These are our Reform UK Hounslow Policies: Community Safety & Crime Crime rates remain unacceptably high, and the council’s soft approach to law enforcement has failed to make a significant impact.

Full statement

Residents deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods.We must tackle the increase in crime in Hounslow. Crime in the Borough has increased by 20% in the last 5 years alone.

Solutions:

- Enhanced Policing: Increase police presence in high-crime areas and adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards criminal behaviour. We must both invest in community policing initiatives to build trust and cooperation, whilst also cracking down on violent criminals with consistance & conviction. - Social Programmes: Whilst addressing the root causes of crime is important, immediate action is needed. Such as, Implementing targeted programmes to reduce youth unemployment, detatchment, depression, substance abuse & crime, but, we must not shy away from tough enforcement measures, especially when it comes to weapons & violent crime. - Tougher Sentencing: Advocate for mandatory minimum sentences for violent crimes and repeat offenders. This ensures that serious offenders are kept off the streets and sends a strong message of deterrence. - Stop and Search: Increase use of stop and search powers to tackle knife crime and other violent offences. Ensuring rigorous guidelines and accountability can balance effectiveness with community relations. - Front-Line Policing: Increase the number of front-line officers and enhance their visibility in local communities, such as a local liaison officers. This provides a deterrent against crime and ensures swift responses to incidents.

Prioritse Housing for Citizens and Working People:

The current system sometimes results in social housing going to those who do not contribute significantly to the community. Additionally, there are often long waiting lists for eligible citizens and working people.The primary goal of this policy is to prioritise the allocation of social housing to citizens and working people within the Borough of Hounslow. This approach not only supports those who contribute significantly to the community but also fosters stability and growth, something has forgotten.

Solutions:

- Strict Eligibility Criteria: Prioritise social housing for local citizens, long-term residents, and those in employment. Social housing should be reserved for those who have demonstrated a commitment to the local economy and community. - Allocation Transparency: Increase transparency in the allocation process by publishing regular reports on who receives housing and why. This helps build trust and ensures accountability to you, the electorate. - Supporting the youth: Integrate financial literacy education into the school curriculum, teaching students about budgeting, saving, managing debt, credit scores, and mortgages. To give them a fighting chance of achieving home ownership. - Prioritising working individuals: Promote economic stability by prioritising employed residents in social housing allocations, as they contribute significantly to the economy, paying taxes, and supporting local businesses. - Individuals with disabilities: Ensure that individuals with disabilities receive special consideration and priority in social housing allocation, meeting their specific needs promptly, effectively, and ethically.

Domestic Abuse

We must also talk about and highlight the dramatic 100-150% increase in domestic violence across Hounslow over 5 years which has continued to increase rapidly after the Covid pandemic.

Solutions:

- Zero Tolerance Policy: Implement a zero-tolerance policy towards domestic abuse. Ensure that perpetrators are held accountable through swift and decisive legal action. We also need increased police presence and resources dedicated to tackling domestic abuse. - Training: Provide specialised training for law enforcement officers to recognise and respond effectively to domestic abuse cases. This includes understanding the dynamics of abuse and the best practices for supporting victims. Cutting red tape: Simplify and expedite the legal processes for obtaining restraining orders and other protective measures. Ensure that victims can access legal protection quickly and efficiently. - Establish a neighbourhood watch: Establish neighbourhood watch programs to create a network of vigilant community members who can identify and report domestic abuse, fostering collective responsibility and support. - Expand and improve access to support: Advocate services for victims, including shelters, counselling, and legal assistance, ensuring victims have the resources needed to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.

Fly Tipping Prevention

Fly tipping has reached incredible levels with incidents being in the top 5 accross London. Since 2016, incidents of fly tipping have increased by over 100% across the Bourough of Hounslow, these are absolutely ridiculous statistics over such a short period. Fly-tipping is a blight on our community, costing taxpayers over £1.3 million annually and resulting in 24,210 incidents on public highways alone. This included 63,343 bags of rubbish dumped on the streets, costing taxpayers over £1.3 million for removal. This is unacceptable, and it's time for a robust, no-nonsense approach to eradicate it.

Solutions:

- Investment & Training: We will advocate for investing in state-of-the-art surveillance technology to monitor known fly-tipping hotspots. This will enable us to catch offenders in the act and gather irrefutable evidence for prosecution. - Stiffer Penalties for Businesses Businesses found guilty of fly-tipping will face stiffer penalties, including substantial fines and the revocation of operating licenses. We will work closely with local businesses to ensure they have adequate waste disposal arrangements and are aware of their legal responsibilities. - Community Involvement: Foster community involvement through public awareness campaigns and clean-up events, encouraging residents to take pride in their environment and report fly-tipping incidents.

Safeguarding the vulnerable:

There are significant efforts to safeguard elderly residents from abuse and neglect. In 2021, over 500 cases of elderly abuse were reported, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and protective measures.

Solutions:

- CCTV and Patrols: Increase the number of CCTV cameras and police patrols in areas with a high population of elderly residents. This will not only deter criminals but also allow for quick response if a crime occurs. - Strengthen community policing: Initiatives to build trust between the police and the elderly alongside local community officers can provide reassurance and support, making not only elderly residents feel safer but actually increase their safety in real terms. - Establish support networks: Where elderly individuals can share experiences and information. These networks can serve as a precaution against scam attempts and other crimes. - Encourage security investment: Advice & guidance for elderly residents to be able to improve their home security by installing stronger locks, security cameras, sensor lights and alarm systems. The council could offer grants or subsidies to assist with the costs for those on a tight budget. - Launch awareness campaigns: On the various types of crimes that affect the elderly. Educate both the elderly and the general public about preventive measures and the importance of reporting crimes, coupled with a proactive & vigilant police force.