Laleham statement

24 April 2026

Spelthorne Borough Council issued statements on Friday 17 April and Thursday 23 April regarding the incident in Laleham. These statements were released following internal checks; however, we can confirm that further information has come to light which we are sharing now for openness and transparency.

The Council can confirm that at the end of November 2025, alongside other key agencies, it received correspondence via the Home Office channels seeking feedback on the proposed acquisition of the property in question for use as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for six occupants.

We understand that at that stage, the information requested related only to the physical suitability of the property and not to the suitability, background, or risk profile of any prospective occupants.

Gordon Mitchell, Interim Chief Executive of Spelthorne Borough Council, who joined the Council in March this year said, “I accept that our internal processes are not robust enough and I apologise on behalf of the Council for this. I wholeheartedly acknowledge the valid concerns raised by our community and I have assured the Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton, that a thorough and immediate investigation will take place, and the outcome will be communicated in due course.

It is imperative that all stakeholders refine their processes to ensure greater transparency. This includes strengthening how full risk assessments are conducted, ensuring proper alignment between agencies in relation to placement decisions, licensing requirements, and local safeguarding responsibilities. The Home Office needs to communicate more effectively with relevant agencies, when considering the placement of individuals who may pose any level of risk to our communities.”

The Council has been in statutory intervention since May 2025 and has been working with the Commissioners to address the serious concerns regarding governance, scrutiny, risk management arrangements, and decision-making processes identified in the Best Value Report.

As part of the ‘Improvement and Recovery Plan’, Gordon Mitchell had already begun a full review of our internal procedures, and this matter will be top priority.

Spelthorne Borough Council will address the findings of the investigation and will adopt robust processes and procedures to prevent this situation arising again. The Council is committed to full transparency and accountability to ensure public confidence is restored.