The total amount of £20,921.86 was split equally between SEEN (Support, Empower, Educate and Nurture) and Age UK Richmond, with each charity receiving £10,460.93.
The former Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Suzette Nicholson, who is also a Councillor, presented two local charities with cheques after raising more than £20,000 during her mayoral year.
Nicholson, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Councillor Fiona Sacks, handed over the funds at a special event in the Mayor’s Parlour at York House last week. The total amount of £20,921.86 was split equally between SEEN (Support, Empower, Educate and Nurture) and Age UK Richmond, with each charity receiving £10,460.93.
Reflecting on the achievement, Councillor Nicholson expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fundraising efforts, making the success possible. Throughout her tenure, she hosted a variety of charity events, including the well-received Tea Dance and Twelfth Night York House Dinner, which played a key role in raising funds.
Representatives from both charities highlighted the impact of these donations, not only in supporting essential local services but also in raising awareness of their causes.
Representatives from both charities highlighted the impact of these donations, not only in supporting essential local services but also in raising awareness of their causes.
SEEN, based in Twickenham, provides a safe and supportive space for individuals facing unplanned pregnancy and baby loss, as well as delivering relationship and sex education to empower the community.
Age UK Richmond works to support older people, their families, and carers, offering services and activities that help ensure everyone can enjoy later life.
Empty Homes Initiative
To mark National Empty Homes Week, Richmond Council is celebrating the success of its three-year pilot scheme, which has brought 150 long-term vacant properties back into use, providing much-needed homes across the borough.
Since launching the initiative, the Council has engaged with over 350 property owners, offering guidance, support, and enforcement measures to encourage reoccupation. By taking a proactive, self-funded approach, rather than relying on government grants, the scheme has successfully boosted housing supply while addressing the issue of empty properties.
Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council and Lead Member for Housing, hailed the initiative’s success:
*”With housing in such high demand, long-term empty homes should not be left to waste. Every vacant property represents a potential home for someone in need. This pilot has demonstrated that with the right strategy, we can bring these properties back into use without solely relying on new development.
“As we build on the lessons learned, Richmond Council remains committed to tackling empty homes. Where properties are left vacant and become a problem, we will use every tool available to ensure they are lived in rather than abandoned.”*
The key elements of the pilot are now being embedded into Richmond Council’s ongoing housing strategy, ensuring long-term efforts to reduce the number of vacant homes. The Council is also taking firm action against neglected properties that contribute to anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood decline.
To further discourage homes from being left empty, Richmond Council applies Council Tax premiums, with increasing charges for properties left unoccupied:
• Two years vacant: 100% Council Tax uplift
• Five years vacant: 200% Council Tax uplift
• Ten years vacant: 300% Council Tax uplift
These measures ensure that existing housing stock is utilised efficiently, helping to meet the borough’s growing demand for homes.
Support for Empty Property Owners
Property owners with long-term vacant homes may face additional Council Tax charges, though some exemptions apply—such as properties undergoing probate or actively being marketed for sale or rent. Residents can visit the Richmond Council website to check eligibility for exemptions and explore practical steps to bring properties back into use.
