london borough of richmondpage 2 introduction we want to make richmond upon thames a greener, safer...

London Borough of Richmond Corporate Plan 2018 – 2022Standing up for Richmond Residents

IntroductionWe want to make Richmond upon Thames a greener, safer and fairer borough in London.

This means we are committed to investing in good quality local services, whilst also protecting the most vulnerable. In an increasingly difficult financial context, that means we must work with residents and our local partners to tackle challenges head on.

We put a premium on our relationship with local people, we want to listen, understand the needs and preferences of local communities and agree priorities together. We want to put a real and meaningful dialogue with local people at the heart of all our decisions.

Our Corporate Plan for 2018-22 sets out the Council’s vision and priorities for the next four years. It sets out how we plan to become an engaging, open and innovative Council. One that has better local schools, is safer and greener, one that is fair and more affordable for all.

We plan to learn from best practice elsewhere and bring fresh ideas and approaches to the borough.

This plan prioritises the issues that residents have told us matter to them. We have detailed what we will to do this year to achieve those priorities, and the measures we will use to track our success.

Only together will we create a borough that we can all be proud of.

Cllr Gareth Roberts Leader of Richmond Council

PrioritiesOur Corporate Plan is based around four priorities:

A Greener Borough• Putting the environment at the heart of local

decision making

• Safeguarding our beautiful borough, protecting our green spaces and improving air quality

A Safer Borough• Being the safest London borough

• Working in partnership with police and local communities to prevent and tackle crime and improve road safety

A Fairer Borough• Investing in good local services that protect

the most vulnerable

• A borough that is affordable for all

A Borough for Everyone• Making sure residents have a real say over

issues that affect them

• Making our borough accessible for everyone and promoting opportunity for underrepresented groups

Standing up for Richmond residents We plan to stand up for local residents and provide a strong voice for Richmond.

DEMANDING A BETTER FUNDING DEAL

• Funding from the Government has drastically reduced, so we need to be creative in how we fund and design services.

• Increasing Council tax may become inevitable, but we will seek other ways to achieve savings and mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable – including demanding a better funding deal from the Government.

SUPPORTING OUR EU CITIZENS

• We believe Brexit will hurt local people, jobs and businesses. We will stand up for an open, tolerant Britain.

• We will take steps to protect our local EU citizens and support them to secure their status here in the UK.

FIGHTING HEATHROW EXPANSION

• Despite significant local opposition, the Government has decided to expand Heathrow; risking subjecting tens of thousands of residents to intolerable levels of noise and pollution.

• We remain opposed to the decision and we will continue to work with our local authority partners to use every tool at our disposal to challenge it, including through the courts.

PUSHING FOR MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

• There is increasing pressure on the local housing market.

• Provision of affordable housing, particularly for those on lower incomes, is a key challenge for the borough and we will be looking for new ways to deliver it.

How we will workWe intend to take a fresh approach to tackling these challenges and delivering local priorities. Our approach will be characterised by:

Openness – taking a more transparent approach to decision making, favouring models of decision making that enhance public involvement and scrutiny.

Giving people a real say – making sure consultation is meaningful and that the people affected by decisions have a chance to shape them.

Partnership – recognising that the Council cannot act in isolation and working hand in hand with communities and local partners.

A Greener BoroughOur goal is to become the greenest local authority in London by putting the environment back at the heart of local decision making.

We will promote sustainable growth and transport and fight Heathrow expansion plans. We will safeguard the environment and address and mitigate climate change by reducing the Council’s carbon footprint and introducing more credible and ambitious air quality improvement measures that will protect the most vulnerable in this borough.

We will take pride in our beautiful borough which is rich in green space and environmental assets, promoting it throughout London and further afield. We plan to enhance it further by planting more trees, fighting fly tipping and working with friends’ groups to improve our open spaces. We will work in partnership with the local community to foster behaviour change in recycling, littering, car idling and use of electric vehicles.

PEOPLE: PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE (CHILDREN)

BY 2022 WE WILL KEY ACTIONS FOR 2018/19 KEY SUCCESS MEASURES

Oppose third runway and further night flights at Heathrow

Work collaboratively with other Councils opposed to a third runway at Heathrow and further night flights.

Consider the potential for legal challenge of the Government’s decision following publication of its final Airports National Policy Statement and designation by the Secretary of State following parliamentary vote.

Work to raise awareness of environmental impacts of a third runway within the local community.

N/A

Roll-out energy saving lighting

Ensure faster roll-out of charging points for residents

Finish first phase concrete column replacement programme by March 2019.

Identify potential funding sources for remaining 12,000 LED replacements.

Install 250 lamp column charging points by end of March 2019.

Increased number of electric vehicle charging points

Improve recycling rates by making it easier for residents living in flats to recycle

Report to Members on the review of the Public Recycling Sites and the outcome of associated trials of alternative recycling for flats by December 2018.

Implement any agreed measures, including identified targets, to improve recycling rates.

Increase the % of household waste sent for reuse, recycling and composting

Improve food waste collections

Improve green waste collection arrangements

Investigate the feasibility of permanent food waste recycling service provision for at least 500 flats by April 2019 subject to successful trials, approvals and budget for such provision.

Undertake a promotional campaign in Autumn 2018 aimed at increasing the number of schools using the Council’s food waste collection service.

Review the current green waste collection arrangements to identify efficiencies and improvements.

Findings presented by early 2019 to ensure that any measures identified can be considered for implementation in advance of the 2019/20 collection season.

Increase the tonnage of food waste recycled

Continue weekly doorstep collections of waste and recycling unless residents want a change

Options relating to the re-tendering of the new waste and recycling contract, including options for resident engagement, to be reported to Members by Autumn 2018.

N/A


Improve leaf collections during periods of heavy leaf fall

Review current resources used during leafing to determine nature of additional resources required in response to residents’ and Members’ concerns, including identification of required additional budget provision, to deliver approved collections for the 2018 season.

N/A

Fight fly-tipping Adopt a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement so that the Fixed Penalty Notice is a first warning.

Increase awareness to drive behaviour change.

Improved street cleanliness

Reduced average time taken to remove a fly-tip

Increased number of fly-tipping enforcements

Consult on the introduction of a diesel surcharge on CPZ permits

Review and evaluate experiences of other boroughs who have trialled diesel surcharge to draw on lessons learned and inform next steps.

Commission an independent report on the nature of diesel parking in the borough, to include;

• Numbers and makeup of vehicles subject to parking authorisation in the borough.

• Contribution of these vehicles to air pollution in the borough.

• The latest health implications of diesel vehicles.

• Options for influencing change in vehicle choice in the borough.

• Recommendations and options.

This report to form part of the formal public consultation.

Report to be complete by February 2019. Cabinet to review and make recommendations early 2019.

N/A

Develop and implement a new Air Quality Action Plan with ambitious targets and actions to tackle air pollution in the borough

Secure funding for the action plan through Section 106, LIP, Public Health and external grant funding

Take robust actions to reduce air pollution around our schools and parks

Draft a new Air Quality Action Plan reflecting the boroughs commitment to reduce and tackle poor air quality in the borough over the next 5 years.

The new Plan to be reviewed by Cabinet in January 2019 with recommendations to either go back to public consultation or publish the plan in light of previous consultation responses.

Reducing children’s exposure to air pollution and reducing air pollution around schools

Protecting our parks and public spaces from air pollution

Improved air quality around monitoring sites

Increased use of sustainable modes of transport


Tackle engine-idling Explore feasibility and costs of a number of potential approaches to dealing with the issue on a Borough wide level. Complete report on these by March 2019.

Reducing children’s exposure to air pollution and reducing air pollution around schools

Protecting our parks and public spaces from air pollution

Improved air quality around monitoring sites

Increase the number of trees planted In addition to the current policy to plant a new tree for every tree removed, develop a practical borough wide proposal which could adequately provide for an increase in tree planting, by end 2018.

This proposal to include the identification, with approval, of associated budget for provision and maintenance in advance of implementation for the 2018/19 season.

Increased number of trees planted

Support the development of parks friends’ groups

Work with all ‘Friends of Parks’ groups with the aim of having a vision plan in place by January 2019. Increased number of Parks’ Friends’ groups

Improve and protect access to green spaces

Improve and protect biodiversity and ecology of our open spaces

Undertake an access audit of parks and open spaces to identify and prioritise specific improvements. Complete by February 2019.

Review current biodiversity plans and ecology policy by March 2019.

Maintain resident satisfaction with parks and open spaces

Become a single use plastic free borough by 2022

Develop and agree a vision / charter to confirm commitment and undertaking in relation to the reduction of single use plastics by January 2019. This will include the production of an Environmental Purchasing Policy.

Develop and agree a focused campaign to promote the vision / charter to local businesses, local organisations and associations, by March 2019.

Work with Friends of Parks groups and support funding applications for additional drinking fountains. A further four fountains to be installed by June 2019.

Support the proposed Government scheme with the aim of working through the details of such once published by the Secretary of State.

Explore potential for improved disposal and recycling arrangements for plastics in the specification for the new Waste and Recycling Collection contract to commence in 2020.

Work with West London Waste Authority on associated project as part of the West London Waste Authority Action Plan.

N/A


Support car free housing development Adoption of Local Plan by July 2018, to assist application of car free developments and provision of cycle parking.

Increase the number of cycle parking facilities

Provide more cycle parking in new developments

Increase the number of new developments which are car free

Increase the number of on-street and off-street cycle parking spaces

Improve the process for considering health and wellbeing impacts and opportunities in all major planning applications

Set up process within planning application system. N/A

Improve durability of road carriageway repairs

Inspectors to identify roads that are in need of carriageway patching or resurfacing for prioritisation. Permanent pothole repairs to be carried out whenever possible.

Increase the % of roads that are in satisfactory or better condition

Reduce the Council’s carbon footprint Asset Strategy to be developed and reported to Overview and Scrutiny Committee by March 2019. This will provide a framework for further review and challenge of use of assets.

Baseline information on energy efficiency / carbon emissions to be established by December 2018 so indicators can be agreed, measured and monitored.

By March 2019, options for prioritised programme of energy efficiency initiatives to be investigated and potential funding sources for programme to be explored, including grant applications and / or matched funding contributions.

Display Energy Surveys to be completed for Council buildings.

Explore other measures to reduce the council’s carbon footprint including raising staff awareness and fostering sustainable practices.

Reduction in CO2 emissions

PEOPLE: PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE (ADULTS)

A Safer BoroughRichmond is one of the safer London boroughs, but our goal is to make it the safest. Crime prevention is the key and we’ll work closely with police and residents to set strategies for hot spot areas and issues. Making our borough safer is not just the responsibility of the police – it will require a partnership effort with residents, the Council and other local agencies all playing a part. A locally based approach is essential and we believe local neighbourhood watch groups should play an important role in strengthening local policing and building a sense of community. Tackling domestic abuse is another key local priority and we will be particularly focused on high risk victims and children. We’ll also work to improve road safety through the introduction of 20 mph speed limits.


Work through the Community Safety Partnership with the police, Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Watch, residents and Safer Neighbourhood Board to deliver targeted crime prevention campaigns to reduce crime in hot spot areas such as vehicle crime and burglary

Action plans in place for seasonal peaks of crime and anti-social behaviour to incorporate prevention, early intervention, diversion and enforcement:

• Autumn Nights by September 2018.

• Christmas by November 2018.

• Lighter Nights by April 2019.

Trading Standards under age test purchasing of knives and fireworks and rogue trader intervention by March 2019.

Reduce crime rate

Work through the Community Safety Partnership with the police, Trading Standards, Licensing, Neighbourhood Watch, communities and Safer Neighbourhood Board to help tackle scams, online fraud, Licensing & alcohol issues

Action Plans in place by September 2018.

Trading Standards underage test purchasing of alcohol and tobacco, business advice to promote compliance, intervention and support to residents on financial scams and how to shop safely online by March 2019.

Licensing in partnership with the police licensing team to continue targeting non-compliant licensed premises and take enforcement action where appropriate. March 2019.

Reduce crime rate

Through Achieving for Children, provide expert advice to schools on supporting young people on e-safety and cyber bullying

AfC to provide online safety training in schools.

Local Safeguarding Children Board to provide a range of resources / support on theme of ‘Staying safe online’.

Richmond Partnership conference to have suicide and risky behaviour as themes.

AfC to work with Richmond CCG around promoting good mental health in schools in line with CAMHs transformation plan.

Increase % schools/eligible pupils trained on e-safety

In partnership with AfC and Richmond CCG, promote good mental health for young people in schools

Deliver the emotional health secondary school project for services including training for teachers, workshops for parents and students, supervision for staff.

AfC to fund a child wellbeing practitioner to provide early intervention mental health work in schools.

Increase no. of young people seen by the wellbeing practitioner


Work with Network Rail and TfL and local support groups to support suicide prevention measures on the transport network

Refresh of suicide prevention strategy/framework by end of 2018-19, jointly agreed with all key partners including transport organisations and voluntary sector.

Work with the police to tackle moped crime as a key priority for the Community Safety Partnership

Actions during 18/19 will include:

• Exploring options for online reporting of moped crime

• Proactive tackling of offenders for enforcement

• Crime prevention information for residents and businesses on keeping valuables and bikes secure

• Targeting interventions at key locations

• Campaign to be launched as part of the Darker Nights work October 2018.

• Campaign to be launched as part of the Lighter Nights work May 2018

• Development of a specific page on the Council website about moped crime

Reduce crime rate

Increase the number of reports of all types of hate crime to the police and third-party reporting centres

• With the Hate Crime Forum, hold a seminar on hate crime in 2019.

• Improve awareness and information about hate crime both reporting incidents and awareness of support services available.

• Campaign of awareness raising to be held from January to September 2019.

Number of people in attendance at the seminar


Make it easier for residents to report poorly lit areas that feel intimidating

Add a new category to the Council’s ‘report it’ tool to allow residents to report poorly lit areas and install new lighting as appropriate.

N/A

Build on the Safer Neighbourhood Teams by promoting and encouraging more people to become Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Coordinators or join the Police Volunteer base

Review the current NHW Schemes during Autumn 2018.

Ensure each Coordinator receives regular crime information from their local Safer Neighbourhood Team by Autumn 2018.

Link NHW Coordinators into local crime prevention and crime reduction interventions and initiatives by Autumn 2018.

Promote the volunteering opportunities with the Metropolitan Police with residents, schools and employers. Plan in place by December 2018.

Develop a promotional campaign for National Neighbourhood Watch week June 2019.

Increase the coverage of neighbourhood watches in the borough

Recommission the services for high risk victims of domestic abuse including Independent Domestic Violence Advisors and the refuge accommodation

New contract due to start in April 2019.

One Stop Shop Service to be relaunched in May 2019.

Submit application to government for the Complex Needs Service by September 2018.

Reduce the number of times the highest risk victims in the borough need to contact the police by increasing protection and safeguarding arrangements

Work with schools and voluntary sector partners to support children and young people who have witnessed domestic violence

Work with voluntary sector partners to delier White Ribbon Day events from 25th November 2018.

Continue to fund the Safer Space project to provide support for children who have witnessed DV.

Work through the Strategic VAWG Forum to increase and improve prevention and early intervention work

Launch a domestic abuse campaign that focuses on prevention and early intervention. Campaign to be launched as part of the White Ribbon Day events from 25th November 2018.

Consult residents on borough-wide 20mph speed limit

Develop borough wide consultation document and commence consultation by end 2018. Reduced number of deaths or serious injuries on the roads

PEOPLE: PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE (ADULTS)

A Fairer BoroughWe believe a fair Council should invest in good local services while protecting the most vulnerable in our community. We plan to take a fairer approach to funding by exempting the most hard-pressed households from paying council tax and making sure developers pay their way in contributing to local infrastructure. We will support communities via a local budget to make changes and improvements in their local areas. We want to work with residents to ensure they have a fair say in decisions that affect them. We will do this by adopting a more meaningful approach to engagement and a more transparent approach to decision making.


Prioritise pavement improvements based on need During 2018/19 include condition rating as criteria for funding pavement repairs.

For 2019/20, amend format for repair scheme to Ward basis.

N/A

Reduce red tape in granting permission for community events

Undertake a review of the Events Policy for Parks by February 2019, to be implemented by April 2019. N/A

Exempt the most hard-pressed households from Council Tax payment

Start consultation by end 2018 and implement from 2019/20. N/A

Review storage arrangements for homeless households

Report to come to Housing, Community Services & Environment OSC in early 2019, setting out proposed new policy.

N/A

Investigate options for providing grants to low income families to help buy school uniforms

Explore options for providing free or subsidised uniforms within schools using existing pupil premium grant.

Explore charitable options relating to school uniform subsidy.

Explore costs and options and prepare proposals for Member consideration including full costing.

N/A

Explore options for providing sanitary products free of charge in secondary schools

Work with school nurses to ensure all secondary schools provide sanitary towels from September 2019. N/A

Maximise Council CIL collection

Review the Council’s Regulation 123 list which sets out the projects that the Council will fund with CIL

Ensure that 100% of Council CIL is collected from developers within one year from commencement of the development in line with the instalments policy.

Review Regulation 123 List by Jan 2019.

Improved recovery of CIL from developers

Abolish the rule that 51% of households must support a controlled parking zone

Policy change paper to be considered by Scrutiny and signed off via Cabinet in September 2018. N/A


Develop a new Community Engagement Programme

Cabinet report in Spring 2019.

Key elements will include:

Creating a local area budget for each ward to be spent on community priorities.

Facilitate local area meetings where decisions and issues can be raised and discussed.

Launch an outreach programme with seldom heard groups in the borough to ensure that we are listening to everyone.

Encourage an organisational culture where the Council both engages and involves residents to work together to foster a shared sense of ownership and responsibility for the local area, where people know that they can have their voices heard, know how to get involved, have opportunities to influence change and receive feedback on how their views have been taken into account.

Reviewing the Council’s approach to consultation ensuring it is meaningful, open and purposeful, follows best practice principles and is reflective of both modern digital culture and more traditional methods.

Improved resident engagement with Council consultations

Allow residents to submit questions much closer to the date of Council meetings and receive answers from the relevant Member of the Council.

For 18/19 municipal year onward, residents to be able to submit questions up to 12 noon on the working day before the day of the Council meeting.

N/A

Halt Twickenham Riverside and work with residents to deliver a better scheme

Cabinet Report Autumn 2018 outlining a revised brief for the site, approach to consultation and procurement of an architect.

Design competition and public consultation Spring 2019.

N/A

A Borough for EveryoneWe want to build a strong society for everyone regardless of background. We will encourage residents to engage and provide platforms for them to have their say. We’ll seek to reverse the trend of families being priced out of local housing and childcare by providing affordable housing for local people. We will work collaboratively with our local schools to ensure every child has access to exemplary education, regardless of background. Our residents are living longer and more active lives and we’ll work to support their independence and give them more choice and control about their care and support.

We want to make Richmond a borough that is accessible to all. We will do this by making sure our services are easily accessed by everyone and by championing this approach with partners including public transport providers and local businesses. We’ll be vocal about protecting the rights of local citizens, driving opportunity for under-represented groups and opposing all forms of discrimination. We will stand up for rights of EU citizens. We hope they will continue to make the borough their home and we will provide the support they need to secure their status here in the UK. PEOPLE: A HEALTHY BOROUGH


Support local schools to set up mutually supportive federations to help schools reduce costs and share good practice

Schools partnership Forum will focus on best practice emerging nationally of federations driving improvement and offering shared financial models.

AfC to provide advice and guidance to schools through their School Improvement Partner SPARK (services for schools) offer.

Increase the % of children reaching the expected level at Key Stage 2

Improve attainment at GCSE

Narrow the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers at Key Stage 2

Narrow the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers at GCSE

Carry out a thorough investigation of the Uxbridge Road site as a permanent location for Turing House school and share the report with residents and the Education and Skills Funding Agency

Feasibility to be commissioned. N/A

Engage with residents on school catchment areas when school sites are considered for development and act on feedback received

Engage in local consultations on all major school expansion projects.

Consult on planned school expansions for children with SEN.

Increase the % of families able to send their children to their first choice primary school

Increase the % of families able to send their children to their first choice secondary school

Invest in special educational needs school provision Identify further SEN school places in the borough, especially at secondary level, so that provision can be increased by 30 places by 2020.

Expand alternative provision for SEN pupils by 2020.

Increase the proportion of children with SEN who are able to stay in the borough for education

Work with all parents of children with disabilities or special educational needs to get the right support for their children by making sure they are heard

Review local offer with SEND Family Voices.

Work with parents’ forum and ensure promotion of all local services and legal framework.

Reduce the demand for Education, Health and Care Plans

Ensure that the children’s centre provision meets the needs of vulnerable families and children under five

Review children centre strategy by April 2019. Increase the proportion of target families accessing Children’s Centre services


Create local places for children and young people to live closer to their families and support networks

Develop a local residential children’s home to meet the requirements of children and young people with complex needs

Establish AfC as an independent fostering agency and use the new operating model to increase foster carer recruitment and support

Develop a placement sufficiency strategy by April 2019.

Establish AfC as an independent fostering agency.

Develop recruitment campaign to increase foster carer recruitment and support.

Progress planning and development application.

Increased % of looked after children placed closer to home

Increased number of foster carer placements available

Increased number of foster carer placements for children with complex needs

Work together with schools and further education colleges to develop a mix and balance of learning provision to ensure appropriate learning pathways for everyone

Review the local Further Education and Sixth Form offer by September 2019. Reduce the % of young people not in Education, Employment or Training

Reduce the % of Care Leavers not in Education, Employment or Training

Review and implement changes to school building contracts

Report to Scrutiny Panel or Audit Committee meeting before the end of the year to consider an action plan for improvements to the procurement and management of construction projects. This is a follow up to a March 2018 Scrutiny Panel that looked at issues arising from the performance on two school construction projects.

Ensure there is a school place for all children at the start of the autumn term

Review polling station locations The Council is required by the Electoral and Administration Act 2013 to review the UK Parliamentary polling districts and polling places in its area between 1 October 2018 and 31 January 2020. The next polling district and polling place review will be held for the Richmond Park and Twickenham Parliamentary Constituencies in 2019. One of the aims of the review will be to avoid the closure of schools where practically possible.

N/A

Support pioneering approaches of AfC’s emotional health team in meeting the emotional and mental health of young people at school

Undertake a review of the emotional health service offer and CAMHS offer with the CCG by September 2019.

Introduce Government’s commitment for all Schools to access emotional health support - awaiting timescales.

N/A

Through AfC, provide training and support for SENCOs so that parents get the right support for their children and speed up assessment services

Begin planning for new training and support model for Schools and SENCOs by April 2019.

N/A


Promote sport in schools and encourage schools to share sports facilities within the community

Develop an intra-Schools sports strategy by September 2019.

Review current school community use agreements by December 2018.

Identify opportunities to improve upon and secure access to facilities.

Work with AfC to update policies relating to new school buildings to ensure adequate sports facilities are required and access is provided.

Increase children and young people’s participation in sport and physical activity

Promote preventative measures to help children and families make healthier lifestyle choices

Develop a programme of evidence based early intervention programmes which can be accessed by early years and schools.

Implement Whole School Social and Emotional Learning programme (PATHS) in 6 primary schools.

Reduce child obesity

Explore potential for working with specialist dementia nurses to support people living with dementia and their families

Improve joint working with Dementia Specialist Services through development of integrated locality teams by March 2019.

Increase the % of adults whose personal outcomes for independence have been met

Increase the % of carers who receive an assessment of their need for support or services

Review Council managed day centre provision to ensure services are directed at the most vulnerable people living at home

Review of current internal day services and transport by March 2019. Reduce the rate of admissions into residential and nursing care

Increase the % of social care clients taking up a direct payment

Launch a new programme of dementia friendly initiatives in the borough based on the dementia friendly community concept

Launch of new dementia friendly programme in by end of 2018. Increase the proportion of adults for whom reablement support successfully delays dependency or supports recovery

Work for closer integration and partnership between health and social care, using the Better Care Fund (BCF) as a vehicle to develop closer working between the Council and Richmond Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Development of integrated locality teams in collaboration with GP Alliance, Richmond CCG, HRCH and community stakeholders - March 2019.

Reduce delays for patients being discharged from hospital or care


Develop plans that would enable older residents to downsize and stay in the borough

With the main local housing associations and almshouse providers develop plans that would enable older residents to downsize and stay in the borough. To include identifying opportunities to provide new housing in local neighbourhoods for downsizers.

This is likely to be undertaken as part of the putting in place Delivery & Investment plans.

Develop accommodation strategy and approach for people with care and support needs – April 2019.

Increased number of properties where major disability adaptations have been carried out

Work with our town centre partners to ensure they can adapt to changing economic and consumer trends

Support local town centre initiatives through a town centre support fund.

Engage local partners through the retail forum to understand challenges and opportunities in the borough’s town centres.

Identify measures that will help independent town centre businesses adapt to the digital economy.

Increase the number of Richmond businesses promoted through the Business Offers Scheme

Develop the borough’s workspace offer to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs, especially in the technology and creative sectors, and to maintain the borough as a business location, reducing the need for central London commuting

Ensure local workspace needs are factored in to planning policy and development opportunities.

Work with land and building owners to promote the open workspace / co-working model to support local enterprise.

Support new and growing businesses to survive and thrive through tailored programmes of support and networking.

Increase the number of Start-Up businesses in the borough

Ensure the borough continues to be a world class visitor destination and work with local partners to develop a sustainable visitor economy

Use the “Visit Richmond” brand and partnership to promote the borough to the visitor market and tourism industry.

Develop and co-ordinate new products such as a friends and families offer and re-instating a summer riverside music festival.

N/A

Promote community and art based schemes that raise the borough’s profile as a cultural centre

Develop options for future Cultural Commissioning and present to members by December 2018 to ensure the aspiration of borough’s profile as a cultural centre can be progressed.

Develop a draft Cultural Strategy by March 2019.

Increase the number of attendees at arts events

Increase visits to Orleans, Riverside and Stables Galleries


Continue to invest in the library offer in the borough

Review current library offer in Hampton Wick and Heathfield

Approve a new Library Strategy by October 2018.

Submit capital bid by December 2018 for interior upgrade and refurbishment of Twickenham Library in 2019/20.

Submit capital bid to upgrade first floor at Teddington Library [former flat] by December 2018 to create enhanced services and community space in 2019/20.

Determine library offer at Hampton Wick and Heathfield.

Review existing provision and explore changes that meet the requirements of the community within available resources, by March 2019.

Work with HWRA and other local community groups to maximise opening hours at Hampton Wick by March 2019

Explore the opportunity to expand facilities at Whitton Library due to the availability of the ‘rest room’ and subject to available funding. December 2018 to March 2019.

Increase library visits

Increase e-book issues


Provide more genuinely affordable housing and ensure overcrowding is reduced

Over the next year (2018/19), with the main developing housing associations, almshouses and charities seek to put in place affordable housing delivery and investment (D&I) plans that would include:

• Agreeing programmes of affordable housing delivery that would meet a range of needs including for those in urgent need, first time buyers, working households looking for low cost rent housing and households looking to downsize;

• Identify sites in public ownership and work with the London Mayor to bring those sites forward for development maximising the delivery of affordable housing;

• As part of the development of D&I plans work with partners to ensure assets and investment is maximised to secure further sites in the Borough for affordable housing development;

• Progress disposal of council sites designated for affordable housing subject to financial and planning feasibilities with development plans agreed by March 2019;

• Seek GLA grant funding support either directly or through housing association partners to support D&I plans;

• By November 2018, deliver a first-time buyer shared equity scheme targeted at maximising moves from social housing to free up those homes for reletting;

• As part of agreeing D&I plans identify opportunities to provide extensions and conversions to existing properties to provide larger family homes and opportunities for infill development;

• Work in partnership with Registered Providers, housing developers and the Greater London Authority to develop and acquire schemes that maximise affordable housing delivery in the borough and ensure overcrowding is reduced including through redevelopment, extension or conversion of existing stock.

Reduce the number of families with children in B&B accommodation for more than 6 weeks

Reduce the number of households living in temporary accommodation

Increase the number of cases prevented from becoming homeless

Increase the number of affordable homes delivered

Increase the amount of housing delivered


Implement new licencing regulation for Houses in Multiple Occupation

Use HMO licensing and new penalty powers to deal with poor landlord practice, and use financial penalties and banning orders against landlords where necessary

New licensing regime commences in October 2018. An updated Committee report is anticipated in early 2019 to report on progress and provide detail on numbers of new applications and conditions found.

Every property to be inspected before a licence is issued.

Carry out a publicity campaign, providing public information in suitable locations such as libraries, to make sure tenants in the private rented sector are aware of the help the council can provide to deal with hazardous housing conditions and how the Council will investigate complaints.

Increased inspections in the private rented sector and carry out at least 90 formal hazard assessments

Ensure equality and accessibility are at the heart of the Council’s decision making

Publicise Equality Impact Needs Assessments (EINAs) on all decisions.

Use new Scrutiny process to robustly challenge and improve the quality of decision making and further enhance and supplement the consideration of equality issues in EINAs.

Engage the Richmond Equality Stakeholder Scrutiny Group to act as a critical friend on decision making and to provide an external scrutiny role on the Council’s equality and diversity work.

N/A

Lobby at national level for measures to tackle discrimination in the workplace

Work with local employers to eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity

Identify scope for engaging with employers through the Large Employers’ Group, Richmond Chamber of Commerce etc. by October 2018.

Establish appropriate campaign messages and scope for action at local level for roll out by March 2019.

N/A

Work with autism charities to aim to speed up diagnosis of autistic children and young people across the borough

Establish an Autism forum to ensure that pathways for diagnosis are clear and efficient - by April 2019.

Work with CCG to identify any gaps in diagnosis.

N/A


Ensure there are good links between the new Better Working Futures scheme and local disability charities to make sure everyone who wants to work has the best chance of recruitment

Achieve Disability Confident employer’s accreditation for the SSA

Promote the Disability Confident scheme to local employers

Better Working Futures provider, Reed, to present to the Richmond Employment and Skills Forum and establish working links with local disability charities by October 2018.

Achieve level two Disability Confident accreditation by Q4 2018/19.

Agree approach with Members to level 3 accreditation by Q4 2018/19.

Promote approach to local employers through campaign.

N/A

Work with provider MCCH to support more adults with learning disabilities to get into employment

Review of Cafe Sunshine and links to wider employment pathway - target for final model by March 2019.

Develop strong links with voluntary sector partners such as Mencap to improve support to people in search of employment by March 2019.

Explore opportunities for employing adults with learning disabilities in council-run or commissioned services.

Increased numbers of disabled adults successfully supported into employment by the Council

Increase the % of adults with learning disabilities who are in employment

Introduce name blind recruitment for Council staff

Promote this approach to local employers

Implement new Applicant Tracking System by end of Q3 2018. A feature of this system will be the ability to automatically redact candidate names before the shortlisting process.

Promote approach to local employers through campaign as described in action 42 above.

N/A

Work with Network Rail and TfL to improve the accessibility of train stations and bus stops in the borough

Undertake preliminary study of station accessibility by October 2018.

Lobby for stations in borough that are not step free to be included in the DfT’s Access for All Programme in Investment Control Period 6 (2019-2024).

Work with Disabled Go to publish detailed access information about places of interest in Richmond.

N/A


Review transition arrangements for young people with learning disabilities from children’s services to adult services

Promote the WorkRight employment scheme to help young people with disabilities find training and employment with the Council and partners

Review and develop transition arrangements with AfC including a framework for efficient resource management by April 2019.

By end Q2, develop Work Right scheme with workers who have significant experience and track record of success in this area.

Explore what opportunities exist for greater engagement with and use of the WorkRight scheme and determine an approach by end Q2 2018/19.

N/A

Mitigate the effects of Brexit on EU citizens in our borough by

• Supporting Citizens’ Advice to advise local EU citizens on their rights

• Providing a European Passport Return Service to make it easier to apply for residence

• Engaging with local businesses about what support they require to navigate the challenges of Brexit

Produce a report examining the impact of Brexit on local people and businesses.

Ongoing communications activity.

CAB contract in place until May 2019.

Review existing resources to ensure adequate provision and access to the European Passport Return Service. October 2018.

N/A

Support a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal Write to the Government and our MPs, calling on them to support the demand for a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.

Work with London Councils and the LGA to ensure there is a strong voice from Richmond and London in decision making over Brexit.

N/A

Ensuring that the Council delivers on these commitmentsThe Corporate Plan sets out the Council’s priorities for the next four years, what we are planning to do to this year to achieve those priorities and how we will measure our success.

We will carry out an annual update to report to Overview and Scrutiny Committee to track progress to date and refresh the actions for the coming year.

Our strategic projects and programmes are monitored to ensure they are delivering to time, budget and that the intended outcomes and benefits are achieved. Progress on these programmes is reported to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis.

We will also report against the measures set out in this plan in our Quarterly Performance Reports to Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Where we are not on track we outline the actions being taken to ensure we meet our targets. This information is published on the website at the following address www.richmond.gov.uk/council_performance

We aim to be a leading authority nationally and we will continue to compare ourselves to other local authorities to make sure that we are. To ensure accountability and transparency we publish our end-of-year results on the Council’s website and we will also provide information about how the council compares with others. www.richmond.gov.uk/richmond_performance_tool

STRATEGIES AND PLANS SUPPORTING DELIVERY OF THE CORPORATE PLAN:

Contact [email protected]

Community Plan

Children and Young People’s Plan

Community Safety Partnership Plan

Adult Social Care Strategies

Cultural Partnership Strategy

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Annual Public Health Report

Local Plan

Compact Medium Term Financial Strategy

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