Agenda item

John Wheatly, Senior Policy Officer - Health Integration and Voluntary Sector Partnerships, presented the report.

Members heard that Hillingdon was home to a large Armed Forces community due to the presence of RAF Northolt and Northwood HQ. There were over 800 service people and families based in the Borough.

The Committee was informed that the Armed Forces Covenant was an agreement between the armed forces community, the nation and the government. The Covenant had two underlying principles:

·         Members of the armed forces community should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services; and

·         Special consideration was appropriate in some cases, especially for those who had given the most such as the injured or the bereaved.

The Queen’s Speech 2021 had announced the Government’s intention to strengthen the Covenant by placing it on a statutory footing. Local authorities had to have due regard to the Covenant though it could be interpreted in different ways. Members heard that the London Borough of Hillingdon had signed the Covenant in June 2012. The current Cabinet Scheme of Delegations gave the Leader of the Council the responsibility to oversee the Council’s relationship with the Armed Forces. Additionally, Cllr Sir Ray Puddifoot MBE had become the new Armed Forces Champion on 14 January 2021.

In terms of housing allocation, the Committee was advised that the Council’s current housing policy went beyond the statutory requirements by providing preference to armed forces personnel in its Social Housing Allocation Policy. The Council also attempted to accommodate the children of armed forces families, wherever possible, when allocating school places. A good relationship had been built up with London Region MOD.

The Committee heard that, in the past, Hillingdon had made two successful applications to the (now closed) community covenant grant scheme to help build stronger links between residents and armed forces personnel. These grants had helped the Council support Public Open Days at RAF Northolt. Fishing days had also been organised for returning armed forces personnel which had been well received. Moreover, all personnel who lived on the base were issued with a Hillingdon First card which gave them access to a range of discounts in the Borough. Members were advised that Hillingdon had been awarded a Silver Award under the Government’s Employer Recognition Scheme, in recognition of the excellent support given to Reservists.

Members requested further information regarding St Andrews Park Estate in Uxbridge – a former large housing estate for RAF personnel – noting that many of the houses there had been unoccupied for a long period of time and were now in a state of disrepair. This seemed unacceptable, particularly in view of the housing shortage in the Borough. The Committee heard that that this was a long-standing issue which would be very difficult to resolve. Cllr Lewis noted that, although the RAF had a responsibility to restore the housing to a reasonable condition, to do so would cost more than the value of the houses themselves. Members heard that the Ministry of Defence had a contract which had run for many years and was currently obliged to continue paying rent on the houses. Members enquired whether a Council compulsory purchase order would be an option. It was agreed that John Wheatley would discuss this matter further with colleagues in housing / planning and would provide the Committee with a full update at a later stage.

In response to further questions from the Committee, it was agreed that John Wheatley would ascertain how many reserves there were in the Borough at present and what support was currently offered to them by the Council. At the request of Members, it was further agreed that Mr Wheatley would contact Hertfordshire Council to enquire whether there had been any liaison between Hertfordshire and Hillingdon in respect of housing allocation for Northwood HQ personnel.

Members enquired whether the Council currently liaised with the military as a partner to support those exiting the military with jobs, housing etc. It was agreed that this was happening to some extent but there was room for improvement and a dialogue could be initiated at an earlier stage to enable the Council and Armed Forces to work together more effectively.

RESOLVED That:

1.    John Wheatley, Senior Policy Officer, discuss the St Andrews Park Estate housing issue further with colleagues in housing / planning and provide the Committee with a full update;

2.    John Wheatley, Senior Policy Officer, ascertain how many reserves there were in the Borough at present and what support was currently offered to them by the Council;

3.    John Wheatley, Senior Policy Officer, contact Hertfordshire Council to enquire whether there had been any liaison between Hertfordshire and Hillingdon in respect of housing allocation for Northwood HQ personnel; and

4.    The Engagement with the Armed Forces report be noted.