Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation.

No interests were declared by Members present.

The minutes and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 13 March 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)    Consider the responses from the consultation based on the proposals set out;

2)    Approve the closure of the Grange Park Infant and Nursery school, and the proposal by the Governing Board of the Junior school to extend their age range, to amalgamate Grange Park Infant and Nursery and Grange Park Junior Schools from September 2025.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education presented a report following a consultation on the proposal to amalgamate Grange Park Junior School and Grange Park Nursery and Infant School into a single foundation primary school. The proposal aimed to merge the two schools into one, catering to children aged three to eleven, starting from September 1, 2025.

This initiative was prompted by the retirement of the head teacher and since the summer of 2024, both schools had been discussing the amalgamation proposal. It was advised that the Select Committee reviewed the matter in March 2025 and noted that the majority of consultation responses were positive.

The Cabinet Member explained that the term "school closure" used in the proposal, was as per the Department for Education and Ofsted's statutory guidance, which meant that whilst one school would formally close, there would be no changes to the school's physical infrastructure. The combined school would operate with the same pupil numbers and be inspected as a single entity.

The Cabinet was asked to consider the consultation responses and approve the closure of Grange Park Nursery and Infant School, with the Junior School extending its age range to form a unified primary school from September 2025.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that, for accounting purposes, one school would cease to exist, but all facilities, services, staff, and funding would transfer to the remaining school, effectively making it an amalgamation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The alternative options considered and rejected included not amalgamating the two schools and instead recruiting a new permanent Headteacher for Grange Park Infant School, which would not support financial security or align with the Council’s amalgamation policy. Other options were to delay the amalgamation to January, April, or September 2026, which would have caused unnecessary delay and additional expenditure, or to close both schools and open a new primary school, creating greater uncertainty for families, children, and staff.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Consider the outcome of the public consultation;

2. Approve the updated Strategic Climate Action Plan 2025-2028

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment presented a report to agree a refreshed Strategic Climate Action Plan, highlighting the consultation outcomes and positive progress made on the nine themes set out in the original plan. The report emphasised the need for further work in two key areas: community leadership and transparency in reporting.

The Council had achieved a 54% reduction in carbon emissions from the 2020 baseline and had made significant progress, particularly within the Civic Centre, where emissions were expected to be reduced by 50% under the public sector decarbonisation project. The Cabinet Member credited the officers for securing substantial grant funding for the project and publicly thanked the Director of Assets and his team for their excellent work.

Additional progress was noted in areas such as food waste, fraud prevention, and green spaces, including tree planting. The Plan also referenced future initiatives, including potential solar farms. The Head of Environmental Specialists was thanked for his efforts in compiling the plan, which provided a clear picture of the work to date and future direction.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged the interesting information in the action plan and expressed hope that the public would take note of the Council's strides in reducing its carbon footprint. The Leader also thanked the Government for the funding provided, recognising the Council as one of the largest beneficiaries of decarbonisation grants. The Leader extended thanks to officers for their sterling work in implementing new technologies and for ensuring everything worked well.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to maintain the current plan.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Agree to progress the Highways Improvement Programme for 2025/26 of forthcoming carriageway and footway resurfacing works and streetlight column replacement, noting this will be undertaken in phases with phase 1 as set out in the report and Appendix A.

2)    Agree to accept grant funding from the Department for Transport of £1,152k from the Highways Maintenance Block 2025/26.

3)    Approve the Budget Virement to the 2025/26 Capital Programme Budget for the Highways Structural Works programme to increase the capital expenditure from £11,000k to £12,152k, funding the increase in expenditure with an increase in the grant funding total within capital financing, to be funded by the Highways Maintenance Block allocation for 2025/26.

4)    Authorise the capital release of £12,152k for all phases, to fund the proposed Highways Improvement Programme for 2025/26.

5)    Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to amend the programme and determine further works to be funded from the drawdown funds and Government grants, subject to sign-off by the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth.

6)    Note all schemes will also be published on the Council’s website to ensure transparency as well as the other requirements to publicise details about potholes and roadworks advised by the Government in March 2025 and set out in this report.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth introduced a report to agree on the Council’s Highways Improvement Programme for the year. This key initiative underscored the Council's commitment to putting residents first by maintaining and enhancing the highways infrastructure, which was essential for residents, businesses, and emergency services. The Cabinet Member noted that the report outlined a strategic, data-driven approach to prioritising maintenance and improvement works, ensuring that highways remained safe, accessible, and fit for purpose.

It was noted that the programme was developed based on detailed condition assessments, resident feedback, and operational priorities to direct investment where it was most needed. Despite the financial challenges facing local authorities, the Council would continue to provide significant investment in its highways infrastructure, welcoming the substantial investment of £12.15 million over the year.

The Leader of the Council noted that at a recent residents' association meeting, the extensive mileage of pavements maintained by the Council was highlighted. The Leader also commended the approach to further transparency for residents around the prioritisation process for such works.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agree:

1)    That the air quality action plan: pre-consultation version be sent to the Greater London Authority (GLA) for initial review, in accordance with requirements.

2)    That any changes from the Council’s liaison with the GLA on the plan be delegated to the Director of Planning & Sustainable Growth to make, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the Community and Environment

3)    Subject to the above, the publication of the final draft version, upon sign-off by the Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, for public consultation lasting a minimum of 6 weeks and furthermore, agree to receive a report back to duly consider the consultation and ultimately the plan’s adoption.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment introduced the Air Quality Action Plan for a pre-consultation review with the Greater London Authority (GLA). This review would be followed by a public consultation, leading to the adoption of a new plan from 2025 to 2030. It was noted that the report included progress in reducing air pollution against UK national targets, although levels remained above World Health Organisation guidelines. The Cabinet Member cautioned that some data, particularly traffic-related emissions, should be viewed in the context of the COVID period, which reduced travel, and post-COVID changes in working practices, which had also altered travel patterns.

It was noted that the Council monitored ultra-fine particulates, which are particularly relevant due to aviation fuel from Heathrow Airport and any proposed expansion plans. Furthermore, that the Council holds £3.8 million in Section 106 funds for air quality projects, which will be used to benefit residents.

The Leader of the Council noted that residents, especially in the South of the Borough, would be reassured by the inclusion of ultra-fine particulate monitoring and that robust air quality monitoring was essential, particularly concerning the traffic generated by Heathrow, both road and aviation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Considers the responses to the proposed two entries to the Local List as attached in Appendix 4 following Public Consultation;

2)    Approves the addition of The Orchard on Ickenham Road in Ruislip to Hillingdon’s Local List of Buildings of Architectural and Historic Importance;

3)    Notwithstanding the outcome of the consultation and findings, agrees to defer consideration at this time on whether to add the Hayes North Telephone Exchange on East Avenue in Hayes to the Local List and delegates a decision on this to the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, following the receipt of further information as set out in the report.

4)    Instructs officers to notify all the owners/ occupiers of the addition of The Orchard to the Local List, and for officers to update the GIS database, the Council website and other sources to include the new entry.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth introduced a report to consider adding two properties to Hillingdon’s Local List of Buildings of Architectural and Historic Importance. It was noted that Hillingdon’s built environment reflected a rich and evolving history, with numerous structures contributing to the Borough's unique character. The Local List aimed to recognise and preserve properties of significant cultural value that may not meet the national criteria for statutory listing but still warranted protection at the local level.

It was mentioned that the key site under consideration was The Orchard in Ruislip which had a proud history of being a gathering place for RAF personnel stationed at nearby military bases, providing a social hub for service members and the wider community. It was noted that it’s architectural character and historical role in supporting those who served in Britain's air defense would make it a significant candidate for inclusion in the local list.

On another site under consideration, the former Hayes North Telephone Exchange, the Cabinet Member proposed to defer a decision of its inclusion on the Local List pending further information, noting that whilst it had historical significance, particularly in relation to its role in communications infrastructure, further research and analysis was required around its unique design, internal layout, structural integrity, and redevelopment potential.

The Cabinet Member noted the results of the public consultation, which showed a clear demonstration of the value residents place on local heritage, with over 1,000 responses received.

Alternative options considered / risk management

Cabinet could have made alternative decisions to or not include either site.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Considers the public consultation responses and summary information on the draft PSPO.

2)    Has regard to the contents of the Equalities Impact Assessment.

3)    Formally withdraw Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 effective 1st May 2025 before its expiry in 2026; and

4)    Approve the finalised Public Spaces Protection Order 2025 in Appendix 1 for publication and implementation on 1st May 2025 for a period of 3 years.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment introduced a report on the Council’s Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), noting that this item was returning to the Cabinet for consideration following public consultation. It was noted that public consultation supported the proposals outlined and that the report included an equalities impact assessment conducted by officers. The Cabinet Member informed Cabinet that minor amendments were proposed following consultation in relation to references to E-bikes and E-scooters, which had emerged since the last Order was reviewed and additionally, some minor technical changes to the wording to comply with legal definitions.

The Leader of the Council remarked that this PSPO would last for three years, with this early review of them incorporating some learning, modernisation and adjustments.

Alternative options considered / risk management

Cabinet noted the Council's other options to manage anti-social behaviour generally were limited to available enforcement legislation, whilst also noting that police resources were also limited.

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.

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment remarked on a report to be considered in private later about a positive development that would enable the Council to maintain golfing provision at both Uxbridge and Haste Hill Golf Courses, through operation by a private provider. Moreover, subject to Cabinet approval, the proposal would significantly benefit the Council’s budgets through eliminating the subsidies previously provided for operating these courses from rents that could be achieved. The Cabinet Member expressed his gratitude to the Corporate Director of Place, and particularly to the Director of Environment, for their hard work in bringing the proposal to Cabinet.

Alternative options considered and rejected

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

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1) Agrees to enter into leases up to 10-year + one day with Heathrow Airport Limited for the use of up to an initial 13 self-contained homes for temporary accommodation for homeless households, as set out in the report.

2) Notes that the Council will be responsible for the housing management, repairs and remedial works for wear and tear and full insurance of the properties. Within the leases, the Council will be liable for the costs of exceptional damages and the full rental costs for the period that any unit is void.

3) Notes that the proposal to enter into leases for the homes of temporary accommodation with Heathrow Airport Limited will be subject to an annual increase applied in line with the annual social rent increase applied by LBH per annum, for the period. To note that the annual rent for each property has been negotiated to be at net lower cost to the General Fund when compared to current spot-purchased nightly charged temporary accommodation.

4) Agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, to make all necessary property and operational decisions to implement this and to also agree new leases, and any ancillary decisions, for further homes from Heathrow Airport Limited should the opportunity arise.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property introduced the report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to enter into commercial leases with Heathrow Airport Ltd. to secure a number of family-sized units of self-contained accommodation for use as temporary housing for homeless households. This would provide lower-cost, higher-quality temporary housing options compared to spot-purchased, nightly charged accommodation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered the alternative options set out in the report, noting that to do nothing would lead to a sharp increase in levels of homelessness.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agree:

1)    To note that the Government funding of the second year of the new Local Stop Smoking Grant and the fifth funded year of the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant that replaces the SSMTRG, RSDATG and IPD Grants;

2)    For delivery, to continue to vary the contract between the Council and the Central and North West London NHS Trust for the enhanced delivery of the adult substance misuse and treatment service and the smoking cessation service to:

a)    To incorporate the new Local Stop Smoking Service Grant of £250k for 2025/26, noting that funding for this is dependent on Government grant with no substitution of funding from the Public Health Grant or the Council’s General Fund when funding ceases to be available;

b)   To continue the SSMTRG, RSDATG and IPD that is now one combined Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant at a cost of £1,664,772 for 2025/26.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care introduced the report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to vary the current public health grant-funded contract that delivers smoking cessation and substance misuse services and support to rough sleepers, following receipt of Government grant funding.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options were set out in the report, with Cabinet noting that if such grant monies are not spent, this would impact upon health prevention, early intervention and tackling inequalities.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1. Agree to vary the current contract with Matrix SCM for the provision of Temporary Agency workers to the London Borough of Hillingdon for an additional 6-month period from 21st June 2025 to 20^th December 2025 at an estimated value of c£9.6m (based on an average monthly expenditure on agency staff of £1.6m between September 2024 and February 2025).

2. Furthermore, agrees that this includes the provision to extend the contract if needed for approximately a four-month period with the contract end date completing at the end of the financial year 2025/26, delegating approval of any extension to the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property introduced the report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to vary the current primary contract the Council has for its Temporary Agency Workers. It was noted that this contract enabled the Council to supplement its workforce ensuring the maintenance of front-line services for Hillingdon residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options were set out in the report, with Cabinet noting that if no such arrangements were in place this would impact upon services delivery to residents.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Declares that Uxbridge Golf Course, The Drive, Ickenham, UB10 8AQ and Haste Hill Golf Course, The Drive, Northwood HA6 1HN, are surplus to requirements: Uxbridge Golf Course is shown edged yellow on plan A and Haste Hill shown edged red on plan B.

2)    Revokes the decision made on 09 November 2023 to authorise the sale of the long leasehold interest (999-years) in Uxbridge and Haste Hill Golf Courses.

3)    Authorises the grant of the long leasehold interest (65-years) in Uxbridge and Haste Hill Golf Courses, by private treaty, to Iford GC.

4)    Instructs officers to publish statutory notices pursuant to section 5 of the Green Belt (London & Home Counties) Act 1938 section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 inviting objections to the proposals to dispose of both golf courses. Any objections are to be considered by the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community & Environment.

5)    Delegates all future decisions regarding this project to the Corporate Director of Place, in conjunction with Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property and the Cabinet Member for Community and Environment.

6)    Authorises further engagement with the market to seek a suitable operator in any event that the current recommendation cannot be implemented.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment introduced the report and recommendations, which Cabinet agreed, to undertake the necessary property transactions for leasing Uxbridge and Haste Hill Golf Courses to a private Golf provider following a detailed marketing exercise. Cabinet noted this would mitigate the financial burden and subsidy by the Council, whilst ensuring affordable golfing and outdoor leisure facilities remain and can continue to be available and importantly invested in for users of both sites.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Alternative options were set out in the report, with Cabinet noting that continuing with the current in-house model would not be practicable financially or for future investment of the sites.

Item 15 – Uxbridge and Haste Hill Golf Courses was agreed and considered as an urgent item. No further items were considered by Cabinet.

The meeting closed at 7.23pm