Policies
Five priorities. One clear mission.
These are not vague promises. They are specific, honest commitments from a candidate who understands that public life must be held to the same standards as any serious profession.
#1 Crime and Safety
Safer streets. Higher standards. No tolerance for disorder.
Crime and anti-social behaviour are among the most reported concerns in Watford and they deserve a serious response. Ketan's approach is built around close coordination with Hertfordshire Police, more visible presence in the town centre, and prevention work that starts in schools.
Tougher stance on violent crime and anti-social behaviour
More police presence in the town centre
Expand CCTV where police advise it is needed
Improve street lighting with practical consideration for light pollution
Support and expand police-backed town centre safety teams
Drug prevention through school-based education programmes
Develop a formal Town Centre Safety Plan with police at the centre of it
Safer streets. Higher standards. No tolerance for disorder.
#2 Affordability and Council Tax
Watford residents are paying too much and getting too little back.
Affordability in Watford is not just a housing problem. It is a cost of living problem. A typical Band D household in Watford pays around £2,343 per year in council tax. That is nearly £1,000 more than residents in some London boroughs, and it has risen by almost 20% in just five years. Meanwhile residents are not seeing matching improvements in services. That is not acceptable.
A mayor cannot control national taxes or inflation. But a mayor can control how the council spends money, and Ketan will do exactly that.
Freeze council tax as an immediate priority
Work toward a reduction in council tax to bring it in line with the London average by the end of the mayoral term where financially viable
Cut waste before considering any cost increases
Launch a full review of all long-term outsourced council contracts to ensure value for money
Create a competitive local bidding environment so Watford businesses can win council contracts, saving money and supporting local enterprise
Prioritise frontline services over unnecessary bureaucracy
Reduce parking costs to encourage people to visit the town centre
Introduce discounted parking rates for families and seniors
Free parking at Watford NHS hospitals, for staff
Establish regular public engagement sessions so residents can raise concerns directly, similar to MP surgeries
Affordable Watford. Every penny of your money spent properly.
#3 Housing
More homes. The right homes. Actually affordable for working people.
Watford has a serious housing problem: high prices, high rents, and limited land. The solution is building what people actually need, making affordability mean something real, and holding developers to a higher standard. Ketan's focus is on homeownership for working people, not just more rental stock at inflated prices.
Build more homes based on what local data shows people need
Redefine affordability so homes are genuinely purchasable on local wages
Primary focus on helping people buy, not just rent
Stronger regulation of developers working with the council
Tie housing policy to fairness for working families
More homes. Better homes. Affordable homes for working people.
#4 Town Centre and Local Business
A town centre Watford can be proud of.
A thriving town centre means people feel safe, local businesses can grow, and the streets reflect the pride of the community. Ketan's vision combines practical safety measures, a community-led cleanliness programme, and genuine support for the small businesses and entrepreneurs that give Watford its character.
Town centre safety plan developed in coordination with the police
Launch a council-backed Clean Watford programme built on civic pride and volunteering
Involve schools and students in community cleanliness initiatives
Strong support for small businesses and startups
Make starting a business in Watford as streamlined and affordable as possible to encourage local investment and entrepreneurship
Faster council processing for planning applications, licences, and business approvals
Free parking at NHS hospitals and GP surgeries, for staff
Free parking at council offices, courts, driving test centres, and government exam and test centres
Work constructively with night-time businesses while maintaining a clear stance on crime
lean streets. Proud community. Open for business.
#5 Transport and Connectivity
Better connected. Better served.
Watford's transport links should reflect the needs of the people who live and work here. Better connections to London and surrounding areas mean more opportunity, less car dependency, and a stronger local economy. Ketan will push for practical improvements that make a real difference to daily commuters and residents.
Extend London bus services from Harrow Bus Garage to Watford via Carpenders Park and Bushey
Extend the London Underground Bakerloo line from Harrow and Wealdstone to Watford Junction
Improve transport connectivity between Watford and surrounding communities
Ensure transport planning supports access to employment, education, and public services
Better connections. More opportunity. A Watford that moves.
These are the standards Watford deserves.
Help us deliver them.
Ketan and UK Voice are committed to being held accountable for every one of these priorities. If you want to see a safer, more affordable, better run Watford, get involved in the campaign today.
