Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Jonathan Bianco.

No interests were declared by Members present.

The minutes and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 23 December 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 Cabinet:

1)    Endorse and recommend the revised draft Local Development Scheme (LDS) (Appendix 1) for adoption by Full Council.

2)    Note that following adoption of the LDS the Planning Policy team will notify stakeholders, including updating the Planning Policy pages of the Hillingdon website, and emailing contacts on the Local Plan mailing list.

3)    Note that if new planning regulations are introduced prior to Full Council, that the LDS would be adopted as a Local Plan timetable under the new plan-making system.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth presented a report seeking Cabinet endorsement of a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS), to be recommended to full Council for adoption. It was noted that the LDS was a statutory document that set out the timetable for preparing the Borough’s Local Plan, which would shape development in Hillingdon over the next 15 years. The Cabinet Member explained that the plan must be credible, up to date and capable of being found sound.

Although officers had progressed work and built a strong evidence base, it had become clear that the existing timetable adopted in 2025 was no longer deliverable due to major external changes. The Cabinet Member highlighted three key risks: significant increases in Hillingdon’s housing target under the revised national standard method, alongside expected higher targets in the new London Plan,  national planning reforms under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act introducing a new plan making system from January 2027 and uncertainty regarding Heathrow Airport expansion, with a revised National Policy Statement expected in 2026. Proceeding under the existing timetable risked producing an unsound Local Plan.

The Cabinet Member advised that the revised LDS would provide a more realistic and robust pathway, aligning the Local Plan with the new national system and enabling proper consideration of housing need, the Green Belt and Heathrow. It was noted that costs were covered within existing budgets and Government funding. The Cabinet Member thanked officers for their extensive work in a fast-moving policy context and noted that the revised approach would avoid rushing a flawed plan, ensuring a sound and defensible document that placed residents first.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options, including a partial plan, were considered but rejected due to higher costs, additional consultation requirements and the inability to address core strategic issues.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:  

1)    Duly considers the outcome of the consultation and responses received;

2)    Agrees that the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School be changed from 3-7 to 2-7 years.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education introduced a report proposing to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School. It was corrected by the Cabinet Member that the school currently served children aged 3 to 7, as it was an infant and nursery school rather than up to primary school age of 11 as shown in the report and recommendation, and that the intention was to extend provision to include two year olds, creating an age range of 2 to 7.

The proposal had been brought forward in response to growing demand for funded early years education and childcare, particularly for two year olds now entitled to up to 15 hours of funded provision. Offering places within a school environment would give parents additional choice alongside private and voluntary sector nurseries.

An addendum was included to reflect the comments of the Children, Families and Education Select Committee from 7 January. The Committee noted that lowering the age range would increase childcare options in Ruislip and surrounding areas and help address the local shortfall in provision. While recognising that existing childcare providers might have concerns about increased competition, the Committee highlighted that the school would operate a different model, offering term time only provision.

Cabinet noted the rationale and agreed the proposed age range change as updated and recommended by the Cabinet Member.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have maintained the current age range or have established a separate early years unit but discounted these for a variety of reasons as set out in the report.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet notes the content of the quarterly update report.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth presented the quarterly update on the temporary accommodation strategy and action plan first agreed by Cabinet in February 2025. Continued progress was reported across all key areas, including increasing the supply of housing to prevent and resolve homelessness through new social rented homes and property acquisitions. Phase one of negotiations with temporary accommodation providers had been completed, delivering cost reductions, and phase two was underway to achieve further savings.

Despite this progress, demand from homeless households remained high, particularly due to Hillingdon’s role as a Port Authority for Heathrow Airport and the limited availability of suitable and affordable private rented accommodation. As a result, some families were staying in temporary accommodation for longer periods, placing additional pressure on the homelessness budget. Officers were exploring innovative approaches to expand the supply of leased and private rented sector homes.

The Cabinet Member reaffirmed the strategic aim of enabling residents to live in good quality, affordable homes, supporting strong and safe communities, and reducing reliance on temporary accommodation. The update demonstrated tangible progress while recognising the ongoing financial and demand driven challenges.

The Leader of the Council stressed the importance of closely monitoring temporary accommodation pressures, noting that housing related costs were affecting councils nationwide and that regular oversight of the strategy remained essential.

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.

Alternative options considered and rejected

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

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Approve a formal variation of the existing Voids Repair Service Contracts (Lots 1–3) to meet increased demand and support delivery of enhanced void standards and housing decency targets as follows:

                     i.        Lot 1 appointed to R Bensons at a value of £2.65m

                    ii.        Lot 2 appointed to Pilon Ltd at a value of £5.65m

                  iii.        Lot 3 appointed to PFL Electrical Ltd at a value of £6.45m

2)    Approve the realignment of contractor geographical areas to ensure balanced workloads and more efficient use of resources.

3)    Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with Cabinet Member Portfolio Holders, to take any necessary ancillary decisions to implement the contract variations and area realignments.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to vary the Council’s contracts for repairing and refurbishing empty council homes to meet higher standards and address increased demand.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to undertake a full re-tendering exercise or redistribute existing resources but considered both options unviable at the current time.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet accept the Direct Award to Reward Gateway known as Edenred (UK) Limited for the provision of vouchers to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a thirty- eight month period from 1 February 2026 to 31 March 2029 and at the value of £6,600k which is funded in full from Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) grant funding at no cost for the authority.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to continue the Government-backed voucher scheme to support residents in need and free meal vouchers during school holidays, noting this was fully funded by the Government.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have decided not to award a new contract or run a further competitive procurement exercise, but considered these options would result in non-compliance or disruption to residents receiving the vouchers.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approves the realignment of the TSG and VHL contracts to enable a combined approach to gas servicing and boiler installation and agrees:

1)    The extension of the TSG contract for a further 8 months until September 2026, with a total contract value of £1,000,000; and

2)    The merger of the boiler installation and servicing contracts into a single consolidated agreement.

Reasons for decision

The Leader of the Council introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to align the end date of a contract for domestic gas servicing and boiler installations, to provide for a more unified procurement process for such services in the future.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, due to statutory requirements to undertake such services.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet accepts the tender from Anglian Water Business (National) Ltd., trading as Wave Utilities, for the provision of Clean and Wastewater Services to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a 4-year period from 1st May 2026 to 30th April 2030 and at the projected contract value of £1,858,309.

Reasons for decision

The Leader of the Council introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to award a new four-year contract for clean and wastewater services for its corporate (non-household) sites, following a competitive process secured through work with other local authorities.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, as by not securing a new contract, the Council would move onto a more expensive tariff.

RESOLVED:

That:  

1)    The direct award from Arcus Global via the G-Cloud 14framework agreement for the provision of implementation, hosting, licences, support and maintenance of the Council’s Planning, Building Control and Land Charges systems to the London Borough of Hillingdon for a 3+1 year period from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2030 and at the cost of £956,500, be approved.

2)    The capital release request of £2,549,550 from the 2025/26 Corporate Technology & Innovation budget to fund the implementation costs of the planning, building control and land charges IT system be agreed, including appointing 13 additional agency workers (Appendix A).

3)    Authority be delegated to the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member of Finance and Transformation and the Chief Financial Officer, to make further necessary decisions with regard to the project’s implementation.

4)    To procure from Esri UK Limited, through a Contract Change Notice (CCN) or contract variation on the existing 5-year contract for the provision of the Esri GIS licences to use the GIS mapping functionality in Arcus to plot and view planning applications at the cost of £100,800, be agreed.

5)    The full programme of works costs over the 3+1 year period, including revenue and capital across General Fund will be £3,312,850, be noted.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to upgrade its core IT system for planning, building control, and land charges given that the current system needed to be replaced. The Cabinet Member noted this would improve the digital experience for user and residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have decided to continue with the current system or re-tender for a new system, but discounted these options for both financial and operational reasons as set out in the confidential report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Declares the sites set out in Appendix 1 surplus to operational requirements.

2)    Approves the transfer/sale of the 39 potentially developable garage blocks as set out in Appendix 1 (site plans marked green) to the Housing Revenue Account or on the open market via treaty sales.  

3)    Delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance (s151 Officer) and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, to make any further necessary decisions with regards to the sale or use of these properties.

Reasons for decision

The Leader of the Council introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to sell thirty-nine underused garage sites across the Borough or transfer them to the Housing Revenue Account for creating additional social housing for residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have considered retaining the vacant sites, selling them individually or at auction, but discounted these options for a variety of financial and service reasons.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Notes its decision on 14 September 2023 regarding service use of the now former South Ruislip Young Persons Centre, following consultation and the approval of the new Youth Officer and Delivery Model.

2)    Declares the property known as South Ruislip Young Persons Centre (YPC), Victoria Road, South Ruislip, HA4 0JE as surplus to requirements (see location plan at Appendix A);

3)    Approves the disposal and the sale of the freehold interest of the site on the open market on the terms and conditions as set out in this report;

4)    Delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, to make any further necessary decisions regarding the disposal and the sale.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to dispose and sell the former South Ruislip Young Persons Centre, now vacant after youth services were relocated to more accessible locations as part of the Council’s updated Youth Delivery Strategy in 2023.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have considered re-development of the site or repurposing for service use, but discounted these options for various financial and operational reasons as set out in the confidential report.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Accept the tender from Biffa Waste Services Limited for the collection, treatment and marketing of Recyclable Materials on behalf of the London Borough of Hillingdon for a three-year period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029 and at the value of c£3.7m

2)    Furthermore, agrees that this includes the provision to extend the contract for a four-year period (at two-year increments), delegating approval of any extension to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Portfolio Holder.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to award a contract for the collection, sorting, processing, and marketing of recyclable materials following a competitive process to ensure compliance with the Council’s recycling duties.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, as not awarding the contract would result in the cessation of the recycling service.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Declares the property known as Land at Micawber Avenue, Uxbridge, UB8 3NZ as surplus to requirements (see location plan at Appendix A);

2)    Approves the disposal and sale of the freehold interest of Land at Micawber Avenue on the open market on the terms and conditions as set out in this report;

3)    Delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, to make any further necessary decisions regarding the disposal and the sale.

Reasons for decision

The Leader of the Council introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to sell the freehold of the land and buildings at Micawber Avenue, Uxbridge, now vacant and in poor condition.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to lease the property or re-develop the site but discounted these due planning and financial reasons.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1)    Agrees that the former Skills Hub site, Yiewsley, set out in Appendix 1 site plan, be declared surplus to operational requirements and the Council’s freehold interest to be disposed of on the open market, subject to the consent of the Secretary of State of Education.

2)    Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, to agree the final sale terms of the transaction and complete the sale, and to make all necessary decisions required regarding the site.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education introduced a report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to sell the former Skills Hub site at Providence Road, Yiewsley, no longer planned for educational purposes.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to redevelop the site, rent and retain the site or do nothing. These options were discounted for various financial and planning reasons as set out in the confidential report.

No further business was considered. The meeting closed at 7.19pm