Scout Groups Given New Lease Arrangements By Hounslow Council

Substantial increases in charges for some scouting groups

Scout groups across the borough have had their lease arrangements with Hounslow Council changed and rents have been increased.

The move is part of a regularisation with Hounslow Council, which the Council said had been 'a long outstanding issue' in the borough which had caused tension between the Council and the organisation.

For many years the Scouts paid a peppercorn rent for the scout huts but the new agreement between the Council and the organisation means a new increased rent (initially reduced for a year) on the understanding that the Scouts will plan maintenance and repairs in advance and start to raise funds to programme required improvements.

Income from across the borough from premises occupied by the scouts has been below £4,000 including insurance recharges, in the last two years.

The matter was discussed at last week's cabinet meeting. Leader of Hounslow Council Cllr Steve Curran said that he was delighted that the issue had been resolved. Times were currently very difficult for youth services and although some saw the Scouts as old fashioned, he felt that they still provided a first class service for young people.

Cllr Sue Sampson said that she had spoken to a number of individuals involved with Scouting who were all happy to be in a more secure position regarding leases. A lot of hard work had been put into this by officers.

Cllr Lily Bath added her admiration of the work done for the Borough’s young people by the Scout movement, which was of particular importance at the present time of continued funding cuts to youth services. Cllr Curran moved the recommendations, which was seconded by Cllr Sampson. The Cabinet approved the report’s recommendations regarding an agreed approach to how LBH will support the Scouting Association (which includes all sub-groups including Beavers, Cubs, Pixies etc) in Hounslow and agreed to set up a regime for lease renewals going forward.

September 17, 2018