Have your say on Richmond’s spending priorities as government slashes funding

Richmond residents are being urged to explore the difficult choices facing their council and share their priorities through a new interactive survey as devastating government cuts threaten funding for local services.

The survey asks residents to weigh up what matters most to them and the approaches the council could take to manage its finances, helping inform decisions about how to meet the funding shortfall.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “This is your opportunity to see the challenge of balancing the books when faced with devastating cuts, and tell us what you would prioritise.

“Richmond is being unfairly targeted. The government is choosing to take away almost 60% of our core funding, and any decisions we are forced into as a result sit firmly at their door.

“We are fighting these cuts and will be relentless in finding further backroom efficiencies. But we must also plan ahead in case ministers refuse to change course.

“Before we take decisions, we want to hear from you. This interactive survey gives you the chance to weigh up the choices and tell us which services and priorities matter most to you and your family.”

The cuts will reduce Richmond’s annual core funding by £29 million by 2028/29, a reduction of 58%. The council has formally challenged the funding settlement through the Sustainable Communities Act and is continuing to press the government to change course.

Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council and Lead Member for Finance and Resources, said: “We will keep fighting these reckless cuts while making every single pound count. We have already identified £11 million of savings this year and a further £13.4 million next year by improving how the council works.

“We will keep driving backroom efficiencies, but savings alone will not close the gap left by the government. We must face up to the difficult choices that remain, and residents must have their say before we take decisions.

“This interactive survey will help us understand residents’ priorities and inform our decisions. You can rank the spending priorities that matter most to you and tell us which approaches to managing costs you find most and least acceptable.

“The government has imposed these cuts, but residents deserve a voice in how we respond. Please take part and help us better understand what matters most to you.”

The council will consider the survey results before deciding how to address the remaining funding shortfall.

To take part now, visit the survey by 13 December 2026.

Have your say