The upcoming local elections in Hounslow on May 7 will significantly influence how essential services such as housing, social care, and street cleaning are managed. As part of our election coverage, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) interviewed all party leaders in Hounslow about their priorities and pledges. Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, the current Labour Leader of the Council, was previously interviewed in a separate article outlining Labour's plans if they retain control.
Challengers to Labour
Challenging Labour are Councillor Peter Thompson, leading the Hounslow Conservatives, and Roger Crouch, Chair of Hounslow Liberal Democrats and former Richmond councillor. The Green Party and Reform UK were invited but did not respond.
Conservative Priorities
Cllr Thompson emphasized fixing basics, focusing on "bread and butter issues," value for money, and restoring democracy. He stated: "We strongly believe that money belongs to residents, and we are stewards of that money. We want to ensure it is spent well. Across Hounslow, we see areas where the council is not spending wisely or adopting delivery methods that are not best for residents."
Liberal Democrat Priorities
Roger Crouch highlighted reconnecting with residents, reforming local governance, and pragmatic environmentalism. He said: "Labour has become distant from residents, focusing on national and internal politics. We champion our residents, staying in contact between elections to resolve issues."
Tax Policies
Cllr Thompson committed to freezing council tax when possible but acknowledged it is a "big ask" due to funding formulas incentivizing a 4.99% increase. He added: "If a freeze proves impossible, we pledge improvements so residents see their money spent wisely, not on vanity projects."
The Liberal Democrat manifesto criticizes Labour for raising council tax, but Mr. Crouch admitted councils must increase tax without fairer national funding. He added: "Fixing issues doesn't always save money. Hounslow needs investment in permanent repairs, not temporary fixes like potholes that reappear."
Manifesto Commitments
The Conservative manifesto includes savings proposals, such as a new HMO enforcement team. Cllr Thompson said: "The Lampton housing setup isn't working as promised. Savings can be invested in housing enforcement without impacting frontline services." When asked about the timeline, he responded: "We say what we'll do; if we fail, it will be transparent. Investments often yield savings down the line."
On fly-tipping, Cllr Thompson proposed a fair system with penalties for repeat offenders, distinguishing between household carelessness and large-scale dumping: "A silly mistake shouldn't incur a £1,000 fine, but builders dumping waste face harsh penalties."
The Liberal Democrats pledged to work with the Metropolitan Police on crime. Mr. Crouch stated: "Councils have a role in policing. Even as opposition, we lobby for local policing. We will lobby the Mayor of London for more police funding."
Regarding retrofitting council buildings with insulation and solar panels and creating joined-up cycle lanes, Mr. Crouch admitted these plans are not fully costed due to the party's small local size, but would be pushed by new councillors.
Predictions and Coalitions
Cllr Thompson predicted the Conservatives will exceed expectations in Hounslow but acknowledged difficulty working with Greens or Reform. On becoming leader, he said: "If it happens, it would be wonderful, but it's out of my control."
Mr. Crouch admitted the Lib Dems are unlikely to take control but expect to gain councillors for the first time in 16 years, building "foundations for future growth." He ruled out working with Reform UK.
