The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 20 January 2026 saw the approval of a new four-year CCTV maintenance contract, a significant investment in new padel courts at two leisure centres, and the disposal of council land for the development of social rented homes. The meeting also addressed the council's tax base for the upcoming year, the future of Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, and the implementation of recommendations from a recent Corporate Peer Challenge.

Council Tax Base 2026-27

Cabinet approved the Council Tax Base for 2026/27 at 94,586.52 Band D equivalent units. This represents an increase of 483.92 units compared to the previous year, contributing to an estimated net increase of £772,000 in revenue raised from Council Tax. The Council Tax collection rate included in the calculation was noted at 98.25%, an increase from the previous year's 98.0%, reflecting improved collection methods and current performance. The Executive Director of Finance and Resources will approve the submission of the NNDR 1 return by the statutory deadline of 31 January 2026. A proposed increase in the age at which care leavers become liable for Council Tax, from 21 to their 25th birthday, was also incorporated into the tax base calculation, subject to the final budget approval.

CCTV Maintenance Contract

A new four-year CCTV maintenance contract was approved, commencing on 1st April 2026 and concluding on 31st March 2030, with a total value of £2,306,540. This contract will be managed via the Islington Framework as a Call Off Contract. The contract covers the regular servicing and repairs of the Council's community safety, housing, and traffic enforcement cameras, as well as all associated technical equipment. This decision supports the Council's Corporate Plan 2022-2026 and the Safer Communities Strategy 2024-2027, aiming to keep Hounslow a safe borough by deterring crime, detecting anti-social behaviour, and providing reassurance to communities.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Dwelling Rents and Service Charges 2026-27

Cabinet approved increases to tenant service charges from 6th April 2025 and a 4.8% increase to Council social housing dwelling rents from 6th April 2026, in line with government policy. A reduction in District Heating consumption charges by an average of £2.94 per week was also approved, reflecting stabilised energy costs. The estimated leasehold and freehold management fee for 2026/27 was set at £352 per annum, with reduced fees for those receiving fewer services. A 4.8% increase in garage rents, mobility scooter storage, and charges for replacement garage locks and barrier keys was also agreed. Authority was delegated to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Homelessness, to implement these recommendations and to determine the Council's response to the government's consultation on rent convergence, potentially implementing an additional increase of up to £1 per week from 6th April 2026.

Golden Mile Investment Framework

Cabinet approved the Golden Mile Investment Framework (GMIF), a strategic plan outlining a 15-year vision for regeneration and transformation of the area. The framework aims to establish the Golden Mile as a leading Creative-Tech Innovation District, focusing on key ambitions such as becoming a hub for digital media, advanced technologies, knowledge excellence, and cultural experiences. Cabinet also approved the allocation of £1,115,000 funding to support the implementation of Phase 1 strategic priority projects, as detailed in Exempt Appendix 3. Delegated authority was granted to the Director for Regeneration and Economic Growth to approve procurement and contractual decisions related to this programme under £1m.

New Padel Courts at Isleworth and Hanworth Leisure Centres

Cabinet approved the delivery of a project to convert two underused tennis courts into three padel courts at both Hanworth and Isleworth Leisure Centres. A project budget of £950,000, funded from the general fund capital programme unallocated budget, was approved for the delivery of these courts. A drawdown of £90,000 was approved for the next phase of work, including design and planning. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Finances and Resources to approve further drawdown of the project budget, subject to Outline and Full Business Case approval. Delegated authority was also given to the Acting Director of Environmental Services to commence procurement and award contracts, and to the Director of ICP and Commissioning to instruct legal contract variations with Lampton Leisure. This initiative aims to revitalise underutilised assets, diversify the borough's leisure offer, and support health and wellbeing priorities, with projected additional income of £1.4 million over four years.

Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre Update

Cabinet agreed to develop a scheme on the Fountain Leisure Centre site in Brentford based on the preferred option of a wet and dry leisure centre combined with residential enabling development. A hybrid planning application, detailing the leisure centre and outlining the residential aspect, will be submitted. Authority was granted to commence procurement for Legal, Commercial, and Technical advisors to undertake further feasibility and design work, and to carry out procurement and market engagement to inform an Outline Business Case. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Asset Strategy to award any necessary contracts. A budget of £4.353m, funded from the Council's unallocated General Fund Capital Programme budget, was approved for these activities and to address asset-related priority works at the current Fountain Leisure Centre.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Report and Action Plan

Cabinet noted the findings of the Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) conducted in November 2025, which concluded that the Council is performing strongly with effective leadership, sound governance, and financial resilience. Nine key recommendations were made by the peer team, focusing on areas such as strengthening partnerships, clarifying EDI and community engagement approaches, improving internal coordination, and communicating the Council's vision and financial position more clearly. Cabinet agreed the Action Plan, detailed in Appendix 2, which outlines the steps the Council will take to address these recommendations. Progress against this plan will be reported until complete.

Registered Provider Small Sites Programme

Cabinet approved the disposal of six Council garage sites and the site at Clements Court to a selected Registered Provider(s) for the development of social rented homes. The agreement will ensure 100% nominations to these new homes in perpetuity. Authority was delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Lead Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, to agree the selected development partner, final capital receipt, terms and conditions of disposal, and to employ professional services. This initiative aims to deliver much-needed social rented homes on underutilised council land, contributing to the Council's housing delivery targets and improving the wellbeing of the area.

The meeting concluded with the noting of the date for the next scheduled meeting on Tuesday 10 February 2026.