Slough Borough Council is at the centre of a growing political storm following allegations that planning permissions for a major Green Belt development were granted in exchange for substantial bribes.
The claims, which surfaced in an email sent by an architectural firm on 15 March 2024, allege that three developers were each asked to pay £500,000 to secure approval for their projects.
The accusations have ignited outrage among local politicians and residents, with many demanding immediate action and an inquiry into the allegations.
Bribery allegations rock Slough Borough Council
The email detailed reports from three separate property developers, each of whom claimed to have been approached by individuals demanding a total of £1.5 million in bribes to secure planning permission.
The email explicitly outlined the bribery allegations. “We have recently heard directly from two Clients, and indirectly from a third, that they have been approached and asked for significant cash payments to encourage a successful outcome for their planning applications,” the email stated.
It continued: “Quite frankly, we had found it difficult to believe that the reports were soundly based; however, these Clients are unknown to each other and have reported very similar approaches in the past couple of months. In both cases, it was a direct knock on the door by persons unknown, either at their home or business addresses, where a payment of £500,000 was requested in order to secure an approval.”
Police and Council refuse to investigate claims
Despite the severity of the claims, both Slough Borough Council and Thames Valley Police have refused to launch an investigation. The council stated that the letter contained insufficient details to warrant further action, while the police reported that no evidence had been identified.
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Slough Labour MP Tan Dhesi has been vocal in his condemnation, insisting that a thorough inquiry is necessary. “With trust in politics already at an all-time low, these allegations are deeply disturbing. The public deserves full transparency and accountability,” he told reporters.
Resignations and political fallout
The scandal has already had significant political repercussions as on April 2 2024, Slough Borough Council referred the letter to Thames Valley Police.
Less than three weeks later, chief planning councillor Iftakhar Ahmed stepped down from his role, though he denied any connection between his resignation and the bribery claims.
Council leader Cllr Dexter Smith responded by removing all Conservative members from the planning committee as a “precautionary measure.” He defended the move, stating: “It is imperative that we uphold the highest standards of integrity in our planning process. Any suggestion of misconduct must be addressed swiftly and decisively.”
Opposition leaders have called for greater transparency, with Slough Green Party councillor Jessica Rowe stating, “This is not just about one case – it’s about restoring faith in local government.”
“The people of Slough deserve honesty”
The allegations come at a pivotal moment as Slough Borough Council considers a controversial proposal to construct a data centre on Green Belt land south of Poyle Road, Berkshire.
The applicant, Manor Farm Propco Ltd, argues that the land’s “poor quality” justifies development, aligning with Labour’s push for a “more relaxed approach” to Green Belt restrictions.
While there is no direct link between the bribery allegations and this specific proposal, the controversy has raised fresh concerns over transparency in the council’s planning process.
The letter also suggested that one of the affected developers had escalated concerns to the Conservative Party’s headquarters, potentially triggering further inquiries at the national level. “We believe that one of the affected Clients has raised the matter with the Conservative Party Head Office and that they in turn may have passed on that information to Slough Borough Council Executive,” the email read.
With public confidence in the council at stake, pressure continues to mount for a full and independent investigation into the bribery allegations. “The people of Slough deserve honesty and fairness in their local government,” said MP Tan Dhesi. “This issue cannot be swept under the rug.”
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