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 18 September 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.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the draft Additional HMO Licensing Policy Appendix 1 and associated proposed licence conditions in Appendix 1a, be agreed for consultation;

2)    the draft Fees and Charges Schedule in Appendix 2 be agreed for consultation;

3)    it be noted the consultation period will start at 5pm on 31^st October 2025 and end at midnight on 11^th January 2026;

4)    the Consultation and Engagement Plan for the consultation in Appendix 3, also be noted.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth provided an update on the proposed additional licensing policy for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), seeking Cabinet’s approval to proceed with the public consultation. It was noted that unlicensed HMOs could pose risks to communities and that the Council aimed to gather comprehensive evidence before finalising any policy.

A draft policy had been prepared, outlining proposed conditions and fees, and would be subject to consultation from through to January 2026. The consultation would engage residents, landlords, associations and other stakeholders, with final proposals to be brought back to Cabinet in February 2026. The Cabinet Member emphasised the Council’s commitment to resident safety, stronger communities and effective local leadership.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the update and expressed hope for a successful conclusion.

Cabinet agreed the draft policy, conditions and fees for public consultation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to do nothing, but this would have failed to meet the Council’s commitments and had no impact on private rented sector issues. Cabinet could have used existing powers, whilst viable, would had not effectively controlled HMO impacts. Additionally, Cabinet could have considered a proposal for a partial licensing policy but noted that concerns on this matter were found across all wards.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the Annual Report 2024-25 and the assurance that the partnership continues to provide leadership and scrutiny of the safeguarding arrangements for Hillingdon residents, be noted;

2)    the way in which the partnership has responded to the challenges posed by changing local, national and international contexts, be noted and;

3)    the strategic priorities for safeguarding for 2025-26, be noted.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education presented the annual report of the Hillingdon Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, outlining the work undertaken in 2024–2025 to support and protect children and families.

The report highlighted the increasing complexity of safeguarding needs and reaffirmed the partnership’s vision for children to feel safe, healthy, and supported. The three statutory partners—the local authority, police, and Integrated Care Board—worked alongside other agencies to deliver priorities focused on contextual safeguarding, child sexual abuse, educational safeguarding, and transitional safeguarding.

For 2025–2026, the partnership aimed to strengthen multi-agency responses, embed transitional safeguarding approaches, address harm outside the home through the MAROTH framework, and promote the voice of children and young people. The work was aligned with the Joint Targeted Area Inspection framework, with efforts underway to improve data sharing and collaborative planning across services.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report and particularly endorsed the comments made by the Independent Scrutineer, Alan Caton OBE, who praised the strength of the partnership, its openness to scrutiny and challenge, and its commitment to continuous improvement. The Leader described the partnership as one built on high support and high challenge, where difficult conversations were encouraged, and congratulated all involved for their work.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the Annual Report 2024-25 and the assurance that the partnership continues to provide leadership and scrutiny of the safeguarding arrangements for Hillingdon residents, be noted;

2)    the way in which the partnership has responded to the challenges posed by changing local, national and international contexts, be noted and;

3)    the strategic priorities for safeguarding for 2025-26, be noted.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care informed Cabinet of the annual Safeguarding Adults report, which detailed the work of the Hillingdon Safeguarding Adults Board as part of the wider safeguarding partnership.

The report provided assurance that the partnership continued to offer strong leadership and scrutiny, and outlined strategic priorities for 2025–2026, including safeguarding adults with complex needs such as rough sleeping and substance abuse, improving engagement with carers, and enhancing collaboration across strategic partnerships, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse.

The report highlighted neglect and acts of omission as the most common safeguarding concerns, followed by financial, psychological, and discriminatory abuse, with eight cases related to modern slavery.

The Cabinet Member praised the training programme, which delivered over 2,400 sessions, and thanked the report authors and the independent scrutineer, Alan Canton OBE, whose comments commended the partnership’s strong leadership and commitment to improvement.

The Leader of the Council echoed this praise, noting the powerful case studies and the breadth of work undertaken to safeguard residents of all ages.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the content of the quarterly update report be noted.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth presented the second quarterly update on the delivery of the temporary accommodation strategy and action plan, originally approved in February 2025.

Progress was reported across all four objectives: managing demand, increasing move-on rates, reducing costs, and expanding housing supply. A reduction in new placements into temporary accommodation was noted, alongside strengthened prevention work and ongoing pressures from private landlord evictions and arrivals linked to Heathrow.

The Council was on track to meet its target of 350 private rented tenancies, supported by a new landlord forum and incentive package. Cost reductions were achieved through the rent cap initiative and the leasing of 87 homes at Frayswater Place. The acquisition programme for social housing was progressing ahead of schedule. However, the Cabinet Member highlighted the severe national funding shortfall, with Hillingdon facing acute pressures as a Port Authority. The Council’s next priorities included increasing access to private rented homes, completing the next phase of rent cap reductions, and continuing acquisitions to meet targets by March 2026.

The Cabinet Member concluded by noting the progress made in reducing costs, improving prevention, and helping more families move into permanent homes. While the Council was delivering on its responsibilities, it was stressed that central Government must now step up and provide fair funding.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report, praised the effective activity underway, and emphasised the need for fair government funding, particularly to address the unfunded burden from Heathrow-related demand.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the draft Hillingdon Community Safety Strategy 2025-2029 in Appendix 1 be agreed for consultation.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment introduced the draft Community Safety Strategy, which was due to go out for a six-week consultation before returning to Cabinet in January and being adopted by full Council in February 2026.

The strategy, led by the Council through the Safer Hillingdon Partnership, involved key agencies including the Police, Fire Brigade, probation services, and representatives from adult and children’s services. The draft priorities included safer neighbourhoods, tackling violence against women and girls, addressing serious violence including knife crime, and safeguarding communities. These priorities were informed by statistical data and a strategic needs assessment.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the strategy and highlighted the successful campaign to prevent the closure of Hayes Police Station, describing it as a symbolic and practical win for community safety in the borough.

Cabinet agreed for the plan to go out for public consultation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, as there was a statutory requirement to develop, consult and adopt a Community Safety Strategy for the area.

RESOLVED:

That;

1)    the proposed bid outlined in this report for funds from Transport for London (TfL) to implement the Council’s Local Implementation Plan (LIP) for 2026/27, be approved in principle;

2)    authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, to agree any changes or additions prior to the submission deadline and to submit the Council's new three-year Local Implementation Plan Delivery Programme bid by the deadline.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth introduced the proposed funding bid to Transport for London under the Local Implementation Plan for 2026–2027, seeking Cabinet approval and delegated authority for final submission by the 31 October deadline.

The bid aimed to secure significant external investment to improve transport across the borough, with a focus on safety and connectivity. Planned improvements included safer walking and cycling routes, upgraded junctions and crossings, bus priority measures, and the borough-wide Safer Streets programme, starting in Uxbridge. The proposals built on existing transport and cycling strategies and came at no direct cost to the Council.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the benefits to residents, including safer journeys, cleaner air, and more sustainable travel options, and recommended approval of the bid.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have authorise the final submission, but considered delegation would enable any minor changes to be made before the submission deadline.

RESOLVED:

That the progress made in the Strategic Climate Action Plan Progress Report 2024-25, be noted.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment introduced the review of the Strategic Climate Action Plan, following the Council’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2020. The report updated Cabinet on actions already taken and outlined new measures through to 2028. A 34% reduction in carbon emissions at the Civic Centre was noted, with ongoing work to monitor and reduce fleet emissions. Hillingdon was recognised as having the second largest tree canopy in London, with continued tree planting contributing to carbon sequestration. Natural flood mitigation measures had also been implemented in response to changing weather patterns, particularly increased rainfall intensity.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report and expressed hope that the borough’s green spaces and tree canopy would remain protected from the Mayor of London’s expansion plans.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the London Borough of Hillingdon enter into an agreement with Northwest London Integrated Care Board (ICB) 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 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 at a value of £74,160,937.

2)    Authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health, to amend the terms of the agreement with Northwest London Integrated Care Board during 2025/26, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care introduced the Better Care Fund Section 75 agreement with the North West London Integrated Care Board, which formalised the financial and partnership arrangements for pooled budgets under the national initiative first established in 2015. The agreement, commencing on 1 April 2025, aimed to improve care outcomes for older people, adults with long-term conditions, and individuals with learning disabilities or autism. It supported hospital discharge with appropriate equipment and care to enhance recovery and independence.

The Cabinet Member noted delays due to Integrated Care Board reorganisation and funding challenges but recommended approval of the agreement.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged the recurring, but improving, delays in such agreements and welcomed the growing collaboration between health services and the Council, expressing optimism about the benefits of closer integration in future years.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet had the option not to enter the agreement or not delegate authority to amend it in-year, but considered this would risks funding and the need for flexibility in responding to evolving health and care system demands.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Note the budget monitoring position and treasury management update as at August 2025 (Month 5) as set out in Part A of the report, furthermore, noting the actions proposed by officers.

2.    Approve the financial recommendations as set out below:

a.    Approve the forward phasing of £24m of HRA Capital Programme General Contingency into 2025/26 and to vire this budget to the HRA Acquisitions Programme Budget.

b.    Approve the transfer of £20m of capital budget relating to Housing Developments from the General Fund Capital Programme to the Acquisitions Programme within the HRA Capital Programme.

c.    Approve the transfer of £8.0m from the 2025/26 HRA Capital Contingency budget to the HRA Capital Acquisitions budget.

d.    Note and endorse the implementation of enhanced revenue spend controls across all service areas in order to reinforce financial discipline, ensure alignment with the Council’s MTFS and mitigate further deterioration of the Council’s financial position.

e.    Note and endorse a comprehensive review of the General Fund Capital Programme to identify schemes where expenditure is not critical and may be delayed, reduced, or discontinued.

f.     Agree to increase the Council’s No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) policy rates to match the Home Office asylum support rates, ensuring compliance with legal standards and safeguarding the welfare of families supported under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

Reasons for decisions

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation presented the Month 5 Budget Monitoring Report, highlighting a projected adverse position of £30.2 million for the 2025–2026 financial year, driven by increased demand for statutory services including adult and children’s social care, homelessness, and asylum support. Without exceptional financial support from central Government, reserves were forecast to be overdrawn by £24.9 million.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that these pressures stemmed largely from historic underfunding and the Council’s commitment to maintaining low Council Tax and charges. Additional funding was being sought to address costs linked to asylum seekers arriving via Heathrow. Savings of £38.8 million were projected, with the majority on track for delivery.

The Housing Revenue Account remained balanced, despite variances in rental income and operating costs, and the acquisition of housing stock was exceeding expectations.

The Dedicated Schools Grant cumulative deficit to be carried forward was projected at £78.4 million, though recent improvements had been acknowledged in a letter from the Department for Education.

The Cabinet Member also recommended capital budget adjustments to support housing acquisitions.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged the financial pressures facing local authorities and welcomed the anticipated fair funding formula, stressing the need for it to address the unique burdens faced by Hillingdon.

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 the following tenders for the Planned Windows Renewals Framework be accepted:

1)    Lot 1 (North) – EVANDER GLAZING & LOCKS LIMITED for the provision of Windows Renewals Programme – AREA NORTH to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a 3+2 YEAR period at the potential estimated value of £2,356,672. 

2)    Lot 2 (Central) - EVANDER GLAZING & LOCKS LIMITED for the provision of Windows Renewals Programme – AREA CENTRAL to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a 3+2 YEAR period at the potential estimated value of £7,804,968. 

3)    Lot 3 (South) – SOVEREIGN GROUP LIMITED for the provision of Windows Renewals Programme – AREA SOUTH to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a 3+2 YEAR period at the potential estimated value of £10,327,139.  

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to accept tenders for the Replacement Framework of PVCu Double Glazed Windows to housing properties over a 5-year period. The Cabinet Member noted how this significant investment would improve heating and conditions in council housing properties.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have considered ad-hoc contracts but discounted this for operational reasons.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the tender from Senlac Associates for the provision of veterinary services to the London Borough of Hillingdon Imported Food Office for a three-year period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029 and at the estimated value of £1,861,947, be accepted.

2)    Furthermore, it is agreed this includes the provision to extend the contract for a two-year period (five years in total), delegating approval of any extension to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Residents Services which would be at a total contract value of £3,166,138 over the full five years. 

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to accept a tenderfor providing veterinary services at the Imported Food Office, Heathrow. The Leader of the Council noted how this contract would be fully funded [via fees and charges].

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have recruited Official Veterinarians directly but discarded this on recruitment issue grounds.

RESOLVED:

That the 2-year extension of the existing contract with CCR Property Services Ltd for the provision of reactive drainage and water main repairs throughout the Borough from 1^st February 2026 until 31^st January 2028, be approved.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to extend an existing contract to provide reactive drainage and water main repairs across the borough’s social housing properties.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have considered ad-hoc quotations, or retendering the contract, but considered these to be inefficient and would have resulted in higher costs.

RESOLVED:

That the existing contracts for the provision of Care and Wellbeing services for people with mental health needs and people with learning disabilities and/or autism with the providers be extended at the costs shown below:  

1.    Extend the Contract with Ability Housing Association for one year and 4 months from 1^st December 2025 to 31^st March 2027 at the value of £2,462,743.55

2.    Extend the two service contracts with CCS Homecare Services for a period of one year from 1^st September 2026 (one of the contracts is from 2^nd   September 2026) to 1^st September 2027 at the value of £7,902,204.94 in total. 

3.    Extend the services with Support for Living for a period of 12 months from 28^th September 2026 to 28^th September 2027 at the value of £2,668,996.55.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to extend four existing contracts, with three providers, for the provision of care and wellbeing services to people with learning disabilities and/or autism and/or people with mental health needs. The Cabinet Member informed Cabinet of new legislation coming into force requiring such services to be reviewed in the future.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, given emerging statutory implications.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the direct award from Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Limited for the provision of Temporary Recruitment Services as a Managed Services Provider for Hillingdon Council Contingent Labour via the ESPO MSTAR4 Framework to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a four-year period provisionally from 6th April 2026 to 5th April 2030 at a maximum value of up to £120 million (£30 million annually) based on current levels of temporary workforce usage, be accepted.

2)    Furthermore, it is agreed that this includes the provision to extend the contract for a one-year period, delegating approval of any extension to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property and the Chief Operating Officer.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to award a contract for a Managed Services Provider for Contingent Labour to the Council for its agency staff. The Cabinet Member advised how this was a significant contract in vale, and one that was vital for the Council to continue its delivery of front-line services.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered a range of other procurement options, as set out in the confidential report.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the tender via an ESPO procurement framework from Caterplus Services Limited for the provision of Catering Services at two of the London Borough of Hillingdon’s Extra Care services at a total cost of £1,867,916 for a four-year period from 15^th January 2026, with the option to extend for a further 3 years at a minimum cost of £1,400,937 (£466,979 per annum), be accepted;

2)    the short-term extension of the existing contract for the provision of catering services from Caterplus Services Limited from 23^rd September 2025 until 14^th January 2026 at a cost of £155,800, be agreed.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to award, following competitive tender, a contract for catering services at two of Hillingdon’s Extra Care schemes - Grassy Meadow Court and Park View Court. The Cabinet Member noted the short transitional extension required to the current contract and advised Cabinet that in respect of the new contract, resident user feedback would be integral to service delivery.

Alternative options considered and rejected

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

RESOLVED:

That the negotiated rent set out in the report, and the grant of a 99-year lease at a peppercorn rent to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to supply electricity to the new Otterfield Road Housing Development in Yiewsley, be approved.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to grant a long lease for a new substation to supply electricity to the new Otterfield Road Housing Development in Yiewsley.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    The project to increase local care provision and create a new Care Facility Development in Uxbridge, as set out in this report, be supported;

2)    In order to progress this development opportunity, The Civic Centre Car Park, Cricket Field Road, Uxbridge, be declared surplus to requirements (the property as shown edged red on the plan at Appendix 1);

3)    The sale of the freehold interest of the Site to the proposed purchaser, on the terms and conditions as detailed in this report, be approved;

4)    It be noted the development will be subject to planning consent; rescinding of a Traffic Management Order and a change to private parking lease arrangements, as set out in the report;

5)    Subject to the above, the intention for The Hillingdon Care Company (THCC) to enter into the lease-back of the development once completed, be noted;

6)    The Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property and the Corporate Director of Finance (s151 Officer), be given delegated authority for all further necessary decisions required including those in respect of progressing the disposal, sale, leases and any future property arrangements in respect of the site on behalf of the Council;

7)    The Corporate Director of Adult Social Care & Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, be given delegated authority for all necessary future decisions required in respect of related care and local service provision on behalf of the Council;

8)    Consideration of shareholder matters in relation to The Hillingdon Care Company be delegated to the Shareholder Committee (a sub-committee of the Cabinet) established in 2018 and that Councillor Jane Palmer be appointed to the Committee.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to dispose of the Civic Centre Car Park site in Uxbridge to facilitate a major new development project to increase dementia nursing care provision in the Borough. This would increase the number of local care beds, reducing reliance on costly private provision in a way that is more sustainable and cost-effective over time.

It was further noted the project would align with NHS plans and the early discharge of patients from hospital, and that the intention of such care provision was for it to be provided by the Council’s new care company.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to keep the status quo or use the site for alternative use, which would have impacted on the accessibility of, and cost, of nursing dementia beds well into the future.

Item 22 on the agenda was taken as urgent business. There were no further items. The meeting closed at 7.44pm