Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council is the
local authority for the
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in
Greater London, England. It is a
London borough council, one of 32 in London, the United Kingdom capital. Richmond upon Thames is divided into 18
wards and elections for all Council seats in the borough are held every four years.[4] The most recent election was in 2022 when the Liberal Democrats, led by Gareth Roberts, retained overall majority control of the council for a second consecutive term.[5]
It was envisaged that through the
London Government Act 1963 Richmond upon Thames as a London local authority would share power with the
Greater London Council. The split of powers and functions meant that the Greater London Council was responsible for "wide area" services such as fire, ambulance, flood prevention, and refuse disposal; with the local authorities responsible for "personal" services such as social care, libraries, cemeteries and refuse collection. As an
outer London borough council it has been an
education authority since 1965. This arrangement lasted until 1986 when Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council gained responsibility for some services that had been provided by the Greater London Council, such as
waste disposal. Since 2000 the
Greater London Authority has taken some responsibility for highways and planning control from the council, but within the
English local government system the council remains a "most purpose" authority in terms of the available range of powers and functions.[7]
Powers and functions
The local authority derives its powers and functions from the London Government Act 1963 and subsequent legislation, and has the powers and functions of a London borough council. It sets council tax and as a
billing authority also collects precepts for
Greater London Authority functions and business rates.[8] It sets planning policies which complement Greater London Authority and national policies, and decides on almost all planning applications accordingly. It is a
local education authority and is also responsible for
council housing, social services, libraries, waste collection and disposal, traffic, and most roads and environmental health.[9]
Political composition
The borough council was controlled by the
Conservatives from its inception to 1983 when the
Liberals and the
SDP won control in a
by-election. The Council was then led by
David Williams until he stood down in favour of
Serge Lourie in 2001. Between 2002 and 2006 the council was controlled by the Conservatives under
London Assembly member
Tony Arbour. Between 2006 and 2010 the council reverted to the
Liberal Democrats under the leadership of
Serge Lourie. From 2010 to 2018 it was run by the Conservative Party, initially under
Lord True and then (from 2017) led by Paul Hodgins. The Liberal Democrats, led by Gareth Roberts, won control of the council at the 2018 election and retained control in the 2022 election.[5]
David Blomfield, councillor for
Kew ward 1971–1978 and 1979–1986.[10] As leader of the
Liberal group he was Leader of the Opposition on the Council in 1978.[11]
Bill Newton Dunn, councillor for South Richmond Ward 2018–2022 and previously a Member of the European Parliament
Geoff Pope, councillor for South Twickenham ward, mayor 1989–1990 and chair of the Council's Social Services Committee
Tim Razzall, councillor for
Mortlake ward 1974–1998. During that time he served as chair of the Council's Policy and Resources Committee for 13 years and as deputy leader 1983–1996. He was succeeded in both roles by Serge Lourie.
Jenny Tonge, councillor for Kew ward 1981–1990 and chair of the Council's Social Services Committee