This week in Hounslow:

Lampton Group's Decade of Losses Under Scrutiny

Hounslow Council's business venture, the Lampton Group, is facing renewed scrutiny after a motion was proposed at a recent Borough Council meeting highlighting its consistent failure to generate revenue and alleged shortcomings in service delivery. The meeting is available here.

• Established in 2013, the Lampton Group was intended to generate revenue for the council and deliver services, but has accumulated over £15 million in losses.
• Councillor Jack Emsley proposed a motion calling for the publication of an external report into the Lampton Group, an independent review, and increased scrutiny of the group's finances.
• The motion also proposed disqualifying Shareholder Committee members with poor attendance and requiring full council approval for Lampton loans exceeding £99,999.

The Lampton Group's financial struggles and service delivery issues have been a recurring theme in council discussions, as noted in previous newsletters. The outcome of this renewed scrutiny could significantly impact the future of the group and its role in the borough.

Social Housing Judgement Welcomed Amidst Safety Concerns

Hounslow Council has welcomed a recent judgement by the Regulator for Social Housing, in which it received a C2 grade, indicating that it is meeting its obligations in relation to landlord health and safety compliance . The Borough Council discussed a motion relating to social housing at a recent meeting. The meeting is available here.

• Councillor Emma Yates proposed a motion to welcome the positive judgement and reaffirm the council's commitment to improving the safety of homes and the wellbeing of residents.
• The motion also supported the introduction of Awaab's Law, which sets strict timeframes for social landlords to address reports of damp and mould.

While the council celebrates the positive judgement, it also acknowledges the need for continued improvement in housing safety, particularly in light of Awaab's Law and the ongoing focus on housing repairs.

Gambling Reform Gains Momentum: Council Backs National Campaign

Hounslow Council is throwing its weight behind national efforts to reform gambling laws, citing concerns about addiction and its social and economic consequences. The Borough Council discussed a motion relating to gambling reform at a recent meeting. The meeting is available here.

• Councillor Farhaan Rehman proposed a motion to support the six recommendations outlined in the Social Market Foundation's report, High Streets at Stake.
• The motion also called for the council to join the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) and work with local partners to promote gambling addiction support.
• The council noted that there are 57 gambling premises in Hounslow, and that the Gambling Act 2005 currently requires councils to approve gambling licenses where minimum criteria are met.

This move reflects a growing awareness of the harms associated with gambling and a desire to strengthen local control over the industry.

Other Matters

• The Borough Council discussed a motion to support the NHS, welcoming additional GP appointments and celebrating the fall in elective care waiting lists.
• The Borough Council ratified Hounslow's Vision 2050, a long-term strategy that aims to address key challenges facing the borough.
• The Borough Council reviewed the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025/26, which summarised the council's borrowing, investments, and treasury management activity.
• The Borough Council agreed to waive the six-month councillor attendance rule for Councillors Jagdish Sharma, Richard Foote and Afzaal Kiani, due to reasons relating to ill health, wellbeing and family concerns.
• The Borough Council agreed the schedule of formal committee and council meeting dates for the municipal year 2026-27.
• The Borough Council ratified the appointment of Dr Paul Probert as the council's statutory scrutiny officer.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the updated One Hounslow Financial Strategy (OHFS), which provides the financial parameters for setting the council's 2026/27 budget.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the outcome of a housing inspection of the council's social housing landlord service by the Regulator of Social Housing.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the recommendations that have emerged from the Scrutiny in a Day event focused on the Lampton Group.
• The Shareholder Committee reviewed the operational and financial performance of the Lampton Group of companies for the second quarter of the 2025-26 financial year.
• The Licensing Panel considered an application from Meryem Fruit & Veg UK Ltd for a temporary street trading licence.
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel heard a presentation from a Family Support Area Manager, and discussed potential site visits.
• No video was provided for the meetings of the Borough Council, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Publishable Officer Decisions, the Licensing Panel, the Shareholder Committee, and the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Pension Fund Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 01 December 2025.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 04 December 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 08 December 2025.
• The Corporate Parenting Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 08 December 2025.
• The Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025.

This week in Hounslow:

Karak Chaii's Late-Night Bid Sparks Noise Concerns

A new premises licence application from Global Gourmet Ltd T/A Karak Chaii, seeking to offer late-night refreshment until 2:00 AM on Hounslow High Street, has raised concerns about potential noise and public safety issues. The Licensing Panel met on Wednesday to consider the application, which has drawn objections from the Community Enforcement/Noise Pollution Team. The meeting is available here.

• Global Gourmet Ltd applied for a licence to provide late night refreshment between 23:00 and 02:00, Monday to Sunday, and opening hours of 07:00 to 02:00.
• Scott McCreadie, Regulatory Enforcement Officer, objected to the application, citing concerns that delivery drivers would frequently park illegally, exacerbating existing problems and undermining public safety. > If this business is permitted to operate with takeaway services, it is highly likely that delivery drivers and riders (e.g., Uber Eats and similar services) will frequently park on double yellow lines or on the footway outside the premises. Granting a premises licence to Karak ChaiI would exacerbate these existing problems and undermine public safety in the area.
• PC Mark Johnstone from the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team, proposed additional conditions to those submitted in the operating schedule, including CCTV and security staff.
• PC Johnstone also raised concerns about the requested operating times, given the premises location within the Boroughs Cumulative Impact Policy Area[^1], and proposed earlier closing times. [^1]: Hounslow operates a Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) in certain areas, meaning that new applications for licenses in those areas are subject to stricter scrutiny due to the existing high concentration of licensed premises and associated issues.

The panel was tasked with balancing the business's aspirations with the need to protect residents from potential disturbances and ensure public safety. The decision could set a precedent for other late-night businesses in the area.

Syon Park Licensing: Residents Fear Noise Nuisance

Syon House Ventures' applications for new and varied premises licences at Syon House and The Great Conservatory, both in Syon Park, have drawn objections from local residents concerned about potential noise and disturbance. The Licensing Panel met on Thursday to consider the applications. The meeting is available here.

• Syon House Ventures applied for a new premises licence for Syon House, seeking permission to supply alcohol, host performances, and provide late-night refreshment until 2:00 AM.
• The applicant also sought to extend the hours for licensable activities at The Great Conservatory, including alcohol sales and live music, until 1:00 AM.
• Eleven residents submitted representations against the Syon House application, citing concerns about increased public nuisance.
• Seven residents objected to the variation application for The Great Conservatory, also citing concerns about noise and disturbance.

The panel was tasked with balancing the needs of the business with the concerns of residents, who fear that the extended hours and licensable activities will disrupt their peace and quiet. The outcome could have implications for future events and licensing decisions in the area.

Dental Health Crisis: Committee Examines Access and Inequality

The North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) met to discuss the concerning state of dentist commissioning and children's dental health across the region. The meeting is available here. The committee heard that access to dental services is a major issue, with inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.

• The committee reviewed data on contracted and delivered Units of Dental Activity (UDAs)[^2], patient numbers, and oral health promotion activities. [^2]: Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) are the standard measure used by the NHS to commission dental services. Each type of treatment is assigned a certain number of UDAs, and dentists are paid based on the number of UDAs they deliver.
• A report highlighted that 80% of patients who had tried to get an NHS dental appointment in the last 2 years were able to, which it said was in line with the national average of 84%.
• The report recommended that providers in certain wards be given additional NHS dental activity, including Stonebridge, Harlesden, Feltham West/Bedfont, and Acton Central.

The committee's discussion underscores the urgent need for action to improve access to dental care, particularly for vulnerable children and those living in deprived areas. Failure to address these issues could lead to long-term health problems and increased inequalities.

Other Matters

• The Bedfont Lakes Trust Panel reviewed the Trust's budget and accounts, and discussed planned improvements to Bedfont Lakes. The meeting is available here.
• The Schools Forum discussed school finances, including de-delegated budgets, a consultation on the Scheme for Financing Schools, and school balances. The meeting is available here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Borough Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025.
• The Shareholder Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025.
• The Publishable Officer Decisions is scheduled to meet on Friday 28 November 2025.
• The Pension Fund Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 01 December 2025.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 04 December 2025.

This week in Hounslow:

Mental Health Lifeline Extended: Council Awards £666,666 to CAMHS Service

In a move to ensure continuous mental health support for young people, Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills & Employment, has approved a £666,666 direct award to West London Trust (WLT) for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). The decision, made through a single member decision, guarantees early intervention services for children and young people in Hounslow until March 2026, while a new service model is developed. The decision is available here.

• The CAMHS Tier 2 service aims to prevent mental health issues from escalating into high-cost hospital services.
• The service includes early intervention, specialist intensive support, and dedicated support for young offenders and looked-after children.
• The decision avoids a gap in mental health provision for vulnerable children, including those in care and young offenders.

The council considered a competitive procurement exercise, but noted that changing providers could mean Hounslow residents would likely have to travel longer distances to receive a CAMHS provision. The council also considered discontinuing the service, but the report stated that discontinuing the service would mean children and young people on the waitlist and caseload would no longer receive a service, and would need to seek other early mental health support.

The decision aligns with the council’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Corporate Plan 22-26, Children and Young People's Plan, and Health and Wellbeing Strategy 23-26. This decision ensures that vulnerable young people in Hounslow continue to receive vital mental health support.

Council Eyes Future: Vision 2050 and Key Strategies Discussed

The Cabinet met to discuss several key strategic documents that will shape the future of Hounslow. The meeting is available here. While no decisions were made, the discussions covered a range of important topics, including the borough's long-term vision, waste management, housing, and enforcement.

• Hounslow's Vision 2050: The cabinet discussed the council's ambitions for the future of the borough.
• West London Waste Plan: The cabinet discussed the plan produced in collaboration with six West London boroughs[^1] to manage waste sustainably. [^1]: The six West London boroughs are: Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames.
• Housing Strategy 2025-2030: The cabinet discussed the final Housing Strategy for 2025-2030.
• Housing Assistance Policy - Disabled Facilities Grant: The cabinet discussed the Housing Assistance Policy concerning Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG).
• Enforcement Review - New operating model: The cabinet discussed a review of the council's enforcement operations and a new operating model.
• Financial Monitoring Update Quarter 2 2025-26: The cabinet discussed the Financial Monitoring Update for Quarter 2 of 2025-26.
• Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-2026: The cabinet discussed the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report for 2025-2026, including an update on the Lampton Group[^2]. [^2]: The Lampton Group is a company owned by Hounslow Council that delivers services including: building homes, managing properties, providing training, and offering services to vulnerable people.

These discussions highlight the council's commitment to planning for the future and addressing key challenges facing the borough.

Fly-Tipping and E-Bike Concerns: Scrutiny Panel Examines Land Ownership Issues

The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel met to discuss land ownership in Hounslow, focusing on issues such as fly-tipping and the management of dockless e-bikes. The meeting is available here. The panel also reviewed good practices and discussed future visits.

• The panel expressed concerns about the lack of clear records of land ownership, particularly regarding Transport for London (TfL) and NHS land.
• Fly-tipping on private land was identified as a major issue, with 100-120 cases reported per month.
• The panel discussed the costs associated with land registry searches and the challenges of identifying landowners, especially in unadopted alleyways and shared access areas.
• Councillor Joanna Biddolph asked whether fly-tipping has increased since the Sterling Road Centre closed and since fortnightly collections began.

The panel's discussion highlights the challenges of managing land ownership and addressing environmental issues in Hounslow. The lack of clear records and the costs associated with enforcement pose significant obstacles to tackling fly-tipping and other problems.

New Off-Licence Approved: Licensing Panel Grants Licence for Hounslow Local Store

The Licensing Panel approved a new premises licence for Hounslow Local Store, allowing the store to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. The meeting is available here. The decision was made despite concerns raised by local councillors about potential increases in crime and disorder.

• The approved hours for alcohol sales are 11:00 to 22:30, Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 22:00 on Sundays.
• The panel considered the store's location within the cumulative impact policy (CIP) area for Hounslow and North West Isleworth, Heston and Cranford.
• The applicant proposed conditions to deter street drinkers and address the four licensing objectives[^3], including restrictions on the sale of single cans and high-strength alcohol, a Challenge 25 policy[^4], and CCTV. [^3]: The four licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003 are: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. [^4]: Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy used to prevent the sale of alcohol to underage individuals. It encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (photographic ID, a card bearing the PASS hologram, or similar) if they are to buy alcohol.

The panel granted the application, citing the applicant's proposed conditions, the lack of substantive evidence from objectors, and the absence of police objections. This decision balances the needs of local businesses with concerns about potential negative impacts on the community.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 17 November 2025.
• The Bedfont Lakes Trust Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 24 November 2025.
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 24 November 2025.
• The Borough Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025.
• The Shareholder Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025.
• The Publishable Officer Decisions is scheduled to meet on Friday 28 November 2025.

This week in Hounslow:

Housing Repairs Under Scrutiny: Council Prepares for Awaab's Law

The Audit and Governance Committee reviewed an assurance report on housing repairs, focusing on preparations for Awaab's Law, which comes into effect on 27 October 2025. The meeting is available here. The report highlights the council's efforts to improve its repairs service, but also raises questions about the effectiveness of current practices and resident satisfaction.

• Repairs to council-owned properties are carried out by Coalo, a subsidiary of Lampton 360 Limited, which is part of the Lampton Group of companies wholly owned by the London Borough of Hounslow.
• The report states that resident satisfaction with repairs has consistently exceeded the target of 85%.
• An end-to-end review of the repairs process has been conducted to improve service and efficiency.

Awaab's Law was introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his social housing flat. The law sets strict timeframes for social landlords to address reports of damp and mould, and failure to comply can result in legal action. The council's preparations for Awaab's Law are crucial to ensuring the health and safety of its tenants, particularly those living in vulnerable circumstances.

Pandemic Risk Added to Corporate Register: Council Prepares for Potential Health Crisis

The Audit and Governance Committee also reviewed the Corporate Risk Register (CRR), which identifies key risks facing the council. A new risk has been added: Pandemic Influenza impacting population health, council services and partners, and workforce capacity (PH0001). The meeting is available here. This addition reflects the ongoing threat of infectious diseases and the need for the council to be prepared for future outbreaks.

• The CRR contains corporate risks that cut across the delivery of all services, key programmes and projects and those that will affect the delivery of the council's objectives.
• Two risk scores are provisional: Weakening of the Council's financial resilience (FR0001) and Material in-year budget deficit and resulting adverse impact on the One Hounslow Financial Strategy (FR0003).
• One risk has been removed from the CRR - Failure to respond to the recruitment and retention issues in Children and Adult Social Care (CAS0006).

The inclusion of pandemic influenza on the CRR highlights the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of public health emergencies. The council's ability to respond effectively to a pandemic could have a significant impact on the health and well-being of residents, as well as the delivery of essential services.

Planning Enforcement Plan Updated: Council Aims for Stronger Action Against Breaches

The Planning Committee reviewed and noted the updated Planning Enforcement Plan 2025, which aims to improve how the council manages breaches of planning control. The meeting is available here. The updated plan incorporates feedback from a public consultation and includes clearer definitions, improved communication, and a commitment to using enforcement powers more effectively.

• The updated plan includes clearer definitions of 'harm,' 'minor,' and 'expediency' to ensure consistent decision-making.
• Improved communication protocols with complainants, including named case officers and case updates.
• A commitment to continue to publish enforcement statistics monthly.

The updated Planning Enforcement Plan is intended to address concerns about delays, poor communication, and a perceived overuse of the 'not expedient' justification for avoiding enforcement action. By strengthening its approach to planning enforcement, the council aims to protect the environment, preserve the character of neighbourhoods, and ensure that development is carried out in accordance with planning regulations.

Other Matters

• The Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel discussed early evidence of the new model of care, and planned future activities. The meeting is available here.
• The Pension Board discussed a review of past meeting minutes, updates on the Pension Board's forward plan, monitoring reports, and the administration performance of the pension fund. The meeting is available here.
• The Planning Committee discussed planning applications for 299-303 Chiswick High Road and Buildings 1-5 Chiswick Business Park. The meeting is available here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 10 November 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 10 November 2025.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025.
• The Cabinet Member Single Member Decision is scheduled to meet on Thursday 13 November 2025.
• The Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 17 November 2025.
• The Bedfont Lakes Trust Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025.