Agenda and minutes

All Cabinet Members were present.

No interests were declared by Cabinet Members present.

The decisions and minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 14 September 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

It was confirmed that the reports on the agenda, as marked public and private, would be considered as shown. The Leader of the Council explained how the Council seeks to provide transparency to its proceedings by publishing a preview of confidential matters considered later.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Notes the Annual Report and is assured that the partnership continues to provide leadership and scrutiny of the safeguarding arrangements for Hillingdon residents.  

2.     Notes the way in which the partnership has responded to the challenges posed by changing local, national and international contexts. 

3.     Notes the strategic priorities for safeguarding for 2023-24.    

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received its annual update on the performance of the local safeguarding partnership that supports vulnerable adults, children and their families to remain safe.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care introduced the comprehensive report and stated that safeguarding was everyone’s business. She highlighted the good work undertaken, including practice support at Hillingdon Hospital, activity to tackle hoarding in homes and training to community health teams in domestic abuse. It was welcomed that the Independent Scrutineer had found no area of poor practice and had identified the strong leadership provided. Reference was made to the easy read version of the annual report and thanks were given to the select committees for their review of it, and importantly the staff who keep residents safe.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education pointed out the strong collaborative work and co-ordination between the partnership organisations. It was welcomed that a key strand of work for the Children’s Safeguarding Board had been on the ‘voice of the children’, ensuring close consultation with young people and empowering them to identify changes, which had resulted in the production of the new children and young people’s annual report. The Cabinet Member stressed how every child and young person should feel safe, enjoy their physical, emotional and mental health, feel they belong and have opportunities to thrive. The Cabinet Member highlighted the priorities for the partnership for 2023/24, including an additional one on education safeguarding. The Cabinet Member thanked the officers and partnership organisations who had helped change and improve the lives of young people in the Borough.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the focus on listening to residents within the safeguarding arrangements and praised the strong leadership from the top down and through our partnerships.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Considers the responses from the consultation as set out in the Appendices 2&3 and the related petition hearing that took place in January 2023;

2.     Agrees to the existing sheltered housing schemes at Yiewsley Court and The Gouldings being decommissioned and re-purposed as ‘short life’ accommodation within the Council’s managed housing portfolio;

3.     Note that Planning consent is required to implement the change of use to ‘short life’ and that Officers will, subject to a decision by Cabinet, submit the necessary application for determination;

4.     Agrees that tenants at Yiewsley Court be decanted to suitable alternative accommodation which best meets their needs and preferences and be paid Statutory Home Loss and Disturbance payments, where eligible;

5.     Agrees that tenants at The Gouldings be given the options to remain at The Gouldings as a general needs tenant or exercise the choice to be decanted to suitable alternative accommodation which best meets their needs and preferences;

6.     Delegates any further decisions required in respect of implementation of this matter to the Corporate Director of Central Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, noting that decisions relating to individual tenants will take account of any equalities issues.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services introduced the report and noted that a review of housing dedicated to older people had indicated an over-supply of sheltered housing accommodation. It was explained that the purpose of the report was to consider the repurpose of two schemes, following consultation, as short life accommodation to meet the needs for temporary housing and to reduce the cost of this.

It was explained that Yiewsley Court was a small, older scheme opposite a much larger and newer scheme where planning permission would be required to change the use of the scheme to short life accommodation. The Cabinet Member explained the consultation that had taken place with residents on this, including a petition which the Cabinet Member had heard, noting that the housing team at the Council would work sensitively with residents to find appropriate transfers to alternative accommodation.

In respect The Gouldings scheme in Uxbridge, it was noted that this was a mixed scheme within a tall tower block and, therefore, not ideal for sheltered housing and those residents with more limited mobility. It was explained that in this case, residents would have a choice to remain or be accommodate in more appropriate accommodation.

Cabinet agreed to the proposals outlined in the report. The Leader of the Council noted the pressure on housing demand, and welcomed the consultation and the sensible and proportionate measures put forward to change this use of accommodation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have increased the number of other properties used for short-life accommodation but noted that this would not bring forward a relatively large number of vacant properties and would not address the disproportionate amount of the Council’s housing stock dedicated to older people.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Considers the proposal to reduce the Published Admission Number for Whitehall Infant School from 120 to 90 and Whitehall Junior School from 120 to 90 and authorises officers to undertake a full consultation exercise in relation to it.

2.     Agrees to receive a further report at its 15th February 2024 meeting for the purpose of considering the consultation responses for a new Published Admissions Number for Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School which is set to take effect from 1 September 2025.

Reasons for decision

To provide stability of pupil numbers and school budgets, Cabinet agreed to consult on proposals for reducing the Published Admission Number for Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School, both from 120 to 90.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education noted the small window to make such changes and the Council’s statutory responsibility to secure sufficient school places where over the past few years there had been a reduction in the number of young people and had thereby reduced funding for certain schools, which needed to be addressed.

The Leader of the Council remarked how the housing supply issue across London had driven a reduction in the number of younger families which required the Council to manage the situation of reducing pupil numbers in some schools.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, as Cabinet’s proposal would enable consultation on school place planning to support the schools to focus their budget and resources for pupils.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approve, in principle, the proposed bid outlined in this report for funds from Transport for London to implement the Council’s Local Implementation Plan and 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 2024/25 Delivery Programmebid.

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 explained the bidding process to Transport for London and the range of projects that the Council proposed to bid for, including cycling training, parking management schemes, school travel and road safety measures along with upgrading the Grand Union Canal towpath and air quality works.

The Leader of the Council regretted the bureaucracy to secure such funding, which he believed should be passported directly to London boroughs in the first instance.

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 note the progress made with primary and secondary school expansions, the school condition programme and other school capital projects.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education introduced the twice-yearly update report on the primary, secondary and special school expansions, the school condition works programme and other school capital works.

The Cabinet Member outlined the significant investment over the next few years in school buildings, including £22m for increasing special needs places which would support the reduction of the deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant.

Specific SEND projects coming to completion were noted including Charville Academy, Wood End Park Academy and Ruislip Gardens Primary School where there would be a new pupil assessment base built.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services sought clarification on Table 1 in the report to confirm the total places provided, which was to be sought outside the meeting.

The Leader of the Council stated the Council’s priority to ensure all young people had a school place appropriate to their needs and welcomed the Council’s investment in the school estate of circa. £45m over the next few years.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Note the budget monitoring position and treasury management update as at August 2023 (Month 5), noting the actions proposed by officers as outlined in Part A of the report.

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

a.     Accepts a grant of £163,419 from the North West London Integrated Care Board to fund two staffing posts to support the implementation of Population Health Management.

b.    Accepts a grant of £1,583,351 from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Market Sustainability and Improvement Fund (MSIF) Workforce Fund to address Adult Social Care workforce pressures during the winter period to 31^st March 2024.

c.     Accepts £20k additional grant funding from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) for costs associated with supporting the Product Safety at Ports & Borders Programme for 2023/24.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet was informed of the forecast revenue, capital and treasury position for the current year 2023/24 to ensure the Council achieved its budgetary and service objectives.

The Cabinet Member for Finance noted some recent positive national economic data and the stabilisation of interest rates, but pointed out the reality for local authorities on the ground and in particular, for Hillingdon, the continuing cost pressures associated with homelessness, asylum seekers and the demand for adult and children’s social care.

The Cabinet Member stressed that at the heart of the Council’s budget strategy was the need to live within budget and not deplete reserves, so to that end, it was explained that further budgetary margins were being created such as examining discretionary expenditure and a review of areas within the Council’s balance sheet. The Council’s realistic and robust approach to its finances, managing budgetary controls and maintaining debt and modest and sustainable levels was made clear.

The Cabinet Member stated that earmarked reserves were projected to be at £14.3m, and combined with unallocated balances, the Council would have £41.1m in reserves at its disposal at the end of the financial year.

To support this, it was mentioned that the current savings programme was on track, and that there would be even further transformation programmes, not currently reflected in the current budget, to yield a further strengthening of the Council’s financial position and its reserves.

The Cabinet Member provided an update on the Council’s capital expenditure, where it was noted there was an underspend within the year, largely due to capacity constraints in the construction sector which had delayed some projects. An update on the Dedicated Schools Grant, where the position had remained unchanged, was given along with the Housing Revenue and Capital Accounts.

Cabinet made a number of other financial decisions relating to the acceptance of grants from the North West London ICB to support population health management work locally, a Government grant to fund upcoming social care workforce pressures and costs associated with changes to requirements for import and product safety at Heathrow Airport.

The Leader of the Council remarked how the Council was not immune to the national economic picture, but that its sound financial management would put it in a strong position to live within its means.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

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 the Cabinet approves the extension of the contract with O’Hara Bros. Surfacing Limited for the provision of Highways Term Services to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a two-year period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026 at the estimated cost of £20m.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed a two-year term extension of the current contract for the provision of Highways Term Services.

Cabinet wished for it to be recorded that when procurement decisions regarding this matter returned to Cabinet, that it would expect a full tender exercise to be presented.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered alternative options as set out in the confidential report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Approve the extension of the contract with the current contractor J McCann & Co Limited for the provision of Street Lighting Works Term Services to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a two-year period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026 at the estimated cost of c.£2,470k.

2)    Authorises the grant of a further two-year lease extension to J McCann & Co Limited for a workshop at Harlington Road Depot. This lease will be outside the security of tenure provisions and will enable the Council to terminate concurrently with the commercial contract as detailed in this report and instructs Legal Services to complete the appropriate lease documentation.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed a two-year term extension of the current contract for the provision of Street Lighting Services along with a lease at the Harlington Road Depot for their operations. The Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport noted this would be predominately a reactive service, as the Council had invested in new more sustainable LED lights and columns over the last few years.

Cabinet wished for it to be recorded that when procurement decisions regarding this matter returned to Cabinet, that it would expect a full tender exercise to be presented.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered alternative options as set out in the confidential report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Authorise the Council to enter into a Customer Access Agreement for the Laser frameworks to procure the Council’s gas and electricity for the purchase period from April 2024 and a supply period commencing April 2025. 

2.     Authorise the Council to enter into call off contracts with the suppliers under the frameworks: Corona Energy (gas) and Npower (electricity) for a supply period commencing 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2029. The estimated total cost of the contract is £22,592,884.

3.     Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Finance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to allocate the Council’s energy supplies to an appropriate ‘risk product’ (energy buying strategy) offered under the framework.

4.     Approve an engagement with Energy Angels for void property energy management at zero cost to the Council for a period of 4 years. 

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report, which Cabinet agreed, to make the necessary contractual decisions to secure best value – and provide flexibility - for the Council’s energy purchasing for the future and to meet the Council’s carbon reduction objectives.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered other options as set out in the confidential report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet accept the single tender from Senlac Associates for the provision of Veterinary Services at the Imported Food Office on behalf of the Council for a two-year period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026 at the estimated value of £1,095,014.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed a single tender contract for Senlac for veterinary services at the Imported Food Office noting that legislation required qualified veterinarians to be present to undertake certain checks at UK Border Control Posts. The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services updated Cabinet on planned changes to the checks at the border at Heathrow.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, as the Council has a statutory obligation as a local authority with a Border Control Post at Heathrow Airport.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet accept the single tender from JPK Trade Supplies Ltdfor the supply and delivery of Refuse and Recycling Sacks on behalf of the London Borough of Hillingdon for a one-year period from November 2023 to November 2024 and at the estimated value of £785k.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed a single tender contract to ensure residents were provided with free, easy to use sacks for the recycling and waste collection services provided by the Council, along with sacks for commercial waste, street cleansing, green spaces and repairs services.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:  

1.     Declare the sites, Garages to the rear of 66-74 Farmlands, Eastcote HA5 2LN, Garages to the rear of 15 Ash Grove, Hayes UB3 1JR and land to the rear of 114 Harmondsworth Road, West Drayton UB7 9JW surplus to requirements.

2.     Authorise the disposal of the sites with the method of disposal delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways & Transport.

3.     Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport, to make any further necessary decisions with regard to the project’s implementation.

Reasons for decision

As part of an ongoing review of garage sites and small parcels of land that are underutilised or have development potential, Cabinet agreed to dispose of three sites which would generate capital receipts in support of the Council’s finances.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options were considered as set out in the confidential report.

No additional items were considered by the Cabinet.

The meeting closed at 7:43pm.