More than 80% of residents are satisfied with Hounslow as a place to live, and three-quarters think the Council is doing a good job, a new independent residents’ survey has found.
Published: Wednesday, 24th July 2024
Almost nine-in-ten participants, who made up a representative sample of the borough’s population, felt their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well. Only 1% disagreed.
Three-quarters supported the Council’s ambitions around Net Zero, with a similar number backing schemes to reduce traffic travelling through residential streets to improve air quality, reduce accident risk and help people walk or cycle more easily.
Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council and Cllr Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities, said:
This positive feedback from our residents is really encouraging and shows that our efforts are making a real difference for communities across the borough. However, we are not complacent and know there are areas for improvement and things we need to do to address people’s priorities. Residents’ concerns are our concerns, and we’ll address these collaboration with them, and our partners, as we continue to improve services and work for a prosperous future for all.
It is particularly appropriate that these high satisfaction levels have coincided with our ‘One Hounslow Community Stars awards’ celebration, where we recognised the incredible spirit and dedication of our residents, voluntary groups, and businesses to make Hounslow a better place for all.
We will continue to be an ambitious Council for our communities and residents, striving to serve them better and more equal future for all. It is particularly heartening to see that residents overwhelmingly share our ambitions around tackling climate emergency and reducing traffic in neigbourhoods.
The survey covered the following topics:
- Satisfaction with the Council and local area
- Satisfaction and perception of Council services
- Priorities
- Climate change and next zero
- Community cohesion, safety and involvement
- Digital access and contacting the Council
- Communications and engagement
The top three priorities for the Council to focus on in the coming year were:
- Making more affordable homes available
- Providing education and support for young people
- Enhancing community safety
The Council is actively addressing these needs through several initiatives.
The Housing Delivery Plan 2022-26 pledges to deliver 1,000 high-quality homes at Council rent for local people and includes exploring redevelopment opportunities to not only build homes but also to enhance and create sustainable communities as outlined in the Local Plan.
The new Safer Community Strategy 2024-2027 aims to address the concerns around crime and the Hounslow Community Safety Partnership Board will set up a task-and-finish group to deliver a range of activities tackling complex crime issues.
The Children and Young People’s Plan focuses on providing good education, job opportunities, and vibrant local facilities for those aged 0-18 (up to 25 if in care) and is continuously updated based on feedback from young people. Additionally, the 2023 Youth Skills and Employment Guarantee (YSEG) aims to support young people aged 14-25 with skills and employment opportunities.
