Hounslow Council Denies Double Charging for Warden Service
If allegation proven millions in compensation could be payable
The wardens provide extra security in areas with high incidence of anti-social behaviour. Picture: Hounslow Council
October 31, 2025
Hounslow Council has issued a firm denial following allegations that council tenants have been double charged for the Neighbourhood Warden Service since 2017. The claim, raised by former council employee and union member Conrad James, suggests tenants have been paying for the service both through Council Tax and a separate housing charge. If confirmed the discrepancy could lead to the council having to pay out millions in compensation
In an email sent to the Local Government Authority Housing Commission, James called for “an urgent investigation,” stating that officers had “repeatedly raised this matter, but continue to be ignored.”
The Neighbourhood Enforcement Service, which includes estate patrols and anti-social behaviour reporting lines, is funded through a combination of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the General Fund. In response to questions from Councillor Peter Thompson, the council clarified that in the 2024/25 financial year, 76% of the service costs were funded from the HRA and 24% from the General Fund.
A council spokesperson explained: “The charge tenants pay for the Neighbourhood Wardens service reflects the elements of it which operate only on housing estates, and are therefore not considered universal. This includes patrols in areas where concerns have been raised around antisocial behaviour, which do not operate in residential areas outside of HRA estates. It also includes access to a phone line to report antisocial behaviour, advertised only to tenants.”
The council confirmed that the HRA is audited externally each year as part of its financial statements, with the audit scope including checks on statutory compliance and cost allocation. While no internal audit has reviewed the specific charging arrangements for 2024/25, the council stated that cost apportionment is reviewed annually through the HRA Business Plan.
Concerns about service charge transparency have been raised in various local authorities across the UK. Residents who believe they have been incorrectly billed are advised to request a breakdown of charges or lodge a formal complaint.
Service charges for council tenants typically vary depending on property type, location, and lease terms, and may include costs for estate management, communal lighting, repairs, and warden services where applicable.
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