The Hounslow Borough Council meeting included the adoption of a new transport strategy, discussion of member allowances, and a review of the council's constitution. Councillors also approved the appointment of independent members to the Audit and Governance Committee and addressed questions on street lighting and other local issues.

Transport Strategy

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, introduced the new transport strategy for the borough, which aims to make travel safe, efficient, inclusive, healthy, clean, and green. The strategy addresses an expected 24% increase in daily trips by 2041 and aligns with the council's corporate plan pillars¹. It focuses on safer journeys, healthy places, environmental improvement, and supporting sustainable travel.

Some councillors criticised the strategy for being vague, lacking action plans, and not addressing concerns about low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs). Councillor Thompson said:

This transport strategy feels less like a road map and more like a lost sat-nav stuck in the Triswick roundabout. It's big on aspiration... but short on action and, frankly, tone-deaf to the concerns of many residents.

Councillor Ron Mushiso raised concerns about the consultation process and the strategy's focus on cycling, arguing it does not adequately address the needs of car users. Councillor Gerald McGregor criticised the strategy's lack of reference to Heathrow Airport and the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.

Councillor Tom Bruce defended the strategy, stating the Labour administration is pro-alternative and sustainable travel, not anti-car. Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, added that the strategy is a starting point and sits alongside other strategies.

The council approved the new transport strategy despite the opposition.

Pay Policy Statement

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat presented the pay policy statement for 2025/26, a statutory requirement under the Localism Act 2011, which outlines the council's approach to pay for senior leaders and its lowest-paid employees. The report indicated a stable pay multiple² of 8.7 and highlighted a slight increase in the gender pay gap.

Councillor Gabriella Giles raised questions about allowance payments for chief officers and the reasons for the increased gender pay gaps. Councillor Rajawat acknowledged the organisation is undergoing change and committed to addressing pay parity.

The council approved the pay policy statement.

Members' Scheme of Allowances

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat introduced the report on the members' scheme of allowances, explaining that increases are pegged to staff pay awards, following recommendations from the independent remuneration panel.

Councillor Joanna Biddolph questioned the role of cabinet assistants and suggested the money be used to fill potholes instead. Councillor Amritpal Mann compared the council's approach unfavourably to that of the interim president of Burkina Faso, who chose not to increase his salary. Councillor Theo Dennison criticised councillors who do not attend meetings and called for the abolition of the chief whip position.

Councillor Rajawat defended the allowances, stating that councillors are working 24/7 and should be remunerated accordingly. He also committed to pushing for an independent panel to look at councillor pay.

The council approved the members' scheme of allowances.

Constitutional Review

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat presented the latest tranche of the constitutional review, which included changes to meeting durations, question procedures, and motion rules. Councillor Peter Thompson raised concerns about the reduction in opposition motions, arguing it erodes accountability and debate. Councillor Jack Emsley echoed these concerns, stating the changes would limit the diversity of views heard during council deliberations.

Councillor John Stroud-Turp argued the changes reflect the composition of the council, and Councillor Rajawat stated the ability to raise urgent issues is still protected.

The council approved the constitutional review.

Appointment of Independent Members to the Audit and Governance Committee

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat proposed the appointment of John Turnbull and Fay Kana as independent members to the Audit and Governance Committee, to bring richness of views and challenge and scrutiny to the committee. Councillor Gerald McGregor requested more detailed CVs for the appointees.

The council approved the appointments.

Other Matters

• Councillors noted the election of Councillors Theo Dennison and Max Mosley following recent by-elections.
• Councillor Peter Thompson presented a petition from Tudor State residents regarding the removal of an e-bike parking bay in Elsbeth.
• Councillors declared interests as landlords in the borough. Councillors Bishnu Bahadur Gurung, Vickram Gurren, Junue Meah, Ranjit Gill, Afzaal Kiani, Pritam Gurren, Ajmer Grewal, Shivraj Grewal, and Muhammad Shakeel Akram all declared that they owned properties in the borough.
• Councillor Allan Joseph asked Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities, about the dimming of street lights.
• Councillor Jack Emsley asked Councillor Ajmer Grewal about the impact of dimmer lights and poorer road surfaces on cyclists and pedestrians.
• Councillor Joanna Biddolph asked Councillor Ajmer Grewal about the post-collection litter pick programme.
• Councillor Aysha Tariq asked about school admissions in the borough.
• Councillor Gurmail Lal asked about improvements to the library service.
• Councillors approved a motion to reaffirm its position that Heathrow Airport should be better, not bigger.
• Councillors approved a motion to take a zero tolerance approach to rogue landlords.
• Councillors noted decisions taken under urgency arrangements.