At a meeting of the Cabinet of Hounslow Council, members discussed the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, school organisation, children's care, dog control, the council's financial strategy, and extra care housing. The cabinet approved a new Public Space Protection Order for responsible dog ownership, and agreed to progress plans for extra care housing at Nene Gardens. They also noted the progress made on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and the financial challenges facing the council.

A Fairer, More Equal Hounslow - Progress Update on EDI Strategy and Action Plan

The Cabinet recognised the progress achieved in year two of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, 'A Fairer, More Equal Hounslow'. Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities, highlighted the progress made against the strategy's three pillars: equality by place, equality by group, and equality as an employer. The Cabinet agreed to continue prioritising Equality Opportunity Areas (EOAs) when considering investment proposals. They also noted that the council would build stronger relationships with partners to tackle inequality by place, with a renewed focus on housing and transport. A new model of engagement for the LGBTQ+ Advisory Forum and the Disability and Age Partnership was also agreed, and the Pillar 3 Action Plan (Equality as Employer) was noted.

School Organisation Plan 2026 to 2030

The Cabinet noted the current situation regarding school places in Hounslow and the potential risks and implications. Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Children's Education Employment Skills, highlighted a growing issue across London with falling pupil numbers, leading to school closures and financial difficulties. The Cabinet authorised the Executive Director Children's and Adults Services to undertake a co-production exercise with schools and partners in the autumn term, with the aim of seeking approval for a new School Organisation Plan in spring 2026. Councillor Tom Bruce, the Deputy Leader of the Council, noted that Hounslow had previously been building school places due to increasing demand, but now faced the opposite problem.

Children's Home-Based Care Framework

The Cabinet approved the use of an Open Framework for Children's Home-Based Care (CHBC) services for up to eight years, from 2026 to 2034. Councillor Samia Chaudhary explained that CHBC services provide support to children, young people, and their families within their own homes, addressing the specific needs of children with disabilities. Currently, these services are commissioned through spot purchasing¹, which does not allow for cost control or due diligence of providers. The Cabinet also approved the procurement for a CHBC Open Framework at an approximate annual value of £1.277 million.

Implementation of a Public Space Protection Order - Responsible Dog PSPO

The Cabinet approved the making of the London Borough of Hounslow Responsible Dog Ownership Public Spaces Protection Order 2025 (PSPO), to take effect from 30 September 2025 for three years. Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, Regulations, Services and Enforcement, said that the PSPO aims to reduce antisocial behaviour related to dogs, following public consultation highlighting dog fouling as a disruption and safety concern. Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, supported the proposals, saying that they would help to preserve and enhance the borough's public spaces and parks and promote responsible dog ownership. The PSPO includes prohibitions related to:

• 'Dog exclusion' areas such as children's playgrounds
• 'Dogs on leads only' areas
• 'Dogs on leads by direction', giving officers powers to ask for dogs to be put on leads
• A specified maximum of four dogs being walked by one person
• Dog fouling
• A requirement to carry a 'poop scoop' and/or disposable bags

One Hounslow Financial Strategy

The Cabinet noted the revised medium-term financial strategy (One Hounslow Financial Strategy; OHFS) to 2028/29 and agreed the budget process. Councillor Tom Bruce said that there was still a significant budget gap, but assured members that the council would continue to manage its budgets prudently. The OHFS report noted that the recurrent budget gap stands at £51.5m for 2026/27, rising to £91.3m by 2028/29.

Nene Gardens - Increasing Extra Care Housing Capacity

The Cabinet approved, in principle, the development of the site at Nene Gardens, Hanworth Village, as an affordable Extra Care Housing scheme. Councillor Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Health Integration, said that the proposals would provide up to 50 socially rented extra care units. Councillor Tom Bruce said that the proposals reflected the council's aim of spending wisely in the right areas to address growing demand. The Cabinet agreed to the steps to be taken to dispose of the open space land, and delegated authority to the Director of Asset Strategy to approve the disposal of the land to a Registered Provider. They also agreed to enter a Nominations Agreement for the scheme with the Registered Provider. Councillor Samia Chaudhary said that she was happy that the land in Hanworth Village, which she had questioned about previously, was now progressing forward with this development.