Hounslow's Financial Crisis: Poor Management Exposed

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Chiswick Homefields councillor Gerald McGregor reports back

Cllr Gerald McGregor

December 14, 2024

As your elected representative, it’s my duty to bring clarity to the issues facing our borough and their impact on Chiswick residents. Next week, the Hounslow Council Cabinet is meeting to address urgent financial challenges, and the agenda is deeply concerning. With major cuts, increased charges, and questionable management decisions on the table, it’s time for serious scrutiny and action.

The council’s financial mismanagement is now fully exposed. Some of the problem lies with the so-called “One Hounslow Financial Strategy,” which doesn’t really deliver solutions for sustainable funding. Instead, it relies on patchwork fixes, including dipping heavily into reserves. The projected budget gaps are staggering: £28.3 million in 2025/26, rising to £35.7 million by 2027/28.

For a council that has long claimed “sound financial management,” this is nothing short of a failure. This short-term approach leaves the borough dangerously vulnerable to future economic shocks.

The financial strain on residents is increasing, with proposals for a 4.99% hike in Council Tax. This will be compounded by the introduction of emissions-based parking charges and various fee increases across council services. Such measures disproportionately affect lower-income households, making day-to-day living more expensive for the most vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the council is planning significant cuts to public services. Reforms to the Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme are expected to save £4 million but will leave many struggling families without the assistance they depend on. Additionally, the decision to dim or switch off streetlights during late hours to save £200,000 raises serious safety concerns, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Families will also feel the impact of reduced funding for school transport and early years programmes, which are critical to supporting children’s development and education.

The council’s environmental priorities are also being called into question. While they profess a commitment to “green growth,” cuts to parks maintenance and tree planting programmes paint a very different picture. The reduction in parks maintenance by £20,000 will inevitably lead to poorly kept spaces, diminishing their appeal and undermining their value as hubs for community health and recreation.

Even cultural initiatives are not spared. The decision to end the prison library subsidy, saving £25,000, is particularly shortsighted. Access to books and educational resources in prisons plays an essential role in rehabilitation and reducing reoffending. Cutting this service may save money in the short term but risks greater societal costs in the future.

Lampton 360: A Financial Sinkhole

A particularly glaring issue is Lampton 360, the council’s wholly owned business group. This venture is expected to operate at an £11.3 million loss this year. Despite its consistent underperformance, the council continues to pour resources into it, jeopardising essential services in the process. Lampton 360 is a failed experiment, and the administration must act decisively to divest from it. Continuing to subsidise its losses is irresponsible and risks corporate bankruptcy, which would leave residents with no protection for critical services.

Standing Up for Chiswick

As your councillor, I am committed to a balanced approach that protects frontline services while addressing inefficiencies. Education and care for the elderly must remain priorities, as these services form the foundation of a strong community. Instead of blanket cuts, the council should focus on targeted staffing efficiencies by identifying surplus management roles and streamlining operations. Transparency in spending is also essential, particularly regarding questionable ventures like Lampton 360.

Chiswick’s parks and green spaces are not luxuries but necessities. Residents value these amenities for their physical and mental health benefits, and I will continue to fight for proper funding and maintenance. Similarly, the decision to dim streetlights must be reconsidered. Safety on our roads and public spaces is non-negotiable, and residents should not feel unsafe due to cost-saving measures.

Community Concerns: Safety, Parks, and Local Life

Chiswick residents already face challenges with safety and public space maintenance. The proposal to dim or switch off streetlights is particularly troubling. Well-lit streets are crucial for safety, and I will challenge this decision at every opportunity. Similarly, our parks deserve better care—not further neglect.

I’ve also received feedback from residents about the lack of progress on several local projects, including improved waste management and traffic-calming measures. These concerns are being raised directly with council officers, and I’ll continue to push for solutions.

Festive Wishes and Community Spirit

Finally, as we approach Christmas, I want to end on a positive note. The festive decorations across Chiswick are a testament to our community’s resilience and spirit. Let’s use this season to come together, support one another, and reflect on the values that make our area such a special place to live.

If you have concerns or ideas about how we, as a Conservative Group, can better serve Chiswick and the Boroughs, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you and your family a joyous and peaceful Christmas season.

Cllr Gerald McGregor

gerald.mcgregor@hounslow.gov.uk

07866 784821

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES

Tuesday, 17 December: Cabinet

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

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

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