The Richmond upon Thames Council meeting on 2 December 2025 saw the approval of a new Public Spaces Protection Order to tackle vehicle idling, a significant step towards improving air quality in the borough. The council also debated and ultimately amended a motion concerning affordable housing, with a focus on increasing social rent properties, and discussed the ongoing challenges and future strategies for adult social care.

Tackling Vehicle Idling with a New Public Spaces Protection Order

Richmond upon Thames Council has taken a decisive step to combat air pollution by approving a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling unnecessary vehicle engine idling. This decision, made during the Council meeting on 2 December 2025, follows extensive public consultation where the vast majority of residents expressed awareness of the health risks associated with idling and supported the proposed measures.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, presented the report, highlighting that despite previous efforts and over 68,000 interventions by Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) in the past six years, the problem of idling persists. The current legislation, which only allows for fines when drivers refuse to stop idling after being asked, has proven ineffective, with only one fine issued in six years. The new PSPO, which will come into force for three years, introduces a more robust enforcement mechanism. Drivers will be prohibited from idling their engines when stationary, with exceptions for traffic necessities, idling for no more than two minutes, or when essential vehicle functions require the engine to be running. A fixed penalty notice of £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days) can be issued for breaches.

Councillor Ehmann emphasised that this measure is not about punishing motorists but about protecting public health, particularly for children, older residents, and those with existing health conditions, as vehicle idling contributes significantly to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter emissions. The council has committed to a fair and proportionate enforcement approach, with an initial eight-week warning period before fines are issued. This initiative makes Richmond the first council in the UK to introduce dedicated powers specifically targeting vehicle idling.

Debate on Affordable Housing and the Push for Social Rent

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a debate on affordable housing, specifically focusing on the provision of social rent properties. Councillor Niki Crookdake, leading the opposition, expressed deep concern over the council's affordable housing delivery record, stating that only 40 genuinely affordable homes were completed between March 2022 and the present, with zero so far this year. She argued that the council's definition of affordable housing often includes intermediate tenures like shared ownership and London Living Rent, which are out of reach for many residents on the housing waiting list. Councillor Crookdake proposed a motion reiterating the need for social rent housing and committing to exploring all options to increase its number, including converting other tenures on existing and future developments.

Councillor Chris Varley, Lead Member for Housing, presented an amendment to the motion, which was subsequently carried. The amended motion acknowledged progress in affordable housing delivery, citing 81 genuinely affordable homes completed since March 2022 and over 350 more planned in the next three years. It also reaffirmed the need for social rent housing as the predominant tenure (around 70%) while recognising the importance of other genuinely affordable options like shared ownership and London Living Rent for key workers and other residents who may not qualify for social rent. Councillor Varley highlighted the council's efforts in bringing empty homes back into use and acquiring properties to mitigate temporary accommodation expenditure.

During the debate, various councillors shared their perspectives. Councillor Chas Warlow, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, expressed concerns about the viability assessment process, suggesting it often favours developers. Councillor Caroline Wren questioned the council's reporting of housing numbers and highlighted the significant cost of temporary accommodation due to the lack of permanent housing. Councillor Richard Bennett raised concerns about shared ownership being classified as genuinely affordable housing. Councillor John Coombs spoke about the role of Richmond Charities in providing arms houses, which offer genuinely affordable rents. Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member, defended the council's record, stating that the amended motion reflects a balanced approach and that intermediate tenures are genuinely affordable as they are based on income. He also criticised the opposition's motion for misreading data and dismissing intermediate homes.

Addressing Challenges in Adult Social Care

The council also engaged in a debate on the current and future challenges of adult social care. Councillor Niki Crookdake, speaking for the opposition, highlighted that while services for older residents are generally well-resourced, working-age disabled adults with complex needs are sometimes left behind. She pointed to council reports indicating worse outcomes for this demographic across most metrics, with rising self-harm admissions and suicide rates among those aged 25-64. Councillor Crookdake expressed concern about the impact of budget cuts on assessments and eligibility, arguing that this leads to delayed interventions and higher costs in the long run.

Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Services Committee, acknowledged the significant challenges facing adult social care, which represents approximately 40% of the council's budget. He stressed the importance of the council's transformation programme, which aims to deliver savings through early intervention, prevention, and integrated working. Councillor Richard Bennett, Chair of the Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee, emphasised the need for greater attention to adult social care within council meetings and proposed focusing on performance measurements, red lines, and a residents' charter to ensure accountability and maintain high standards.

Councillor Andrée Frieze, Leader of the Opposition, proposed a residents' charter for adult social care to set clear standards and ensure accountability, advocating for timely assessments, clear communication, effective advocacy services, and appropriate accommodation. Councillor Chris Varley, Lead Member for Housing, outlined the council's priorities, including the construction of supported living units, a new day services model, and plans to strengthen community-based mental health support. Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of the Council, defended the council's efforts, highlighting the challenges of funding and statutory requirements, and stressed the ongoing work to innovate and improve services.

Other Key Discussions

• Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Recognition: A motion was passed calling on the Leader to write to the Home Secretary to endorse the creation of a medal for PCSOs, recognising their long service and contributions to the community, drawing parallels with the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
• COVID-19 Response Inquiry: The council noted the publication of the independent report into the government's response to COVID-19, paying tribute to those who lost their lives and to council staff and residents for their efforts during the pandemic. The council committed to studying the report's findings and implementing lessons learned to strengthen emergency preparedness. Councillor Petra Fleming shared a deeply personal account of losing her brother to COVID-19, underscoring the human cost of the pandemic and the need for lessons to be learned.
• Councillor Tony Paterson's Extended Leave: The council approved a request for Councillor Tony Paterson to be excused from attending meetings for a period from 1 January 2026 to 11 May 2026 due to ill health. This decision was made under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows for such absences due to approved reasons.
• Public Questions and Members' Questions: A range of public questions were addressed, covering topics such as traffic regulations, lease terminations, climate action, burglary prevention, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), online harms, council allowances, fly-tipping, flag displays, children's services, school funding, and the council's transformation programme. Members' questions also touched upon the impact of the government's funding review, school finances, the Chancellor's budget, cost of living support, the new Clarendon School, 16 Days of Activism, sports participation, place-shaping, town centre regeneration, and the council's transformation programme.