The Hounslow Borough Council met to discuss a range of issues, including licensing policies, scrutiny reports, and community concerns, and also to appoint a new chief executive. The council approved the updated Statement of Licensing Policy, noted the Scrutiny Annual Report, declared war on waste criminals, supported the free school meal extension, and committed to putting culture at the heart of its growth strategy. Mandy Skinner was appointed as the new chief executive and returning officer.

• Tributes to Councillor Sukhbir Singh Dhaliwal The meeting began with tributes to the late Councillor Sukhbir Singh Dhaliwal, who passed away on 18 June 2025. Councillor Amy Croft, Mayor of Hounslow, invited Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, and other members to share their memories of Councillor Dhaliwal. Councillor Rajawat described him as the embodiment of the diversity in our community and praised his dedication and willingness to help others. Councillor Ghazala Bhatt remembered him as a man of Cranford who knew its stories and residents. Councillor Gerald McGregor, representing the Conservative Group, spoke of Councillor Dhaliwal's calmness, kindness, and commitment to his community. Councillor Vickram Grewal shared personal anecdotes, recalling Councillor Dhaliwal's warmth and generosity. A minute of silence was observed in his memory.

• Licensing Policy The council approved the revised draft licensing policy and Cumulative Impact Research Report, which must be renewed every five years to comply with the Licensing Act 2003. Councillor Prittam Gariwal, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Customer Experience and Enforcement, introduced the report, highlighting modifications to make the policy clearer and more concise, with a stronger focus on the local plan. Councillor Jack Emsley questioned the low response rate to the consultation, while Councillor Joanna Biddolph raised the absence of the 'Ask for Angela' scheme[^1] from the policy. Councillor Rajawat noted the importance of balancing the needs of residents and licence holders. The policy aims to regulate licensed activities and ensure community safety.

  [^1]: The Ask for Angela scheme is a UK-wide safeguarding scheme adopted by licensed premises. It allows people who feel unsafe to discreetly ask for help by approaching venue staff and asking for 'Angela'. A coded message alerts staff that the person needs assistance, and trained staff members can then help the person to leave the venue safely, contact a taxi, or call the police.

  Councillor McGregor questioned the amount of legislation that licence holders and applicants were expected to review. Councillor Bruce responded that applicants need to understand what they have to do to meet the requirements in making the borough safe for licensable activities. Councillor Rajawat said that licensing agents also need education on how to operate within the Licensing Act.

• Scrutiny Annual Report The council noted the Annual Scrutiny Report 2024/25, presented by Councillor Sayyar Raza, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The report detailed the work of the committee and its panels, including reviews of housing, the environment, and children's services. Councillor Emsley raised concerns about the implementation of recommendations and the tracking of their progress. Councillor Rajawat defended the work of the scrutiny committee, stating that the executive contributed to the work plan with ideas and suggestions. Councillor Bidoff expressed concern that the detail gathered from outside experts was not being translated into recommendations.

• Appointment of Chief Executive The council unanimously approved the appointment of Mandy Skinner as Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service. Councillor Rajawat expressed his delight at the appointment, noting Skinner's competence and the unanimous decision of the chief officer employment panel. He also noted that Skinner would assume the role of acting returning officer.

• Point of Order Regarding Licensing Panel Membership Councillor Emsley raised a point of order regarding a licensing panel meeting where Councillor Ranjit Gill, who was not a member of the licensing committee, participated and voted. Benita Edwards, Director of Law and Governance, confirmed that this was a breach of the council's constitution and that the decisions made at the meeting were null and void.

• Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies The council noted changes to the cabinet and agreed to proposed nominations to committees and outside bodies.

• Motions The council considered three motions:

  • Declaring War on Waste Criminals: Councillor Tony Louki, proposed a motion to declare war on waste criminals and their accomplices, aiming to address fly-tipping and promote civic pride. Councillor Samia Chaudhary supported the motion, highlighting the importance of civic pride and community involvement. Councillor Guy Lambert welcomed the initiative but questioned the resources allocated to it. Councillor Biddolph criticised the motion for not addressing the causes of fly-tipping. Councillor Sharma emphasised the administration's commitment to tackling waste crime and restoring pride in the community. The council approved the motion.
  • Feeding Brighter Futures: Tackling Child Poverty Through the Free School Meal Extension: Councillor Ranjit Gill proposed a motion to support the extension of free school meals to every child up to year 11 from a family in receipt of universal credit. Councillor Ajmer Grewal seconded the motion, emphasising that no child should be expected to learn on an empty stomach. Councillor McGregor criticised the Labour Party's historical record on child poverty. Councillor Emsley raised concerns about the effectiveness and funding of the government's policy. Councillor Dennison criticised the council for cutting council tax reduction scheme funding for the poorest families. A named vote was called, and the motion was carried.
  • West London Cultural Corridor: Celebrating Our Summer of Culture and Committing to Put Culture at the Heart of Our Growth Strategy: Councillor Salman Shaheen proposed a motion to celebrate the success of the Summer of Culture and commit to putting culture at the heart of the borough's growth strategy. Councillor Mitchell spoke about the diverse cultural offerings in the borough. Councillor Emsley criticised the lack of progress on the new arts centre in Brentford. Councillor Chopra highlighted the positive impact of cultural events on the borough. Councillor Giles questioned the funding for the initiative. Councillor Bruce defended the council's commitment to delivering arts and culture. The motion was carried.