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Finance, Policy and Resources Committee - Wednesday, 25 June 2025 7.00 pm
June 25, 2025 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, saw the approval of a significant additional investment for the Twickenham Riverside development and the granting of a lease for Pensford Field to Dose of Nature. The committee also reviewed the Council's end-of-year performance for 2024/25, discussed the refresh of the Richmond Corporate Plan for 2025/26, and approved updates to the Council's Responsible Procurement Strategy.
Proposed Grant of a Lease of Pensford Field to Dose of Nature
The committee approved the granting of a 10-year lease of Pensford Field to Dose of Nature (DoN), a charity that supports individuals with mental health needs through nature-based programmes. This decision followed a period of public consultation, during which 190 objections and 163 comments in support were received. The lease terms will ensure continued public access to the field and that schools will be excluded from any fees for hire, with access to toilet facilities also guaranteed. Councillor Caroline Wren abstained from voting on the amended item e.
Twickenham Riverside Development
The committee approved an additional net investment of £16.80 million for the Twickenham Riverside development, bringing the total Council net investment to £37.00 million. This decision allows for the project's total cost of £67.19 million to be met, with the additional funds required due to significant cost inflation and redesign work necessitated by changes in building regulations and the Building Safety Act. The committee also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance, to enter into the construction contract. Councillor Caroline Wren voted against the recommendations, citing concerns about the handling of the project and the increase in costs.
Cost-of-Living Support Update
The committee noted the Council's ongoing efforts to support residents and businesses through the cost of living crisis, including the allocation of £3.9 million from the Council's Emergency Funding Reserve. They also noted the spend for Tranche 6 of the Household Support Fund and agreed to updated proposals for Tranche 7, as well as future plans for the Cost of Living Programme.
Change Programme Update
The committee noted the benefits being delivered by the Change Programme, which aims to improve services, attract and retain staff, and secure financial sustainability. Significant progress has been made in areas such as digital inclusion, customer service responsiveness, and workforce development, with ongoing projects expected to deliver further efficiencies and improvements.
End of Year (Q4) 2024/25 Performance Report and 2025/26 Refresh of Richmond Corporate Plan
The committee noted the progress on Richmond Corporate Plan (RCP) actions and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2024/25. They also agreed to proposed RCP key actions and KPIs for 2025/26, with a focus on areas such as community safety, resident support, and environmental sustainability.
Responsible Procurement Strategy 2025 – 2030
The committee approved the new Responsible Procurement Strategy and the Contractor Charter. The strategy aims to embed social value, environmental sustainability, and support for the Voluntary and Community Sector, SMEs, and the local economy into all procurement activities. The Contractor Charter outlines the Council's expectations for suppliers regarding fair employment practices, ethical business conduct, and environmental responsibility.
Capital and Revenue Outturn 2024/25
The committee noted the Council's revenue and capital outturn figures for 2024/25. The revenue position was in line with the budget, with a small increased drawing from the Financial Resilience Reserve. The capital programme saw a total spend of £43.199 million, with underspends in Adult Social Services, Health & Housing, and Finance, Policy and Resources, largely due to project delays and acquisitions.
Additional Budget Requests
The committee approved additional budget requests totalling £308,400 for 2025/26, to be funded from the General Fund balances. These requests are to enable the completion of projects that span the financial year-end or for which grant income has been received.
Committee Work Programme
The committee noted the contents of the Committee Work Programme. Councillor Phil Giesler proposed adding an item regarding the Richmond Growth Plan to the September review.
The meeting also included discussions on exempt items relating to the Pensford Field lease and the Twickenham Riverside Development, which were considered in private session. Apologies were received from Councillor Richard Baker and Councillor Sarah. Councillor James Chard substituted for Councillor Baker. No declarations of interest were made. The minutes of the previous meeting held on April 28th, 2025, were agreed. There were no petitions or ward concerns reported to the committee.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Twickenham Riverside Development
Recommendations Approved...the committee approved an additional £16.80m in Council net investment for the Twickenham Riverside development, delegating authority to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance, to enter into the construction contract.
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End of Year (Q4) 2024/25 Performance Report and 2025/26 Refresh of Richmond Corporate Plan
Recommendations Approved...to note progress on Richmond Corporate Plan (RCP) actions, note performance against RCP key indicators, agree the proposed RCP key actions for 2025/26, agree the proposed RCP key indicators for 2025/26, and consider if there is an area of performance which should be recommended for consideration as part of the Policy and Performance Review Board’s workplan.
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Capital and Revenue Outturn 2024/25
Recommendations Approved...to note the 2024/25 revenue and capital outturn position, note the reserves position, and agree to budget additions as outlined in the report.
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Additional Budget Requests
Recommendations Approved...to approve the funding of the budget requests listed in paragraph 3.1, totaling £308,400, from the central contingency budget or other specified sources like the General Fund balances.
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Apologies
Recommendations Approved -
Declarations of Interest
Recommendations Approved -
Minutes
Recommendations Approved -
Ward Concerns
Recommendations Approved -
Proposed Grant of a Lease of Pensford Field to Dose of Nature
Recommendations Approved...to grant a 10-year lease of Pensford Field to Dose of Nature, a charity promoting mental health through nature, delegating authority to the Assistant Director of Valuation and Asset Management Services to finalize the lease with specific conditions regarding school fees and WC access, despite noting a majority of objections received during the public consultation.
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Change Programme Update
Recommendations Approved...to note the benefits outlined in the Change Programme update report and the additional funding allocations.
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Cost-of-Living Support Update
Recommendations Approved...to note the ongoing cost of living support for residents and businesses, the allocation of £3.9m from the Council's Emergency Funding Reserve, the spend for Tranche 6 of the Household Support Fund, the updated proposals for Household Support Fund Tranche 7, and proposals for the future of the Cost of Living Programme.
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Committee Work Programme
Recommendations Approved...to note the contents of the Committee Work Programme.
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Responsible Procurement Strategy
Recommendations Approved... to approve the Responsible Procurement Strategy and the Contractor Charter, and to delegate authority for the implementation of the Contractor Charter to the Procurement Board.
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Proposed Grant of a Lease of Pensford Field to Dose of Nature
Recommendations Approved -
Twickenham Riverside Development
Recommendations Approved -
Proposed Grant of a Lease of Pensford Field to Dose of Nature
Recommendations Approved -
Petitions
Recommendations Approved
Attendees
Topics
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Meeting Documents
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