The Borough Council of Hounslow met on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, to discuss a range of issues including the Hounslow Youth Justice Plan, changes to council procedures, and the council's financial strategy. Key decisions included the approval of the Youth Justice Plan, the adoption of a revised financial strategy, and the appointment of new members to committees.

Hounslow Youth Justice Plan 2024-2027 (2026 Update)

Councillor Madeeha Asim, Cabinet Member for Children and Young Futures, presented the annual update to the Hounslow Youth Justice Plan. The plan highlighted that in 2025-26, 93 children out of approximately 68,000 in Hounslow were involved with the Youth Justice Service, with no custodial sentences issued. While this data indicates Hounslow remains a low youth crime borough, an increase in substantive outcomes, particularly for motoring and knife-related offences, was noted. The plan emphasizes a preventative approach, addressing the root causes of offending, strengthening restorative justice, and tackling disproportionality. The council resolved to approve and implement the updated plan, which aims to prevent offending and re-offending, and support young people away from crime.

Changes to the Council's Constitution

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, presented proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution concerning the Planning Committee Terms of Reference, Council Procedure Rules, and Committee Procedure Rules. These changes were necessitated by new legislation, including the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, and aimed to streamline council meetings and planning processes. The Planning Committee's membership was reduced to 13, and new national delegation arrangements for planning applications were introduced. Council Procedure Rules were amended to reinstate an 11 pm guillotine for meetings, bring back member questions, and revise the process for motions. Committee Procedure Rules were updated to allow for formal member substitutions under specific circumstances. Despite some debate and a proposed amendment by Councillor Jack Emsley, which was ultimately rejected, the council approved the revised Planning Committee Terms of Reference, Council Procedure Rules, and Committee Procedure Rules.

Appointment of Independent Member to the Audit and Governance Committee

The council approved the appointment of Lisa Nyon as an independent non-voting member to the Audit and Governance Committee. Ms Nyon, a CIMA-qualified accountant with extensive experience in finance and local government, was recommended by the Audit and Governance Committee following an interview process.

Tackling Hounslow's Social Housing Waiting List Crisis

Councillor Sampath Mudaliar proposed a motion aimed at addressing the social housing waiting list crisis by making better use of existing social housing stock. The motion proposed an enhanced downsizing incentive for tenants in larger homes, a time-limited tenancy fraud amnesty, stronger action against illegal subletting, a review of tenancy succession rules, and a 'three strikes' policy for tenancy breaches. An amendment proposed by Councillor Sue Sampson sought to reframe the motion, emphasizing existing council policies and downplaying the need for new measures. After considerable debate, the amendment was accepted by the council, significantly altering the original motion's proposals. The amended motion noted Hounslow's relatively low temporary accommodation figures compared to other London boroughs and highlighted existing downsizing incentives and efforts to tackle fraud.

Tackling Vape Shops and Bookies and Restoring Hounslow's High Streets

Councillor Karen Smith proposed a motion to welcome new government powers to regulate vape shops and betting shops, aiming to prevent their clustering in deprived areas and near schools. The motion also committed to investing in high street improvements through the Pride in Place funding and leveraging the council's convening power to support local businesses. The motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Bruce, who highlighted the resilience of Hounslow's high streets and the council's investment in town centre improvements. The motion was debated and ultimately approved.

Rewiring the State: Hounslow's Response

Councillor Scott Hill proposed a motion welcoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham's pledge to devolve power and resources to local government and tackle key societal issues. The motion called for cross-party support in welcoming commitments to address social care, homelessness, and special educational needs, and for a renewed devolution agenda that allows London boroughs and the Mayor to make strategic decisions together. The motion was seconded by Councillor Unsa Chaudri, who emphasized the importance of local decision-making and partnership working. The motion was debated and approved.

One Hounslow Financial Strategy 2026-2030

Councillor Max Mosley presented the One Hounslow Financial Strategy, highlighting the council's strong financial position with increased reserves and underspends in temporary accommodation. The strategy aims to build a council capable of delivering positive change for residents. The report was debated, with questions raised about council tax increases, measures to tackle deprivation, SEND provision, and the financial implications of the Lampton Group. The council ultimately adopted the Financial Strategy.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented the annual report, outlining the committee's work over the past year, including reviews of carer support, housing standards, and council finances. The report detailed future scrutiny priorities, such as the medium-term financial strategy and youth crime. The council noted the report.

Variation of the Members' Scheme of Allowances 2026-27

A debate took place regarding the Members' Allowances Scheme, with a proposed amendment by Councillor Tony Brown seeking to reduce the overall cost to taxpayers. The original motion, proposed by Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, aimed to restructure allowances based on time commitment and ensure public service remained accessible. After a recorded vote, the amendment was rejected, and the council approved the original motion for the revised Members' Allowances Scheme.

Tackling Fly Tipping Effectively

Councillor Jack Emsley proposed a motion calling for a review of the council's fly-tipping enforcement policy, arguing that the current £1,000 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were heavy-handed and ineffective. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Amy Croft, sought to reframe the motion, highlighting existing council efforts and data suggesting a reduction in fly-tipping compared to national trends. After debate, the amendment was accepted, and the amended motion was approved, committing to making it easier for residents to dispose of waste correctly through free bulky waste collection and community pop-up tips, while continuing to review the contract with APCOA and focus on tackling large-scale fly-tippers.

National Year of Reading - Libraries

Councillor Fiza Ahmed proposed a motion to support the National Year of Reading by extending library opening hours, introducing newborn library cards, and ensuring all children under five receive free books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library scheme. An amendment proposed by Councillor Linden Grigg sought to reframe the motion by emphasizing government achievements in literacy and questioning the Labour administration's approach. The amendment was rejected, and the substantive motion was approved.

Protecting Private Renters

Councillor Marcela Benedetti proposed a motion to welcome the adoption of the updated Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and support the robust use of the council's enhanced enforcement powers against landlords who fail to meet their legal responsibilities. The motion highlighted the Renters' Rights Act and the funding provided to Hounslow Council for implementation. The motion was debated and approved.

Decisions Taken Under Urgency Arrangements

Members noted the uses of urgency arrangements for appointments to committees and other bodies.

Appointments to Committees and Other Bodies

The council agreed to appoint Councillor Jack Emsley to the Pension Fund Panel and Councillor Ajmer Grewal to the Board of Trustees of the Gunnersbury Park CIC. Councillor Michael Denniss was nominated for appointment to the Pension Board.

Changes to the Council's Constitution (Planning Committee Terms of Reference, Council and Committee Procedure Rules)

Following a point of order and legal advice, the council proceeded to vote on recommendations 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the report concerning changes to the Planning Committee Terms of Reference and Committee Procedure Rules. Recommendation 2, relating to Council Procedure Rules, was referred to a cross-party constitutional working group. The council approved the revised Planning Committee Terms of Reference, Committee Procedure Rules, and the appointments of the Nominated Member and Nominated Officer.

The meeting concluded at 0:15 am.