The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee met on Wednesday 02 April 2025, approving a roadmap to a low-waste future, a draft events policy for public consultation, and a plan to boost participation in sports and physical activity for women and girls. The committee also noted updates on corporate plan priorities and considered the implications of new legislation.

Roadmap to a Low Waste Future

The committee approved a comprehensive plan to transition Richmond upon Thames towards a low-waste future. Key decisions include the replacement of the weighbridge at Townmead Road and the agreement to implement two soft plastic trials in 2025/26. A cross-party Councillor working group will be established to discuss future changes, and specific year-on-year waste reduction targets will be implemented. The committee also noted updates on corporate plan priorities, such as the development of a Circular Economy Hub and enhancements to public recycling sites, and considered the implications of upcoming legislation like the Simpler Recycling regulations and Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme. The report highlighted that Richmond is a high-performing authority in recycling but faces challenges with high residual waste per capita, with food waste being a significant component. The West London Waste Authority's presentation, available as Appendix 1, detailed strategies for decarbonising waste management and reducing the impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Richmond's Plan to Focus on Women and Girls and Boost Participation in Sports and Physical Activity

The committee agreed to a plan aimed at increasing participation, volunteering, coaching, and employment in sports and physical activity for women and girls across the borough. This plan was co-produced with stakeholders from across Richmond and is a key part of the Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough strategy. The report, detailed in Appendix 1, identifies four key themes: Access and Options, Coaching and Mentoring, Diverse Participation and Representation, and Financial and Community Support. Initiatives include creating safe spaces for women, developing a mentoring scheme for aspiring female coaches, and increasing accessibility audits for sports venues. The plan also aims to address financial barriers through a sports clothing and equipment bank and a female buddy scheme. The upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, with its final at Twickenham Stadium, is highlighted as an opportunity to boost engagement. The committee noted the Equality Impact and Needs Analysis¹ (Appendix 2) which found no negative impacts on protected characteristics from this strategy.

Draft Events Policy for the Borough's Parks, Commons, Open Spaces and Towpaths

The committee approved the draft Events Policy for public consultation. This updated policy aims to ensure events are sustainable and carefully managed, balancing community benefits with the protection of Richmond's valued green spaces. Key changes from the 2012 policy include setting clear limits on event frequency and size, introducing a 10 pm curfew for unlicensed events, and strengthening environmental commitments. Organisers will be required to minimise waste, reduce air pollution, promote public transport, and provide social value back into the community. Commercial event organisers will also need to offer discounted tickets to eligible Richmond residents. The policy, detailed in the Events in Parks Committee Report, will be subject to further consultation before a final policy is presented for adoption. The accompanying Events Policy Appendix 1 outlines the proposed changes, and the Events Policy EINA assesses its potential impacts.

Committee Work Programme

The committee agreed to the Committee Work Programme for future business. Upcoming items include a report on tree supply, planting, and aftercare procurement, trials for changes to parks and open spaces locking, and the award of a contract for leisure management. The committee will also receive quarterly monitoring reports and outturn reports for revenue and capital budgets.

Ward Concerns

Councillor Chas Warlow presented his ward concern regarding Recycling bins in South Richmond.