Opposition raises concern about finances and transparency

A Lampton Group van

November 28, 2025

A motion calling for enhanced scrutiny of the Lampton Group, a council-owned company responsible for housing and leisure services in Hounslow, was blocked by Labour councillors at Tuesday’s full Borough Council meeting (25 November). The proposals, tabled by Conservative councillors and supported by opposition members including Green Party councillor Guy Lambert, aimed to establish an independent scrutiny committee and introduce new oversight measures for large financial transfers to the group.

The Lampton Group, wholly owned by Hounslow Council, has received over £230 million in loans since its creation in 2013. It has posted annual losses since its inception and is projected to exceed £15 million in cumulative losses by the end of this financial year. Recent reports show the group’s assets are now worth less than its liabilities to the council, raising concerns about the financial exposure of local taxpayers.

The Conservative motion proposed:

• A new independent scrutiny committee for Lampton
• Mandatory attendance at shareholder meetings
• A requirement for full council approval of any transfer of funds over £100,000

However, Deputy Leader Cllr Tom Bruce introduced an amendment that removed references to Lampton’s financial losses and rejected changes to the group’s existing governance arrangements. Labour councillors argued that the motion was unnecessary and unconstitutional, citing existing scrutiny mechanisms including the Shareholder Committee and a recent “Scrutiny in a Day” session.

Cllr Jack Emsley, who supported the original motion, criticised Labour’s decision. He said, “If Hounslow Labour believe that the Lampton Group is fit for purpose, you have to ask why they are so scared of enhanced scrutiny? Their decision to block these proposals confirms our worst fears: they would rather play party politics than commit to sound financial governance of our borough.”

Green Party councillor Guy Lambert, who had responsibility for the group during its formation, also backed the call for greater scrutiny, saying, “I think a noble and very successful initiative which I was heavily involved in is being undermined in various ways. I agreed (!) with the Conservatives that more attention on scrutiny is needed, though much of what they said was ill-informed.”

In response, the Labour Group defended Lampton’s record, highlighting its role in delivering 629 homes and reducing reliance on temporary accommodation. The group accused the Conservatives of “sticking-plaster politics” and argued that Lampton’s work has helped tackle homelessness and improve financial stability.

Cllr Bruce said, “The Tories love talking about the money we’ve lent to Lampton. They are less keen on talking about the 629 homes that money has paid for. It’s the same old Tories. They know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

The debate followed a review of the council’s Treasury Management Mid-Year Report, which showed a £13.3 million reduction in borrowing and confirmed that no prudential indicators had been breached.

With Hounslow Council facing a projected £50 million budget gap next year, scrutiny of its finances is likely to continue.