LONDON
Pamila Rodrigues, who won elections from the Hounslow Central ward of the London Borough of Hounslow, has been given a number of portfolios in the council.
Speaking to The Goan, Rodrigues said her appointments include Deputy Whip, Vice-Chair of the Central Hounslow Area forum (covering Hounslow Central, Hounslow East, Hounslow Heath and Hounslow West wards), Member of Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Member of the Health & Adults Care Scrutiny Panel, Chair of Housing & Environment Scrutiny Panel and Member of Hounslow Community Association Ltd (Trust).
“My current focus is to understand the constitution and policy frame work of the council. Once I am confident of my knowledge of how my role can have a meaningful impact within my ward and community I will take up projects accordingly,” said Rodrigues.
Asked to comment on her plans and strategies to deliver on these portfolios, Rodrigues said her commitment is to “be an accessible, proactive, and effective representative who listens carefully, acts decisively, and works collaboratively.”
“By building strong relationships between the Goan community, the council, and local partners, I will strive to ensure that community concerns are not only heard but addressed in a way that delivers meaningful results for residents.”
“Some points to achieve this includes stronger communities, community safety, youth opportunities, resident engagement, volunteering, better housing and health, quality housing, homelessness prevention, adult care, health inequalities, cleaner, greener neighbourhoods, street cleanliness, air quality, green spaces, and sustainable transport.”
“My strategies will consist of mapping community groups and identifying gaps, encouraging partnerships between faith groups, charities, and businesses, developing programmes for young people and older residents and seek external grant funding opportunities.”
To a query on the challenges that she may encounter while discharging her portfolios, Rodrigues said the challenges would include managing differing views within the political group, managing residents' expectations when resources are limited, ensuring scrutiny recommendations lead to meaningful action and rising housing demand and affordability pressures.
“I plan to address these challenges by supporting initiatives that increase housing supply and improve housing standards, engaging directly with service users and carers to understand their experiences, basing scrutiny work on robust evidence and performance data, focusing on issues with the greatest impact on residents and monitoring implementation of recommendations and request progress reports,” said Rodrigues.
“Besides, I also plan to work constructively with officers and cabinet members to achieve improvements, engage regularly with residents, community groups, and local businesses, ensure concerns raised are tracked and followed through with relevant departments and promote transparency by providing updates on progress and outcomes.”
Commenting on her plans to raise and resolve concerns of the Goan community, Rodrigues said: “As a councillor and a proud member of the Goan community, I see my role as ensuring that the voices, concerns, and aspirations of the Goan community are heard and reflected in council decision-making, while working for the benefit of all residents.”
“I will work to ensure that the needs of the Goan community are considered within wider council policies and strategies. This includes supporting initiatives that promote equal access to services, tackle discrimination, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that the Goan community brings to Hounslow.”
Rodrigues said she is particularly keen to encourage greater participation of young people from the Goan community in education, leadership, volunteering, and civic life.
“Their involvement is essential to ensuring the community continues to thrive and contribute positively to the borough,” she said.
