Richmond upon Thames Council met to discuss a range of issues, including air quality, affordable housing, and the government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The council approved a new Public Spaces Protection Order to tackle vehicle idling and agreed to write to the Home Secretary to support a campaign for service medals for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). An amended motion on affordable housing was passed, and the council committed to studying the findings of the independent report into the government's response to Covid-19.

Here's a more detailed look at the key topics discussed:

Tackling Vehicle Idling

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. Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, was not present at the meeting.

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 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

The council debated a motion concerning affordable housing delivery in the borough. 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.

Government's Response to COVID-19

The council discussed the publication of the independent report into the government's response to COVID-19. 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.

PCSO Service Medals

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.

SACRE Annual Report

Councillor Suzette Nicholson presented the annual report for the academic year 2024-25 of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) ¹ 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.

Councillor Absence

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.