Looking at Labour's Record in Local Government

Report back from Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick

Andy SlaughterMP joins Eid celebrations

March 20, 2026

As we approach the London local government elections on 7 May, campaigning is stepping up across Hammersmith and Chiswick. All London boroughs are having all-out elections, and this of course includes the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow. 

Local government is important; it provides many of the services that people rely on day to day, and who runs a local council will have a huge impact on how those services are delivered. As we head towards the local elections in May, it is worth thinking about what Labour run councils have actually delivered in Hammersmith and Chiswick over the past few years. 

Hounslow secured a strong financial settlement from government this year, providing additional funding for local services at a time when many councils are under real pressure. That has created a more stable footing to invest in priorities across the borough rather than relying on cuts or short-term measures. There is a clear focus on expanding opportunity, particularly for younger residents. Plans for increased investment in youth clubs and activities are intended to ensure that young people across the borough have access to provision regardless of background or location.

On community safety and the local environment, the council is strengthening its approach through a new Enforcement Team, with a 24/7 response to antisocial behaviour and noise complaints. This is backed up by plans to increase CCTV coverage in known hotspots, improve street lighting and work more closely with the police to ensure safer routes home. Practical steps such as the introduction of free bulky waste collection and community skip days are in the pipeline to make it easier for residents to dispose of waste properly and reduce fly tipping.

Housing remains a central issue, and the commitment to deliver 2,500 genuinely affordable homes is intended to address long-standing pressures on supply and affordability, particularly for local residents.

On the economic side, Hounslow continues to play a significant role in west London’s wider growth. The Golden Mile regeneration programme along the Great West Road brings together around £7.5 billion of investment over the next 15 years, with plans for up to 14,000 new homes and around 25,000 jobs, with new commercial space, and a focus on sectors such as creative, digital and technology industries. Developments already underway, including the former GSK site, will deliver thousands of homes and significant workspace, as well as a new Skills and Innovation Hub linked to the University of West London.

This is complemented by infrastructure investment, including the proposed West London Orbital rail line , which Hounslow is supporting alongside TfL, improving connections across west London and opening up access to jobs and development sites.

In justice news, the big topic has been the Courts and Tribunals Bill. Most of the Bill has been welcomed and well-received, especially the promise of additional resources for the criminal courts and greater efficiencies. However, the Bill has also attracted controversy, due to the restriction of jury trial in some cases. That represents a significant shift in principle, and one that merits careful scrutiny. I set out my opinions on the Bill in a speech last week . 

The Justice Committee, which I chair, has held more evidence sessions on the Bill, and I've also raised the Lady Chief Justice's concerns about the safety of judges who will now be making findings of guilt or innocence in more serious cases.

There was consensus from all parties this week on the funding for a memorial for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. The tower itself will soon have disappeared from the west London skyline as it is dismantled, and the Memorial Commission is debating what permanent monument there should be. I spoke in the debate to support not only funding but the need to learn the lessons of Grenfell.

The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill received Royal Assent yesterday, marking a significant step in tackling child poverty. In Hammersmith and Chiswick alone, it is estimated that around 1,920 children will be lifted out of poverty as a result. 

With other MPs who share an interest in the current Middle East crisis, I met ambassadors from a number of Arab states, including Palestine, Egypt and Jordan, to discuss the current hostilities across the Middle East. It was a useful opportunity to hear directly from those representing countries in the region. The Lebanese Ambassador, in particular, shared images of the recent bombing in Lebanon, which underlined the severity of the situation and its humanitarian consequences.

Although we hope that the despicable regime in Iran comes to an end, the UK is right not to have joined in the US and Israel's war of aggression, which has dragged many countries across the region into the hostilities and caused huge damage to energy markets and the cost of living in this country. I'm pleased that the UK is standing up for international law, and this is a matter we may turn to next week when the Prime Minister gives evidence before the Liaison Committee of Select Committee chairs. 

While much of the focus is on what is happening in Iran and the Gulf, the attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank continue and a million Lebanese civilians have been forced to flee their homes. 

As the holy month of Ramadan ends, Muslim constituents and many others will be celebrating Eid.  Eid is a time for celebration, and I will be visiting local mosques and celebrations over the next few days. It's a huge pleasure to celebrate the success of the many cultures and religions represented across Hammersmith and Chiswick, and a reminder of the strength of living in a multicultural society.

Best wishes,

Andy

andy@andyslaughter.com

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