Decisions

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Note the budget monitoring position and treasury management update as at May 2022 (Month 2) as outlined in Part A of this report.

2.     Approve the financial recommendations set out below:

a)    Approves re-phasing of £25,257k 2021/22 General Fund capital expenditure and financing budgets into future years and the re-phasing of £2,298k 2022/23 Schools Conditions Building Programme funding into future years.

b)    Approves re-phasing of £27,765k 2021/22 HRA capital expenditure and financing budgets into future years.

c)    Accept revenue grant funding of £5,383k for 2022/23 through to 2024/25 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to deliver a multi-year programme of projects and support to end Rough Sleeping.

d)    Accept revenue grant funding of £59k for 2022/23 from the GLA to support the Council Property buy back programme.

e)    Approve changes to the Council’s Discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme set out in the report.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet was updated on the forecast revenue, capital and treasury position for the current year 2022/23 in order to ensure the Council achieved its budgetary and service objectives.

The Leader of the Council informed Cabinet that operating budgets were on track along with the Council’s savings targets. The Leader explained how pressures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic were still impacting in two ways, through increased demand on services and reduced income. Additionally, the Leader noted the inflationary impact on the Council’s budgets. It was welcomed that the Council was expected to manage such pressures within the current financial year and that there would be no requirement to call on reserves. However, it was noted that the Council would need to increase its savings target going forward and that Cabinet would be updated more fully on this later in the year.

A number of financial recommendations were moved by the Leader including the acceptance of grant funding and a change to the Council’s Discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate Scheme as set out in the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet: 

1.     Notes progress against the Carers’ Strategy delivery plan activity for 2021-22 and the work that the Council and its partners does to support those with caring responsibilities in the Borough.

2.     Approves the 2022/23 Delivery Plan.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received a report updating it on progress delivering the current Carers’ Delivery Plan whilst outlining the ensuing year’s Plan and objectives.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care indicated her utmost respect for the work of carers and outlined some of the difficulties faced in their lives. The processes and organisations involved supporting carers were explained and thanks were paid to the previous Carers’ Champion, Councillor Becky Haggar. The Cabinet Member noted the comments of the Health and Social Care Select Committee and would ensure that they could continue to monitor the delivery of the Plan going forward.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education spoke of the challenges facing many young carers, particularly over the recent years. The Cabinet Member welcomed the activities and support provided to them via the Council, including access to mental health professionals, a school liaison post, day trips for respite and referrals to summer holiday activity programmes.

The Leader of the Council expressed his thoughts on the positive practical actions being taken that touch on the lives of carers.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet consider the responses to the statutory consultation as set out in the report and Appendix 4 and approve the proposed satellite of Meadow High School at the Harefield Boarding Block and subsequent increase in number of places.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered the responses from the statutory consultation into the expansion of Meadow High School and the creation of new places at a satellite hub at Harefield Academy and weighing up all relevant factors, it agreed the statutory proposals to enable this.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education noted that Meadow High School was the largest special school in the Borough and welcomed that the school had also done a significant amount of work consulting with the parents and staff on the proposals.

The Cabinet Member set out how the plans would provide an increase in SEND places and also support the Council’s Dedicated Schools Grant Safety Valve Agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to proceed with the statutory plans for the school expansion, but considered this not to be an option given the importance of additional SEND places needed in the Borough.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet notes the successes to date and continued progress to deliver the Older People’s Action Plan during 2021-22 to improve the quality of life, health and wellbeing of older people in Hillingdon.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received a useful update on the Older People’s Action Plan setting out the work to support older people to live independent, active, healthy lives and provide opportunities to improve their well-being.

The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care demonstrated the Council’s commitment to supporting older people and noted the recent Older Peoples’ Assembly that had taken place. Some specific activities in the Plan were outlined by the Cabinet Member including the Telecareline service, free Burglar Alarms, a new physical activity strategy, chairobics, dementia friendly training, grants via the Leader’s Initiative and funding from the Council to AGE UK to assist more vulnerable Older People to have access to the Internet to combat loneliness and support their mental health.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Approves Hillingdon’s draft Council Strategy 2022-26 in Appendix 1 for consultation and;

2.     Agrees to receive the final Council Strategy 2022-2026 in October 2022, informed by the findings from the proposed consultation process, in order to recommend the Strategy to full Council for adoption.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to consult on a new draft strategy setting out a clear vision for the Borough and the Council for the next four years.

The Leader of the Council explained how it would set out the Council’s ambitions, be a concise document and divided into 5 themes. The Leader welcomed the upcoming consultation period with residents to ensure it would take into account their priorities too.

The Leader outlined the process for the Strategy’s consideration and ultimate approval, which would include the select committees and then finally the full Council.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.