Hillingdon Council published its draft 2026/2027 budget, just before Christmas, and it is out for public consulation until Wednesday 4th February. Ahmad Rafique, Hayes Independent Party Wood End member, submitted the following response to the consultation.
I urge the Council to prioritise targeted investment in community safety and housing stability across Wood End, Yeading and Hayes Town. These wards are experiencing the combined pressures of rising crime and acute housing need, and residents are feeling the impact daily.
Recent borough‑wide data shows Hillingdon has one of the highest crime rates in London, with particularly elevated levels of violence, anti‑social behaviour, theft and vehicle crime. This reality is reflected on the ground in our neighbourhoods, where residents report persistent safety concerns, especially around transport hubs, shopping parades and residential estates.
At the same time, the shortage of genuinely affordable housing is pushing families into overcrowded or insecure accommodation, increasing vulnerability and placing additional strain on local services.
To address these challenges, I ask the Council to:
- Increase visible policing and community safety initiatives in high‑footfall and high‑risk areas.
- Invest in improved street lighting, CCTV coverage and environmental design that deters crime.
- Accelerate the delivery of affordable, high‑quality homes within these wards, prioritising local families and key workers.
- Strengthen early‑intervention services for young people to reduce the drivers of crime and anti‑social behaviour.
- Ensure that regeneration and housing programmes are matched with adequate social infrastructure; schools, health services, transport and green spaces.
Residents in Wood End, Yeading and Hayes Town want to feel safe in their communities and secure in their homes. A budget that recognises and responds to these realities will make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing and future of our borough.
I would also encourage the Council to strengthen its focus on long‑term neighbourhood resilience. In wards such as Wood End, Yeading and Hayes Town, residents consistently raise concerns about the cumulative impact of poor-quality private rentals, overcrowding, and the visible decline of some local shopping parades, parking and estates. These issues contribute directly to community safety challenges and undermine confidence in the local environment.
A more proactive approach to landlord enforcement, estate maintenance, and high‑street renewal would make a significant difference. Many residents feel that small but persistent issues; fly‑tipping, broken lighting, neglected alleyways, and poorly maintained public spaces; lack of enforcement, poor visibility of uniformed services, create conditions where anti‑social behaviour becomes normalised. Addressing these environmental factors is just as important as policing.
Finally, I would urge the Council to improve communication and transparency with residents. People want clearer updates on regeneration timelines, better town centre planning, housing allocations, safety initiatives, and local investment plans. Better engagement builds trust and ensures that residents feel part of the decision‑making process rather than observers of it.
You can comment on the council's Budget consultation at this link.
