The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel met to discuss flooding and flood resilience, receiving an update from Hounslow Highways and engaging in discussions to develop recommendations. The panel also reviewed notes from previous meetings and discussed guidance for scrutiny recommendations and future work programme topics.

Flooding and Flood Resilience

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update from Tim Hurley, Divisional Director of Hounslow Highways, on flooding and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). He reported that £2.4 million from Thames Water is being invested in SUDS, with surface improvements expected by July/August. However, concerns were raised about the maintenance and aftercare of these schemes, requiring internal investment to maintain amenity standards. The council manages approximately 20,000 gulleys, cleaned on an 18-month cycle, though access issues like parked vehicles can cause blockages.

Members also discussed ongoing engagement with Thames Water regarding infrastructure limitations and noted emergency work undertaken at Chiswick Mall to stabilise a retaining wall. The panel heard about limitations of current infrastructure, challenges in resident engagement, and the need for better coordination with external partners.

Further community engagement was highlighted, with a site visit to Brentford and feedback from engagement with the Heston Action Group and the Crane Valley Partnership. Key concerns raised included flooding linked to paved-over front gardens and insufficient drainage, a lack of clarity on how planning policy addresses water discharge and permeability, and the role of Thames Water in flood resilience planning. The importance of protecting green spaces and preventing pollution was also emphasised.

Developing Scrutiny Recommendations

The panel received guidance on developing effective scrutiny recommendations, drawing on feedback from the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny. Emphasis was placed on the importance of executive and partner engagement, and the application of SMART principles. Discussions focused on the number and scope of recommendations, with members advocating for stronger recommendations on infrastructure investment and maintenance, targeting responsible agencies like Thames Water and the Environment Agency, and reflecting planning policy implications, particularly concerning permeable surfaces and large developments.

A workshop was held to develop findings and recommendations for the panel's deep dive into flood resilience. Draft recommendations were presented, and members provided input on merging and strengthening them for greater impact. Specific issues to be incorporated included HMO licensing, garden paving, maintenance responsibilities, and improving coordination across boroughs and with regional partners. The Canal and River Trust was also mentioned as a potential partner in water quality and flood mitigation efforts.

Other Business

The panel reviewed and agreed the minutes of their previous meeting held on 11th March 2024. They also noted factual corrections to the notes from meetings held on 10th October 2024, 6th November 2024, and 28th January 2025. Members also completed a survey regarding the support they received during the year and to inform the topics for the 2025/26 work programme. No urgent business was raised. The next meeting is scheduled for 18th June 2025.