Agenda and draft minutes

All Cabinet Members were present.

No interests were declared by Members present.

The minutes and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 12 September 2024 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. The Leader of the Council drew the public’s attention to the preview of confidential reports available for greater transparency of Council business.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1)    Agrees the draft Uxbridge Town Centre Vision (Appendix 1) and summary document (Appendix 2) for public engagement for a period of at least eight weeks to secure residents’ feedback on the proposed Vision. 

2)    Authorises the Corporate Director for Central Services, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, to make any minor textual changes to the Vision, prior to the public engagement exercise.

3)    Notes that following the period of public engagement, and the views received, a final Vision will be reported back to Cabinet for approval.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to undertake wider public engagement on the draft Uxbridge Town Centre Vision. The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services introduced the draft Vision, emphasising the importance of further consultation to build on previous community engagement. It was explained that the Vision aimed to adapt Uxbridge’s vibrant office sector and retail centres and bring about diverse leisure offerings. Key proposals included better navigation around the town centre, increased residential space and developing the Civic Centre site as a community hub, including the new library. The Cabinet Member noted that the vision was intended to guide future planning applications and provide a clear picture for the community and potential developers.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the financial challenges facing the Council but expressed optimism about the future and the ongoing efforts to reinvent Uxbridge town centre.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided that the Vision be adopted without further engagement, but considered this would have not built on the positive community response following the initial engagement exercise.

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 2024-25.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received a report on the adult and children safeguarding partnerships’ performance over the year and the safeguarding priorities for the year ahead.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care informed Cabinet of the work undertaken by partnerships to protect residents, adults with care and support needs and vulnerable children. The Cabinet Member thanked Susie Gladish, the report author, and read a statement from the Independent Scrutineer praising the strong partnership and leadership in safeguarding arrangements. The report highlighted ongoing engagement with consultation groups, the identification of common concerns such as neglect and physical abuse and the collaboration with various agencies like the LBH MASH team, Hillingdon Hospital, and the Police. Key initiatives included addressing structural inequalities, suicide prevention and exploitation. The Cabinet Member emphasised the successes in partnership working and urged everyone to review the comprehensive report.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education also spoke on the report in respect of the children’s aspect, highlighting the partnership’s efforts to meet the increasing complexity of needs for vulnerable children in Hillingdon. The Cabinet Member noted there was a rise in emotional and psychological needs among children and mentioned the Council’s outstanding rating from the recent Ofsted inspection, which also recognised strong partnership working. The annual report emphasised collaborative efforts to adopt a child-centred approach and the work of various subgroups, including those focused on child sexual abuse, contextual safeguarding and educational safeguarding. The vision for the partnership was to ensure every child feels safe, healthy, and has opportunities to thrive. The Cabinet Member thanked the officers and partnership organisations for their immense work in safeguarding children.

The Leader of the Council praised the report and the effective partnership, acknowledging the often, unrecognised efforts to protect vulnerable residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Notes the process and requirements, including the gathering of evidence and concerns, required for the consideration of an Additional Licensing Policy for Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and authorises the Corporate Director of Place to gather all the necessary data and present to the Cabinet Member for Resident’s Services (subject to the Cabinet Members agreement on additional expenditure).

2.    Upon the advice of the Corporate Director of Place that the data collated has been gathered in accordance with the appropriate legislation, and upon review it supports the concept of an additional licensing scheme, whilst taking into account any additional resources required, then subject to the agreement of the Cabinet Member for Residents Services, authorises the necessary consultation on an additional licensing scheme, taking into full consideration any equality impact assessment and the Council’s social housing allocation policy.

3.    Authorises the Corporate Director of Central Services to prepare evidence to assess whether an extension to the part-borough Small HMO Article 4 Direction (non-immediate) can be justified and present to the Cabinet Member for Resident’s Services.

4.    Upon the advice of the Corporate Director of Central Services and Director of Planning, Regeneration & Environment that the evidence gathered supports the extensions of the HMO Article 4 Direction, then subject to the agreement of the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services authorises officers to prepare an Article 4 Direction extending the withdrawal of permitted development rights for small HMOs to cover all wards in the borough.

5.      Agree that the outcomes of any consultations relating to additional licensing be reported back to Cabinet to consider any further determinations on such matters.

Reasons for decision

Following the Full Council passing a motion on 11 July 2024, resolving to address issues regarding controls on Houses in Multiple Occupation, Cabinet received and agreed a report on the matter.

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Servicesintroduced the report and highlighted two main concerns: the growth of small HMOs under permitted development rights, which did not require planning permission, and the standards in some private rented properties. Two measures were proposed to address these issues: an Article 4 directive to withdraw permitted development rights for HMOs, requiring planning permission, and a licensing scheme to improve standards in the private housing sector, including HMOs. Both measures would need robust data to support their implementation and avoid challenges. Councillor Lavery urged councillors to encourage residents to participate in the consultation process to provide the necessary evidence for future decisions.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have continued with the current arrangements or considered instead the use of other powers to deal with ASB and environmental issues relating to HMO’s.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approves Hillingdon’s Digital Strategy 2024-27 in the Appendix. 

2.    To deliver the Strategy:

a)    Agrees the programmes and projects as set out in the report for the remainder of 2024/25 and 2025/26;

b)   Authorises the release of the remaining approved capital budget for 2024/25 and 2025/26 to deliver this;

c)    Delegates authority to the Chief Digital & Information Officer and Corporate Director of Finance (S151), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, to incur expenditure within this budget and make all necessary procurement decisions on the programmes and projects set out in the report, reporting decisions for transparency as required and;

d)   Agrees that any variations to specific projects within the programme for 2024/25 and 2025/26 be subject to i) being within the Strategy’s objectives, ii) being within the approved budget and associated aggregate savings for the financial year and iii) having the agreement of the Chief Digital & Information Officer and Corporate Director of Finance (S151), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services.

3.    Agree to receive an annual report going forward, setting out progress on the Strategy and delivery of savings targets, seeking agreement to the programmes and projects for the upcoming financial year and seeking further delegated authority to successfully implement the programme.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed Hillingdon’s new Digital Strategy, which set out a clear vision for the Borough and the Council, for the next three years. Cabinet also agreed the programme of projects for the ensuing years and provided delegated authority for its effective delivery.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services introduced the report, citing the ambitious three-year investment program aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the authority. The Cabinet Member emphasised the need to modernise and transform outdated processes, and by re-engineering these processes, the Council would create significant savings and ensure the maintenance of crucial frontline services. As part of the Strategy, the Cabinet Member highlighted the importance of leveraging the vast amounts of data held by the local authority, to make it easily accessible and understandable for staff, thereby improving their decision-making processes. Other critical aspects of the Strategy explained were plans to revamp the Council’s website to enhance user experience, so residents could quickly find the information and services they need and also invest in staff training to maximise the benefits of new technologies.

The Leader of the Council supported the strategy, noting the significant investment of £9 million and the expected high return on investment, underscoring the necessity of a robust digital strategy for a modern local authority.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have agreed to operate and develop digital services without a strategy, amended the programme of projects or only have agreed to deliver projects which delivered a more immediate return on investment sacrificing longer-term benefits.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet: 

1)    Approves the Strategic Climate Action Plan Review to be consulted upon.

2)    Approves the Consultation Strategy and for the public consultation to be undertaken in accordance with it.  

Reasons for decision

Following the Council’s climate declaration in 2020 and the first Strategic Climate Action Plan adopted in 2021, Cabinet agreed to a review of the Plan and public consultation on it.

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services introduced the report, noting the progress that had been made to-date and the proposed actions for the next three years. Highlights mentioned included a 54% reduction in the Council’s carbon footprint and ongoing efforts to further reduce emissions through improvements in Council buildings and fleet purchases, including electric and more efficient vehicles. The report also addressed the impact of the changing climate and weather patterns on flooding within the Borough, with the Cabinet Member noting that completed relief projects had successfully mitigated recent flooding events.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to meet its commitment to review the Plan.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approve, in principle, the proposed bid outlined in this report for funds from Transport for London (TfL) to implement the Council’s Local Implementation Plan (LIP) 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 new three-year Local Implementation Plan Delivery Programmebid by the deadline.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to progress the Council’s bid to Transport for London for funds to deliver the Council’s Local Implementation Plan through various transport projects in the Borough.

The Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport explained that the Plan stemmed from the Mayor of London setting his transport strategy with priorities such as safer corridors, cycle training, bus priority, and better bus partnerships. Each London borough would then bid for funding based on this strategy. The Cabinet Member expected that the Council’s baseline funding would be approximately £1.5 million per annum, similar to previous years, but noted that final allocations would depend on the Mayor’s budget decisions.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Considers the findings and overall positive response from the consultation which has informed the final proposed Hillingdon Youth Justice Service Strategy 2024-2029. 

2. Recommends to the Full Council the adoption of the five-year strategy, as a policy framework document.

Reasons for decision

Following consultation, Cabinet agreed to recommend the Youth Justice Service Strategy to full Council for adoption.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education noted the statutory duty of local authorities to submit a youth justice plan [strategy] and explained that Hillingdon’s strategy aimed to establish clear priorities for youth justice, assist in the development and performance management of work streams and provide a framework for collaboration with partner organisations.

The Cabinet Member reviewed the outcomes of the public consultation, which Cabinet considered, along with feedback from the Select Committee. On the service itself, the Cabinet Member noted that whilst there were no immediate financial pressures, there were potential risks such as increased demand for services, high remand accommodation costs, and possible funding reductions need to be monitored.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Note the budget monitoring position and treasury management update as at August 2024 (Month 5), noting the actions proposed by officers as outlined in Part A of this report.

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

a.    Agrees the rebasing proposal to process a budget virement and credit the corporate centre with £14.1m to the support Service Operating Budgets.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the monthly Council budget monitoring report, addressing the financial position as of 31 August 2024 and a progress update on the zero-based budgeting (ZBB) project.

It was noted in the report there was a projected overspend of £32.4 million, which could be reduced to £6.6 million through identified savings and the release of balance sheet items. The total savings identified so far amounted to £39.6 million, with some savings expected in future financial years. The Cabinet Member emphasised that the savings targeted areas such as streamlining back-office functions, digitisation and income maximisation, without cutting key frontline services. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the substantial financial challenges, in-year budget pressures and shortfalls on income targets. Despite these challenges, the Cabinet Member stated that Hillingdon had managed its cash flow and borrowing effectively.

The Cabinet Member noted that the newly appointed Corporate Director of Finance was leading the ZBB process and that he had also formally instructed the Corporate Director to prepare a financial improvement plan to strengthen operational and financial controls and promote the enhanced use of digital data.

Furthermore, Cabinet was informed that operational improvements had reduced the in-year deficit for the Dedicated Schools Grant, though a significant deficit remained. The Housing Revenue Account was on track, with plans for an enhanced capital programme to increase housing stock and reduce homelessness pressures. 

The Leader of the Council emphasised the importance of acknowledging the financial challenges facing the Council and mentioned a recent meeting with London Council leaders and their finance directors, where they discussed the pressures on local authorities and their expectations from the upcoming Government budget which the Leader hoped would not exacerbate the Council’s financial situation.

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. One report was highlighted which related to issuing the NHS a license to occupy a wing of the Civic Centre. The Leader explained that this arrangement was expected to be financially beneficial for the Council and would further strengthen the existing partnership with the NHS, particularly on safeguarding arrangements.

Alternative options considered and rejected

These were set out in the public Cabinet report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Authorises a Licence to Occupy to the NHS of the 2 South Quadrant at the Civic Centre on the terms set out in this report, and as shown on the plan at Appendix 1.

2.    Delegates all future decisions regarding the implementation of this matter to the Corporate Director of Place, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Property Highways and Transport

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport introduced a report, which Cabinet agreed, for a Licence to Occupy to the NHS for office space at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge as part of the Civic Centre transformation and plans for more joined up local public services. The Leader of the Council thanked the Chief Executive for his efforts in securing this.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options considered by Cabinet were set out in the confidential report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Declares that following the closure of the Fountains Mill, 81 High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1JR as a Young People’s Centre, the site is now surplus to requirements; the Property is shown edged red on Plan A below.

2)    Authorises the unconditional sale of the Property Fountains Mill, 81 High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1JR on the open market on the terms and conditions as detailed in this report.

3)    Delegates all other necessary decisions regarding the sale and disposal to the Corporate Director of Place, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport introduced a report, which Cabinet agreed, on the disposal and sale of Fountains Mill in Uxbridge, a former young people’s centre, as the site was now surplus to requirements.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options for the site were considered by Cabinet, as set out in the confidential report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Declare the garage site at Hilton Close, Uxbridge, UB8 2QJ as surplus to requirements; the Property is shown edged red in Appendix A.

2)    Note that a planning application for 2x three-bedroom dwellings has been approved at Planning Committee, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions.

3)    Authorise the disposal of the garage site at Hilton Close with the method of disposal delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport.

4)    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 implementation of Cabinet’s decisions.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport introduced a report, which Cabinet agreed, on the disposal and sale of a garage site at Hilton Close, Uxbridge that was under-utilised and prone to anti-social behaviour, with the Leader of the Council also welcoming plans for its conversion to residential use.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options for the site were considered by Cabinet, as set out in the confidential report.

No other items were considered. The meeting closed at 19:38pm