Councillor Amy Croft
Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Amy Croft has demonstrated a commitment to community safety, resident engagement, and upholding democratic principles throughout her council service, with a notable increase in activity and responsibilities in 2025.
In 2024, Croft's primary focus was on defending democracy within the council. Her most significant contribution that year was proposing the motion Defending Democracy
in September, aimed at protecting councillors and officers from harassment and intimidation. This motion signaled an early concern for the well-being of council staff and the integrity of the democratic process. She also expressed support for local arts and culture, encouraging participation in the Arts Centre and showing interest in resident involvement in volunteering schemes at the Chiswick Area Forum.
2025 saw Croft take on a more prominent role, serving as Mayor for a portion of the year while continuing her duties as a ward councillor. This year, her focus expanded to include budget considerations, community safety, and resident concerns. She actively participated in budget discussions, voting against proposed amendments. Her attention to community safety was evident in her advocacy for improved policing in Riverside ward and her concerns about staff training within Lampton Groups at the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board meeting. She emphasized the need for greater support from statutory partners to combat misinformation and build public trust, noting that >more support and official responses from statutory partners, such as the council and police, would help to combat misinformation and improve public trust.
As a Chiswick Riverside representative, she addressed street lighting concerns, stating >The safety of our residents and all road users in our borough continues to be our utmost priority and will be important during this evaluation process
. As Mayor, she chaired Borough Council meetings, demonstrating leadership and overseeing important discussions. She also addressed resident concerns about weed control, acknowledging that >some residents and residents' associations expressed a desire to weed their own areas to avoid spraying.
Her announcement of the Diamond anniversary of Hounslow and other London Borough councils and congratulating Mandy Skinner on her appointment as Chief Executive further highlight her engagement in broader council matters.
Overall, Croft's priorities appear to have evolved from a specific focus on internal council democracy in 2024 to a broader engagement with community safety, resident concerns, and leadership responsibilities in 2025. Her consistent areas of interest include resident engagement, community well-being, and upholding the integrity of council operations. Her most significant contributions in recent years include her leadership as Mayor and her advocacy for community safety and resident concerns, particularly regarding policing and street lighting.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In 2025, Councillor Amy Croft was actively involved in Hounslow council matters, serving as both a ward councillor and as Mayor for part of the year. She participated in budget discussions, voting against proposed amendments in February and May. Croft addressed community concerns, particularly regarding policing in Riverside ward in March, seeking clarity on the best channels for residents to report issues. At the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board meeting in April, she raised concerns about staff training within Lampton Groups and advocated for greater support from statutory partners to combat misinformation and build public trust, >noted that more support and official responses from statutory partners, such as the council and police, would help to combat misinformation and improve public trust.
As a Chiswick Riverside representative, she relayed a statement regarding street lighting in July, emphasizing the council's commitment to balancing financial responsibility with resident safety, >The safety of our residents and all road users in our borough continues to be our utmost priority and will be important during this evaluation process
. As Mayor, Croft chaired Borough Council meetings in July, September, and November, leading tributes to the late Councillor Sukhbir Singh Dhaliwal, managing meeting procedures, and overseeing discussions on various agenda items. In October, she addressed residents' concerns about weed control, noting that >some residents and residents' associations expressed a desire to weed their own areas to avoid spraying.
In November, she announced the Diamond anniversary of Hounslow and other London Borough councils and congratulated Mandy Skinner on her appointment as Chief Executive.
Monthly Activity in 2025
As Chair (Mayor), Amy Croft presided over the Borough Council meeting on November 25, 2025. She announced the Diamond 60th anniversary of Hounslow and other London Borough councils, promoting an exhibition at Hounslow Central Library featuring photographs of the borough from the mid-1960s and contemporary images. She thanked the officers involved in the exhibition's creation and noted its planned tour of the borough's libraries. >Cllr Croft congratulated Mandy Skinner on behalf of all Members on being formally appointed as Chief Executive and welcomed her to her new role. She also accepted two petitions submitted by Councillor Gurmail Lal and invited members to note the referrals of previously received petitions.
Meetings in November 2025
Borough Council - Tuesday, 25 November 2025 7:30 pm - 25 November 2025
As Chair (Mayor), Amy Croft presided over the Borough Council meeting. She announced the Diamond 60th anniversary of Hounslow and other London Borough councils, highlighting an exhibition at Hounslow Central Library showcasing photographs of the borough in the mid-1960s alongside contemporary images. She thanked the officers involved in creating the exhibition, which was scheduled to tour the borough's libraries.
Cllr Croft congratulated Mandy Skinner on behalf of all Members on being formally appointed as Chief Executive and welcomed her to her new role.
She accepted two petitions submitted by Councillor Gurmail Lal and, noting there were no petitions to be considered at the meeting itself, invited members to note the referrals of previously received petitions as detailed in the report.
Councillor Amy Croft attended the Chiswick Area Forum meeting on October 13, 2025, arriving late and apologizing for it. She commented on the diverse opinions of residents regarding a sensitive topic. Croft noted that some residents and residents' associations wanted to weed their own areas to avoid spraying and inquired about the appropriate contact for obtaining resources to support them. >some residents and residents' associations expressed a desire to weed their own areas to avoid spraying.
Meetings in October 2025
Chiswick Area Forum - Monday, 13 October 2025 7:30 pm - 13 October 2025
Councillor Amy Croft was present at the Chiswick Area Forum meeting on October 13, 2025, arriving late and sending apologies for her tardiness. She commented on a sensitive topic, observing the diverse opinions held by residents. Croft specifically recalled that some residents and residents' associations expressed a desire to weed their own areas to avoid spraying. She then inquired about the appropriate contact point for obtaining resources to assist these residents.
As Mayor, Councillor Amy Croft presided over the September 16th Borough Council meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to tributes to the late Councillor Sukhbir Singh Dhaliwal, which Croft led. >The Mayor knew from the outpouring of tributes and appreciation that followed the news of his death that she spoke for the Council as a whole when she said that he was a much liked and respected member across the chamber and that members would miss him.
She invited councillors to speak, thanked them for their contributions, and led the council in a minute's silence. Croft also accepted a petition regarding access to Nishkam School, acknowledged a point of order regarding member appointments, and confirmed support for a named vote.
Meetings in September 2025
Borough Council - Tuesday, 16 September 2025 7:30 pm - 16 September 2025
As The Mayor, Councillor Amy Croft presided over the Borough Council meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to tributes to the late Councillor Sukhbir Singh Dhaliwal, which Croft led. She stated:
The Mayor knew from the outpouring of tributes and appreciation that followed the news of his death that she spoke for the Council as a whole when she said that he was a much liked and respected member across the chamber and that members would miss him.
Croft invited several councillors (Rajawat, Butt, McGregor, and Grewal) to speak and thanked them for their contributions, ultimately leading the council in a minute's silence. She also accepted a petition from Councillor Louki regarding access to Nishkam School and directed members to note referrals of previously received petitions. Furthermore, she acknowledged a point of order raised by Councillor Emsley regarding member appointments and directed members to supplementary papers detailing nominations, including the Leader's decision on Cabinet membership and confirmation of Councillor Pritam Grewal's portfolio. Finally, she confirmed the support for a named vote before proceeding with it.
During July 2025, Amy Croft participated in two council meetings. At the Chiswick Area Forum on July 2nd, representing Chiswick Riverside, she read a statement on behalf of Councillor Shivraj Grewal concerning street lighting. The statement emphasized the council's commitment to balancing financial responsibility with resident safety during a review of street lighting:
The London Borough of Hounslow has to scrutinise all and any spend we currently incur in order to minimise its financial expenditures...The safety of our residents and all road users in our borough continues to be our utmost priority and will be important during this evaluation process.
Croft offered to answer questions, emphasizing that reducing the fear of crime was a priority and that any dimming would be implemented sensibly.
As Mayor, Croft chaired the Borough Council meeting on July 22nd. She welcomed attendees, outlined meeting procedures, and acknowledged apologies for absence. She led tributes to the late Councillor Sukhbir Singh Dhaliwal, inviting other councillors to speak and leading a minute of silence. She oversaw the approval of minutes, managed the presentation of petitions, and facilitated discussions on agenda items such as the Licensing and General Purposes Committee report and the Scrutiny Annual Report. She corrected a typo in the Licensing and General Purposes Committee report and humorously acknowledged a verbal slip during the voting process, stating:
That's not a word. Abstentions. It's been a long day. I thought I'd get away with that, but no.
She also noted her attendance at the Borough Council's annual meeting on May 27th, 2025.
Meetings in July 2025
Borough Council - Tuesday, 22 July 2025 7:30 pm - 22 July 2025
As Mayor, Amy Croft chaired the Borough Council meeting on July 22, 2025. She began by welcoming attendees and outlining housekeeping rules, including reminders about silent phones, social media use, respectful debate, pre-election rules, and points of order. She stated:
Please be upstanding for worship the mayor and the worshipful party. Please be seated. So it is my pleasure to welcome everybody to the meeting this evening, members, the public and those watching at home. Can I ask that all telephones be put on silent, please? And a reminder that members cannot use social media during the meeting, but that members of the public can.
She acknowledged apologies for absence from several councillors and asked for declarations of interest. Cabinet members were then invited to make announcements.
Croft led tributes to the late Councillor Sukhbir Singh Dhaliwal, providing a detailed account of his life and service. She invited Councillors Rajarat, Bhatt, McGregor and Grewill to speak, and then led the council in a minute of silence.
She oversaw the approval of minutes from previous meetings, addressing a point raised by Councillor McGregor. She then managed the presentation of petitions, noting that there were no petitions for consideration at the meeting itself.
Croft managed agenda items, including the Licensing and General Purposes Committee report and the Scrutiny Annual Report. For each item, she invited the relevant councillor to propose and introduce the report, then asked for a seconder. She reminded members of the revised council procedure rules regarding questions and debate. She facilitated questions to the proposing councillors and then opened the floor for debate. Finally, she called for votes on each item.
During the discussion of the Licensing and General Purposes Committee report, she corrected a typo in the report, clarifying the cabinet member's portfolio. She also made light of a slip of the tongue during the voting process, saying:
That's not a word. Abstentions. It's been a long day. I thought I'd get away with that, but no.
She also noted her presence at the annual meeting of the Borough Council held on Tuesday, 27th May 2025.
Chiswick Area Forum - Wednesday, 2 July 2025 7:30 pm - 2 July 2025
Councillor Amy Croft, representing Chiswick Riverside, attended the Chiswick Area Forum meeting. She read a statement on behalf of Councillor Shivraj Grewal regarding concerns about street lighting, emphasizing the council's commitment to minimizing financial expenditures while prioritizing resident safety. The statement included:
The London Borough of Hounslow has to scrutinise all and any spend we currently incur in order to minimise its financial expenditures. This includes considering changes to the management of our streetlights. As part of the Highway PFI, all our streetlights, between 2013 and 2017 were converted to energy efficient LED lanterns with a new Central Management System for all of our nearly 16,000 lighting points. The Council is committed to conducting detailed discussions and consultations with all emergency services and members of the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership throughout the evaluation process. The safety of our residents and all road users in our borough continues to be our utmost priority and will be important during this evaluation process.
Croft offered to answer questions about the budget setting process and provided further information about a review of street lighting. She emphasized that reducing the fear of crime was a key priority and that the review would identify areas where dimming lights would have minimal impact, potentially leading to cost savings. She clarified that the council did not plan to dim lighting across the board, and that any dimming would be to sensible levels.
During the Annual Meeting of the Council on May 27, 2025, Councillor Amy Croft voted against the Conservative Group's proposed amendment to the budget.
Meetings in May 2025
Annual Meeting of the Council, Borough Council - Tuesday, 27 May 2025 7:30 pm - 27 May 2025
Councillor Amy Croft was present at the Annual Meeting of the Council on May 27, 2025. She voted against the proposed amendment from the Conservative Group regarding the budget.
During the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board meeting on April 24, 2025, Amy Croft raised concerns regarding staff training within Lampton Groups, specifically >queried whether the staff training that Lampton Groups has involved expert training from outside organisations.
She also emphasized the need for greater support from statutory partners like the council and police to address misinformation and bolster public trust, >noted that more support and official responses from statutory partners, such as the council and police, would help to combat misinformation and improve public trust.
Meetings in April 2025
Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board - Thursday, 24 April 2025 2:00 pm - 24 April 2025
Amy Croft was present at the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board meeting on April 24, 2025. She raised two key points. First, she
queried whether the staff training that Lampton Groups has involved expert training from outside organisations. Second, she noted that more support and official responses from statutory partners, such as the council and police, would help to combat misinformation and improve public trust.
In March 2025, Councillor Amy Croft discussed policing in Riverside ward. She shared positive experiences with police responses and inquired about the best way for residents with concerns to seek assistance, questioning whether they should contact ward councillors, the police, or the Community Safety Team directly.
Meetings in March 2025
Chiswick Area Forum - Wednesday, 12 March 2025 7:30 pm - 12 March 2025
Councillor Amy Croft commented on her positive experiences with police responses in Riverside ward. She then raised a question regarding the best course of action for residents with concerns, asking whether they should contact their ward councillors or approach the police or Community Safety Team directly.
During the February 2025 Budget Setting Meeting, Amy Croft voted against the proposed amendment to the budget.
Meetings in February 2025
Budget Setting Meeting, Borough Council - Tuesday, 25 February 2025 7:30 pm - 25 February 2025
Amy Croft voted against the proposed amendment to the budget. Her vote is recorded as:
In 2024, Councillor Amy Croft actively participated in council matters, particularly in September. Her key contribution was proposing the motion Defending Democracy
on September 17th, aimed at addressing harassment and intimidation against Councillors and officers. This motion called for a comprehensive report outlining enhanced protections and a zero-tolerance policy. At the Chiswick Area Forum on September 24th, she declared her role as a Trustee of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust. She also supported the Arts Centre, stating: >Councillor Croft concurred with the comments made by Councillor Thompson and urged everyone to watch the fantastic productions and pantomimes run by the Arts Centre.
Furthermore, she showed interest in resident involvement, asking: >Councillor Croft questioned how residents could get involved with the volunteering schemes or sign up to become members.
While she attended other meetings in July, November, and December, specific actions or statements were not recorded, and she submitted apologies for her absence at the December Chiswick Area Forum due to a conference clash.
Monthly Activity in 2024
Councillor Amy Croft was a listed member present at the Chiswick Area Forum meeting on December 11, 2024, but submitted apologies for her absence due to a clash with the Labour Party conference.
Meetings in December 2024
Chiswick Area Forum - Wednesday, 11 December 2024 7:30 pm - 11 December 2024
Councillor Amy Croft was listed as a member present at the Chiswick Area Forum meeting on December 11, 2024. However, she had given apologies for her absence due to a clash with the Labour Party conference.
During November 2024, Councillor Amy Croft attended both the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board meeting on November 14th and the Borough Council meeting on November 26th. However, the provided documents do not contain any record of specific statements or actions attributed to her during either meeting.
Meetings in November 2024
Borough Council - Tuesday, 26 November 2024 7:30 pm - 26 November 2024
Amy Croft was present at the Borough Council meeting on November 26, 2024. However, the available documents do not indicate that she made any statements or took any specific actions during the meeting.
Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board - Thursday, 14 November 2024 2:00 pm - 14 November 2024
Councillor Amy Croft is a member of the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board. She was present at the meeting held on November 14, 2024, and also at the previous meeting on August 29, 2024. There is no record of specific statements or actions attributed to her in the provided documents beyond her attendance.
During September 2024, Councillor Amy Croft actively participated in council meetings. On September 17th, she proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Chopra, titled Defending Democracy,
aimed at addressing the increasing harassment and intimidation faced by Councillors and officers. The motion calls for a comprehensive report outlining steps to enhance protections, including establishing a single point of contact, providing training, ensuring police involvement, setting online engagement guidelines, and demonstrating a zero-tolerance policy. The motion also advocates for revisiting vexatious complainants,
clarifying Councillor roles, lobbying the government, and reaffirming commitment to public life principles.
At the Chiswick Area Forum on September 24th, Councillor Croft declared her role as a Trustee of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust. She supported Councillor Thompson's comments regarding the Arts Centre, stating: >Councillor Croft concurred with the comments made by Councillor Thompson and urged everyone to watch the fantastic productions and pantomimes run by the Arts Centre.
She also inquired about resident involvement with volunteering schemes and membership opportunities, asking: >Councillor Croft questioned how residents could get involved with the volunteering schemes or sign up to become members.
Meetings in September 2024
Chiswick Area Forum - Tuesday, 24 September 2024 7:30 pm - 24 September 2024
Councillor Amy Croft attended the Chiswick Area Forum meeting on September 24, 2024. She declared that she was a Trustee of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, both at the start of the meeting and during the Open Forum. She supported Councillor Thompson's comments regarding the Arts Centre, stating:
Councillor Croft concurred with the comments made by Councillor Thompson and urged everyone to watch the fantastic productions and pantomimes run by the Arts Centre.
She also inquired about resident involvement with volunteering schemes and membership opportunities, asking:
Councillor Croft questioned how residents could get involved with the volunteering schemes or sign up to become members.
Borough Council - Tuesday, 17 September 2024 7:30 pm - 17 September 2024
Councillor Amy Croft proposed a motion, seconded by Councillor Bandna Chopra, titled Defending Democracy.
The motion highlights the increasing harassment, abuse, and intimidation faced by Councillors and officers, and its potential negative impact on democratic processes. The motion calls for a comprehensive report outlining clear steps to enhance protections against such behavior. Key elements include establishing a single point of contact for resolution, providing appropriate training, ensuring police involvement, setting clear guidelines for online engagement, and demonstrating a visible commitment from the Council to a zero-tolerance policy. The motion also advocates for revisiting the issue of vexatious complainants,
clarifying the roles and responsibilities of Councillors, lobbying the government for increased awareness and protections, and encouraging Councillors to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of public life.
Amy Croft attended the Borough Council meeting on July 23, 2024. However, there is no record of her making any statements or taking any specific actions during the meeting.
Meetings in July 2024
Borough Council - Tuesday, 23 July 2024 7:30 pm - 23 July 2024
Amy Croft was present at the Borough Council meeting held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. However, the available documents do not indicate that she made any statements or took any specific actions during the meeting.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
22 meetings · Page 1 of 5
Borough Council - Tuesday, 25 November 2025 7:30 pm
The Hounslow Borough Council meeting included discussion of the council's long-term vision, treasury management, and committee appointments. Councillors were also scheduled to consider motions relating to the Lampton Group[^2], tenant wellbeing, and gambling reform. Additionally, the council was asked to approve a waiver to a councillor attendance rule.
Chiswick Area Forum - Monday, 13 October 2025 7:30 pm
The Chiswick Area Forum met on 13 October 2025, with Councillor Jack Emsley as Chair. The agenda included an introduction to the Chiswick Flower Market, an update on dockless e-bike hire, and an open forum for members of the public to raise local concerns. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss ongoing issues and track their progress.
Borough Council - Tuesday, 16 September 2025 7:30 pm
The Hounslow Borough Council met on 16 September 2025, and among other things, noted the State of the Borough 2025 report, approved the Hounslow Youth Justice Service Plan 2024-2027 (updated 2025), and agreed to participate in a flexible voting pilot for the May 2026 local elections, subject to government approval. The council also discussed tributes to the late Councillor Sukhbir Singh Dhaliwal, petitions, licensing policies, scrutiny reports, the appointment of a Chief Executive, appointments to committees, and motions on waste, child poverty, and culture.
Borough Council - Tuesday, 22 July 2025 7:30 pm
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.
Chiswick Area Forum - Wednesday, 2 July 2025 7:30 pm
The Chiswick Area Forum met to discuss weed management, concerns about events at Gunnersbury Park, and to hear an introduction to the work of WildChiswick. The meeting also provided an opportunity for residents to raise local concerns during an open forum. Additionally, the forum was scheduled to review ongoing issues and the minutes from their previous meeting.
Decisions from Meetings
58 decisions · Page 10 of 12
Apologies for Absence, Other Announcements and Declarations of Interest from Members
From: Borough Council - Tuesday, 25 March 2025 7:30 pm - March 25, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Date of Next Meeting
From: Budget Setting Meeting, Borough Council - Tuesday, 25 February 2025 7:30 pm - February 25, 2025
...to note that the next Borough Council meeting would be held on March 25, 2025.
Recommendations Approved
Council Tax Support Scheme: Reference Report to Borough Council from the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 11th February 2025
From: Budget Setting Meeting, Borough Council - Tuesday, 25 February 2025 7:30 pm - February 25, 2025
...to adopt a revised Council Tax Support Scheme for the financial year 2025/26 and a transitional hardship policy with £1.5m allocated, delegating finalization and implementation to the Executive Director of Finance and Resources.
Recommendations Approved
External Audit Completion Report 2023/24
From: Budget Setting Meeting, Borough Council - Tuesday, 25 February 2025 7:30 pm - February 25, 2025
...to note the unqualified opinion on the Council’s Pension Fund accounts, the disclaimed audit opinion on the Council’s main financial accounts, and the audit findings, and to approve the audited Statement of Accounts 2023/24.
Recommendations Approved
Appointment of Interim Chief Executive
From: Budget Setting Meeting, Borough Council - Tuesday, 25 February 2025 7:30 pm - February 25, 2025
...to appoint Mandy Skinner as Interim Chief Executive, Returning Officer, and Electoral Registration Officer until a permanent Chief Executive is recruited, and to initiate the recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive with the assistance of Executive Search agents.
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 22
Average per Month: 1.2
Decisions Recorded: 58