This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council Approves Vehicle Idling Ban Despite Opposition

Richmond upon Thames Council has voted to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) targeting vehicle idling, a move aimed at improving air quality but criticised by some as an overreach that unfairly penalises drivers.

Idling Fines Coming Soon

At a recent meeting, the council approved the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to address vehicle idling within the borough. This decision follows a public consultation, which showed that the majority of residents were aware of the health risks posed by idling vehicles and supported the introduction of the PSPO.

The PSPO aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality by fining drivers who leave their engines running unnecessarily while stationary.

Key points of the PSPO include:

• A fixed penalty notice of £100 will be issued to drivers who refuse to switch off their engines when asked by an authorised officer. This fine is reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days.
• The PSPO will be enforced by authorised officers, including Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) and other relevant council staff.
• The council will focus enforcement on areas where idling is a known problem, such as near schools and level crossings.
• There will be exemptions for certain situations, such as when idling is necessary for essential vehicle functions or safety reasons.

Councillor Lesley Pollesche, Chair of the Regulatory Committee, stated that the Regulatory Committee approved the recommendations in the report and supplement and recommended that the Council consider and approve the PSPO and the proposed level of fixed penalty.

The council delegated responsibility to the Executive Director of Resident Services to deliver the scheme, in consultation with the Chair of the Regulatory Committee.

Affordable Housing Debate Highlights Delivery Challenges

The council debated a motion concerning affordable housing delivery in the borough, exposing disagreements about progress and future strategy. While the council ultimately passed an amended motion, the discussion underscored the ongoing challenges of providing truly affordable homes for residents.

Amended Motion Approved After Contentious Debate

Councillor Niki Crookdake raised concerns about the number of affordable homes completed since March 2022, claiming that the administration had delivered far less affordable homes than previous administrations.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Chris Varley, Lead Member for Housing, acknowledging progress made and setting out a clear approach for the future. The amended motion reiterated the need for social rent housing as the predominant tenure while also recognising the importance of other genuinely affordable options.

Following the debate, the council approved the amended motion.

Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member, said:

Richmond requires a mix as my colleagues have said predominantly social rent it's so important and we will continue as we have done with all you don't know what you're talking about quite frankly Ham Close has 78 additional social rent homes being built because we've contributed 5 million pounds of section 106 commuted sums to it it absolutely makes me mad I've dedicated years of my life to this we're passionate about this I'm sorry we are it's so important we have to provide social rent it's the absolute the backbone of it it's the most important thing but alongside that and we will continue to do everything we can we will flip tenures we will use the equivalency principle it's absolutely central but alongside that intermediate tenures such as London living rent and shared ownership have a place and must be counted as such these are genuinely affordable London living rent is set at 30% of average incomes in each ward by the GLA each year to ensure it is a genuinely affordable intermediate product that's why our affordable housing SPD defines it as genuinely affordable and why the Mayor of London and the GLA and the Planning Inspectorate do too.

Council to Study Government's COVID-19 Response

The council discussed the publication of the independent report into the government's response to COVID-19, committing to studying the report's findings to strengthen emergency preparedness for future crises.

Lessons to be Learned from Pandemic Response

Councillor Michael Wilson introduced the motion, acknowledging the challenges and losses experienced by residents during the pandemic.

Councillor Petra Fleming shared a personal story about the loss of her brother due to COVID-19, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on families.

The council expressed gratitude to council staff who delivered essential services throughout the pandemic and committed to studying the report's findings to strengthen emergency preparedness for future crises.

Other Matters

• The council supported a national campaign for service medals to be awarded to PCSOs who dedicate 20 years to supporting police officers and serving their communities. Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of the Council, moved the motion, calling on the Leader to write to the Home Secretary endorsing the creation of a decoration for PCSOs, creating medal equality between PCSOs and police officers.
• Councillor Suzette Nicholson presented the annual report for the academic year 2024-25 of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) for approval. The report highlighted the work of SACRE in promoting fair, objective, inclusive, and intellectually curious religious education in schools. The council approved the annual report and the revised terms of reference for SACRE.
• The council considered a request for an extended period of absence from meetings from Councillor Tony Paterson due to ill health. The council agreed to excuse Councillor Paterson's absence from meetings for a period from 1 January 2026 – 11 May 2026.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Transport and Air Quality Committee on Monday 08 December 2025 will discuss the Richmond Corporate Plan, the committee work programme, a draft towpath strategy, and changes to the legal status of the Thames Towpath.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 08 December 2025 will consider a variation application for KFC, 21-23 Kew Road.
• The Burial Ground Trust on Wednesday 10 December 2025 is scheduled to discuss the proposed Circular Economy Hub at Grove Gardens Chapel.
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025 (meeting link).
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025 (meeting link).

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Twickenham Riverside Redevelopment Approved Despite Design Tweaks

The Planning Committee has given the green light to revisions for the Twickenham Riverside redevelopment, a project promising to revitalize the area. While the changes address updated building regulations and affordability, some concerns linger about the impact on the project's original vision.

Design Changes Approved for Twickenham Riverside

The Planning Committee approved application PA25/1854, allowing for variations to the previously approved plans for the Twickenham Riverside redevelopment. The changes, driven by updated building regulations and a need to improve the scheme's viability, include:

• Minor Design Alterations: Adjustments to trees, curbing, parking, and materials.
• Fenestration Changes: Modifications to window sizes and sill heights to comply with new regulations.
• Material Changes: Alterations to balconies, railings, and coping materials.

Lucy Thatcher, a planning officer, emphasized that the changes were necessary to meet current building standards and address buildability issues. Chris Bannister, an architect at Hopkins Architects, argued that some aspects of the design, such as the gable end of the Wharf Lane building and the boathouse, had even been improved.

Concerns Raised Over Granite Setts and Social Housing

Despite the approval, some concerns were raised:

• Granite Setts: Councillor O'Shea questioned the replacement of granite sets on Water Lane with an alternative material, seeking assurance that it would maintain the area's quality.
• Social Housing: Councillor Andrée Frieze requested an informative be added to encourage discussions about social rents and London Affordable housing. The planning officer for housing policy noted that the site would still provide 50% affordable housing on site and meet nationally described space standards, but that the Council is disappointed that the applicant has not actively sought to secure funding to provide Social Rented homes on the site in place of London Affordable Rent.
• Noise Pollution: Councillor Richard Baker raised concerns about noise ricocheting off the buildings and the water. Mr. Bannister responded that triple glazing would be used in all flats to improve acoustic performance.

The committee ultimately voted unanimously to approve the application, including an informative encouraging discussions about social housing. Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Late-Night Alcohol Sales Face Scrutiny Amid Police Concerns

A local pub's bid to extend its alcohol sales hours is facing pushback from the Metropolitan Police, raising questions about the balance between supporting businesses and maintaining public order.

The Marlborough's Licence Extension Faces Police Objection

The Licensing Sub-Committee is set to consider an application from The Marlborough at 46 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, TW10 6NQ, to extend its off-site alcohol sales until 11 pm daily. While the pub has proposed steps to promote the licensing objectives, the Metropolitan Police have submitted a representation objecting to the application.

The report pack notes that the premises is located within the Cumulative Impact Area¹ for Richmond Town Centre, where granting further licences is generally discouraged.

To address the police's concerns, the report pack suggests consideration be given to including conditions such as:

• Installing and maintaining a comprehensive CCTV system.
• Ensuring that at least one member of staff on duty is able to operate the CCTV system.
• Maintaining an incident log.
• Providing all staff engaged in the sale of alcohol with training on the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003².
• Maintaining a refusals book or digital log to record every instance that sales of alcohol are refused.
• Providing customer-facing staff with Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training³.

The sub-committee must determine the premises licence based on the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Read more about the application and the debate here.

Audit Committee Examines Financial Risks and Fraud Prevention

The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee convened to discuss the council's financial health, risk management strategies, and efforts to combat fraud. The meeting highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges in ensuring responsible financial stewardship.

External Auditors Flag Misstatements and Control Issues

The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee considered the 2024/25 accounts and the draft Audit Results Report. While the auditors, Ernst & Young (EY), are considering issuing a 'qualified except for' opinion, the report noted several uncorrected misstatements, including:

• Two factual uncorrected misstatements of £1.262m relating to accruals for housing benefit and teachers' pensions.
• Incorrect classification of £2.046m in relation to a VAT refund from HMRC.
• A projected misstatement of £1.262m during cut off testing.
• A projected misstatement of £859k during systems debtors testing.
• A misstatement of £805k during REFCUS⁴ testing.
• That mandatory disclosures required under CIPFA in respect of IFRS 16 Leases transition were not included in the published draft financial statements.

The report also summarized the status of work in relation to areas of audit focus including fraud risk, valuation of land and buildings, pension liability valuation, and application of IFRS 16.

Internal Audit Faces Staffing Shortages

The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee received an update on the work carried out by internal audit in 2025/26 up to 31 October 2025. The report noted that there were four vacancies within the team, and that the team was being supported by a part-time audit contractor, as well as by Mazars.

Risk Management Approach to be Updated

The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee discussed the next steps for updating the councils' risk management approach. The report pack stated that the review had identified a need for clearer escalation pathways and more consistent oversight, and that a digital risk management platform was planned.

Fraud Threat Remains Substantial

The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee received a summary of the fraud work carried out by the South West London Fraud Partnership (SWLFP) during the year 2025/26. The report pack stated that the fraud risk threat remains substantial, and that insider fraud and identity fraud are rising. It also noted that temporary accommodation is a new area of focus due to the rising demand and cost. 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 02 December 2025 will discuss various health and housing matters.
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 08 December 2025 (meeting link).
• The Transport and Air Quality Committee on Monday 08 December 2025 will discuss transport and air quality matters.
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025 (meeting link).

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council Approves Domestic Abuse Policy Amid Housing Concerns

Richmond Council has approved a new Domestic Abuse Policy for its housing services, aiming to provide clearer guidance and support for residents experiencing abuse. The move comes as the council grapples with rising homelessness, partly attributed to domestic abuse, and seeks to strengthen its response to vulnerable residents.

Housing Services to Implement New Policy

The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee greenlit the new Domestic Abuse Policy, tasking the Executive Director of Resident Services with its implementation following further consultation. The policy is designed to:

• Embed DAHA Standards: Align housing services with the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) standards, ensuring best practices in responding to abuse.
• Recognize Diverse Forms of Abuse: Adopt the Domestic Abuse Act 2021's definition, encompassing physical, emotional, economic, and coercive control, and acknowledging children as victims when witnessing abuse.
• Prioritize Support: Emphasize multi-agency collaboration, including partnerships with Refuge, one-stop shops, and sanctuary schemes¹.
• Train Staff: Equip staff to respond empathetically and guide victims through available options, with a focus on trauma-informed and victim-led approaches.

Councillor Paulina Vassileva, Tenants’ Champion, stressed the importance of strong customer service protocols to ensure staff handle domestic violence inquiries with appropriate gravity. Councillor Stephen O'Shea inquired about proactive identification of individuals who may not yet be able to self-report abuse. Councillor Andy Hale highlighted the need for robust promotion of the policy and addressing other forms of violence, such as antisocial behaviour.

Homelessness Overspend Linked to Renters Reform Bill

The committee also reviewed the Q2 Quarterly Monitoring Report, revealing a projected £2.204 million overspend, largely driven by homelessness services. Dave Worth, Director of Housing Services, connected the rising demand to the upcoming implementation of the Renters Reform Bill, speculating that it could lead to a decrease in demand in the future.

The report highlighted the council's commitment to managing debt and supporting those struggling to pay, with various measures in place, including early reminders, alternative payment plans, and financial relief programs. Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Community Fund Allocations and Debt Write-Offs on the Agenda

The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss community funding, debt management, complaints, and budget updates. The committee will be asked to approve the allocation of grants for round six of the Richmond Community Fund, which allocates funds from the neighbourhood element of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)². The committee will also be presented with a report detailing action taken by the Executive Director of Finance in writing off debts under delegated authority during the last year 2024/25. Read more about the upcoming meeting here.

Other Matters

• The Richmond Schools Forum was scheduled to meet to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget for 2026/27, and receive an update on the 2025/26 financial year. They were also scheduled to review the terms of reference for the High Needs Block Sub-group. No video was provided. Read more about the meeting's agenda here.
• The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (NWL JHOSC) convened to discuss several key healthcare topics affecting the region. The agenda included reports on dentist commissioning and children's dental health, the future of place-based partnerships, and special school nursing. No video was provided. Read more about the meeting's agenda here.
• The Regulatory Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. The meeting was to focus on the proposed introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to address vehicle idling, and to review the responses to a public consultation on the matter. No video was provided. Read more about the meeting's agenda here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 01 December 2025 will consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Marlborough at 46 Friars Stile Road, Richmond.
• The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee on Tuesday 02 December 2025 will discuss various health and housing matters.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday 27 November 2025 will address a variation of a premises licence for Maham Ltd located at 250 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council to Consider Vehicle Idling Ban Amid Air Quality Concerns

Richmond upon Thames Council is weighing the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to crack down on vehicle idling, a move that could see drivers fined for leaving their engines running unnecessarily. The decision follows a public consultation and aims to improve air quality, but some worry it's an overreach that unfairly targets motorists.

Idling Ban on the Horizon?

The Regulatory Committee is set to discuss the results of a public consultation on implementing a PSPO to address vehicle idling. The consultation, which ran from August to October, garnered over 800 responses, with a strong majority supporting the measure.

• Health Concerns: 96% of respondents were aware of the health risks associated with idling vehicles.
• Quality of Life: 70% agreed that idling negatively impacts the borough's quality of life.
• Support for PSPO: Approximately 65% supported implementing a PSPO to tackle the issue.

However, the proposal has faced criticism from some who believe it's unnecessary, disproportionate, and an attack on motorists. Concerns have also been raised about enforcement and whether it could become a revenue-raising scheme.

Under the proposed PSPO, authorised officers could issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of £100 (reduced to £50 for early payment) to drivers who refuse to switch off their engines when asked. Enforcement would focus on areas of concern, such as schools and level crossings. An initial 8-week warning period would precede the implementation of fines.

The council is keen to stress that the scheme would be under constant review to ensure fairness and consistency. Data on FPNs, appeals, and costs would be collected, and air quality monitoring may be conducted in key areas.

The committee will also consider delegating responsibility to the relevant Executive Director to deliver the scheme. Read more about the proposed PSPO here.

Community Projects Could Get Funding Boost

Local community projects could receive a significant boost as the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee considers allocating over £1.1 million from the Richmond Community Fund. The fund, derived from the neighbourhood element of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)¹, aims to address the demands that development places on local areas.

Grants for Local Priorities

The committee will be asked to approve the recommended allocation of grants to various organisations, including arts centres, community centres, and sports clubs. Some of the proposed recipients include:

• Barnes Community Arts Centre (the OSO): £50,190
• Cambrian Community Centre: £75,000
• Moormead Community Pavilion: £350,000
• Teddington Theatre Club: £50,000

The committee will also consider opening a supplementary round of the Community Fund specifically for Ham and Petersham, as no applications were received from these areas in the initial round. Read more about the proposed funding allocations here.

West London Waste Plan Faces Scrutiny

The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee is set to discuss the draft West London Waste Plan (WLWP) and consider whether to approve it for public consultation. The WLWP is a joint plan between several West London boroughs, including Richmond, and outlines the approach to managing waste in the region.

Aims to Ensure Sustainable Waste Management

The report pack states that a review of the WLWP is necessary to ensure that the WLWP remains up to date, reflects current waste management needs and technologies, and continues to provide a sound planning framework that aligns with Richmond's corporate objectives and legal requirements, as well as ensuring effective strategic waste management across the West London boroughs and OPDC for the next 15 years.

The new Plan will cover the period up to 2041, the end of the period of the current London Plan².

The report pack states that the WLWP sets out where waste management facilities should go, safeguards capacity at existing sites, and contains policies to be used to determine planning applications for waste development across the plan area to ensure sustainable waste management by moving waste up the waste hierarchy. Read more about the West London Waste Plan here.

Other Matters

• The Education and Children's Services Committee noted that the ringfenced Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is forecast to overspend by £5,025,000 this year, leading to a cumulative deficit on the fund at the end of the year of £5,250,000. The Dedicated Schools Grant is a specific grant allocated to local authorities to fund the provision of education in schools. Read more about the Education and Children's Services Committee here.
• The Council meeting on 11 November 2025 included a motion to grant Honorary Freeman status to Sir Vince Cable³. Read more about the Council meeting here.
• The Transport and Air Quality Committee approved recommendations for Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding for 2026/27, a pedestrian priority pilot project, and the expansion of cargo bike schemes. Read more about the Transport and Air Quality Committee here.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a new premises licence submitted by AK Pizza London Ltd, trading as Caprinos, for their location at 160 Upper Richmond Road West. No video was provided. Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee here.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee on Monday 17 November 2025 will discuss social housing, a review of intermediate housing policy, and updates on domestic abuse and dementia strategies.
• The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 18 November 2025 will discuss dentist commissioning and children's dental health, the future of place-based partnerships, and special school nursing.
• The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee on Tuesday 18 November 2025 will discuss the West London Waste Plan, a busking code of conduct, and fees and charges for leisure services.
• The Regulatory Committee on Wednesday 19 November 2025 will discuss responses to a public consultation and consider a proposed enforcement approach for tackling idling vehicles.
• The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday 20 November 2025 will discuss the allocation of community funds, a review of corporate complaints, the Infrastructure Funding Statement, the Fair Funding Review, and debt management.
• The Schools Forum on Thursday 20 November 2025 is expected to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget for both the current and upcoming financial years, including overspending in the High Needs Block.
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 24 November 2025 (meeting link).
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 (meeting link).
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025 (meeting link).