Richmond Council is set to maintain financial stability and invest in key local services, despite ongoing financial pressures facing councils nationwide.

Councillor Robin Brown, Richmond Council Lead Member for Finance and Resources, said: "Thanks to long-term, sound financial management, we can balance our budget and continue to deliver the essential services that residents rely on – like local libraries, purpose-built leisure facilities, and efficient waste and recycling programmes.

 "With more than 60% of our budget dedicated to social care for our most vulnerable residents, rising demand — especially in adult and children's services — remains a significant financial pressure.

"The ongoing cost of living crisis has only increased the need for support.  At the same time, we are tackling the housing crisis, as more residents face homelessness and require temporary accommodation."

 He continued: "We remain focused on securing a sustainable future for Richmond upon Thames, by making strategic investments in infrastructure and services that will benefit our community for years to come."

'Thanks to long-term, sound financial management, we can balance our budget and continue to deliver the essential services that residents rely on – like local libraries, purpose-built leisure facilities, and efficient waste and recycling programmes,' says Cllr Robin Brown (Credit: Richmond Council)

 The Council is prioritising key areas for investment in the upcoming financial year to ensure it continues providing vital services while addressing growing needs, including:

• driving record levels of investment in roads and pavements to improve infrastructure and safety
• funding new, purpose-built community facilities for Ham, Teddington and Whitton to support social, learning, and creative activities
• improving leisure facilities, parks, and community spaces to promote active lifestyles and wellbeing
• supporting local businesses, high streets, and tourism to encourage economic growth
• boosting affordable housing supply and continuing Richmond's commitment as a Borough of Sanctuary
• increasing special educational needs school places to ensure every child can succeed
• delivering high-quality social care services to support the most vulnerable residents
• maintaining a clean borough through effective partnerships with street cleaning and waste recycling contractors
• strengthening climate resilience, including improved flood prevention measures, as part of the Council's climate emergency strategy

 To support these priority investments, the Council is proposing a 2.99% increase in core Council Tax, alongside a 2% increase in the Adult Social Care precept.

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 The precept charged by the Mayor of London will increase by 4.03%, meaning the total Band D bill will rise to £2,372.07, an overall increase of 4.79%

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "This Council Tax increase is necessary to address the rising demand for services in key areas, including social care and housing, and to continue delivering the high-quality services our residents expect.

"We are acutely aware of the financial pressures our residents are facing, and we don't make this decision lightly.

"However, this increase is essential to ensure we can continue to provide the range of services that make Richmond a great place to live.

 "This is not just about maintaining what we have today, but about investing in the future of our borough."

'This Council Tax increase is necessary to address the rising demand for services in key areas, including social care and housing, and to continue delivering the high-quality services our residents expect,' says Cllr Gareth Roberts (Credit: Richmond Council)

 The budget proposals will be discussed at the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee meeting on Thursday 13 February, with Full Council set to consider them on Tuesday 4 March.

 Read the Revenue Budget Strategy and Council Tax 2025/26 report here.

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