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Friday, 11 April 2025

New Council tenants secure lifetime tenancies

The Council has removed five-year flexible tenancies for new tenants and replaced them with secure lifetime tenancies.

Tenants can enjoy stability and peace of mind as they establish a long-term home. Introductory tenancies will still be used to address tenancy issues, which are most likely to arise within the first 12 months of moving into a new property. 

This decision follows a consultation carried out last year, which received 518 responses and found that the majority supported the reintroduction of secure lifetime tenancies.

Spring has finally sprung in Hounslow parks

It is hoped that residents will be getting out and exploring the parks and open spaces this Easter. Spring is a lovely time of year and it’s important for everyone to take care of themselves and others while enjoying it. 

A drier start than usual this spring has increased the risk of wildfires. Residents are reminded to be mindful of this and to note that barbeques are not permitted in all parks. Caution is also advised near open water and it's important to enjoy it safely while understanding the risks.

The community's help is needed to care for parks and open spaces by simply disposing of rubbish in the bins provided or taking it home if the bins are full.

Free career support for young people

Young people aged 16 to 24 can sign up for the free Skills for Success programme - a three-day course running from Tuesday, 15 April to Thursday, 17 April at Feltham Library. The programme is designed to help attendees boost their confidence, improve communication and presentation skills and offer support with CV writing and interview techniques. For more information or to register, contact Prabhat Patel at Hounslow's Promise via email: info@hounslowspromise.org or by calling 07594311390.

Learning about Supported Internships 

Several opportunities are currently available to support young people in taking their next steps - including the the DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship programme.

Through this programme, young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can receive tailored support, gain practical work experience and an employability qualification to help them move into paid employment. 

To find out more or get help filling in the application form, come along to the Connexions drop-in session at Hounslow House Library, Classroom 2 on Tuesday, 15 April at 3pm.

Become a Hounslow Ranger

London National Park City is recruiting a volunteer with local knowledge to help more residents connect with nature in their neighbourhood.  The volunteer will join a community of rangers across London and receive training to develop the skills. They can also access funding for small projects they lead or are involved in.  The closing date for applications is Sunday, 13 April.

Let's talk SEND

The Local Offer SEND Surgery will be held on Wednesday, 23 April at Redlees Play Centre, Worton Road, Isleworth, TW7 6DW, 10am – 12pm.

These sessions offer families an informal opportunity to ask questions and receive advice and support from SEND professionals.

Cracking down on fly-tippers or litterers with new fines

The Council is stepping up efforts to clean up the borough. As of Tuesday, 1 April, offenders caught dropping rubbish, dumping bulky items, or failing to use reputable waste contractors will face the maximum penalty allowed under the law:  The fine for fly-tipping will increase from £400 to £1,000 The fine for littering including not cleaning up after their dog, spitting, dropping a cigarette or graffiti will increase from £150 to £500

Celebrating success of young entrepreneurs

Cllr Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills and Employment, pictured right, purchasing a shirt from one of the young entrepreneurs at the HAY graduation marketplace

The Council and Hounslow Action for Youth (HAY) celebrated nine young entrepreneurs who officially launched their businesses at a graduation event earlier this week. 

During the event, graduates had the opportunity to present their brands, sell their products and share the inspiring stories behind their entrepreneurial journeys.

Thanks everyone who came to plant a tree

More than 100 residents helped plant the first 1,000 trees for the new Feltham Forest last week. It was wonderful to see so many families, young and old, getting involved. 

On a gloriously sunny day in Blenheim Park, participants, including Green Ambassadors volunteers, the Parks team, Council Leader Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Cabinet Member Cllr Katherine Dunne, councillors and partners such as Energy Garden, helped establish the first phase of tree planting. A further 4,500 trees are set to be planted in the winter. 

Residents engage in Cabinet Question Time event

50 residents attended the Cabinet Question Time event that took place at Brentford Football Club.

The event was chaired by the Club’s Chair, Cliff Crown. He kept the meeting on schedule and asked attendees to put forward their questions.

The evening encouraged honest, open conversations between local people and the Council’s Cabinet team. Specific needs and concerns, such as rogue landlords, beds in sheds and cycle lanes, were raised and addressed.

Answers to all the questions asked during the event will be published on Let’s Talk Hounslow website in the coming weeks. Details of future events will also be available.