of strategic importance, not as failures in governance, but as areas needing continued oversight and improvement.

• Key Decisions:
  • Noted the council's statutory annual review of its governance arrangements.
  • Noted the annual internal audit report.
  • Approved the proposed Annual Governance Statement for 2025-26 for signature and publication.

Read more about the Council's Governance Arrangements here.

Strategic Review of Risk Management

The committee received an update on the strategic review of the council's risk management approach. The council is moving towards a more integrated, digital risk management process. This new approach identifies 13 corporate risks, which are considered to have fundamental challenges if they were to go wrong across the borough.

The process now incorporates inherent risk, controls, residual risk, and risk appetite, with a focus on monitoring the level of risk the council is willing to accept. While workshops are offered to embed the new process, the emphasis is on the usage of the digital platform and evidence of change. Executive Directors are required to sign off departmental registers, increasing oversight.

Concerns were raised about the high-level nature of the corporate risk register, with suggestions that sub-categories might have different risk scores. It was explained that as the digital platform develops, more granular detail will become available. The council acknowledged that some risks, such as geopolitical events, are outside its control. The transformation programme's risk scores were discussed, with a councillor suggesting they appeared low given the programme's potential impact on financial stability and service delivery. Officers responded that scores reflect the current status and should be challenged if circumstances change.

• Key Decisions:
  • Noted and commented on the corporate risk register.
  • Noted progress with updating the council's risk management approach and digital platform.

Read more about the Strategic Review of Risk Management here.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Residents' Concerns Over Late-Night Noise and Disruption at The Scrummery

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday, 22 June 2026, to consider a review of the premises licence for The Scrummery, located at 105 Whitton Road, Twickenham. The committee heard compelling evidence from local residents detailing persistent issues of public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children. Residents reported loud music and flashing lights, particularly on rugby days, creating a disruptive atmosphere that significantly impacts their quality of life. Concerns about public safety were amplified by reports of intoxicated patrons spilling onto pavements and roads, and children being exposed to drunken behaviour and public urination.

The operators, Rubi Rocks Limited, proposed a series of voluntary conditions to address these issues, including prohibiting external speakers, implementing capacity limits, and ensuring adequate security. However, the premises licence holders, Karen and Colin Griffiths, stated their intention to terminate the lease with Rubi Rocks Ltd and reclaim possession of the premises. The committee also considered a separate application for a new premises licence for The Scrummery by Rubi Rocks Ltd. The outcome of these deliberations, to be issued within five working days, will significantly affect the local residential area, determining whether the venue can operate in a way that respects the community's well-being.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

Jamaica Blue Alcohol Licence Application Sparks Debate Over Cumulative Impact

The Licensing Sub-Committee also met on Monday, 22 June 2026, to consider a new premises licence application for Jamaica Blue, a café at 47-48 The Quadrant, Richmond. The application sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises between 10:00 and 19:00 daily. This application faced opposition from local residents and organisations, including the Friends of Richmond Green and The Richmond Society, primarily due to its location within the Richmond Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). Objectors feared that a new alcohol licence could exacerbate existing issues related to crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

While the applicant argued that Jamaica Blue is a family-friendly, food-led business and that alcohol would only be served with meals during daytime hours, objectors stressed the cumulative impact of multiple licensed premises in the area. They argued that the applicant had not sufficiently demonstrated that the licence would not negatively affect the licensing objectives. The committee discussed conditions such as alcohol being served only with a meal, preventing happy hours, and limiting wine and Prosecco sales. The absence of a police objection was noted. The Sub-Committee entered a closed session to deliberate, with a decision notice to be issued within five working days. The outcome will impact the character of the town centre, particularly for those concerned about late-night activity and its effect on public safety and nuisance.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

Schools Forum: School Place Planning and Financial Strain

The Schools Forum convened on Thursday, 25 June 2026, grappling with significant challenges in school place planning and substantial financial pressures within children's services and high needs education.

The Schools Forum meeting highlighted a concerning trend of falling birth rates impacting primary school admissions, leading to significant vacancies across the borough. While some schools remain full, sixteen primary schools are identified as having long-term sustainability concerns, prompting discussions about potential permanent reductions in admission numbers, amalgamations, or even closures. This situation directly affects the educational opportunities and resources available to children in those areas.

In contrast, secondary schools are experiencing increased demand, with challenges in the east of the borough exacerbated by out-of-borough applicants. The report also detailed a significant growth in pupils requiring specialist provision, with demand at the three special schools being extremely high. This increasing need for specialist support places immense pressure on resources and highlights the importance of adequate funding for SEND services.

Financially, the council faces a projected shortfall of £10.751 million for the 2026/27 Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). While a High Needs Stability Grant is expected to offset a significant portion of accumulated deficits, the overall financial picture remains challenging. The report also noted that nine schools were in deficit at the end of March 2026, an increase from the previous year. These financial pressures can directly impact the quality of education and support services available to all students, particularly those with special educational needs.

Read more about the Schools Forum meeting here.

Planning Committee Approves Extension Despite Resident Concerns

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, to consider a planning application for extensions at 8 Ellesmere Road, Twickenham. Despite objections from neighbours concerned about the scale of the development and its impact on the character of the area, the committee approved the application.

Extension Approved for 8 Ellesmere Road

The proposal included a part single, part two-storey side and rear extension, a roof extension with roof lights, and the removal of a chimney. Residents voiced concerns about a loss of daylight, increased sense of enclosure, and the potential precedent set for larger developments. They argued that the proposed extensions were not modest and would significantly alter the street's character.

The applicants explained that the extensions were designed to create a long-term family home and had been revised in response to feedback. The planning officer noted that while the development was large, it was considered compatible with the area's character and respected the site's context. Conditions were recommended regarding obscure glazing for certain windows and roof lights. Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, delegating authority to the Assistant Director of Place Planning to grant permission subject to conditions. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between residents' desire to protect their amenity and the council's role in considering development proposals.

Read more about the Planning Committee meeting here.

Regulatory Committee Extends Public Spaces Protection Orders and Reviews Licensing Policy

The Regulatory Committee met on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, to discuss the extension of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and a proposed revision to the Statement of Licensing Policy. These decisions have direct implications for public safety, community well-being, and the regulation of licensed premises.

Extension of PSPOs for Antisocial Behaviour and Dog Control

The committee agreed to recommend the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Orders concerning antisocial behaviour and dog control for a further three years. These orders are crucial for maintaining safe and pleasant public spaces, addressing issues that directly impact residents' daily lives. The committee also recommended an increase in the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fee for breaches, aligning it with neighbouring boroughs and ensuring a consistent approach to enforcement. This move aims to deter antisocial behaviour and ensure responsible dog ownership, contributing to a more enjoyable environment for everyone.

Revised Statement of Licensing Policy for Consultation

The committee approved the draft Statement of Licensing Policy for public consultation. This revised policy, covering 2027-2032, includes new guidance on alcohol-related public health concerns, equality and human rights, and specific measures for events and deliveries. A significant proposed change is the shift from cumulative impact zones to Areas of Special Interest and Consultation. While this aims for a more nuanced approach, concerns were raised about clarity and potential confusion. The committee agreed to consult on both the existing CIZs and the concept of Areas of Special Interest, allowing for a more comprehensive review of licensing in the borough. This process is vital for balancing the economic benefits of licensed premises with the need to protect residents from potential harm and nuisance.

Read more about the Regulatory Committee meeting here.