The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Hounslow Council met to discuss the council's delivery plan, support for unpaid carers, and the committee's work programme. The committee reviewed the council's Delivery Plan 2022-2026 and provided feedback on the new Hounslow Carers Service. The committee also agreed to its work programme for the coming year.

Council Delivery Plan 2022-2026

The committee scrutinised the council's Delivery Plan 2022-2026, which outlines the activities the council will undertake to meet the objectives set out in the Corporate Plan 2022-2026. The delivery plan is divided into four portfolios: People, Place, Capital and Digital.

• People Portfolio: This includes programmes and projects focused on transforming council services for residents. Key achievements include the launch of the Youth Skills and Employment Guarantee (YSEG), the rollout of Family Hubs, and the launch of Community Hubs in Feltham and Hounslow House. Priorities for the coming period include streamlining resident engagement with council services and designing new operating models for enforcement activity and SEND[^1] services. [^1]: Special Educational Needs and Disability
• Place Portfolio: This covers capital projects that improve council services within specific areas. Key achievements include the completion of new council flats in Everglades and Burlington Close, and the installation of air quality sensors at schools. Priorities include the redevelopment of Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, estate regeneration at Covent Way, and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Capital Portfolio: This portfolio focuses on maintaining and enhancing physical infrastructure across the borough. Key achievements include the completion of Phase 1 of the Boston Manor House Heritage Programme, the installation of protection measures for vulnerable sites, and the installation of cycling repair stations in parks. Priorities include the completion of a housing scheme for young people transitioning from care, the delivery of a new residential children's home in Feltham, and upgrades to allotment sites.
• Digital Portfolio: This portfolio aims to deliver the vision of the Digital Strategy, which was refreshed and approved by Cabinet in September 2022. Key achievements include improved cyber security, the replacement of outdated systems, and the migration of the council's data centre services to the cloud. Priorities include strengthening data protection, leveraging emerging technologies like AI[^2], and extending digital inclusion initiatives. [^2]: Artificial Intelligence

The council uses the One Hounslow Approach to Project and Programme Management (PPM). This approach is inspired by leading practice (PRINCE 2, Managing Successful Programmes, Agile) and provides a framework that is appropriate and proportionate for all of the diverse projects and programmes across the council.

The committee also discussed lessons learned from the current delivery plan, which will be incorporated into the new Delivery Plan 2026-2030. These include a more robust approach to defining projects and programmes, a focus on benefits realisation, and early collaboration with residents, staff and partners.

Support for Unpaid Carers

The committee reviewed the support provided to unpaid carers by the council through the Hounslow Carers Service. The service has been relaunched in June 2025, and is being deployed across Hounslow in two phases. The refreshed service model proactively identifies and supports unpaid carers through accessible, multi-channel advice, direct referrals, and tailored interventions.

The new Hounslow Carers Service has included establishing a dedicated team of Carers Advisers with multilingual capabilities; integrating the service into Community Hubs; developed carer-specific resources, activities and training programmes and has received positive feedback from carers.

The principal aims of the service are:

• To proactively identify and recognise unpaid/informal carers.
• To offer carers timely and relevant information and advice via a range of accessible and convenient channels (online, face-to-face, email, in print, via home visit and telephone).
• To connect carers to local or relevant national support services (more than signposting direct referrals where needed).
• To support carers to access a carers assessment, the Carers Emergency Card, respite options, set up LPAs[^3], identify benefits they may have missed and to help with form filling. [^3]: Lasting Power of Attorney
• To build ongoing relationships with carers who are struggling – regular 'check ins' and the urgent referrals to prevent carer breakdown.
• To involve carers in how the service develops – collect feedback and incorporate their ideas where possible.
• To deliver services in a welcoming, inclusive, relaxed and social setting, and above all to be a reliable and trusted point of contact.

The committee was informed that the service had received positive feedback from carers, with one carer commenting:

'I've been waiting for a service like this!'

The committee was also informed of the risks associated with the service, including inconsistent uptake and capacity strain on Carers Advisers due to increasing referrals. Mitigations for these risks include ongoing communications campaigns, regular presence at Community Hubs, multilingual advisers, and weekly newsletter updates.

Scrutiny Panels and JHOSC Updates

The committee received updates on the work of its scrutiny panels and the North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (NWL JHOSC).

The scrutiny panels are:

• Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel, chaired by Councillor Emma Siddhu, focusing on the Families First Partnership.
• Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel, chaired by Councillor Adesh Farmahan, focusing on adult social care pressures.
• Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel, chaired by Councillor Hina Mir, focusing on land ownership in the borough.

Councillor Marina Sharma is Hounslow's representative on the NWL JHOSC.

Forward Plan Review

The committee reviewed the Forward Plan August to November 2025 and considered whether any of the items listed should come before the committee later in the year. The Forward Plan lists all the key decisions to be taken by the Cabinet, Cabinet Sub-Groups, the Leader and Cabinet Members.

Work Programme Review

The committee reviewed and agreed its work programme for the coming year. The work programme includes the following substantive items:

• One Hounslow Delivery Plan
• NHS and health systems
• Medium Term Financial Strategy
• Recommendations from Lampton Group Scrutiny in a Day
• Budget
• Regulator of Social Housing inspection report and Tenant-led Scrutiny
• Resilience and emergency planning
• Final reports from the Children and Young People, Health and Adult Care, and Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panels

The committee also agreed to hold a Scrutiny in a Day event focusing on the Lampton Group in October 2025.