The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee met on 15 January 2026 to discuss the annual contracts report and procurement update, the cost of living support update, the Richmond Corporate Plan mid-year performance report, and the London Councils borough subscription. The committee approved the proposed budget for the London Councils Grant Scheme for 2026-27 and noted updates on procurement plans and cost of living support initiatives.

Annual Contracts Report and Procurement Update

The committee received an update on the council's procurement activities, including the forward plan for contracts due for renewal between June 2027 and June 2028. Mark Glaister, Assistant Director for Procurement, presented the report, highlighting the council's continued work with the climate change team to specify and monitor contracts with environmental impact. He also noted that 100% of Procurement Board reports have included provision for at least 10% social value, and that the council has developed a locally-based indicator focused on violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Discussions touched upon cost pressures affecting contracts, with councillors seeking to understand measures to manage these tightly. Mr. Glaister explained that the council reviews specifications to ensure they meet minimum requirements and works on application rationalisation to reduce IT spend. The classification of contracts as sensitive or non-sensitive was also discussed, with the committee having the opportunity to suggest reclassifications. Councillor James Chard, Vice-Chair of the Transport & Air Quality Committee, raised the need for clarity on which committee should triage sensitive items, particularly concerning free-floating car-sharing agreements and electric vehicle charging. Mr. Glaister agreed to highlight which committee items are going to in future plans.

Cyber incident response services were also discussed, with Sam Olson providing an update on the council's improved security posture following a detailed review. He explained that while initial access by hackers might be possible, multiple layers of defence are in place. Councillor Caroline Wren raised concerns about sharing too much detail on cyber defences publicly, to which Mr. Glaister acknowledged the need for caution.

The committee also heard about the social value commitments, with a dedicated social value monitoring officer in place. Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Services Committee, inquired about how social value is monitored. Mr. Glaister explained that the dedicated officer develops case studies and that the council relies on reputational risk for contractors who do not deliver on social value commitments. A specific social value report is due to be presented to the committee later in the year.

Councillor Katie Mansfield, Richmond Town Centre Project Lead Member and White Ribbon Champion, welcomed the inclusion of VAWG in the social value toolkit and suggested that the government's social value consultation should also include a metric on VAWG. Mr. Glaister confirmed that local indicators can be included in social value assessments.

The report also noted the significant spend on temporary agency staff, with Councillor Matthew Hull, substituting for Councillor Roberts, inquiring about this. Mr. Glaister explained that agency spend is important for managing peaks and troughs in demand and that the council is focused on using preferred contractors for greater visibility and better terms. He added that workforce plans will be reviewed as part of the transformation programme.

The committee resolved to approve the list and sensitivity classifications of contracts due for renewal between June 2027 and June 2028, and to note the general updates within the report.

Cost of Living Support Update

Bethany Pepper presented an update on the council's support for residents struggling with the cost of living. The £4.5 million emergency funding reserve has been fully allocated, with a small contingency remaining. Analysis shows that while cost of living pressures are not as acute as in late 2022, they continue to affect vulnerable households.

Key initiatives highlighted include a partnership with Thames Water to auto-enrol residents for social water tariffs, Money Advice Roadshows offering face-to-face support, and a pilot project with Citizens Advice Richmond funding two Navigators to assist residents with complex needs. The report also detailed the allocation of Tranche 7 of the Household Support Fund, noting that this is the final year of the fund, which will be replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund. A provisional allocation suggests a 21.5% decrease in funding for the new fund.

Councillor Caroline Wren praised the cost of living programme as one of the council's best pieces of work. She inquired about the promotion of the benefits calculator and the implications of a data-sharing trial with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Bethany Pepper explained that the calculator is promoted strategically, particularly with the upcoming Apply Once approach for council benefits. Regarding DWP data sharing, she noted that the council is at the mercy of DWP timelines but anticipates a comprehensive picture of low-income residents, enabling targeted support. Alex, an officer, added that the data could also be used for debt collection, identifying those who can pay but aren't, and those who genuinely cannot.

Councillor Phil Giesler, Business and Growth Lead Member, paid tribute to Councillor Robin Brown for his leadership on the cost of living plan and asked about the transition to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, given its reduced allocation. Bethany Pepper confirmed that the guidance for the new fund is broadly in line with expectations, with a focus on preventative support and bolstering the local support landscape. She indicated that the council would work to continue successful elements of the current programme and develop a borough-wide approach to tackling poverty.

Councillor Katie Mansfield expressed concern about the significant reduction in the Crisis and Resilience Fund, especially in light of other government funding cuts. Councillor Robin Brown suggested a deep dive into specific interventions, such as the financial navigators, to make the impact more tangible. Bethany Pepper confirmed discussions with Citizens Advice Richmond about a potential briefing for members. Councillor Richard Baker inquired about collaboration with charities, and Bethany Pepper detailed engagement with organisations like StepChange and Trussell Trust, highlighting the importance of addressing the causes of financial instability.

The committee resolved to note the council's continued response to the cost of living crisis, the allocations from the emergency funding reserve, the forecast spend for Tranche 7 of the Household Support Fund, and to agree proposals for the future of the cost of living programme and the longer-term approach to tackling poverty.

Richmond Corporate Plan Mid-year Performance Report

John Evans presented the mid-year performance report for the Richmond Corporate Plan (RCP). The report provides an update on RCP actions and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the committee's priorities. Councillor Matthew Hull noted that many KPIs were rated green and questioned if the indicators were ambitious enough. Mr. Evans acknowledged this and stated that the Policy and Performance Review Board (PPRB) would review KPIs as part of the next corporate plan cycle.

Councillor James Chard highlighted the 27% reduction in anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Richmond Green as a significant achievement, noting that ASB is a common reason for people avoiding town centres. Councillor Neden-Watts also commented on the need to ensure KPIs are at the right level and to investigate any potential negative impacts on suppliers.

Councillor Caroline Wren asked for an update on the Metropolitan Police's intention to close the public counter at Twickenham Police Station. The council has expressed concern and is considering legal action. Councillor Robin Brown suggested a formal update on Teddington police station plans.

The committee resolved to note the progress on RCP actions and performance against RCP key indicators, and to consider if any areas of performance should be recommended for the PPRB's work plan.

London Councils Borough Subscription 2026-27

John Evans presented the report on the London Councils Borough Subscription for 2026-27. The scheme, operated by London Councils under a statutory arrangement, enables boroughs to fund services delivered on a pan-London basis, focusing on combating sexual abuse and homelessness. Richmond's contribution for 2026-27 is calculated at £145,491, based on population size. Councillor Chard supported the subscription, emphasizing the importance of tackling cross-London issues. Councillor Neden-Watts also supported the contribution, highlighting the need for Richmond to actively participate in shaping pan-London requirements. The committee resolved to approve support for the London Councils Grant Committee's proposed budget and the implied contribution from Richmond upon Thames.

Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme. Councillor Mansfield requested the addition of the forward plan for Richmond Health Centre for June. Councillor Neden-Watts noted that the linkage between the cost of living plan and the Child Poverty Strategy, and the need for an update on this to the committee later in 2026, should be added. Councillor Wren requested the inclusion of a detailed paper on social value in procurement, expected in June or July. These additions were noted.