Care leavers celebrate exemption from council tax
 L-R: Care leavers Kaleb Joseph and Aziza Anjum
London Borough of Hounslow (LBH) care leavers will not have to pay council tax until they are 25 years old, after full cabinet approval of the change on Tuesday, 3 March.
Currently, LBH care leavers are exempt from council tax until they’re 21 years old, but the new ruling will see an extended cohort of over 700 current LBH care leavers eligible for the benefit including those judged as former relevant.*
Aziza Anjum is an Organisational Development Practitioner at Hounslow Council and spent six years in care, before embarking on a successful apprenticeship with her local authority. Aziza said the exemption will provide significant support for social mobility within the cared for community and it also shows that change is possible within a large organisation.
*Those who have spent at least 13 weeks in care since age 14 under the care of the London Borough of Hounslow, including a period after their 16th birthday, and have now left care.
Stepping onto the national arts stage
 The Council has launched the Hogarth Prize, a major new award attracting artists from across the UK to create work inspired by English painter, engraver and satirist, William Hogarth. This marks a huge moment for Hogarth’s House and for the borough as a growing cultural destination.
The winner of the main prize will receive a £3,000 cash prize and a six-week solo show at Hogarth’s House in 2027. Finalists will also be entered into a Visitors' Choice Award, with a prize of £500. This award will be presented in the final week of the exhibition to the artist whose work receives the most votes from visitors.
If you're a creative or have friends and family members who are, submit your work online.
Free family health event
Families in Hounslow are invited to a free Healthier Together community event at Logic Studio School in Feltham from 2.30pm to 5pm on Friday, 13 March.
The event, supported by the NHS, Hounslow Council and local partners, is designed for families with children aged 0-18 and expectant parents.
It will offer practical advice, demonstrations, and fun activities to help everyone feel more confident about their family’s health and wellbeing. Just turn up on the day.
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Information and guidance sessions for SEND families
 The Council is committed to supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to prepare for adulthood.
Join one of the information and guidance sessions on Teams to learn about the free support and opportunities provided by the Community Provisions team and the Project SEARCH Supported Internship programme.
Session dates:
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Tuesday, 17 March - 6pm-7pm, Teams
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Wednesday, 22 April - 6pm-7pm, on Teams
Community Provisions team provides support for adults in the borough who are living with a learning disability or autism. Contact the team to find out more.
In addition, the Project SEARCH Supported Internship programme is a one-year work-based programme for young people aged 17-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). To learn more, email the team.
These information sessions are open to young people in the borough with SEND and their families and carers. Click the button to register and receive the joining link.
Inspiring young people to take the next step into their careers
 The Council has launched a series of video resources designed for young people aged 16 to 25, as well as their families and carers to help them access pathways for working, studying or training.
To mark National Careers Week (2-7 March), the resources highlight local opportunities from employers, colleges and partner organisations. This includes Healthy in Your Own Skin GP, Ealing and Hounslow Community Voluntary Service (EHCVS) and West Thames College.
They also showcase the Council’s employment support and services available to young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Planned roadworks in Great West Road
From Monday, 9 March to Saturday, 7 November 2026, Connect Plus Services (CPS) will be carrying out essential refurbishment work to the M4 elevated section between Chiswick Roundabout and Lionel Road. CPS manages, operates and maintains the M4 in west London on behalf of National Highways.
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From struggle to strength
Reach Academy Feltham is celebrating the incredible progress of a student who has shown real resilience and determination.
When the student first started in Year 7, attending school was extremely difficult. Each day required reassurance and support and they often felt overwhelmed by their emotions.
The school worked closely with support services to build a package of care around the student, and over time, their confidence began to grow. The student learned strategies to manage difficult emotions, built trusting relationships with staff, and started to feel more able to engage with school.
Now in Sixth Form, their progress has been inspiring. They are attending regularly, managing challenges more independently and confidently asking for help when they need it.
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EV charger survey launches
 The Council is asking for your views on the first phase of proposed locations for new EV chargers on streets in your area.
But before anything is installed, we want residents to:
- View the proposed locations
- Comment on specific sites
There’s also just over a week to go before the Public Transport Plan consultation closes, so don’t miss your opportunity to take part here.
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