Richmond delivers for residents in ‘major year of progress’

From climate action and community safety to education, housing, and health, Richmond Council has marked a year of significant achievement, with major progress delivered across all service areas in 2024/25.

A report to the Council’s Policy and Performance Review Board last night laid out the scale of delivery over the past year – highlighting a Council focused on the basics, ambitious for the borough, and committed to real outcomes for local people, said Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council.

“Whether it's tackling the climate emergency, supporting families, improving housing or making our streets safer – we're determined to deliver for our residents.

“This report shows a major year of progress we’ve achieved together with our communities across the borough.”

The Richmond Annual Performance Report 2024/25 highlights progress across more than 40 service areas, with delivery driven by the Corporate Plan, major programme milestones, and feedback from residents through consultations and forums.

Key achievements in 2024/25 include:

• The opening of Richmond’s first Family Hub at the White House and plans for a second hub in Twickenham
• An ambitious new Climate and Nature Strategy, alongside a major £7 million grant to decarbonise Council buildings
• Refurbishment of the Teddington Suspension and Lock Cut footbridge.
• Borough of Sanctuary status secured, with new support structures for refugee and asylum-seeking families
• Over 800 trees planted, 90% LED streetlight coverage, and a growing network of active travel routes
• Strong progress on the SEND Futures Plan, with a new specialist school provision opened
• A new Social Housing Improvement Plan, plus £5.5m secured to purchase 17 homes for temporary accommodation
• New strategies and investment to tackle violence against women and girls, hate crime, and antisocial behaviour
• Over 2,500 residents using digital care technology, and a new mental health reablement team made permanent
• Support for more than 120 local SMEs through climate and growth programmes.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: “The progress we’ve made this year includes the rollout of 271 new EV charge points, expansion of the cargo bike scheme, and planting over 800 trees. The borough is also leading the way on community climate action, with local projects backed through microgrants and a growing network of residents and businesses engaged via Richmond's Sustainability Forum.”

Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Finance, added that behind the achievements is sound financial leadership.

“We’ve protected frontline services, attracted vital investment, and delivered real value for residents – even against a tough national funding backdrop.

“The Council has a capital programme of more than £280 million in local and external funding, investing across the borough – from decarbonising buildings and regenerating public spaces to expanding social housing, innovation, and frontline care.”

Looking ahead, the Council plans to expand its early help offer for families, bring forward a new Housing Strategy, deepen support for local climate action, invest further in digital infrastructure and resident engagement, deliver a record £21 million investment in local roads and pavements, and progress the landmark regeneration of Twickenham Riverside.

Councillor Gareth Roberts said: “There’s always more to do – but this year proves what’s possible when we stay focused, back our teams, and put residents first. We’re proud of what’s been achieved and even more determined to keep delivering for Richmond upon Thames.”