The Council meeting on Tuesday 14 July 2026 saw councillors debate and ultimately pass a motion calling for a fully connected Hammersmith Bridge, capable of carrying public transport and emergency services, and not just pedestrians and cyclists. The council also agreed to extend two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and dog control issues, and approved the appointment of Anna Popovici as the new Chief Executive for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.

Hammersmith Bridge Motion Carried

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a motion concerning the future of Hammersmith Bridge. The motion, which was ultimately carried, called for the council to continue campaigning for a fully connected bridge that would restore public transport and emergency service connectivity, rather than accepting a future limited to pedestrian and cycle access. Councillors highlighted the significant impact the bridge's closure has had on residents, including longer journeys, loss of bus routes, increased congestion, and barriers to essential services for vulnerable individuals. The motion also emphasised the need for innovation and ambition in finding solutions, criticising the current approach of Hammersmith and Fulham Council and urging central government to break the deadlock.

Public Spaces Protection Orders Extended

The Council approved the extension of two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for a further three years, from September 2026. The first order relates to anti-social behaviour and will see a clarification of wording regarding power-driven aircraft, including drones. The second order concerns dog control. Both extensions were recommended by the Regulatory Committee following a public consultation that indicated strong support for their renewal. The Council also agreed to increase the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fee for contraventions of these orders from £80 to £100, with a reduced rate of £75 for prompt payment, aligning Richmond's fees with those of neighbouring boroughs.

New Chief Executive Appointed

The Council formally approved the appointment of Anna Popovici as the new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for both Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, effective from 25 July 2026. This appointment follows a joint recruitment process. Councillors praised Ms. Popovici's extensive senior leadership experience and her proven track record in delivering service improvements. The Council also expressed its gratitude to Andrew Travers for his service as interim Chief Executive.

Other Business

The Council also debated and passed a motion calling for the introduction of proportional representation for local, regional, and national elections, arguing that the current First Past the Post system is broken and does not ensure all votes count equally. Additionally, the Council received and adopted the West London Waste Plan (Regulation 19 version) for public consultation and subsequent submission to the Secretary of State. The Tenant's Champion Annual Report for 2025/26 was also received, detailing the work undertaken to support social housing residents. The Council also agreed to revise its Council Procedure Rules to allow political party questions, recruit an independent chair for the Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee, and reappoint the Member Governance Working Group to prepare for a return to an executive system of governance.