This week in Hounslow:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Licensing Decisions and Health Service Reforms

This week, Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel was scheduled to consider serious allegations of illicit goods being sold at two Feltham businesses, Swan News and Newsbox. The panel was also set to review the council's licensing policy. Meanwhile, the Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss significant reforms within the local health system, including updates from the new West and North London Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the council's own Corporate Plan.

Allegations of Illicit Goods Prompt Licensing Review

The Licensing Panel was scheduled to examine applications to review the premises licences of Swan News, located at 3 Rochester Parade, High Street, Feltham, and Newsbox, at 5 Rochester Parade, High Street, Feltham. These reviews were initiated by Licensing Enforcement Officer Bob Dear, who cited concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder. Reports indicated that during inspections, illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and unlicensed medicinal products were discovered at Swan News, and illicit tobacco at Newsbox.

The potential outcomes for the licence holders could have been severe, ranging from modifications to licence conditions to the complete revocation of their licences. The panel was also scheduled to review the Hounslow Licensing Policy, which guides the council's approach to licensing applications and aims to uphold the four licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. The implications of these reviews could significantly impact local businesses and community safety.

You can find more information about these scheduled discussions in the Public reports pack for the Licensing Panel meeting.

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Systemic Changes and Corporate Vision

The Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, addressing critical updates on the evolving healthcare landscape and the council's strategic direction.

ICB Reforms and Local Impact: Katie Coleman, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the Western North London ICB, provided an update on the significant restructuring of health services across 13 boroughs. This new, large-scale ICB aims for strategic commissioning and improved population health outcomes, with an ambition to reduce reliance on acute hospital care. However, concerns were raised by board members regarding the clarity of communication from the ICB and what these changes will specifically mean for Hounslow residents. Martin Waddington, representing the council, highlighted the need for clear communication and transparency, especially regarding the integration of services and the flow of funding.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Review: Sterling Rippy presented a report summarising the progress of the Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2026. The strategy saw successes in areas like reducing childhood obesity and increasing breastfeeding rates. However, areas requiring continued focus include maternal and birth outcomes, alcohol admissions, and rough sleeping. Lessons learned, such as the need to reduce the number of priorities and focus more on inequalities, will inform the development of the next strategy. A workshop was scheduled for 6 November to discuss this.

Council's Corporate Plan Sets A Fairer Future: Councillor Lily Bath, Portfolio holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, and Sarah Filby presented the council's new Corporate Plan, A Fairer Future (2026-2030). This plan weaves a commitment to addressing inequalities throughout its four strategic themes: A Responsive Council, For Residents, For the Borough, and For the Organisation. Health and wellbeing are central to the plan, particularly in the Healthy Life objective, aiming for residents to live longer, healthier lives with reduced health inequalities. The plan emphasises a place-based approach, recognising that factors beyond the health system, such as housing and the environment, significantly impact health outcomes.

Healthwatch Report Highlights Persistent Issues: Peter Goulding, Chair of Healthwatch Hounslow, presented the Q1 Patient Experience Report. While overall satisfaction rates for GP and hospital services remain mixed, recurring themes for improvement include appointment availability and online booking systems for GPs, and A&E waiting times and communication for hospitals. The potential abolition of Healthwatch nationally was also discussed, raising questions about how resident voices will be heard in the future.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Hounslow Health and Wellbeing Board meeting transcript.

Area Forums Scheduled to Discuss Local Matters

Several Area Forums were scheduled to take place this week, providing residents with opportunities to engage with councillors on local issues.

The Central Hounslow Area Forum was scheduled to consider a presentation on highways, a community spotlight, and an open forum for public questions. The Hanworth Area Forum was also scheduled to hear from community groups, receive updates on local action plans, and hold an open forum for residents to raise concerns. These forums are crucial for ensuring local priorities are addressed and that residents have a direct line to their local representatives.

More information on the scheduled discussions for the Central Hounslow Area Forum and the Hanworth Area Forum can be found in their respective public reports packs.

This week in Hounslow:

New Children's Home Gets Green Light Amidst Funding Boost

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, has approved an additional £900,000 in capital funding and awarded a construction contract to Devcon for £1,251,392 to complete a vital new residential children's home. This decision, made at the Cabinet Member Single Member Decision meeting on Tuesday 06 October 2026, is crucial for ensuring the timely completion of the project, which was stalled due to the unexpected insolvency of the original contractor in June 2026.

The new six-bed home is designed to increase the number of local placements for children in care, reducing the council's reliance on expensive external placements and ultimately improving outcomes for young people. The original capital budget for the project was £2,896,000. However, rising material and labour costs, coupled with the contractor's insolvency, have pushed the total investment to £3,796,000.

The report highlighted the significant risks of not proceeding with the funding. If the development remained incomplete, it could lead to vandalism, unauthorised occupation, and general deterioration, incurring further costs for security and maintenance. Crucially, it would delay the provision of much-needed local care for children.

Despite the increased cost, the projected payback period has risen from 3.4 years to 4.5 years, which remains within the five-year return period initially presented to Cabinet. The decision was made under delegated authority and will be reported to the next Cabinet meeting.

You can find more information about this decision in the decision document.

Future of Thomas Layton Collection and Library Hours Under Discussion

The future of the esteemed Thomas Layton Collection and the potential impact of extended library opening hours were on the agenda for the meeting of The Thomas Layton Collection on Wednesday 07 October 2026. While this meeting was scheduled, we have no evidence that it took place or that any decisions were made.

Discussions were expected to cover:

• Cataloguing Project Update: Progress on cataloguing the collection, including the involvement of volunteers and the identification of books requiring conservation. The aim is to make catalogue information more accessible online.
• London Museum Collaboration: An update from the London Museum on their work with the collection, including auditing, cataloguing, and preparations for their new site opening in November 2026. This includes discussions on how the collection is used in educational programmes.
• Library Opening Hours Consultation: The potential implications of the council's consultation on extending library opening hours for the Thomas Layton Collection.
• Trust Accounts and Investments: A review of the Trust's financial performance and potential uses for its reserves, including conservation projects.
• Gunnersbury Park Proposals: A discussion on past ambitions for a local history and archive centre at Gunnersbury Park, and the financial challenges associated with such a project.
• Election of Chair: The process for electing a new Chair for the Trust.
• Visibility of the Collection: Suggestions for increasing the visibility of the Thomas Layton Collection within Brentford and across the borough.

The Thomas Layton Collection is a significant historical resource, and these discussions are vital for its preservation and accessibility for future generations.

This week in Hounslow:

Council Boosts Support for Vulnerable Residents with New Fund Allocations

Hounslow Council is stepping up its efforts to support residents facing financial hardship and build long-term resilience. The Publishable Officer Decisions meeting on Wednesday 30 September 2026 discussed the allocation of the first tranche of funding from the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). This fund, totalling £15.4 million over three years, is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions to help those struggling with essential costs like food, energy, and housing, and to prevent homelessness.

The council is directing significant resources towards immediate relief and future stability:

• Cash-First Crisis Payment Scheme: £1,825,000 has been allocated to provide essential support for food, energy, water, and clothing. This direct financial aid is crucial for families and individuals struggling to meet basic needs.
• Housing Payment Scheme: £835,000 will continue to support residents with housing costs, aiming to prevent homelessness and ensure people can keep their homes. This scheme is a successor to the previous Discretionary Housing Payment offer.
• Community Support: Funding has been earmarked for new Community Hub Advisors and a Domestic Abuse Recovery & Resilience Worker. These roles will provide tailored support to residents facing hardship and those affected by domestic abuse, helping them access services and build financial resilience.
• Employment and Skills: A £537,059 programme will establish employment and skills support, including dedicated advisors and an access fund, to help residents overcome barriers to employment.
• Partnerships: The council is continuing its partnership with Greater Change CIC for a personalised grants programme aimed at preventing homelessness. Funding has also been allocated to Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations that provide vital early intervention and resilience-building services.

These allocations are designed to align with the council's Corporate Plan, A Fairer Future, by tackling inequality and supporting residents in key areas of their lives. While these measures offer vital support, it's important to note that after these initial allocations, approximately £820,864 of the 2026/27 CRF provision remains unallocated, with a portion set aside as contingency.

You can find more information about these discussions in the Publishable Officer Decisions meeting papers.

Council Moves to Bring Financial Assessment Service In-House

In a move to gain greater control and improve service delivery, Hounslow Council is planning to bring its Financial Assessment service back in-house. The Publishable Officer Decisions meeting on Wednesday 30 September 2026 was scheduled to consider a proposal to transition the service from its current outsourced provider, Liberata UK Ltd, before the contract's conclusion in September 2027.

The proposed transition date for in-house delivery was 1 September 2026. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to insource several services, allowing the council to learn from each transition and apply those lessons to future projects. The Financial Assessment service has been outsourced since 2017.

Bringing the service in-house is expected to cost £120,000 in revenue and £10,000 in capital expenditure, funded from the Corporate Services Contract Review Programme budget. However, the council anticipates recurring cost reductions of at least £14,000 per annum from the financial year 2027/28 onwards.

The council believes this move will:

• Enhance Customer Experience: Align with the council's principles of a person-centred approach and improve accessibility for residents.
• Improve Service Performance: Provide greater oversight and control over service data and delivery.
• Foster Joined-Up Working: Facilitate better collaboration with related services, such as the collection of Adult Social Care client contributions.

The transition will involve a variation to the existing contract with Liberata UK Ltd and will be managed in compliance with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE), which protects employees' rights when a business or undertaking is transferred from one employer to another.

You can find more information about these discussions in the Publishable Officer Decisions meeting papers.

Licensing Panel Postponed Amidst Review of Local Businesses

The Licensing Panel meeting, originally scheduled for Monday 28 September 2026, has been postponed. This meeting was set to consider critical reviews of premises licences for two local businesses in Feltham: Swan News t/a U R Local and Newsbox. Both applications, submitted by Licensing Enforcement Officer Bob Dear, cited concerns about the licence holders failing to uphold the licensing objective of the prevention of crime and disorder.

The reports indicated that during inspections, illicit cigarettes, tobacco, and other products were found at both premises. The council's Licensing Enforcement team had recommended the ultimate sanction of revoking the premises licences for both Swan News and Newsbox. The panel was also scheduled to review the council's Statement of Licensing Policy.

The postponement means these important decisions regarding local businesses and public safety are delayed. Further details on the rescheduled meeting will be provided once confirmed.

You can find more information about the originally scheduled discussions in the Licensing Panel meeting papers.

Other Matters

The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 1 October 2026 was cancelled.

This week in Hounslow:

Local Areas Focus on Improvements, from Traffic to Community Spaces

Area Forums across Hounslow have been busy discussing local action plans and community initiatives, aiming to improve the everyday lives of residents. These forums serve as vital platforms for residents to voice concerns and for councillors to provide updates on local projects.

Bedfont and Feltham: Tackling Traffic and Enhancing High Streets

The Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum met on Thursday 24 September 2026, with a strong focus on tangible improvements for the local area. Key discussions included:

• Baber Bridge Improvements: This project, aimed at enhancing traffic flow and pedestrian and cyclist routes, is currently in its design stages with a consultant selection process underway. Residents first raised concerns about this area in 2022.
• Bedfont High Street Improvements: Initiatives to improve safety and the local environment on Bedfont High Street are progressing, with plans for bollard installation scheduled for late January to early February. These efforts address resident concerns about pavement parking and pedestrian access.
• Feltham High Street Engagement: A multi-agency approach is being strengthened to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve community safety on Feltham High Street. This includes regular joint patrols and the planned establishment of a new Feltham Business Ward Panel to give businesses a formal voice.
• Sparrow Farm Resurfacing: Residents' concerns about road conditions in Sparrow Farm are being addressed, with the expectation of Department for Transport allocation in the New Year to inform the next steps for resurfacing works.
• Grosvenor Park Residents Association: The establishment of this association aims to empower residents to take action in their community, focusing on initiatives like litter picks to improve the local environment.
• Derelict Cash Machine and Signage: While a planning application for the removal of a derelict cash machine has been agreed, the issue of derelict signage remains, with the council in contact with the electricity provider for its removal.

The forum also included a Community Spotlight and an Open Forum, where residents could raise a range of local issues, from the condition of pavements and bins on Bedfont High Street to concerns about youth violence and the accessibility of Bedfont Lakes Country Park.

Brentford and Syon: Driving Local Development and Community Engagement

The Brentford and Syon Area Forum convened on Monday 21 September 2026, with a significant focus on local development and resident engagement. Discussions included:

• Brentford High Street and Development: Updates were provided on the Brentford Project, with discussions on selecting commercial tenants who will benefit local residents. The issue of vacant retail spaces was also addressed, with officers in discussions with potential businesses. Concerns were raised about the marketing approach for commercial units and the future of Waterman's Marina, where the developer's guarantor has entered administration.
• Council Initiatives and Community Issues: Updates covered various council initiatives, including the provision of a Christmas Tree for Brentford Market and efforts to address fly-tipping near Harnage House. The council's zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping, including increased fines and a new enforcement team, was highlighted. Concerns were also raised about the potential misimplementation of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and the enforcement of parking regulations.
• Resident Engagement and Open Forum: A dedicated Open Forum allowed residents to raise concerns about bus shelter design, real-time bus information, and access to planning officers. Issues regarding the potential loss of rowing facilities and the need for activities for older children were also discussed. Surface water flooding in Windmill Road and the lack of trees in new developments were also brought to the council's attention. A breakout session was held to gather resident input on local issues and priorities for the Brentford Area.

Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel Sets its Course

The Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 22 September 2026. While no formal decisions were recorded as the meeting information is pending council publication, the panel focused on establishing its operational framework. Discussions centred on the panel's deep dive process and the development of its terms of reference. This is a crucial step in ensuring the panel can effectively scrutinise the council's health and adult care services, holding them to account and ensuring they meet the needs of all residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

Pension Fund Panel Reviews Financial Health

The Pension Fund Panel met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to review the financial performance and strategic direction of the Hounslow Pension Fund. Key discussions included:

• Annual Business Plan and Training: The panel reviewed the proposed work programme for the upcoming financial year, anticipating increased policy updates due to changes in Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations. Training for panel members to meet strengthened knowledge requirements was also discussed.
• Quarterly Performance Reports: The fund's investment performance was reviewed, showing a positive return of 7.9% for the quarter ending 30 June 2026, outperforming the benchmark. The market value of the fund's investments stood at £1,498.9 million. Challenges related to the McCloud remedy¹ and late contribution payments were also noted.
• Risk Register: The panel reviewed an updated risk register, with increases in the assessment of geopolitical risk and risks related to council and pool specialist resourcing.

This oversight is vital for ensuring the long-term financial security of the pension fund, which supports many former and current council employees.