Agenda and draft minutes

The Cabinet meeting was convened in Committee Room 5 due to power issues in the advertised room, Committee Room 6.

Apologies were received from Councillor Susan O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education.

No interests were declared by Members present.

The minutes and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 26 June 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

It was confirmed that items of business marked Part 1 would be considered in public and those marked Part 2 in private. An additional urgent report was tabled in private.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the importance of Uxbridge Vision, in setting out a strategic framework for the regeneration and future growth of Uxbridge town centre, be noted

2)    the responses from the consultation process set out in Appendix 2 be considered and the Uxbridge Vision, as set out in Appendix 1, be adopted as a framework for driving future investment in Uxbridge Town Centre;

3)    the intention to use the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the delivery of short-term actions, as approved by Cabinet in June 2025, be noted, and;

4)    the increase in the Council’s approved capital programme budget by £315k be noted and a virement to action this increase in budget to be fully funded by grant, be approved.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth introduced a report and moved recommendations to approve a strategic framework for the regeneration and future growth of Uxbridge town centre, which Cabinet agreed.

The Cabinet Member explained that the vision was a response to significant challenges facing town centres nationally, including retail decline, changing work patterns, and reduced footfall. He warned that without action, Uxbridge risked falling behind.

It was noted that the vision centred on three priorities: building economic resilience, better serving local communities, and enhancing the environment. It had been shaped through extensive engagement, involving over 1,000 stakeholders, and received 73% public support. Adjustments had been made following the consultation, particularly around safety and active travel.

The Cabinet Member also noted that the initiative would incur no cost to the Council, as £315,000 had been secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund capital funding. Delivery had already begun, focusing on early public realm improvements and groundwork for longer-term regeneration.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not adopted the Uxbridge Vision, but considered this would undermine the town centre’s future vitality, as a clear and compelling growth strategy was essential to attract investment and remain competitive with neighbouring metropolitan centres.

RESOLVED:

That:

1. the programme of works and timetable to progress collating and analysing the evidence base and drafting of a proposed Additional Licensing Policy, be noted.

2. the progress of the Housing Tenure Survey to provide robust data and evidence on a number of complex data sets which will inform policy options, be noted.

3. authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Homes & Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Economic Growth, to agree the draft policy for consultation and public consultation approach, based on supporting evidence assessed during the first stages of the project.

4. the need for relevant fees and charges and scoping of service resources to support the implementation of any policy proposal supporting additional licensing, be noted.

5. the outcomes of any consultations relating to the formation of an additional licensing policy be reported back to Cabinet in February 2026 for consideration and determination.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth introduced a report and moved recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to progress the next steps in developing an Additional Licensing Policy for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and to consider extending the Article 4 Direction. This initiative followed a motion passed at full Council in July of the previous year.

The Cabinet was informed that a borough-wide 10-year housing survey was underway and due for completion in August. This survey was expected to provide robust evidence to determine whether further regulation through licensing or planning controls could be justified.

The proposal was to continue this work and, if supported by the evidence, to enter into public consultation later in the year on a draft Additional Licensing Policy and a possible extension of the Article 4 Direction. The Cabinet Member emphasised that the aim was to tackle poor housing standards, anti-social behaviour, protect tenants and communities, and support responsible landlords.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged residents’ concerns about the time required to implement such measures. He explained that the process involved gathering a multitude of evidence and following proper procedures to avoid legal challenges. He expressed regret over the regulatory complexity but affirmed that the cautious approach was necessary to ensure compliance.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to do nothing, which would have failed to meet the commitments of the Council motion and not have dealt with various issues in the private rented sector; or alternatively Cabinet could have decided to use existing powers to manage HMOs, which, while viable, it considered had already proven insufficient in addressing community concerns.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Note the General Fund Overview as set out in Part A: Section 1 of the report;

2.    Note the 2024/25 outturn position as set out in Part A: Section 2 of the report;

3.    Note the budget monitoring position and treasury management update as at May 2026 (Month 2) as set out in Part A: Section 3 of the report, furthermore, noting the actions proposed by officers.

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

a.    Approve the release of the General Contingency Budget of £0.5m to support the overall position of the Council.

b.    Approves rephasing of £27,417k of General Fund capital programme budgets from 2024/25 into 2025/26 as set out in Appendix A1.

c.    Approves rephasing of £14,922k of HRA capital programme budgets from 2024/25 into 2025/26 as set out in Appendix A2.

d.    Approve the strategy to release capital receipts previously held to contribute to the Schools Budget deficit to fund transformation activity due to the Council’s Safety Valve Agreement being suspended by the Department for Education whilst a new agreement is negotiated.

e.    Authorise the Director of Planning & Sustainable Growth to allocate and release s106 planning contributions totalling of £1.5m into the revenue position, predominantly to fund qualifying expenditure within homelessness support.

f.     Agree that a budget virement is processed within the Schools Budget to set a budgeted deficit of £12.5m for 2025/26, which will increase the High Needs budget to better reflect predicted activity for the year.

g.    Agree that a budget virement is processed to transfer Government Grant managed by service areas from the Corporate Funding budgets to Service Operating Budgets, with the grants to transfer being:

a.    Public Health - £20,882k

b.    Better Care Fund - £8,505k

c.    Housing Benefit Administration Subsidy - £524k

d.    Extended Producer Responsibility – £3,189k

e.    Children's Social Care Prevention Grant - £1,318k

f.     Local Voices & Community Reform - £164k

g.    Extended Rights to Free Travel - £24k

h.    Approves a budget virement of £1,356k to transfer savings that are required to be written out of service operating budgets back to the corporate centre to be funded in the 2026/27 MTFS, the breakdown for which is:

a.    £202k of the £2.5m Zero Based Budgeting saving from 2024/25.

b.    £36k of the £300k Future of Financial Systems Saving from 2024/25.

c.    £700k of the Legal Services Review saving (100%) from 2024/25.

d.    £150k of the Human Resources saving (100% from 2024/25.

e.    £168k of the £1,559k Social Care Delivery Model saving in Children’s Social Care from 2025/26.

i.     Note the proposed release of the 2025/26 General Contingency budget of £10.5m into the 2025/26 monitoring position, with the final decision on the General Contingency to be made in the Outturn 2025/26 Cabinet Report.

j.     Approve revised Fees & Charges for the Music Service for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix B1.

k.    Approved revised Fees & Charges for court costs for Council Tax and Business Rates from 1^st October 2025.

l.     Approve the Council to go out to consultation on in-year (2025/26) Fees & Charges changes in August, reporting back to Cabinet for decision.

m.  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.        Barn Hotel, West End Road, Ruislip - £27,690 (+VAT)

                            ii.        Ark Data Centre, Bulls Bridge, Hayes - £110,450 (+VAT)

                          iii.        Heathrow Flight Path Car Park, Bath Road, Sipson - £33,060 (+VAT)

                          iv.        Former Comag Works, Tavistock Road, West Drayton - £17,500 (+VAT)

                            v.        Hayes Park West, Hayes - £ (61,900+VAT)

                          vi.        Ariel Hotel, Bath Road - £24,310 (+VAT)

                         vii.        Premier Inn, 3 Riverside Way, Uxbridge - £24,310 (+VAT)

                       viii.        Block C, Former Nestle Factory, Nestles Avenue, Hayes - £35,000 (+VAT)

n.    Note the building safety situation at the Union Park Estate, Brindley Place, Uxbridge and authorise the Director of Operational Assets to take the necessary decisions required to ensure the safety of over 250 private sector properties and to enable residents to remain in their homes while emergency works are progressed, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property and briefing other Members as and when required.

Reasons for decisions

The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the budget report, which covered the Council’s financial outturn for the year ending 31 March 2025 and the projected results for the 2025/26 fiscal year as of May 2025 (Month 2). The Cabinet Member apologised that the report was delivered late due to the complexity of ongoing issues within the finance function.

The Cabinet was informed that the report presented serious financial challenges but also outlined actions being taken to address them. It was noted that Hillingdon had long asserted it was materially underfunded by central government. This claim was now supported by the Fair Funding Review 2.0, which confirmed that the borough was the most underfunded local authority in London. It was noted that if the review’s proposals were implemented, Hillingdon’s funding could increase by up to 40%.

The Cabinet Member highlighted additional financial pressures, including a £5 million annual shortfall in funding for asylum seeker support, rising inflation and an unexpected increase in employer National Insurance contributions from April 2025. The General Fund outturn showed reserves of £6.7 million as of 31 March 2025, a £20.5 million adverse movement from the budgeted position. This was largely due to accounting adjustments identified by the Finance Modernisation Programme, some of which dated back over 12 years and not indicated for adjustment by external auditors. Only £1.3 million of the variance related to increased service operating costs.

The Cabinet Member advised that the 2025/26 budget monitoring projected a £16.4 million overspend, mainly due to rising demand for statutory services such as adult and children’s social care and homelessness. If realised, this would result in a £13.7 million deficit in General Fund reserves. The Council’s £38.8 million savings programme had been reviewed, with only £1.4 million written off, reflecting a strong track record in delivering savings.

The Cabinet Member stated that discussions with central Government were underway regarding Exceptional Financial Support (EFS), a mechanism to address historic underfunding. It was noted that at least seven other London boroughs were expected to receive EFS in the coming year.

Despite financial pressures, the Cabinet Member explained that Hillingdon’s service operating costs remained lower than comparable outer London boroughs, and its services continued to receive high ratings. The borough also maintained the second-lowest Council Tax and among the lowest fees and charges in outer London.

On the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), it was noted that this showed a projected in-year deficit of £12.5 million for 2025/26, bringing the cumulative deficit to £78.1 million. This reflected a £14.6 million reduction in annual operating costs. It was advised that the national underfunding of special educational needs had led the government to extend the statutory override on DSG deficits for two more years.

On the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), it was explained that this was projected to maintain reserves of £15 million through 2025/26, with only minor cost variances.

The Cabinet Member highlighted a number of recommendations in the report, including consultation on proposed in-year changes to fees and charges.

An additional recommendation was tabled via an addendum on an urgent fire safety matter at the Union Park Estate in Uxbridge. On this, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property explained that following a fire risk assessment commissioned by the estate’s managing agents, the Council had taken interim safety measures, including implementing a 24/7 fire waking watch service. Emergency works had already been carried out on the Council-owned block, and a notice had been issued to managing agents and owners asserting the Council’s authority to act under relevant legislation. The aim was to ensure residents’ safety while longer-term fire upgrades were pursued.

The Leader of the Council noted that the aforementioned fire safety situation exemplified unplanned expenditure, as the Council was acting to protect residents in properties it did not own. He also commented on the budget report, reiterating his concerns about asylum-related costs, historic underfunding, and the broken council tax system. The Leader welcomed the Fair Funding Review consultation and expressed hope that Hillingdon would receive the funding it deserved. He praised the Council’s proactive identification of financial issues and anticipated further debate when the matter would no doubt be discussed at full Council in September.

Cabinet agreed the recommendations in the report.

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 public preview report outlining items to be considered in private later in the meeting, with one additional private report tabled at short notice.

Alternative options considered and rejected

As set out in the public Cabinet report and also within the private report.

RESOLVED:

That:  

1)    the tender from APCOA Parking UK Limited for the provision of an Environmental On-Street Enforcement Service to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a five-year period from 16 December 2025 to 15 December 2030 at the total value of £2,907,653.63 following a procurement exercise as set out in the Tender Appendix, be approved.

2)    this includes the provision to extend the contract for a one-year period (6 years in total), delegating approval of any extension to the Corporate Director of Homes and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community and Environment.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community and Environment introduced a report and moved recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to accept a contract for the Environmental Enforcement Service. The Cabinet Member advised that the intention of the contract was to be self-financing.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to terminate the enforcement scheme, but this was rejected due to its effectiveness in rapid response, deterrence, and cost recovery. Cabinet could have also decided to bring the service in-house, but this was dismissed as it would have required substantial investment and not have offered best value.

An additional report was considered as urgent by the Chair.

RESOLVED:

That:

1. The situation with the current contract and the need to ensure continuity of the community equipment service to keep residents safe in their own homes, be noted;

2. The direct award of a contract to Medequip Assistive Technology Limited for the provision of an integrated community equipment service to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a period of two years from 1^st August 2025 be agreed, subject to the financial details being finalised by the Corporate Director for Adult Social Care and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care;

3. Delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Adult Social Care and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, be granted to make any further decisions required on this matter to safeguard residents, including authority to extend any contractual arrangements for one additional year and;

4. The waiver of the scrutiny call-in period for this matter be requested, so Cabinet’s decisions can take immediate effect to enable safe continuity of service.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care introduced a report and moved recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to progress with the award of an urgent contract for community equipment following the cessation of trading of the current provider. The Cabinet Member advised that this would ensure vital service continuity and a seamless transfer for residents and that it was a matter affecting a number of other local authorities.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered there a lack of viable alternatives suppliers given market conditions, which the Leader of the Council agreed need to be addressed.

There were no further items. The meeting closed at 7.25pm