Corruption Claims Hit Hounslow Homes

Allegations of fraud at Council’s housing arm

Allegations of corruption have surfaced at Hounslow Council’s housing arm Hounslow Homes. It is believed that two members of staff have been accused of using labour and supplies from Hounslow Homes to make repairs to their own homes. Claims are also being made that a dummy company was used to fraudulently siphon off funds.

Hounslow Homes have issued a statement saying, “Hounslow Homes can confirm that allegations have been made regarding a breach of our code of conduct. Such allegations are always treated very seriously and investigated in accordance with the Hounslow Homes Disciplinary Procedure.

“If our investigation reveals evidence of wrong doing, the Hounslow Homes disciplinary procedure will be invoked and appropriate action taken against the staff members concerned.

“We are unable to comment on the details of any specific case which must remain confidential between the individual and their employer."

At this stage there is no indication that the police have been involved in the investigation.

In what they say is an unrelated development, the chief executive of Hounslow Homes, Bernadette O’Shea has been issued with a ‘vulnerable to redundancy notice’. Her position is to be designated as ‘managing director’ as a result of Hounslow Council bringing in a significant number of functions back in-house from Hounslow Homes. This move was the recommendation of an independent specialist advisor who recently made a report to the board on senior management arrangements at the company. The current chief executive is to remain in post for the next four months.

Hounslow Homes is an ‘arms length management company’ which looks after 13,000 properties for Hounslow Council.

August 17, 2013