This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Mental Health Services Under Scrutiny: A Focus on Patient Journeys and Carer Support

Richmond's mental health services are undergoing significant review, with a recent Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee meeting highlighting efforts to improve patient care and support for unpaid carers. While progress is evident in areas like reduced hospital stays and enhanced community services, concerns remain about accessibility and the complex needs of vulnerable individuals.

Improving the Adult Patient Journey

The South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust presented a comprehensive report on its 2024-25 activities, with a particular focus on Richmond residents. A key achievement highlighted was the 100% of adult patients in Richmond receiving treatment within 18 weeks of referral from outpatient mental health services. The Trust is also proud to be one of the few in London to still have its adult ADHD lists open for referrals, despite national challenges.

However, the meeting also addressed the critical issue of reducing the length of stay in inpatient facilities, which has seen a 26% reduction, moving from the 70s to the 40s. This is crucial for patient recovery, as prolonged stays in restrictive environments can hinder progress. The Trust is also piloting a new care planning system called Dialogue Plus, aiming to personalize care by focusing on patients' holistic needs, including housing and employment.

Carers' Charter Aims to Enhance Support

A significant step forward for unpaid carers in Richmond is the proposed adoption of the Richmond Adult Carers' and Young Carers' Charter 2026. Developed through co-production with over 250 carers, the charter outlines key priorities to improve their health and wellbeing. These include better access to information and support, assistance with employment, and improved collaboration between health and social care professionals.

Councillor Paulina Vassileva, Tenants' Champion, raised important points about ensuring carer support in employment, suggesting integration with the council's employment fair and the Connect to Work program. The charter's success hinges on organisations signing up and pledging to implement its principles, with a dedicated webpage being developed for this purpose.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite these positive developments, the discussion revealed ongoing challenges. Councillor Richard Bennett voiced concerns about staff pressure on admissions and discharges, particularly for seriously ill patients. The Richmond Day Services Alliance proposal aims to create a more connected network of day services through a community partnership with Age UK Richmond and Homelink, valued at up to £17.9 million over 10 years. This aims to reduce isolation, support individuals with dementia and disabilities, and provide better support for carers. However, questions were raised about the financial risks of partnering with charitable providers and the long-term sustainability of services.

The committee also heard about the significant waiting times for ADHD assessments, with adult waiting lists extending to two to three years. The Trust is exploring digital pathways and additional training for staff to address this, but the funding model for mental health services presents a challenge, as increased activity does not automatically translate to increased funding.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Finance and Procurement: Cost of Living Support and Contract Management

The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee met to review the council's ongoing efforts to support residents through the cost of living crisis and to oversee its procurement activities. The discussions highlighted the significant impact of these initiatives, alongside the complexities of managing council contracts and the implications of new legislation.

Cost of Living Support: A Vital Lifeline

The council's £4.5 million Emergency Funding Reserve has been fully allocated, demonstrating a significant commitment to supporting residents facing financial hardship. Bethany Pepper, presenting the Cost of Living Support update, highlighted the ongoing need for such measures, with 87% of respondents in a recent ONS survey citing the cost of living as a major concern.

Key initiatives discussed include:

• Auto-enrolment onto Social Water Tariffs: A pioneering partnership with Thames Water and Policy and Practice is helping eligible residents access reduced water bills.
• Money Advice Roadshows: These events provide face-to-face support and casework discussions with council and voluntary sector partners.
• Navigators Pilot Project: A partnership with Citizens Advice Richmond is testing whether intensive support can help individuals with complex needs move out of crisis and achieve financial stability.

However, the future of this support is under review, with the Household Support Fund being replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Provisional allocations suggest a 21.5% decrease in funding for next year, posing a challenge for maintaining current levels of support. The council is working to develop a new activity plan that aligns with the fund's guidelines and its own anti-poverty strategy.

Annual Contracts Report and Procurement Update

The committee reviewed the annual contracts report, highlighting the council's commitment to social value, with 100% of procurement board papers including provision for at least 10% social value. A new locally-based indicator focused on violence against women and girls has been integrated into the social value framework, aiming to mandate this commitment across all contracts.

Challenges remain, including cost pressures on contracts due to global issues and a shortage of skilled labour. The new Procurement Act 2023 has introduced complexities, particularly regarding the volume of required notices. The council is actively working to mitigate costs through contract rationalisation and by ensuring specifications meet only essential requirements.

The committee also discussed the London Councils' Borough Grant scheme, with Richmond's contribution set at £145,491 for 2026/27. This scheme supports voluntary and community sector organisations tackling high-priority social needs across London, including homelessness and domestic abuse.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Events Policy Update: Balancing Community Needs with Environmental Protection

The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee met to discuss an updated policy for events in the borough's parks and open spaces. The revised policy aims to ensure events contribute positively to the community while minimising disruption and environmental impact.

New Policy for Parks and Open Spaces

The updated Events Policy, replacing the 2012 version, introduces clearer guidelines for managing events in parks, commons, open spaces, and towpaths. Key changes include:

• Stronger Environmental Safeguards: Increased involvement of tree and ecology experts and updated terms and conditions for sustainable event management.
• Enhanced Community Access: Discounted tickets for eligible Richmond residents at commercial events.
• Democratic Oversight: Consultation with the Committee Chair for specific decisions.
• Sustainability Focus: Measures to minimise build and removal times and promote sustainable practices.

The policy aims to balance community benefits, such as cultural enrichment and local economic support, with the need to protect these valuable green spaces. While the policy aims to make it easier for residents to hold community events, concerns were raised about the clarity of communication and the potential for increased stringency in event management plans, particularly for community fairs.

Corporate Plan Performance Review

The committee also reviewed the mid-year performance of the Richmond Corporate Plan (RCP). While many indicators showed improvement, areas of underperformance were noted, including bin collection rates and the cleanliness of public streets. Progress on the Climate and Nature Strategy, including carbon literacy training and the Climate Action Microgrant programme, was also reported.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee is scheduled to consider applications for new dwellings at Sion Court, Twickenham, and changes of use at Kew Retail Park to allow for increased food sales. Read more here.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board will discuss annual safeguarding reports for children and adults, an update on social prescribing, and a study into adult social care health needs. Read more here.
• The Schools Forum will review financial updates, including the SEND Futures Plan and the 2026/27 budget proposals. Read more here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here’s a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Schools Forum on Thursday 22 January 2026 will discuss financial updates and future budget proposals, including the SEND Futures Plan and the 2026/27 budget.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday 22 January 2026 will review annual safeguarding reports, social prescribing updates, and an adult social care health study.
• The Council on Tuesday 27 January 2026 will cover a range of council business.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday 29 January 2026 will consider an application for a new premises licence for Hagen Espresso Bar.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Cemetery Expansion Sparks Uproar Over Allotment Loss

A proposal to convert the Shacklegate Lane Allotment in Teddington into a cemetery is facing fierce opposition from residents, who fear the loss of valuable green space and community resources. The Planning Committee is set to decide on the controversial application, which the council argues is necessary to address a shortage of burial space.

Allotments Make Way for Graves?

The Planning Committee will consider application PA25/3013, seeking to change the use of the Shacklegate Lane Allotment from allotments to a cemetery. Ms Ashlea Bernard, Head of Cemetries and Registration (Serving Richmond and Wandsworth Councils), argues that the need for burial space is acute, with projections showing no additional spaces available within a year.

Key points of the proposal:

• 616 New Burial Spaces: The development would provide approximately 616 new burial spaces.
• Historical Designation: The land was historically designated for cemetery use, with a planning permission granted in 1993 for a cemetery extension.
• Not a Statutory Allotment: The Council's Allotments Officer has confirmed that the site is not designated as a Statutory Allotment¹, meaning it lacks legal protection.

Residents Dig In Against Cemetery Plan

The proposal has met with significant resistance from the community:

• 62 Letters of Objection: Residents have raised concerns about impacts from funerals, traffic, loss of allotments, harm to visual amenity, and security/antisocial behaviour.
• Loss of Green Space: Allotment holders fear the loss of valuable green space and a community resource.
• Impact on Amenity: Residents worry about the impact of increased traffic and funeral-related activities on their quality of life.

The report pack states that the proposed development will result in a 0.48 net unit change, which is a 16.68% increase in biodiversity at the site.

The planning officer recommends that the committee delegate authority to the Head of Development Management to approve the application, subject to conditions.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Barnes Residents Fight Bakery's Late-Night Alcohol Bid

A Barnes bakery's application to extend its alcohol sales hours is facing opposition from local residents, who fear increased noise and disruption in their residential neighbourhood. The Licensing Sub-Committee will weigh the business's aspirations against the community's concerns.

The Base Aims for Later Alcohol Sales

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application to vary an existing premises licence for The Base, a bakery and cafe/restaurant at 3 Liffords Place, Barnes. Bakery Boutique Ltd has applied to extend the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol until 11 pm daily.

Residents Fear Noise and Disruption

Four representations from local residents have been received, raising concerns about:

• Residential Area: The residential nature of the immediate area.
• Antisocial Behaviour: The potential risks of anti-social behaviour and loitering until late evening.
• Noise and Litter: The likelihood of increased noise, litter and light pollution.
• Parking Issues: The use of an alleyway for parking and taxis.

One resident, Robert Bebington FRICS, stated that the proposal would inevitably involve a late night exit of imbibed patrons into a narrow alleyway, where they will noisily congregate after an evening out.

The report pack states that there have been no representations from responsible authorities.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Other Matters

• An unknown committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 18 December 2025 was cancelled.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Allotment Land Could Become Cemetery Despite Objections

The Planning Committee is poised to decide on a controversial proposal to convert the Shacklegate Lane Allotment in Teddington into a cemetery, sparking concerns about the loss of green space and community resources.

Burial Space Shortage Drives Application

The Planning Committee will consider application PA25/3013, which seeks to change the use of the Shacklegate Lane Allotment from allotments to a cemetery. The council's Head of Cemetries and Registration, Ms Ashlea Bernard, argues that the need for burial space is acute, with projections showing no additional spaces available within a year.

Key points of the proposal:

• 616 New Burial Spaces: The development would provide approximately 616 new burial spaces.
• Historical Designation: The land was historically designated for cemetery use, with a planning permission granted in 1993 for a cemetery extension.
• Not a Statutory Allotment: The Council's Allotments Officer has confirmed that the site is not designated as a Statutory Allotment, meaning it lacks legal protection.

Residents Voice Strong Opposition

Despite the council's justification, the proposal has met with significant resistance from the community:

• 62 Letters of Objection: Residents have raised concerns about impacts from funerals, traffic, loss of allotments, harm to visual amenity, and security/antisocial behaviour.
• Loss of Green Space: Allotment holders fear the loss of valuable green space and a community resource.
• Impact on Amenity: Residents worry about the impact of increased traffic and funeral-related activities on their quality of life.

The report pack states that the proposed development will result in a 0.48 net unit change, which is a 16.68% increase in biodiversity at the site.

The planning officer recommends that the committee delegate authority to the Head of Development Management to approve the application, subject to conditions.

Alcohol Licence Extension at Barnes Bakery Faces Resident Pushback

A Barnes bakery's bid to extend its alcohol sales hours is facing opposition from local residents, who fear increased noise and disruption in their residential neighbourhood. The Licensing Sub-Committee will weigh the business's aspirations against the community's concerns.

The Base Seeks Later Alcohol Sales

The Licensing Sub-Committee will consider an application to vary an existing premises licence for The Base, a bakery and cafe/restaurant at 3 Liffords Place, Barnes. Bakery Boutique Ltd has applied to extend the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol until 11 pm daily.

Residents Fear Noise and Disruption

Four representations from local residents have been received, raising concerns about:

• Residential Area: The residential nature of the immediate area.
• Antisocial Behaviour: The potential risks of anti-social behaviour and loitering until late evening.
• Noise and Litter: The likelihood of increased noise, litter and light pollution.
• Parking Issues: The use of an alleyway for parking and taxis.

One resident, Robert Bebington FRICS, stated that the proposal would inevitably involve a late night exit of imbibed patrons into a narrow alleyway, where they will noisily congregate after an evening out.

The report pack states that there have been no representations from responsible authorities.

Other Matters

• The Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) is scheduled to discuss urgent and emergency care delivery, the implementation of a same day access model in primary care, and the application of continuing healthcare criteria. The committee is also scheduled to discuss special educational needs (SEN) continence services, a review of the North West London JHOSC recommendations tracker, and the JHOSC work programme for 2025/26. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Here’s a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 16 December 2025 will consider an application to vary an existing premises licence for The Base at 3 Liffords Place, Barnes.
• The Planning Committee on Wednesday 17 December 2025 will discuss a proposal to change the use of the Shacklegate Lane Allotment in Teddington from allotments to a cemetery.

This week in Richmond upon Thames:

Council Approves Vehicle Idling Ban Despite Opposition

Richmond upon Thames Council has voted to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) targeting vehicle idling, a move aimed at improving air quality but criticised by some as an overreach that unfairly penalises drivers.

Idling Fines Coming Soon

At a recent meeting, the council approved the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to address vehicle idling within the borough. This decision follows a public consultation, which showed that the majority of residents were aware of the health risks posed by idling vehicles and supported the introduction of the PSPO.

The PSPO aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality by fining drivers who leave their engines running unnecessarily while stationary.

Key points of the PSPO include:

• A fixed penalty notice of £100 will be issued to drivers who refuse to switch off their engines when asked by an authorised officer. This fine is reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days.
• The PSPO will be enforced by authorised officers, including Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) and other relevant council staff.
• The council will focus enforcement on areas where idling is a known problem, such as near schools and level crossings.
• There will be exemptions for certain situations, such as when idling is necessary for essential vehicle functions or safety reasons.

Councillor Lesley Pollesche, Chair of the Regulatory Committee, stated that the Regulatory Committee approved the recommendations in the report and supplement and recommended that the Council consider and approve the PSPO and the proposed level of fixed penalty.

The council delegated responsibility to the Executive Director of Resident Services to deliver the scheme, in consultation with the Chair of the Regulatory Committee.

Affordable Housing Debate Highlights Delivery Challenges

The council debated a motion concerning affordable housing delivery in the borough, exposing disagreements about progress and future strategy. While the council ultimately passed an amended motion, the discussion underscored the ongoing challenges of providing truly affordable homes for residents.

Amended Motion Approved After Contentious Debate

Councillor Niki Crookdake raised concerns about the number of affordable homes completed since March 2022, claiming that the administration had delivered far less affordable homes than previous administrations.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Chris Varley, Lead Member for Housing, acknowledging progress made and setting out a clear approach for the future. The amended motion reiterated the need for social rent housing as the predominant tenure while also recognising the importance of other genuinely affordable options.

Following the debate, the council approved the amended motion.

Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member, said:

Richmond requires a mix as my colleagues have said predominantly social rent it's so important and we will continue as we have done with all you don't know what you're talking about quite frankly Ham Close has 78 additional social rent homes being built because we've contributed 5 million pounds of section 106 commuted sums to it it absolutely makes me mad I've dedicated years of my life to this we're passionate about this I'm sorry we are it's so important we have to provide social rent it's the absolute the backbone of it it's the most important thing but alongside that and we will continue to do everything we can we will flip tenures we will use the equivalency principle it's absolutely central but alongside that intermediate tenures such as London living rent and shared ownership have a place and must be counted as such these are genuinely affordable London living rent is set at 30% of average incomes in each ward by the GLA each year to ensure it is a genuinely affordable intermediate product that's why our affordable housing SPD defines it as genuinely affordable and why the Mayor of London and the GLA and the Planning Inspectorate do too.

Council to Study Government's COVID-19 Response

The council discussed the publication of the independent report into the government's response to COVID-19, committing to studying the report's findings to strengthen emergency preparedness for future crises.

Lessons to be Learned from Pandemic Response

Councillor Michael Wilson introduced the motion, acknowledging the challenges and losses experienced by residents during the pandemic.

Councillor Petra Fleming shared a personal story about the loss of her brother due to COVID-19, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on families.

The council expressed gratitude to council staff who delivered essential services throughout the pandemic and committed to studying the report's findings to strengthen emergency preparedness for future crises.

Other Matters

• The council supported a national campaign for service medals to be awarded to PCSOs who dedicate 20 years to supporting police officers and serving their communities. Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of the Council, moved the motion, calling on the Leader to write to the Home Secretary endorsing the creation of a decoration for PCSOs, creating medal equality between PCSOs and police officers.
• Councillor Suzette Nicholson presented the annual report for the academic year 2024-25 of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) for approval. The report highlighted the work of SACRE in promoting fair, objective, inclusive, and intellectually curious religious education in schools. The council approved the annual report and the revised terms of reference for SACRE.
• The council considered a request for an extended period of absence from meetings from Councillor Tony Paterson due to ill health. The council agreed to excuse Councillor Paterson's absence from meetings for a period from 1 January 2026 – 11 May 2026.

Read more about the discussions and decisions here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here’s a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• The Transport and Air Quality Committee on Monday 08 December 2025 will discuss the Richmond Corporate Plan, the committee work programme, a draft towpath strategy, and changes to the legal status of the Thames Towpath.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 08 December 2025 will consider a variation application for KFC, 21-23 Kew Road.
• The Burial Ground Trust on Wednesday 10 December 2025 is scheduled to discuss the proposed Circular Economy Hub at Grove Gardens Chapel.
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025 (meeting link).
• An unknown committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025 (meeting link).