Hounslow Council has unveiled a four-year "fairer future" plan aimed at reducing local inequality, featuring initiatives such as newborn library cards, a mental health hub for young people, and an ambition to support the delivery of 2,500 homes. The plan, which the council describes as its "guiding star," encompasses 10 themes including work, community life, early childhood, learning, and housing.
Newborn Library Cards and Playground Pledge
Under the plan, every newborn in the borough will automatically receive a library card. The council will also promote free books through the Dolly Parton Foundation to support early education. Additionally, the council has committed to a "playground pledge," investing in playgrounds across Hounslow with a focus on improving accessibility, fostering imaginative play, and enhancing children's connection with nature.
Mental Health Hub and Adult Learning
For young people, the council will launch a mental health hub co-designed with youth to provide accessible community-based support. The authority will also launch an Adult Learning and Skills Programme, aiming to enrol over 1,000 residents in courses that build confidence, skills, and routes into work. A Hounslow Skills Plan will be developed through a Skills Summit with employers, colleges, and partners to create clearer pathways into employment for young people.
Community and Environmental Measures
The council has guaranteed a 24-hour response to reported fly-tipping and offensive graffiti. This comes amid controversy over fly-tip fines, including a case where NHS mental health nurse Loretta Alvarez was fined £1,000 for leaving an envelope next to her overflowing bins, while the council missed 2,000 bin collections. The plan also includes expanding unpaid carer support, launching a Healthy Hounslow Hanworth Hub for holistic wellbeing services, and opening a new drug and alcohol recovery hub at Oxley House.
Housing Ambition
Hounslow Council states an ambition to "support delivery of 2,500 homes," though the plan does not specify affordability. The governing Labour group missed its 2022 election promise to deliver 1,000 council homes by 2026. The council will also create a housing anti-social behaviour team to manage cases end-to-end and strengthen victim-focused support. Funding from the Government's Pride in Place scheme will support borough-wide improvements to greening, seating, accessibility, shopfront upgrades, wayfinding, and public space.
Opposition Criticism
Conservative group leader Cllr Jack Emsley dismissed the plan, saying it "isn't worth the paper it's printed on." He highlighted unmet promises from the 2022 corporate plan, including a 25% reduction in fly-tipping (which increased by 2%), rollout of 2,000 EV charging points (none delivered), and 2,000 new council homes (less than half built). He added, "Residents should judge this administration by what they achieve, not by what they promise."
