Decisions

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Notes the budget monitoring position and treasury management update as at September 2023 (Month 6), noting the actions proposed by officers as outlined in Part A of the report.

2.    Approves the financial recommendations set out in Part B of the report below:

a)    Rephasing of £29,516k 2023/24 General Fund Major Projects expenditure and associated financing budgets into future years.

b)   Rephasing of £33,678k 2023/24 HRA capital expenditure and financing budgets into future years as set out in the report.

c)    Revisions to Leisure service Fees and Charges in-year, with effect from 1 December 2023, noting that Leisure Services fees and charges are reviewed annually in-line with existing contract terms and CPI rates.

d)   Acceptance of £10k grant funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for running costs associated with the continuation of temporary pavement licence provisions.

e)    Acceptance of gift funding in relation to a Planning Performance Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003 for;

                             i.        Former Morrisons Supermarket, 41-67 High Street, Yiewsley - £25,000

                            ii.        470 Bath Road - £31,850

                          iii.        Rosedale College - £25,000

                          iv.        148-154 High Street, Uxbridge - £70,000

[Note: an administrative update to this decision was made by Democratic Services to add the precise locations from that published in the report]

f)     Acceptance of a grant of £750k from Greater London Authority as match funding for the acquisition of three properties for the resettlement of Afghan and Ukrainian refugee families.

g)   Acceptance of a grant of £4,428k from Greater London Authority as match funding for the acquisition of fourteen properties to provide accommodation for 21 rough sleepers and 21 care leavers in shared accommodation and to provide associated housing support.

h)   Acceptance of a grant of £2,100k from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities as match funding for the acquisition of ten properties for Afghan and Ukrainian refugee families.

Reasons for decision

Councillor Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance, introduced the Budget Monitoring report for Month Six, which outlined the Council's projected results for the financial year as of 30 September 2023. Addressing the challenging financial environment for local authorities, the Cabinet Member highlighted specific pressures in Hillingdon, including homelessness, increased demand for social care, and rising energy costs due to global events.

The Council's response to financial challenges was described as realistic and robust, managing costs through budgetary controls and maintaining debt at modest and sustainable levels. The General Fund revenue account showed a small underspend against the budget, with additional costs absorbed for the staff pay settlement. Projections for year-end reserves included earmarked reserves and unallocated general balances totalling just under £41 million. Councillor Goddard emphasised the objective of retaining and building reserves despite economic challenges and the importance of the Council’s savings program.

On capital expenditure, there was a projected underspend, attributing this to further slippage to constraints in the construction sector. The Cabinet Member noted examples such as delays to projects like the West Drayton and Yiewsley Leisure Centre and HOAC. The Dedicated Schools Grant and Housing Revenue Account were discussed, with the latter projecting an underspend against the budget due to delays in the Hayes Regeneration project.

The Cabinet Member moved additional financial recommendations, including the rephasing of capital expenditure, addressing proposed increases in Leisure Services fees and charges and sought clarification on the exact locations for the planning gift funding acceptances which was recommended for approval, subject to a check and any changes made by Democratic Services.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Approves the application for a licensed deficit from Bishop Winnington-Ingram CE Primary School for 2023/24.

2)    Approves the application for a licensed deficit from Holy Trinity CE Primary School for 2023/24.

3)    Approves the application for a licensed deficit from Oak Wood School for 2023/24.

4)    Approves the application for a licensed deficit from St Bernadette Catholic Primary School for 2023/24.

5)    Approves the application for a licensed deficit from St Swithun Wells Catholic Primary School for 2023/24.

Reasons for decision

Councillor O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, introduced a report on licensed deficits for specific schools within the Borough, noting this had increased from three to five schools posting deficits in the 2023-24 financial year. She noted that maintained schools, as part of their duty, are obligated to provide a balanced budget to their governing body. In exceptional circumstances, where alternative solutions have been explored and a deficit budget is imminent, schools, with the agreement of their governors, must notify the local authority to request a license deficit budget for a specified period, typically one year.

It was explained that the purpose of the license deficit budget was to enable schools to function and reposition themselves for the future, and that the Council was committed to working with the schools to monitor, and support their financial planning and to identify areas for improvement.

The Cabinet Member explained the factors contributing to this challenge, which included under-subscription of pupil numbers, a reduction in pupil place funding, or the need for guidance on expenditure rebalancing. It was emphasised that in agreeing a licensed deficit, it had no bearing on the Council's General Fund.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to write-off the deficits, which would have needed to be agreed by the Schools Forum or withdrawn the School Governors’ delegated powers over the schools’ budgets.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Agrees to the London Borough of Hillingdon entering into an agreement with North West London Integrated Care Board (NHS North West London) 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 3rd April 2023 to 31st March 2024 at a value of £96,534,618.

2.    Agrees that this includes the provision to extend the agreement for up to a further 12 months, delegating approval of any extension to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, in consultation with the Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health.

3.    Delegates to the Corporate Director, Adult Social Care and Health authority to amend the terms of the agreement with NHS North West London during 2023/24, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.

Reasons for decision

Councillor Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care presented a report on the Better Care Fund Section 75 agreement for 2023/24, where she noted that the Integrated Care Board was required to enter into an agreement under Section 75 of the National Health Service Act 2006, to allocate money from the Council’s and NHS pooled budgets to enhance collaborative efforts in improving care outcomes for residents, aiding them in staying healthy and independent. It was noted that the delay in seeking Cabinet approval was attributed to the Department of Health and Social Care's timetable, beyond the control of the Council or its officers.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to enter into an agreement, but this would have reduced the availability of funding and support to the local health and care system. Cabinet could have also agreed to enter into a longer agreement time-frame.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet welcomes the Committee’s report and approves its recommendations, which seek to increase awareness and understanding of the Council’s alley gating scheme and improve resident communications:

SELECT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

1)    Scheme awareness:

That updated signs be installed on all alley gates to include the following information:

a)    that residents must keep the gates clear and closed when not in use;

b)   that residents are responsible for maintenance of the gates; and

c)    providing a Council contact email / website address where residents can access further details about the scheme in general.

2)    Scheme awareness:

That the alley gating scheme be promoted in Hillingdon People.

3)    Lead resident communications:

That, when sending its annual emails to verify the lead resident of each alley gating scheme, the Council’s expands this communication:

·         to include a review of any issues with the gates and any ASB which the Council could potentially assist with, and;

·         to arrange to send the lead resident a batch of flyers (after verification) to be dropped through letter boxes informing any new neighbours about the alley gating scheme in their area.

4)    Lead resident communications:

That, in addition to the annual check, for brand new alley gating schemes officers seek feedback from the lead resident six months after the gate has been installed.

Reasons for the decision

The Chairman of the Resident Services’ Select Committee, Councillor Bridges, presented a review of the alleygating scheme in Hillingdon by the Committee. He explained that the scheme had been established around 17 years ago to secure privately owned alleyways from crime and disorder. The aim of the major review, initiated in October 2022, was to suggest improvements to better meet the needs of residents. The Committee heard from various stakeholders, including community safety officers, the police, and residents.

The Chairman explained that the recommendations in the report focused on cost-effective solutions to strengthen communication about the alleygating scheme. The goal was to better assist residents and raise awareness of the scheme and available services. Councillor Bridges expressed gratitude to officers and volunteers who contributed to the review.

In response, Councillor Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, commended the thorough work of the Select Committee in reviewing a long-standing service that hadn't been evaluated for several years. He supported the four recommendations aimed at improving scheme awareness and addressing anti-social behaviour.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have decided to reject some, or all, of the Committee’s recommendations or have pursued alternative routes by which to progress the objectives of the review.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Revoke all previous versions of Smoke Control Orders and;

2.    Approve a new Smoke Control Order for the whole of the London Borough of Hillingdon and all waterways.

Reasons for decision

Councillor Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, presented a report on the Hillingdon Smoke Control Order noting that, under the Environment Act 2021, councils were granted new powers to enact smoke control orders, including those covering waterways.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the existing arrangements, consisting of various historic orders covering different parts of the Borough and referencing names and places that might not be currently recognised. The proposal was to consolidate these into a new Order, applicable throughout the entire Borough, including waterways.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to not introduce a new Order, allowing parts of the Borough to fall outside of the scope of any actionable regulated enforcement.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet welcomes the Select Committee’s findings, it’s report and approves their recommendations which seek to enhance the Stronger Families Hub to residents:

SELECT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS:

1)    To continue to raise the profile of the Stronger Families Hub with all Hillingdon stakeholders, including schools (both in and out of the Borough), community organisations, third sector organisations and elected Members, with a view to improving resident awareness of the Hub and the support available to them;

2)    Seeks to maintain the resilience of the 24/7 Hub model by monitoring the staff and triage resourcing covering the out-of-hours service, in light of comments made by witnesses;

3)    Review the capacity within the Hub to support increased demand, in light of comments made by witnesses, in particular from unaccompanied asylum-seeking children arriving at Heathrow Airport;

4)    To note the Health and Social Care Select Committee’s review into the effectiveness of the CAMHS referral pathway, and to review ways to enhance signposting around mental health services via the Hub and to voluntary and private sector services;

5)    To continue to raise awareness of the Stronger Families Hub regularly with partners to keep abreast of changes or new developments. This is to include an annual renewal of the membership of the Stronger Families sub-group to ensure it reflects all stakeholders;

6)    Ensure the Stronger Families Hub is accessible to a diverse range of communities by investigating advertising and promoting the Stronger Families Hub in additional languages, where feasible; and

7)    Investigate adding into the referral form process to explain why consent had not been obtained, where appropriate.

Reasons for decision

The Chairman of the Children, Families and Education Select Committee, Councillor Makwana, introduced the Committee’s review on the Stronger Families Hub. In her presentation, Councillor Makwana highlighted that the Stronger Families Hub, launched in 2021, aimed to provide a 24/7 service to families and professionals in Hillingdon. The focus of the Committee's review was to assess how the Hub had been functioning in practice and identify areas for improvement. The Committee had engaged in numerous witness sessions with key stakeholders, including young people, parents or carers, officers, and health and educational representatives.

The Committee's findings indicated that the Stronger Families Hub was indeed providing a good service to children and families in Hillingdon. Service users expressed satisfaction with the support and advice received. However, the Committee identified areas for further development, particularly in terms of awareness, accessibility and capacity. Mindful of cost-effective solutions, the Committee presented seven recommendations to the Cabinet.

Councillor O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education thanked Councillor Makwana and the Select Committee for their thorough review. She noted that the comprehensive report provided by the Committee highlighted the success of the service, evident from the increased demand, whether influenced by the legacy of Covid or global events.

Reflecting on the inception of the Stronger Families Hub, the Cabinet Member noted that the review had come at the right time. She expressed appreciation for the senior management team in children's services, crediting their forethought in turning the concept into a targeted and functional service.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the ongoing demand and capacity review of the service and highlighted potential extensions to front door services to ensure the service remained aligned with the current needs of residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have decided to reject some, or all, of the Committee’s recommendations or have pursued alternative routes by which to progress the objectives of the review.