Agenda and minutes

All Cabinet Members were present. The Chief Executive sent his apologies due to a family commitment and was unable to return due to the national rail strikes.

No interests were declared by Members present.

The minutes and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 10 November 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

It was confirmed items to be considered in public and private were as set out on the agenda.

The Chairman of the Residents’ Services Select Committee, Councillor Wayne Bridges, presented the Committee’s review to Cabinet, which was warmly supported.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet considers the findings of the Committee’s review and agrees to support their recommendations below as part of the Council Tax setting process and MTFF budgets recommended to full Council.

Committee recommendations, recommended by Cabinet to Council:

1. To increase the current Empty Homes Council Tax Premium, applicable to non-exempt properties empty for more than two years, from the current 50% to 100% from the 2023/24 financial year;
2. To phase in increases to the current Empty Homes Council Tax Premium, applicable to non-exempt properties empty for more than five / ten years, to the maximum premium allowable of 200% / 300% respectively and from financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26 respectively;
3. To note the 2 specific circumstances where the application of the Premium cannot be applied, as set out in the report.

Reasons for decision

The Select Committee Chairman presented a report to Cabinet into his Committee’s review on the Council’s application of the Empty Homes Council Tax Premium on non-exempt properties, which had recommended increasing the Premiums to the maximum levels permitted. It was noted that this would seek to reduce the number of such empty properties in the Borough and encourage owners sell or refurbish their property, potentially reducing the Council’s expenditure on temporary accommodation and the impact of such empty properties upon neighbours.

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services thanked the Committee for its review and outlined his support for the recommendations, also noting they were ultimately a decision for full Council. The Leader of the Council thanked the Chairman and Committee and welcomed how this would support residents blighted by empty properties along with bringing about additional housing and revenue income for the Council.

Cabinet agreed forward the recommendations to the full Council in order to incorporate the changes in the Council Taxbase calculations, to be considered in January 2023.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have chosen not to support the recommendations or amend them.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Note the budget monitoring position and treasury management update as at October 2022 (Month 7) as outlined in Part A of this report.

2.     Approve the financial recommendations set out in Part B of the report below:

a)    Approve acceptance of gift funding in relation to a Planning Performance Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003 for;

                           I.          Bridge House / Xerox - £55,000

                         II.          Hayes Bridge - £32,000

                       III.          Rainbow Industrial Estate - £80,000

                      IV.          MSD Sherck - £32,000

                        V.          River Pinn - £26,000

                      VI.          Hayes Park - £40,000

b)    Approve the reprofiling of £49,772k General Fund and £31,066k HRA capital budgets into future years.

c)    Approve the virement of £916k from the 2022-23 Highways and Structural Works Programme to the 2022-23 general capital contingency fund.

d)    Approve a virement of £73k from the general capital contingency fund to the Yiewsley and West Drayton Community centre project.

e)    Agree to enter into a funding agreement with Network Rail of up to £397,359 for the Council to undertake essential carriageway reconstruction on land owned by Network Rail in Station Approach, West Drayton and authorise the Corporate Director of Place to sign any necessary documentation.

f)      Approve acceptance of £399k New Burdens grant funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for Homelessness Winter 2022 support. 

g)    Approve acceptance of £19k for the financial year 2022-23 and £47k for the financial year 2023-24 New Burdens grant funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for cladding remediation of high-rise private sector buildings 18 metres and over. 

h)    Approve acceptance of £520k for the financial year 2022-23 and £545k for the financial year 2023-24 from the Department for Health for Improvement & Disparities for wraparound/engagement and community treatment to deliver the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Scheme. 

i)      Agree to surrender the 125-year lease held by the?Orchard Hill Academy Trust of the Hillingdon TuitionCentre(also known as The Skills Hub) at Providence Road, Yiewsley. 

Reasons for decision

Cabinet was updated on the forecast revenue, capital and treasury position for the current year 2022/23 in order to ensure the Council achieved its budgetary and service objectives.

The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the Month 7 report and reported that the overall financial position of the Council was one of stability, dependability and strength and that the Council’s transformation programme and savings plans were showing good progress.

The exceptional pressures during the financial year were outlined, including costs relating to Covid-19, inflation and increased expenditure in the Dedicated Schools Budget from high needs placements, but welcomed that the deficit in the Schools Budget was reducing.

An update was provided by the Cabinet Member on the Housing Revenue Account and capital budgets, where it noted that there were project delays which had resulted in an underspend and he recommended that Cabinet reprofiled such capital spend over future years.

A number of financial recommendations were moved by the Cabinet Member and agreed by Cabinet, including acceptance of grants, gift funding for planning developments, an agreement with Network Rail to undertake carriage way works and approval to surrender the lease held by a local educational institution so they could move to new premises.

The Leader of the Council thanked the Cabinet Member for his continued stewardship of the Council’s finances.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1)    Approve the draft General Fund and Housing Revenue Account budgets and capital programme proposals for 2023/24 (as detailed in Appendices A and B) and beyond as the basis for consultation with Select Committees and other stakeholders.

2)    Approve the proposed amendments to fees and charges to take effect in 2023/24 included in Appendix C, as the basis for consultation with Select Committees and other stakeholders.

3)    Request the comments of individual Select Committees on the draft budget proposals relating to their areas of responsibility.

4)    Note that Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement is awaited from HM Government and the output from these will be factored into the final 2023/24 budget proposals to be considered by Cabinet in February 2023.

5)    Authorise the Corporate Director of Finance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to respond on behalf of the Council to the consultation on the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and to the Mayor of London’s budget consultation.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet put forward its budget proposals for public consultation. This included the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Forecast, the draft General Fund revenue budget for 2023/24 along with projections for future years, the Housing Revenue Account proposed budget, updated fees and charges proposals and the draft capital programme for 2023/24 and beyond.

The Cabinet Member for Finance explained the background to the budget proposals, including the tough economic environment and pressures through inflation, the legacy of Covid-19 and the increase in demand for social care. It was noted that central Government funding, yet to be announced, would still not match the pace of the increases in cost pressures.

Savings of £21m over the ensuing financial year were proposed, streamlining back-office functions to ensure front line services were protected. It was noted that no cuts in front-line services were proposed.

A reset in fees and charges were included in the budget proposals to cover the direct cost of discretionary services and the Cabinet Member explained that the proposed Council Tax increase would be well under inflation and would amount to an increase of £1.21 per week for a Band D property equivalent. It was also noted that Hillingdon has had one of the lowest levels of Council Tax in Outer London as a consequence of the previous long-term freeze in Council Tax.

In respect of the Council’s capital budgets, £340m of expenditure in infrastructure and facilities over the coming years was proposed. Cabinet was informed that housing rents would increase by 7% and the housing capital programme would be deployed to improve and increase the housing stock, whilst also investing in innovative housing projects.

The Cabinet Member recommended the balanced budget for consultation, which contained realistic proposals reflecting the current environment.

The Leader of the Council reiterated the backdrop to the budget proposed and welcomed its prudent and cautious approach, enabling the Council to secure its financial future and services for residents. The Leader expressed his thanks to the Cabinet Member and the Council’s finance team.

Cabinet agreed the draft budget proposals for public consultation, which would also go via all Select Committees for comment, before a final version is submitted in February 2023 for decision.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have chosen to vary other proposals in its budget before consultation. However, to comply with the Budget and Policy Framework, the Cabinet was required to publish a draft budget for consultation at the meeting. 

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet agrees:

1)    That the Council’s support for the Voluntary Sector should move towards commissioning, aligned to service needs, required to support residents.

2)    That the core grants programme for 2023/24 be considered as a transition year towards commissioning of services and that the grants programme will not run from April 2024 and that groups are advised accordingly, with due notice.

3)    That officers are instructed to develop proposals for the commissioning of services from the voluntary sector, aligned to service needs, for Cabinet to consider at its meeting in September 2023.

4)    To delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to make any changes to the grants to local voluntary organisations for 2023/24, should they be required.

5)    Having regard to the equality impact assessments at Appendix C, the overall allocation of grants to Voluntary Sector groups of up to £1,615,500 for the provision of core grant funding for the 2023/24 financial year with specific awards as set out in the schedule - Appendix A.

6)    Grants totalling £17,500 to organisations to enable the provision of transport.

7)    The Council’s contribution of £228,887 to the London Councils’ Grants scheme for 2023/24 (subject to London Councils’ Leader’s Committee meeting on 13th December 2022).

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered the individual grant applications received from the voluntary sector, along with the equalities assessments undertaken and agreed grant funding for local groups for the ensuing financial year. Cabinet also agreed the provision of specific transport grants, along with a further grant to the London Councils Grants Scheme.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services welcomed Council’s continued support to individual voluntary sector organisations proposed for 2023/24, but going forward, following a review, noted that the Council would cease traditional grant funding and instead move to a commissioning basis. It was explained that this would pick up the lessons from how the voluntary sector operated during the pandemic, ensure better outcomes for residents and value for money, whilst assisting organisations to become more self-sufficient. It was noted that a report to Cabinet in September 2023 would outline this new approach to supporting the voluntary sector.

The Leader of the Council supported the move towards a commissioning model, and welcomed the interim period for local charities and voluntary sector organisations to adjust to this.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have made changes to the proposed level of grants.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet

1.     Approve, in principle, the proposed bid outlined in this report for funds from Transport for London to implement the Council’s Local Implementation Plan.

2.     Delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport to agree any changes or additions prior to the submission deadline and to submit the Council's Local Implementation Plan 2023/24 Delivery Programmebid and further bids to support the new three Delivery Plan as required by Transport for London.

3.     Notes that the subsequent progression of any individual scheme or programme in the Plan and funded by Transport for London budgets will also be subject to the Council’s usual democratic capital release procedures, requiring final sign off by the Cabinet Member for Finance and the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the Council’s application for Transport for London funding for the ensuing financial year which would provide investment locally in a range of transport schemes. Cabinet also agreed to delegate final approval of the Council’s submission to the Cabinet Member.

The Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport outlined the differences in approach to transport between the Council and the Mayor of London, but welcomed the Council’s application which would provide a number of local improvements, including zebra crossings, a new bridge, upgrades to the canal towpath, cycle improvements and also support for local parking management schemes.

The Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport moved a minor amendment to correct some figures in the report.

The Leader of the Council expressed the Council’s wish to be able to spend the funding itself, as opposed to the current bureaucratic bidding process to Transport for London.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could not agree to submit the Council’s bid and thereby not be in receipt of local transport funding.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet, following consultation, recommends to Full Council the adoption of the updated Statement of Gambling Policy.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to refer to full Council the adoption of a revised Statement of Gambling Policy. The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services noted that the Policy had been out for consultation including the relevant Select Committee and the Licensing Committee. It was noted that there were no significant responses.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, as the Council is required to review the Policy on a regular basis.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Agrees to London Borough of Hillingdon entering into an agreement with North West London Integrated Care Board (NHS North West London) under section 75 of the National Health Service Act, 2006 for the delivery of the Better Care Fund plan as described in the report from the 4th April 2022 at a value of £109,080,146 for 2022/23 and subject to the plan completing the national assurance process.

2.     Agrees that the provisions of the agreement roll forward subject to the application by the London Borough of Hillingdon or NHS North West London of termination provisions within the agreement or its replacement by a successor agreement.

3.     Delegates to the Executive Director, Adult Services and Health authority to amend the terms of the agreement with NHS North West London, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the Section 75 finance agreement which set out the additional funding for activity undertaken over the last year between the Council and the local NHS to improve the integration of health and social care services.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care noted the nationally set timescales which had meant that it was not possible for the Council and the Integrated Health Board to approve the Better Care Fund agreement earlier. To address this, the Cabinet Member explained that Cabinet would be asked to agree that the arrangements roll forward and noted that in future they may be put on a two year basis. The delegated authority proposed would provide agility to respond to evolving events, such as the new Hospital Discharge Fund. The Cabinet Member also informed Cabinet of a minor financial amendment to the report.

Both the Cabinet Member and Leader of the Council welcomed how the report demonstrated the strong partnership work between the Council and NHS.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not approved the financial agreement, but this would have meant that the Council would not receive the additional care funding.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet note the reports to be considered later in private and Part 2 of the Cabinet agenda and comment on them as appropriate for public information purposes.

Reasons for decision

The Leader of the Council introduced the report which provided a public summary of the matters to be discussed in the private part of the Cabinet meeting later, increasing the Council’s transparency.

Alternative options considered and rejected

These were set out in the public Cabinet report.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approve the appointment of CCR Property Service Ltd for the Provision of a Drainage and Water Main Repairs Service for Housing and Corporate Buildingsfor 3 Years at the estimated sum of £444k per annum.

2.     Furthermore, agree that this includes the provision to extend the contract for a period of 2 years, subject to the approval of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport, in consultation with the Corporate Director for Place.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the recommendations from a report introduced by the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport for a new contract for Drainage and Water Main Repairs Services for Housing and Corporate Buildings. It was noted that this was required so the Council could respond effectively to any blockages or leaks within its estate and minimise risks to the environment and members of the public and residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have sought tenders or quotes per job, but considered this not a productive or consistent approach to such works.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Accept the tenders from Milestone Contracting Limited for the provision of Lots 2,3 and 4 of the Planned Roof Renewals Programme for a total sum of £917,329.36;

2.     Accept the tender from ETEC Contract Services Limited for the provision of Lot 6 of the Planned Roof Renewals Programme for the sum of £852,365.82;

3.     Agrees to the capital release request of £2,125k from the Housing Revenue Account Works to Stock Programme 2022/23 for Phase 2 of Planned Roof Renewals included in Lots 2,3,4 and 6 of Programme.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the recommendations from a report introduced by the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport to proceed with a contract for a planned programme of roofing renewals of 199 properties with roofs at the end of their useful lifecycle.

Alterative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have considered a larger contract for roofing renewals, but were advised that the use of specialist contractors in phases would deliver installations at a lower cost.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agree to extend the current contract with Dennis Eagle Limited for the provision of Full Maintenance and Repair to the London Borough of Hillingdon Fleet at Harlington Road Depot for a two-year period from May 2023 to May 2025 and at the cost of £2,762,122.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the recommendations from a report introduced by the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport to extend the current contract which provides full maintenance and repair for the Council’s fleet of 295 vehicles, based at the Harlington Road Depot in Hillingdon.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to retender the service, but was advised that there was no guarantee that any bid would improve the current financial cost.

No additional items were considered by the Cabinet.

The meeting closed at 7.31pm