Councillor Rob O`Carroll

Education and Children's Services Committee - Thursday, 13 November 2025 7.00 pm

The Education and Children's Services Committee convened to discuss school place planning, childcare sufficiency, and financial performance. The committee noted the annual update on school place planning, highlighting concerns about falling primary school rolls and the financial impact on schools, and also approved the childcare sufficiency assessment, while raising questions about affordability and access for disadvantaged families. Councillors also reviewed and approved several reports from Achieving for Children (AfC), and discussed budget overspends in social care and the dedicated schools grant.

Special Meeting, Council - Tuesday, 11 November 2025 7.00 pm

Richmond upon Thames Council convened to bestow the honour of Honorary Freeman of the Borough upon Sir Vince Cable, recognising his decades of public service and contributions to the Twickenham constituency. The motion, proposed by Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of the Council, and seconded by Councillor Andrée Frieze, Leader of the Opposition, was unanimously approved. Sir Vince Cable accepted the honour with a speech reflecting on his 50 years in the borough and his political career.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday, 3 November 2025 11.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss an application from Oatley Coffee, located at 39 Priory Road, Hampton, for a new premises licence. After hearing arguments from the applicant, interested parties, and the licensing officer, the sub-committee decided to grant the licence with amended conditions, including restricting alcohol sales to certain hours and days, and requiring all 'off sales' to be in sealed containers.

Council - Tuesday, 7 October 2025 7.00 pm

The Richmond upon Thames Council met to discuss a range of issues, including the adoption of the Local Plan, financial strategies, and motions related to council tax and sanctuary seekers. After debate, the council adopted the Local Plan and passed the motion on sanctuary seekers, but rejected a motion concerning council tax reductions and another about the council's approach to managing a deficit in funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 30 September 2025 7.00 pm

The licensing sub-committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met to discuss an application for a new premises licence for the Allianz Stadium on Whitton Road, Twickenham. The sub-committee decided to grant the application in part, limiting the number of major non-sporting events (Category B) to three per year, with only one allowed on a day other than a Saturday. They also set conditions for Category C events, including limiting outdoor events to the north or west concourse and car park, and limiting the number of outdoor Category C events to 28 days per year, with a maximum capacity of 2,500 people.