Childcare Support expanding
 Parents and carers in Hounslow can now access a range of enhanced childcare support options.
You must apply before Monday, 31 March to access up to 15 hours of childcare for the term starting on or after Tuesday, 1 April.
From September 2025 parents of children aged between 9 months and 5 years will be able to access 30 hours of childcare per week if they meet eligibility criteria for working families. The deadline to apply for this is 31 August.
Parents may also be eligible for tax-free childcare or universal credit childcare, which can be claimed alongside the 15 or 30 hours of childcare support, including wraparound care.
Get your fix at the Repair Café
Got a bike in need of repair? Or perhaps a radio, toaster, vacuum cleaner, or lamp you'd rather not throw away? How about a favourite coat, in need of some TLC?
Don't throw it away. Come along to the Hounslow Repair Café this Sunday, 23 March. The free workshop takes place from 11.30am to 2pm at Royal British Legion, Heston.
A team of experts will happily take a look and give your well loved items a new lease of life. If you have children, you can also bring them along to get tips on how to repair a game console.
Spaces are limited, so email the team via the button to book your place today.
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Council Tax Support scheme is changing
The Council’s Tax Support Scheme offers financial assistance to Hounslow residents on low-incomes or benefits, to help them pay their Council Tax Bill. The Council aims to make the new scheme fairer; ensuring families, larger households and carers receive vital support.
The changes mean:
- Some residents who previously did not have to pay Council Tax may now have to start paying
- The discount towards your Council Tax Bill may increase or decrease
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Event with adult social care and community hubs
 Come down to a special Adult Social Care and Community Hub pop-up event on Thursday, 27 March.
It will take place in the atrium of West Middlesex Hospital from 10am to 3pm. Council teams and partners will be there to answer your questions about support services in the borough.
Council cracking down on illegal renting
 The Council has successfully prosecuted a resident for illegally renting out an outbuilding, discovered as being advertised online in 2017 for £1,300 per month, as residential accommodation.
The court ordered her to pay a £15,000 fine, more than £20,000 in court costs and to repay £35,000 gained from the illegal rental.
Council teams continue to monitor housing compliance issues and will ensure all residents have access to safe and lawful housing options.
Feedback on Family Hubs
 Hounslow Families Hubs have launched their Annual Family Hub survey. Your input is invaluable to help shape the services offered to families across Hounslow. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 voucher.
All responses will be anonymised and combined with others, ensuring your privacy. By sharing your thoughts, you’ll help the service better understand how it can deliver to meet the needs of families in the community.
The closing date to submit is Monday, 31 March.
Thinking short-term can have a long-term impact on your child’s education
 Hounslow headteachers are urging parents to think again before they disrupt their children's education, warning of the long-term impact of term-time leave.
The borough is reporting above national rates of unauthorised holiday in both primary and secondary schools.
Penalties for term-time leave have risen by 50% between 2022/23 and 2023/24, and education professionals are warning the impact on children's education is significant.
Empowering Futures
 Ellis Carroll is the job coach for DFN Project SEARCH in Hounslow. He works closely with young neurodiverse people as they gain valuable experience in the world of employment.
Ellis’ work epitomises the positive impact of effective coaching during Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
If you’re interested in finding out more about DFN Project SEARCH go to the webpage on the Council's website.
Interested in running a food stall or coffee trailer in one of Hounslow's parks?
New and experienced providers of mobile food and drink can apply to operate in one of Hounslow's parks or open spaces this summer.
The Council is running a trial to find out which vendors work well, and which locations are best suited to them, from 30 April to 31 October this year.
Council honours Hounslow’s green heritage with Brentford FC
The Council planted its 16th little orchard last week with help from Brentford Football Club.
The club helped bring 14 new apple and pear trees to Robin Grove Park, where cabinet member Cllr Salman Shaheen was joined by Marcus Gayle, the club's ambassador, and players Ethan Pinnock and Mikkel Damsgaard.
They all got involved with planting the trees, along with students from Brentford School for Girls, the Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Karen Smith, and Brentford FC mascot Buzz. This was all done under the careful guidance and supervision of Lampton Greenspace.
The orchards honour the history of the borough, which was a key provider of fruit and vegetables for the city of London right up to the early 20th century.
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