The Council of Richmond upon Thames met on Tuesday 8 March 2022, with the primary focus being the approval of the Revenue Budget and Council Tax for the 2022/2023 financial year. The meeting also saw the approval of various committee reports, including the Capital Programme and Funding Review, Treasury Management Policy and Strategy, and the Annual Pay Policy Statement.

Revenue Budget and Council Tax 2022/2023

The Council approved the Revenue Budget and set the Council Tax for the 2022/2023 financial year. The final decision resulted in a Band D Council Tax of £2,021.53, representing an overall increase of 3.21% on the previous year. This figure includes the Council's own increase of 0.54%, the Social Care Precept of 1%, and the Greater London Authority's (GLA) increase of 8.78%.

During the debate, Councillor Paul Brown, Lead Member for Finance and Resources, responded to questions regarding the Shared Staffing Arrangement (SSA) with Wandsworth Council, stating that it had delivered significant savings exceeding the initial £10 million target through staffing efficiencies and joint procurement. He also provided an update on the Safety Valve Agreement with the Department for Education, confirming that the Council had received £9 million of a potential £20 million to address the Special Needs Education deficit, with the plan to reduce the funding gap on track. Councillor Brown also highlighted that the removal of the 85% maximum on Council Tax Reduction claims had benefited 2,550 working-age claimants at the time, with over 1,500 households now receiving a full reduction.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Andrée Frieze, Leader of the Opposition, sought to increase the Council's tax increase to 1.65% and introduce a range of additional expenditure items, including kerbside recycling for electrical items and textiles, increased fly-tipping enforcement, and subsidies for bike hangar hire. The amendment also proposed introducing paid parking in specific car parks and purchasing an electric minibus. However, this amendment was defeated.

Following a recorded vote, the original recommendations for the Revenue Budget and Council Tax were carried.

Reports of the Council's Committees

Several committee reports were presented and approved:

• Finance, Policy and Resources Committee: The revised Capital Programme and its funding, along with the Prudential Indicators and Capital Strategy, were approved. Additionally, the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy for 2022/23, including Investment Criteria, were also approved.
• Joint Staffing Committee: The Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23 was adopted.
• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE): The Annual Report for 2020-21 was approved.
• Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee: The Council agreed to continue opting into the national scheme for external auditor appointments managed by the Public Sector Appointments (PSAA).

Public Questions

Several public questions were raised:

• David Marlow questioned whether the plans for the redevelopment of Diamond Jubilee Gardens conflicted with the Richmond Local Plan, citing concerns about the climate emergency, impact on local businesses, and accessibility for disabled residents. Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, responded that the plans were not in conflict and highlighted the scheme's compliance with GLA and Local Plan requirements, its positive impact on local businesses, and improved accessibility.
• Nick Dexter inquired about funding for an analysis of health and well-being outcomes across the borough. Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee, explained that the Council uses tools like the Indices of Multiple Deprivation and the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) to understand health needs and guide spending decisions.
• Philip Moshi asked about the number of affordable homes built during the current administration. Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member, stated that 143 affordable homes had been completed since 2018/19, with over 1,000 new affordable homes in the pipeline. He acknowledged the inherited housing pipeline challenges but highlighted the administration's efforts to strengthen it.
• Tony Paterson asked about the Council's actions to assist the people of Ukraine. Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of the Council, confirmed the Council's support for humanitarian relief, including the Prosperity Café initiative, and expressed willingness to accept refugees if government arrangements allowed.

Members' Questions

Members of the Council also raised a range of questions:

• Councillor Lotte Campanale asked about the number of free street party licences for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, with Councillor Neden-Watts confirming no cap on approvals and that 90 applications were being processed.
• Councillor Avril Coelho raised concerns about faulty Solar Together solar PV installations. Councillor Neden-Watts stated that complaints had been passed to the GLA and Solar Together, who cited high uptake and COVID isolation as reasons for disruption.
• Councillor Katie Mansfield inquired about steps taken to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Councillor Ben Khosa outlined the endorsement of a three-year VAWG Strategy and an additional £136,000 funding for safety initiatives.
• Councillor Peter Buckwell raised concerns about overcrowded dwellings with Council-sponsored tenants. Councillor Millard clarified that the Council does not nominate tenants to overcrowded properties and that overcrowding typically arises after tenancy commencement.
• Councillor Geoff Acton, the Mayor, highlighted upcoming fundraising events for his chosen charities and thanked Members for their service. Councillor Roberts announced plans to award the Freedom of the Borough to disability campaigner Alan Benson.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor thanking Members for their service.