Residents were in the spotlight at Hounslow’s annual Housing Conference on Saturday 31 January, as tenants, leaseholders, councillors and housing officers came together to talk frankly about council housing and the future of local services.
The message was clear from the outset: people who live in council homes every day should help shape how those homes are managed. The conference created space for open discussion, practical ideas and, crucially, shared accountability between residents and the council.
Across a series of interactive workshops, tenants were invited to say what works, what doesn’t and what needs to change. Conversations focused on day-to-day service delivery, longer-term priorities and how housing services across the borough could better reflect residents’ lived experience.
Community spirit was also celebrated, with ‘Unsung Heroes’ awards recognising residents who quietly go above and beyond for their neighbours and estates. Nominated by fellow tenants, the awards highlighted the often unseen work that helps communities function and thrive.
Councillor Sue Sampson, Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Homelessness, said the conference demonstrated the value of listening and partnership.
“Good housing services are built on trust, accountability and listening,” she said. “Events like this give residents a real voice in shaping the improvements they want to see.”
She also pointed to the council’s recent inspection under the Regulator of Social Housing’s new consumer standards, where Hounslow received a ‘C2’ rating – the second-highest possible.
“We remain committed to learning, improving and being a good landlord for our tenants,” she added.
A live Q&A session allowed residents to put questions directly to senior officers and cabinet members, prompting open and sometimes challenging exchanges. The aim, organisers said, was transparency – and building confidence that concerns are being heard and addressed.
The day closed with a call for residents to stay involved, whether through tenant-led scrutiny panels, local groups or future engagement events.
Feedback suggested the approach struck a chord. A post-event survey found that 85 per cent of respondents would attend again, with 70 per cent rating the conference four or five out of five.
For Hounslow, the conference marked not just a conversation, but a commitment to keeping residents at the centre of housing decisions.
