This week in Hounslow:

Cloud Computing Contract Award Postponed

A decision regarding the award of a three-year cloud computing contract to Cirrus Limited has been postponed. Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council and Portfolio holder for Strategy, Resources and External Affairs, was scheduled to make the decision, but the meeting did not take place. The contract, valued at £1,226,000, would have supported the council's migration to Amazon Web Services (AWS) through the One Government Value Agreement (OGVA) and the G-Cloud-14 framework.

• The council aims to reduce its reliance on its own data centre, which is more expensive and less energy-efficient than cloud providers.
• The move to AWS is part of the council's Digital Strategy and Transforming Community Experience (TCE) initiative.
• The council anticipates cost reductions of £312,000 over three years due to discounted pricing through the OGVA.
• The migration is expected to reduce the power bill in Hounslow House by £14,580 per annum, contributing to the council's climate emergency goals.

Community Safety Partnership Tackles Violence and Crime

The Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board met to discuss strategies for reducing crime and supporting vulnerable groups. The meeting is available here. Councillor Pritam Grewal chaired the meeting.

Violence Against Women and Girls Plan

Jacqueline Duke, Head of Safer Partnerships and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) at LBH (London Borough of Hounslow), presented an update on the Violence Against Women and Girls Plan 2023-2026, including proposed activities for the third year:

• Launching the Harmony Programme for older community members, addressing abuse from adult children and grandchildren.
• Piloting the Speak Up programme at Heston Primary School to teach children about healthy relationships.
• Delivering modern-day slavery awareness workshops at a male contingency accommodation site, in collaboration with the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service.
• Introducing a Safer Communities Co-ordinator for Men and Boys to promote positive male role models and break the cycle of violence.
• Providing targeted training to staff in Care Homes, Contingency Hotels, and Transport for London Bus Drivers to respond effectively to abuse and harassment.
• Improving children's understanding of healthy relationships and consent through sessions at the Junior Citizens event and consent workshops in schools.
• Developing more effective risk identification and management through a newly embedded Risk Management Unit alongside Public Protection investigation teams.
• Exploring the implementation of the Ask for Angela¹ and Safe Spaces initiative with businesses in Hounslow.

Safer Communities Strategy

Shahernaz Kargar, Safer Communities Manager at LBH, presented the Safer Communities Strategy 2024-27, including the end of Year 1 report and the Year 2 delivery plan. Proposed activities for Year 2 (2025/2026) include:

• Police targeting key areas (Hounslow Town Centre, Feltham and Chiswick/Brentford) to keep residents and businesses safe.
• Continued collaboration with agencies and community services to support Integrated Offender Management (IOM) participants and reduce reoffending.
• Continued delivery of the Violence and Vulnerability Reduction Action Plan (VRAP) to reduce violence and vulnerability through safeguarding, early intervention, and diversionary options.
• Police collaboration on the Police Project ADDER² team to improve treatment diversion and achieve a 65% success rate for continuity of care targets.
• Maintaining regular patrols across public spaces to reduce neighbourhood crime.
• Increasing council presence in key locations with higher reports of anti-social behaviour through regular engagement events.
• Continuing the detached outreach service to enhance activities delivered in 2024/2025.
• Launching a new role to support men and boys affected by violence, promoting positive male behaviours.
• Addressing online crime within training regarding identifying predatory behaviours.
• Encouraging client feedback post-intervention through surveys for victims in therapeutic groups.
• Increasing engagement with diverse and inclusive groups in the community, attending partnership groups linked to the council's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team.
• Organising events to engage young people, equipping them with knowledge and skills to enhance personal safety.
• Successfully delivering London's Violence Reduction Unit MyEnds Project, led in partnership by Perfectly Imperfect, Can you Challenge, and Hounslow Council, to engage with and divert residents from criminality and enhance feelings of safety.
• Improving the availability and accessibility of information regarding reporting safety concerns and ASB, with a focus on enhancing the online interface.

Other Discussions

The board also discussed a review of the Community Safety Partnership's statutory duties, the Safer Communities Dashboard, the Hounslow Youth Justice Plan 2025/26, an update on the MyEnds Project 2024/26, the White Ribbon Action Plan, and the CSP Board Forward Plan.

Street Trading Licence Sparks Highways Objection

The Licensing Panel met to consider an application from Y.M.F.G GROUP LTD for a temporary street trading licence for 'Everyday Fruits & Veggies' on Hounslow High Street. The meeting is available here.

• The applicant sought to sell fruit and vegetables daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
• Hounslow Highways recommended refusal, citing existing problems with fruit and vegetable sellers on the High Street.
• Concerns included traders exceeding licensed areas, improper storage of goods, waste management, and health and safety issues.
• The Licensing Panel was also scheduled to review guidance on declaring interests under the Members' Code of Conduct³ and appoint a chair for the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 07 August 2025.

This week in Hounslow:

Goan Music Festival Afterparty Sparks Police Concerns

The Licensing Panel was scheduled to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for the Goan Music Festival Afterparty at Springwest Academy, but the Metropolitan Police raised serious concerns. The meeting is available here. Police Constable Mark Johnstone stated that the event could lead to antisocial behaviour, injuries, and damage due to potential conflicts arising from people trying to enter the afterparty.

• The TEN application requested permission for alcohol sales, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment from 8 PM on July 27th to 5 AM on July 28th.
• PC Johnstone recommended that the TEN not proceed, and threatened to object at a licensing hearing if the application was not withdrawn.
• Concerns were raised about security arrangements, dispersal of festival attendees, and measures to prevent disturbance to local residents.
• The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) had previously raised concerns about the event's Event Management Plan (EMP), which had not been addressed in the updated version.

The panel was also scheduled to review guidance on declaring interests under the Members' Code of Conduct, reminding members to consider potential conflicts of interest when discussing agenda items.

Council Declares War On Waste Criminals Amid Fly-Tipping Surge

The Borough Council convened to address a range of issues, including a motion to declare war on waste criminals. The meeting is available here. Councillor Tony Louki proposed the motion, highlighting that Hounslow Highways responded to 23,543 incidents of fly-tipping in the last municipal year.

• The motion aims to raise awareness of the consequences for those who commit crimes against our streets and to publicise successful investigations and the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)¹.
• Councillor Louki emphasized that fly-tipping is a blight on our streets and that the council needs to do more to tackle the issue.
• The council also considered motions to tackle child poverty through the Free School Meal extension and to put culture at the heart of the council's growth and regeneration strategy.

The council was also asked to approve a Statement of Licensing Policy and Cumulative Impact Research Report, following a public consultation held earlier this year. The key changes to the policy included a more concise policy focused on local issues and reflecting a wider range of council policies, as well as new sections that add a richer and more detailed use of the local plan, with sections on each town centre.

Hanworth Residents Petition Against E-Bike Parking Bay

The Hanworth Area Forum met to discuss local issues, including a petition signed by 82 people requesting the removal of an experimental e-bike parking bay in Elizabeth Way. The meeting is available here.

• The petition stated that the parking bay is infrequently used and that residents had suggested an alternative location on Snakey Lane at its junction with Sunbury Way.
• The forum was also scheduled to discuss updates to its action plan, including issues such as fly-tipping, the use of open green spaces, and traffic build-up on Swan Road.
• Other matters arising from previous meetings included Lime Bike operations, speed signs on the A316 slip roads, and faults with pedestrian crossing signals.

Other Matters

• The Borough Council was scheduled to appoint Mandy Skinner as Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, as well as the Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer. The meeting is available here.
• The Borough Council was scheduled to consider the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2024/2025, summarizing the work of the committee and its panels over the past year. The meeting is available here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 07 August 2025.
• The Hou is scheduled to meet on Thursday 31 July 2025.

This week in Hounslow:

Domino's Pizza Licence Rejected After Resident Uproar

The Licensing Panel has rejected an application from Delmon Pizza Ltd, trading as Domino's Pizza, for a late-night refreshment licence at its Chiswick High Road branch. The meeting is available here. The decision follows strong opposition from local residents and Councillor John Todd, who cited concerns about noise, traffic, and antisocial behaviour.

• The application sought permission to provide late-night refreshment between 11 PM and 1 AM, Monday to Sunday.
• Residents argued that extended hours would increase noise from delivery vehicles and customers, disrupting their sleep.
• Concerns were raised about increased traffic and potential risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
• Existing issues with Domino's delivery drivers, including speeding and using residential streets as toilets, were highlighted.

The Licensing Panel's decision reflects the council's commitment to balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of residents, particularly regarding public nuisance and safety. The decision may be seen as a victory for residents who voiced their concerns and actively participated in the licensing process.

Council Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Investment Strategy and Risk Management

The Pension Board convened to discuss key aspects of the fund's management, performance, and compliance. The meeting is available here. The agenda included reviewing the Pension Board's forward plan, monitoring reports, administration performance, and compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the board was expected to discuss the draft annual report and consider its annual work programme.

• The board reviewed the proposed work programme for 2025/26, outlining key activities and areas of focus.
• Key monitoring aspects of the pension fund were discussed, including breaches and late payments, an update on the Pensions Dashboard Programme¹, and proposed changes to the LGPS² in the MHCLG consultation.
• The board assessed the fund's compliance with the TPR General Code of Practice, reviewing completed modules of the code compliance toolkit.
• Progress on compliance with the good governance guide and investment review (pooling) requirements was noted.

The discussions highlight the importance of effective risk management and compliance in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension fund, which provides retirement benefits for local government workers in Hounslow.

Health Board Prioritises Autism Support and Carer Services

The Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss key strategic plans and initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents. The meeting is available here. Key topics included the All Age Autism Strategic Plan, the Adult Social Care (ASC) Carers Service, and the Healthwatch Hounslow Annual Report.

• The board discussed the All Age Autism Strategic Plan, co-produced by Autism Hounslow and Hounslow Council, which sets out Hounslow's offer to autistic people and their families.
• The new Adult Social Care Carers Service model was discussed, with the principal aims of proactively identifying and recognising unpaid carers, and offering them timely and relevant information and advice.
• The Healthwatch Hounslow Annual Report 2024–2025 was noted, highlighting that Healthwatch Hounslow supported more than 5,000 people to have their say and get information about their care.

The discussions reflect the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, including autistic individuals and unpaid carers, and ensuring that their voices are heard in the planning and delivery of health and social care services.

Other Matters

• The Audit and Governance Committee discussed risk management, treasury management, the annual governance statement, internal audit, and the council's draft statement of accounts. The meeting is available here.
• The Brentford and Syon Area Forum met to discuss community focus groups and the Thriving Communities Fund, as well as the opportunity for residents to ask questions. The meeting is available here.
• The Central Hounslow Area Forum met to discuss community support initiatives, and provide a platform for public questions. The meeting is available here.
• A Cabinet Member Single Member Decision was published. The meeting is available here. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Hanworth Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 21 July 2025.
• The Borough Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 28 July 2025.
• Publishable Officer Decisions are scheduled to be published on Thursday 31 July 2025.
• Hou is scheduled to meet on Thursday 31 July 2025.

This week in Hounslow:

Dog Fouling Divides Opinion: Council Approves New Enforcement Measures

The Cabinet has approved the London Borough of Hounslow Responsible Dog Ownership Public Spaces Protection Order 2025 (PSPO), set to take effect from 30 September 2025 for three years. The meeting is available here. This decision follows a public consultation that revealed strong opinions on both sides, with 69% supporting the PSPO and 20% against it. The PSPO aims to curb antisocial behaviour related to dogs, addressing concerns about dog fouling and safety in public spaces.

• The PSPO introduces prohibitions in 'dog exclusion' areas like playgrounds, 'dogs on leads only' zones, and empowers officers to require dogs to be leashed.
• It limits the number of dogs one person can walk to four and mandates carrying poop scoop bags.
• Critics worry about the impact on responsible dog owners and the potential for over-enforcement.
• Supporters argue it's a necessary step to maintain clean and safe public spaces for everyone.

Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, emphasized the need for responsible dog ownership to preserve the borough's parks and public spaces.

Schools Face Financial Strain: Forum Discusses Budget Overspend and Support for Pupils with SEND

The Schools Forum met to address critical financial challenges and discuss support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The meeting is available here. The forum reviewed the 2024/25 budget outturn, revealing a significant overspend of £14.8 million in the general fund, impacting various council services.

• The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) showed a smaller underspend than budgeted, but the high needs DSG reserve still faces a substantial deficit.
• The forum discussed school balances, identifying schools with deficits and excess balances, with potential clawbacks for those exceeding the limit for three consecutive years.
• A new One Hounslow Banded Funding Model for SEND support was presented, aiming to provide equitable funding across mainstream and special schools.

The financial pressures on schools could lead to cuts in essential services and resources, disproportionately affecting vulnerable students. The new SEND funding model aims to address these challenges by ensuring that pupils receive the support they need, regardless of their school setting.

Licensing Policy Under Review: Balancing Business Needs with Community Concerns

The Licensing & General Purposes Committee met to discuss proposed changes to the Hounslow Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-2025. The meeting is available here. The committee is considering whether to retain, modify, or remove the cumulative impact area¹, based on updated research and public consultation.

• The updated policy aims to be more concise and locally focused, integrating licensing with other council policies like the Local Plan and Community Safety Strategy.
• The committee reviewed the existing Cumulative Impact Assessment Research report, which covers Hounslow Town centre, Heston, and Cranford.
• Public consultation results showed overall support for the revised policy, but opinions were divided on the continuation of the Cumulative Impact Assessment.

The decisions made by the committee will shape the future of licensing in Hounslow, balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of residents about crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet discussed the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, school organisation, children's care, the council's financial strategy, and extra care housing. The meeting is available here.
• The Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum met to discuss community safety, local action plans, and a petition requesting CCTV in Bedfont North. The meeting is available here.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education met. No video was provided. The meeting is available here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 14 July 2025.
• The Brentford and Syon Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 14 July 2025.
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to consider an application for a new premises licence for a Domino's Pizza branch.
• The Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
• The Central Hounslow Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025.
• A Cabinet Member Single Member Decision is scheduled to be published on Friday 18 July 2025.
• The Hanworth Area Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 21 July 2025.
• The Borough Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025.