This week in Hounslow:

New West London Alliance to Drive Regional Growth and Collaboration

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resources and External Affairs, has made a decision to adopt updated functions and procedure rules for a new West London Alliance Joint Committee (WLAJC). This significant move establishes a formal collaborative body comprising representatives from the boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Harrow, and Hounslow.

The WLAJC is set to replace the existing West London Economic Prosperity Board and will focus on advancing shared objectives for inclusive and sustainable growth across the sub-region. Its core purpose is to improve outcomes for residents and secure long-term sustainability by working closely with government bodies, health and education providers, employers, and business organisations.

Key functions of the WLAJC will include:

• Agreeing on funding applications and bids to external bodies for projects aligned with the alliance's goals.
• Providing direction on the allocation of secured funding.
• Approving procurement routes for jointly commissioned services to achieve cost savings or enhance service standards.
• Acting as a recipient for devolved powers and funding streams relevant to the sub-region.

Councillor Rajawat is proposed to be Hounslow Council's representative on this new Joint Committee. The establishment of the WLAJC aims to provide a clearer decision-making framework, moving away from previous arrangements where decisions were made by Ealing Council on behalf of all members. This initiative is governed by legislation including the Local Government Act 1972, the Local Government Act 2000, and The Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2012. The committee is expected to meet quarterly, with meetings generally held in public.

This development is crucial for Hounslow as it signals a commitment to regional cooperation, which can unlock greater opportunities for investment, job creation, and improved public services for residents. By pooling resources and expertise, the participating boroughs aim to achieve more than they could individually.

You can find more details about these decisions in the Cabinet Member Single Member Decision meeting papers.

Senior Leadership Appointment for Strategy and Transformation

The Chief Officer Employment Panel met on Thursday 19 February 2026 to discuss the appointment of a new Executive Director for Strategy and Transformation. This is a critical role within the council, responsible for guiding the organisation's strategic direction and driving forward transformative initiatives.

The panel reviewed documents related to this appointment, with the press and public excluded for this agenda item due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, in accordance with Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The appointment of a strong leader in this area is vital for ensuring the council can effectively adapt to changing needs and deliver efficient, forward-thinking services to residents.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Chief Officer Employment Panel meeting papers.

Pension Fund Panel Reviews Performance and Investment Strategy

The Pension Fund Panel met on Wednesday 18 February 2026 to conduct a comprehensive review of the Hounslow Pension Fund. The meeting covered a wide range of topics essential for the sound financial management of the fund, which provides retirement income for many former council employees.

Key discussions included:

• Annual Business Plan 2025/26: The panel reviewed the proposed work programme for the Pension Fund Panel, including training updates for members and officers.
• Quarterly Overview: An update on the fund's investment valuation, administrative matters, and financial performance for the third quarter of the financial year 2025/26 was presented. As of December 2025, the fund's net assets were valued at £1,478.7 million.
• Administration Performance: A report from the West Yorkshire Pension Fund detailed the performance of the administration service, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement, such as the handling of death processes.
• Risk Register: The panel reviewed the updated risk register, identifying key risks in funding, investment, cyber security, administration, resources, and regulatory compliance.
• Funding Strategy Statement (FSS): The final FSS was presented for approval, outlining how the fund will ensure sufficient assets to meet its liabilities.
• Investment Strategy: Discussions included the Investment Adviser's Quarterly Report, pooling arrangements, and a review of the overall investment strategy, including potential asset allocation changes.

The effective management of the Pension Fund is crucial for ensuring the long-term financial security of its members and for the council's overall financial stability.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Pension Fund Panel meeting papers.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
• The Chief Officer Employment Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 February 2026.
• The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 February 2026.
• The Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 23 February 2026.
• The Borough Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 March 2026.
• The Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 02 March 2026.
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 04 March 2026.
• The The Thomas Layton Collection is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 04 March 2026.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 05 March 2026.

This week in Hounslow:

Council Faces Tough Choices on Budget and Services Amidst Rising Costs

The Cabinet met on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, to grapple with the proposed budget for 2026-27, a decision that will shape the services Hounslow residents receive for the next year. The proposed budget includes a Council Tax increase of 4.99%, comprising a 2% Adult Social Care precept and a 2.99% general increase. This rise, while aimed at addressing rising costs and demand for services, will place an additional financial burden on households across the borough, particularly impacting those on fixed incomes or struggling with the cost of living.

The council is facing significant financial pressures, including the impact of austerity, inflation, and increased demand for services. To balance the books, the council has identified £26.1 million in savings proposals for delivery in 2026/27. The implications of these savings for frontline services, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with disabilities who rely heavily on council support, will be a key concern for residents.

The Cabinet also reviewed the Hounslow Companies Business Plan for 2026-27, which aims to improve efficiency and financial sustainability across the Lampton Group of companies. While the plan projects the group moving into profit in the coming years, the immediate focus on cost-saving measures within the council's core budget will be closely watched.

Furthermore, the procurement of essential adult social care services, specifically homecare, was on the agenda. The proposed model of tendering for 12 providers across the borough with a flat hourly rate aims to ensure service resilience and choice. However, the report notes that this procurement is not expected to yield direct cost savings, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing service quality with financial constraints.

The financial monitoring update for 2025-26 Q3 indicated a forecast General Fund revenue budget overspend of £6.8 million, despite an improvement since the previous quarter. This overspend is attributed to ongoing pressures in demand-led services like Adult and Children's Social Care and Temporary Accommodation, underscoring the critical need for the proposed budget to address these challenges effectively.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting papers.

Licensing Panel Weighs Resident Concerns Over Sipsmith Premises Licence

The Licensing Panel met on Monday, 09 February 2026, to consider a contentious application for a premises licence for Sipsmith Limited at 83 Cranbrook Road, Chiswick. The application, which sought permission for the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, drew significant attention due to 41 representations from interested parties raising concerns about potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

The proposed operating hours and conditions were designed to promote the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. However, the sheer volume of objections from local residents highlights a deep-seated concern within the community about the potential impact of extended licensing on their quality of life.

The police did not make a representation, agreeing to the applied-for hours and conditions. However, the panel had to consider the weight of resident objections against the applicant's proposals and the police's stance. The outcome of this decision will be closely watched by residents and businesses in the area, as it touches upon the delicate balance between economic activity and community well-being.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Licensing Panel meeting papers.

Lampton Group's Future Direction Under Scrutiny

The Shareholder Committee met on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, to review the Lampton Group's Business Plan for 2026-2029. This plan is crucial for the future of the council's wholly-owned companies, which deliver a range of services from waste collection to leisure centre management. The plan aims to enhance operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and customer focus.

Key to the plan is the ambition for the Lampton Group to break even in 2026/27 and move into profit in the following years. This financial recovery is vital for ensuring these companies can continue to provide essential services and contribute to the council's overall financial health. The plan outlines strategic themes including financial sustainability, efficiency, continuous improvement, customer focus, and staff development.

The committee's review of this plan is essential for ensuring that these companies are well-managed, deliver value for money, and align with the council's corporate priorities. The success of this business plan will directly impact the quality and cost of services residents receive.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Shareholder Committee meeting papers.

Other Matters

The Licensing Panel meeting scheduled for Thursday, 12 February 2026, was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Pension Fund Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
• The Cabinet Member Single Member Decision is scheduled for Thursday 19 February 2026.
• The Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 23 February 2026.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
• The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 February 2026.

This week in Hounslow:

Council Grapples with Audit Findings and Treasury Management Strategy

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, to review the Council's financial health and operational practices. A significant point of discussion was the external audit of the 2024/25 accounts, which indicated a potential for a disclaimed opinion due to outstanding work and new regulatory arrangements. The draft Value for Money report also highlighted significant weaknesses in the Council's financial sustainability. This news is concerning, as a strong financial footing is essential for delivering consistent and reliable services to all residents, especially those most vulnerable who rely on council support.

The committee also reviewed the Council's Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27. This strategy guides how the Council manages its borrowing and investments. While investments have seen a slight increase, borrowing is projected to rise significantly to fund capital expenditure. This increase in borrowing could have long-term implications for the Council's financial commitments and, by extension, the services it can offer.

Furthermore, the committee received an update on the work of Internal Audit and the Anti-Fraud team. In the past year, over 200 fraud referrals have been investigated, leading to significant financial recoveries. This work is crucial in protecting public funds and ensuring they are used effectively for the benefit of the community.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Audit and Governance Committee meeting papers.

Chiswick Tower Redevelopment and Station Improvements Under Scrutiny

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 5 February 2026, to consider a range of planning applications, with a particular focus on the proposed redevelopment of Chiswick Tower. This development includes plans for affordable housing and crucially, land safeguarding for improvements to Gunnersbury station.

The proposed station improvements are vital, as the current facilities are described as inadequate for passenger numbers and have been rated poorly. While the applicant has committed funds towards these improvements, concerns were raised about the timeline for their delivery, with a trigger point of 13 years for design work. This delay could mean continued poor conditions for commuters, including those with mobility issues, for an extended period. The Council has allocated approximately £1 million towards station improvements, highlighting the recognised need for action.

The committee also discussed the provision of car club facilities, wind conditions, heating systems, and cycle parking. Representations from local groups like the West Chiswick and Gunnersbury Society supported the application, emphasizing the potential for station and environmental improvements. However, concerns were also voiced by a local councillor regarding the practicality of landscaping, the size of co-living units, and fire safety, which directly impact the quality of life for future residents and the surrounding community.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Planning Committee meeting papers.

Local Policing, Road Safety, and Fly-Tipping on the Agenda for Area Forum

The Hounslow South, Isleworth and Osterley & Spring Grove Area Forum met on Monday, 2 February 2026, to address key local issues. Updates on local policing were provided, offering residents insight into community safety efforts. A presentation on road safety aimed to highlight and tackle potential hazards on local roads, which is particularly important for the safety of children and vulnerable pedestrians.

Enforcement and fly-tipping were also key discussion points, with a presentation detailing the Council's efforts to combat illegal dumping. Fly-tipping can blight neighbourhoods and pose environmental and health risks, so understanding the Council's strategy to tackle this is important for maintaining the quality of our local environment.

The forum included an open session for residents to raise questions and concerns directly with councillors and officers, providing a valuable channel for community feedback on local matters.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Hounslow South, Isleworth and Osterley & Spring Grove Area Forum meeting papers.

Other Matters

The Publishable Officer Decisions meeting took place on Friday, 6 February 2026. While no specific details are available at this time, these decisions often relate to operational matters and service delivery within the council.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
• The Shareholder Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 09 February 2026.
• The Pension Fund Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

This week in Hounslow:

Community Safety Partnership Board Reviews Crime Trends and Domestic Abuse Reviews

The Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to discuss the borough's safety landscape, including crime trends, domestic abuse reviews, and the London Fire Brigade's role in community safety. The meeting, which included Councillor Pritam Grewal as Chair, highlighted that while Hounslow's overall crime rate is below the London average, certain crime types are slightly above average. Worryingly, residents are reporting higher levels of concern about crime compared to the London average, despite these statistics. This disconnect between perception and reality is a key challenge for the partnership.

The board also delved into the critical area of Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDRs). These reviews are vital for learning from tragic events where domestic abuse may have been a factor, aiming to prevent future deaths. Understanding the nuances of these reviews is crucial for ensuring that lessons learned are effectively implemented to protect vulnerable individuals.

The London Fire Brigade presented its contribution to the Safer Communities Strategy, outlining its work in risk reduction and community engagement. This multi-agency collaboration is essential for a comprehensive approach to safety.

The meeting also touched upon the Reducing Reoffending Plan and the CONTEST strategy for counter-terrorism. An update on the Safer Communities Information Sharing Protocol was also discussed, though details were limited due to a need for a data protection impact assessment.

The decisions and discussions from this meeting directly impact the safety and security of all Hounslow residents, with a particular focus on supporting those affected by domestic abuse and ensuring effective crime prevention strategies.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board meeting papers.

Fees for CCTV Footage and Section 61 Consent Set to Increase

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resources and External Affairs, made a single-member decision on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to revise fees and charges for CCTV footage provision and Section 61 consent applications. These changes, part of the Transforming our Community Experience (TCE) Programme, aim to recover the costs associated with these services.

For solicitors and insurance companies requesting CCTV footage, new charges will be introduced, ranging from £440 for a one-hour search to £550 for searches exceeding six hours. The fee for supplying footage will also increase from £100 to £210. These changes are projected to generate up to £107,000 annually, a significant increase from the current £2,000. Importantly, these new fees will not affect requests made by individuals under Subject Access Request provisions, nor those made by the police for crime-solving purposes.

New fees for Section 61 consent applications, which control noise and vibration from construction sites under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, will also be implemented. These will range from £200 for small applications to £400 for medium ones, with pre-application advice costing £120. These are expected to generate around £8,500 annually.

These changes are particularly relevant for businesses and legal professionals, but the increased costs for accessing council-held CCTV footage could indirectly affect individuals if their legal cases involve such evidence. The introduction of these new fees is planned to coincide with the rollout of new, digitised processes for both services in February 2026.

You can find more details about these decisions in the Cabinet Member Single Member Decision meeting papers.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee to Review Budget and NHS Changes

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 26 January 2026, to examine the council's budget proposals for the upcoming financial year and review changes within the local NHS. The committee, which includes Councillor Hira Dhillon as Chair, will scrutinise the One Hounslow Financial Strategy (OHFS) - 2026/27 Budget Proposals, a crucial document that outlines how council funds will be allocated and how services will be delivered.

The committee will also review the NHS and Local Health System Changes Report, which will detail alterations to healthcare services in the borough. Understanding these changes is vital for residents, especially vulnerable groups who rely heavily on accessible and effective healthcare. The committee's scrutiny of these reports ensures that the council's financial plans and health service developments are robust and meet the needs of the community.

The committee also reviewed its Forward Plan and Work Programme, ensuring its oversight activities remain focused and effective.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting papers.

Hanworth Area Forum Discusses Smoke Free Generation and Portlane Brook

The Hanworth Area Forum convened on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to discuss the Smoke Free Generation initiative and environmental findings related to Portlane Brook. The forum, which included Councillor Bishnu Bahadur Gurung as Chair, provided a platform for residents to engage with local issues.

The Smoke Free Generation initiative aims to prevent young people from starting to smoke, a critical public health goal that will have long-term benefits for the community's health and wellbeing. The update on Portlane Brook from the Environment Agency will shed light on the local environment and any potential concerns.

The forum also included an Open Forum session, allowing residents to raise local concerns directly with councillors. Updates on the Action Plan were also provided, demonstrating the council's ongoing commitment to addressing local priorities.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Hanworth Area Forum meeting papers.

Other Matters

The Licensing Panel was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to consider an application for a premises licence for Debbie Jo, a bakery and coffee shop in Chiswick. However, this meeting was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Hounslow South, Isleworth and Osterley & Spring Grove Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 02 February 2026.
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 03 February 2026.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 05 February 2026.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
• The Shareholder Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 09 February 2026.