Richmond Council has told the government to think again about funding changes that, by the council's account, would cut £29 million a year from its core funding by 2028/29. The figure covers the whole borough, Barnes, Castelnau and Mortlake included. Councillors backed a motion at the full council meeting on 6 October, proposed by Cllr Jim Millard, who called the cuts "reckless".
The council says the cut is around 58% of its core funding allocation, the largest percentage cut in London, and could wipe out its reserves within the next few years. Its proposal asks for new allocations, a longer transition period and a bigger share of locally raised income. The consultation closes on Wednesday 14 October.
A cut of that size would be felt in everyday services, not just at the town hall. With five days left, the question is whether the council can make its case before the consultation closes.
- The council says the government funding reforms would cut Richmond's annual core funding by £29 million by 2028/29.
- The cut is around 58% of core funding allocation and the largest percentage cut in London.
- The changes could wipe out the council's reserves within the next few years.
- Councillors backed a motion at full council on Tuesday 6 October, proposed by Cllr Jim Millard, who called the cuts reckless.
- The consultation closes on 14 October and the proposal seeks a rethink of allocations, an extended transition period and a greater share of locally generated income.
Every factual claim in this story is linked to the evidence behind it. Where the newsroom has added judgement or framing, it is listed separately. Sources accessed 9 October 2026.
- www.richmond.gov.uk/news/news_october_2026/rethink_on_reckless_government_fundin (council_statement)
- richmond.nub.news/news/local-news/largest-cut-in-london-richmond-council-fights- (source)
Claim by claim (5 facts, 1 editorial judgements)
- The council says the government funding reforms would cut Richmond's annual core funding by £29 million by 2028/29. — council_statement, 2026-10-07“The government funding reforms would cut Richmond’s annual core funding by £29 million by 2028/29.”
- The cut is around 58% of core funding allocation and the largest percentage cut in London. — council_statement, 2026-10-07“That is around 58% of its core funding allocation and the largest percentage cut in London.”
- The changes could wipe out the council's reserves within the next few years. — council_statement, 2026-10-07“The funding changes could wipe out the council’s financial reserves within the next few years.”
- Councillors backed a motion at full council on Tuesday 6 October, proposed by Cllr Jim Millard, who called the cuts reckless. — source, 2026-10-07“In a motion at a full council meeting last night (Tuesday, 6 October), councillors warned the reforms would lead to substantial cuts to services”
- The consultation closes on 14 October and the proposal seeks a rethink of allocations, an extended transition period and a greater share of locally generated income. — council_statement, 2026-10-07“The consultation closes on 14 October.”
- Judgement: A cut of this size will be felt in everyday services, and five days is short notice for residents to respond.