Councillor Gareth Richards

Council - Tuesday, 3 March 2026 - 7.00 pm

The Council of Richmond upon Thames met on Tuesday 03 March 2026 to discuss and approve the Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2026/27, alongside the Capital Programme and funding review. A significant increase in Council Tax of 4.81% was approved, which includes a 2.99% rise for general expenditure and a 2% increase for the Adult Social Care Precept. The Council also approved an ambitious capital programme totalling £303.2 million over six years, funded through a combination of borrowing, grants, reserves, and developer contributions.

Transport and Air Quality Committee - Monday, 2 February 2026 - 7.00 pm

The Transport and Air Quality Committee met on Monday 02 February 2026, discussing a range of issues including traffic speeds on Church Road, the Directorate's budget for 2026/27, highway maintenance programmes, and the expansion of cycle parking facilities. Key decisions included approving the proposed budget and fees for the upcoming financial year, noting an underspend in the Q3 monitoring report, and agreeing to proceed with highway maintenance programmes. The committee also approved the consultation for additional bike hangars and the waiving of car club permit fees until April 2027, alongside plans to repurpose vacant car club bays. Furthermore, the permanent implementation of two School Streets and updates on future School Street initiatives were discussed and approved.

Council - Tuesday, 27 January 2026 - 7.00 pm

The Council of Richmond upon Thames met on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to discuss proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution, including the adoption of Contract Standing Orders, and to consider retaining the committee system of governance. The meeting also included a debate on the Council's goal of achieving a net-zero borough by 2043, and motions concerning Artificial Intelligence, housing delivery, and support for the hospitality sector.

Transport and Air Quality Committee - Monday, 8 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Transport and Air Quality Committee agreed to changes to the legal status of the Thames towpath and approved a draft towpath movement strategy, which aims to enhance the nationally significant asset, improve access, and promote active travel. The committee also reviewed the Richmond Corporate Plan's mid-year performance, focusing on key performance indicators related to corporate priorities.

Council - Tuesday, 2 December 2025 7.00 pm

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.