The Coronation, Street Parties and Dealing with Empty Homes

Chiswick Gunnersbury councillor Ron Mushiso reports back

Councillor Ron Mushiso waiting outside Buckingham Palace

May 13, 2023

It has been an eventful week filled with moments of reflection, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for our rich history.

Saturday 6 th May 2023 was a day I had eagerly awaited, for it marked a significant moment in our nation's history. The coronation of King Charles III was a celebration of our traditions, institutions, and the enduring ties of the Commonwealth. For someone who strongly believes in preserving our heritage, it was a privilege to witness the historic event first hand. It brought back memories of pivotal moments in our history, such as the suffragette protests in 1907 and of course the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. As I stood among the crowd, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride as a first-generation immigrant, never imagining I would have the opportunity to witness a coronation. It was a moment that resonated deeply with my personal journey and the sacrifices made by my great grandfather, who served in the British Army during World War Two as part of the Kings African Rifles. Though he never had the chance to see the king he fought for, I felt that his dedication to the values we cherish today was honoured.

I also managed to get in front of the camera to be interviewed by Reeta Chakrabarti, the renowned BBC news anchor. It was great opportunity to share my personal journey and perspective as a first-generation immigrant who came to the United Kingdom from a remote village in Uganda at the age of 12 to that moment when I stood proudly on the Mall as a Conservative Councillor and royalist bestowed with honour of serving our residents the fantastic ward of Chiswick Gunnersbury.

Reeta Chakrabarti

Waiting in the rain outside the Palace

Sunday 7 th May 2023 brought another reason to celebrate as I joined the Wellesley Road coronation street party. This festive gathering was a testament to the vibrant community spirit that thrives in Chiswick. Wellesley Road residents showcased their exceptional event organizing skills, transforming the street into a delightful cul-de-sac filled with joy and camaraderie. The party served to celebrate the coronation, but the road itself is a shining example of a successful and well-designed low traffic neighbourhood and cycleway scheme. From basketball games to skateboarding, ping pong to bouncy castles, the day was filled with laughter and cake. Moreover, I was delighted to see the event's philanthropic aspect, with over £1000 raised for charity. The collaboration between the council and residents’ group here was commendable, and I extend my gratitude to the council officers for their invaluable assistance and support.

At the Wellesley Road Street Party

The council is empty of ideas on empty homes.

I have nothing but praise for our council officers. They do so much good but often their work and reputation is drowned out by the poor governance. Take empty homes for example; with housing shortage in the news across London, you would think that the councillor leader Cllr Rajawat and the Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Sampson will get a grip on the amount of empty council owned properties in the borough.

I would like to see the council leader and his cabinet, leading from the front on issues concerning the housing waiting lists and maintenance of council owned properties. Instead, this leader is preoccupied party management and patronage to appease his colleagues. That is not what a leader should be doing. The waiting list for council housing in Hounslow continues to grow, with families enduring years of uncertainty and unsuitable living conditions. The Labour administration's claims of building more housing ring hollow when thousands remain on the waiting list, and nearly 500 council-owned properties lie empty, triple the national average.

Cllr Sampson, the lead member responsible for addressing the housing crisis, speaks of ensuring every resident has a safe and secure home. Yet, these words hold little weight without corresponding actions. It is time for Cllr Sampson to step up and fulfil the obligations of her role, rather than hiding behind bureaucratic directives. Blaming central Government is such an easy out. It might work for the first four years, but labour have been in control at Hounslow for 13 years. When will Cllr Rajawata and Cllr Sampson take responsibility to address the urgent needs of people with families on the council house waiting list?

Local Conservative call for action on empty homes

Empty council properties represent a wasted opportunity for this administration to make a real difference in helping those serious housing need. We need to launch a campaign to quickly bring these vacant properties back into use. Doing so will not only alleviate the pressure on housing supply but also save the council substantial amounts in council tax payments for empty dwellings. Afterall, what the point in having an empty property? Evidence suggest that empty dwellings invite antisocial behaviour, causing concern to neighbours and devaluing the area more generally. It also costs the council money, both in terms of lost rent and in the fines it has to pay for homes empty for over 18 months.

We need to be in a position where, if a council property becomes vacant, we advertise it immediately to those on the waiting list. Local residents should have a role to play in this campaign. They might just be best placed to report empty council properties to the council. That is just one-way Hounslow can truly become a Listening borough.

Cllr Ron Mushiso

ron.mushiso@hounslow.gov.uk

07976 702887

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Tuesday, 16th May at 7.00pm: Cabinet

Tuesday, 23rd May at 7.30pm Borough Council AGM

CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLOR SURGERIES

Chiswick: Every Saturday from 9.30am to 10.30am at Chiswick Library (the eight Conservative councillors take this surgery in turn).

Gunnersbury: First Saturday of the month from 10am to 11am at The Gunnersbury Triangle Club, Triangle Way, off The Ridgeway, W3 8LU (at least one of the Chiswick Gunnersbury ward councillors takes this surgery). 

CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS and CONTACTS

Chiswick Gunnersbury (was Turnham Green) ward

Cllr Joanna Biddolph joanna.biddolph@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 703446

Cllr Ranjit Gill ranjit.gill@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702956

Cllr Ron Mushiso ron.mushiso@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702887

Chiswick Homefields ward

Cllr Jack Emsley jack.emsley@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 396017

Cllr Gerald McGregor gerald.mcgregor@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784821

Cllr John Todd john.todd@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784651

Chiswick Riverside ward

Cllr Peter Thompson peter.thompson@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 395810

Cllr Gabriella Giles gabriella.giles@hounslow.gov.uk 07966 270823

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