The Cabinet of Hounslow Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026, discussing the council's financial outturn for the 2025-2026 year, which showed an improved position. The meeting also focused on the delivery plan monitoring for the fourth quarter of 2025-2026, with several programmes transitioning into business as usual.

Budget Outturn 2025-2026

Councillor Max Mosley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented the Budget Outturn for the 2025-2026 financial year. The council demonstrated a much improved financial position with very low year overspend and financial maturity across the whole organisation. A key highlight was the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which had reserve levels strengthened by an additional £3 million more than initially forecasted, putting it ahead of schedule to meet its target reserve levels. Councillor Sue Sampson, Cabinet Member for Housing, expressed her happiness in taking credit for the HRA's strong performance, noting a surplus of over £5 million compared to a planned surplus of £1.7 million. The council also forecasted a standard profit of £100,000 within Lampton, its trading company. However, concerning areas requiring monitoring included schools' balances, with a national trend of falling pupil roles impacting funding, and some slippage in the capital delivery programme. The Cabinet approved the recommendations on page 16 of the report pack, with the decision carried unanimously.

Delivery Plan Monitoring - Q4 2025/26

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, introduced the Delivery Plan Monitoring report for Quarter 4 of 2025-2026, noting that it related to the previous corporate plan, Ambitious for Hounslow. He highlighted that some projects and work from the previous plan had carried over into the new corporate plan due to their longer-term nature. Recommendations on page 459 of the report pack were approved unanimously. Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Experience, noted great achievements in the report, particularly the progress made through the transformation and transforming our community experience program, which had introduced new digital processes across key services. Councillor Madeeha Asim, Cabinet Member for Children and Young Futures, highlighted strong progress across her portfolio, including the children's model of care strengthening prevention and early intervention. Councillor Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, noted the 180,000 underspend that we can put back into the Transformation Fund for further investment. Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Safety, Communities and Culture, was excited about the place portfolio looking at Feltham Town Centre and improving St Catherine's Tower as a heritage asset. Councillor Sue Sampson, Cabinet Member for Housing, added that the delivery plan conveyed significant progress on the new build programme, delivering much-needed affordable homes. Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm, highlighted progress on parks master plans and improvements to Avenue Park, Redleys Park, and Emanuel Hollow.

West Thames College - Skills+Logistics Centre (De Brome Building) Lease

Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, presented a report seeking approval for a grant of a 125-year lease to West Thames College on the De Brome Building, which is within the Council's assets. He explained that this long-term lease would support educational activity, skills training, and employment in that part of the borough and across the wider borough. Councillor Bruce stated that the lease included rent reviews and standard breaks for both parties if it was not working for either side. Councillor Chaudhry commented positively on the initiative, noting the involvement of young people in skills and learning at West Thames College. The recommendations on page 471 of the report pack were approved unanimously.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy - Update to incorporate Renters Rights Act 2025

Councillor Tom Bruce presented an update to the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy to reflect the Renters' Rights Act 2025. He explained that the Act places more emphasis on supporting renters and ensuring unscrupulous landlords are held to account. The policy update gives the council clearer and stronger powers to enforce against those not playing by the rules. Councillor Sue Sampson, Cabinet Member for Housing, seconded the report, highlighting that Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are a leading cause of homelessness and that the Renters' Rights Act puts a stop to them. She also noted that the Act ends bidding wars, meaning advertised rent is the rent paid, and makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants with children or those claiming benefits. The recommendations on page 481 of the report pack were approved unanimously.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Public Interest Report (SEND Provision)

Councillor Madeeha Asim, Cabinet Member for Children and Young Futures, introduced the report on the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's Public Interest Report concerning SEND provision. She apologised to the child and their family affected by the case, stating that the Council accepted the Ombudsman's findings, remedies, and recommendations in full. Councillor Asim emphasised that the Council's duty to secure provision in an Education, Health and Care Plan cannot be delegated, even when services are delivered by external providers. The Council is taking action to strengthen its service, including improving oversight, record keeping, decision-making timeliness and accuracy, and communication with parents. The recommendations on page 548 of the report pack were approved unanimously.

Corporate Plan 2026-2030

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, presented the new Corporate Plan, A Fairer Future, for 2026-2030. He described it as one of the most significant reports the administration would bring forward, setting the direction of travel for the next four years and reflecting the mandate given by residents. The plan is rooted in fairness, opportunity, and public service, focusing on outcomes such as better homes, neighbourhoods, opportunities for children and young people, a healthier borough, and a council residents can rely on. Councillor Asim highlighted the commitment to children and young people, including introducing newborn library cards. Councillor Amy Croft, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Enforcement and Recycling, welcomed the plan's focus on clean, safe, and well-maintained neighbourhoods. Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Experience, was delighted to see equality at the heart of the plan. Councillor Sampson reiterated the commitment to raising standards in the private rented sector and delivering affordable homes. Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm, was excited about initiatives like the West London Regional Park and the borough's first heat network. Councillor Max Mosley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, found the plan striking in its focus on supporting those in need. Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council, expressed pride in the new plan, building on the previous administration's manifesto and corporate plan. The recommendations on page 566 of the report pack were approved unanimously.

Financial Strategy 2026-27 – 2030-31

Councillor Max Mosley presented the Financial Strategy for 2026-27 to 2030-31, building on the budget outturn report. He highlighted the intention to put around £30 million into reserves over two years, setting a strong target for managing cash flow into reserves. This strategy aims to provide financial resilience after years of austerity and falling central government funding, allowing the council to start investing in itself. The recommendation on page 606 of the report pack was approved unanimously.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of press and public for the remaining items of business.