Hounslow Council has this week published proposals for its latest budget.
Described as “a budget for the future” it outlines proposals to invest in people, protect vital services and back the borough’s long-term success.
The budget focuses on supporting residents through a period of continued economic pressure, while maintaining a strong financial footing for the Council.
The Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, said: “This is a budget for the future. We are a Council that delivers for people, supporting them to thrive and strengthening our communities.
“This budget protects vulnerable residents, provides more services close to where people live, and backs our young people and communities. It invests in the services residents rely on every day, from cleaner streets and welcoming parks to safe, warm homes.
“Hounslow has a great future and the potential to be London’s biggest opportunity for growth. That’s why we are investing to unlock land for new homes, attract businesses and create jobs.
“With a strong financial track record, even in a tough economic climate, we will continue to invest in our borough now and for the future.”
Investing in people
The budget prioritises support for residents most in need, with continued investment in services delivered close to where people live. This includes:
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£4.3 million to support families through the Family First Programme and Family Hubs.
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Continued investment in Community Hubs, improving access to local support when residents need it and Hounslow Care Together, bringing together the Council, NHS and voluntary sector to deliver personalised care closer to home.
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Investment in extra care housing, including Nene Gardens in Hanworth, delivering 50 new homes for residents aged over 55 so they can remain close to family and community networks.
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£11 million investment in new residential and short-term accommodation for children, including two children’s homes enabling 12 young people to stay in the borough, and a new six-bedroom short-breaks facility for children with disabilities.
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Extended Council Tax support for care leavers, now available up to their 25th birthday.
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£250,000 to break down barriers for young people, including discounts and offers on leisure and wellbeing.
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£200,000 to strengthen communities by building local capacity and reducing pressure on statutory services.
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Investment in Special Educational Needs places and support, including £1.5 million for the Preparation for Adulthood programme.
Investing in services that matter
The budget also invests in the everyday services residents rely on:
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More than £3 million invested in parks and open spaces, including improvements to Hounslow Heath, Hanworth Air Park and Lampton Park, alongside habitat recovery, wildflower creation and pond restoration.
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An additional £750,000 to clean up streets and open spaces, supporting pride in place where people.
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£32 million for housing estate improvements in 2026/27, rising to £150 million by 2030, to make social homes better.
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Delivery of 22 additional footway renewal schemes through our £2 million Pavement Pledge.
Investing in the borough’s future
Looking ahead, the budget backs Hounslow’s role as one of London’s biggest opportunities for growth, to unlock housing, jobs and regeneration.
Key commitments include:
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Allocating more than £125 million from the Housing Revenue Account to create new social homes.
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Continuing to expand council-led housebuilding, building on the 1,500 social homes delivered since 2016.
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£1.5 million invested through Pride in Place town centre and community regeneration projects.
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£4 million approved to support the delivery of a new leisure centre in Brentford.
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More than £4 million invested to unlock growth across the region, including:
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Using public land in Feltham for new homes and local jobs
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Developing plans for the West London Orbital railway, linking Hounslow to HS2, the Elizabeth line, Hendon and West Hampstead
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Supporting the creation of a tech and creative district along the Golden Mile
The budget is underpinned by a strong financial track record and reflects national pressures facing local government, including rising demand for services and inflation. It ensures that the Council can continue to invest while protecting vital services.
The budget and its recommendations, including a rise in council tax, were agreed at the Council’s Cabinet meeting, Tuesday, 10 February. Approval will be sought at full Council on Tuesday, 3 March. Read the full report.
