The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 23 July 2026, approving a new Growth Plan for the borough, an Age-Friendly Plan to support older residents, and a strategy to address temporary accommodation pressures. The meeting also saw the approval of licensed deficit budgets for several schools facing financial challenges and the adoption of a monthly budget monitoring report.

Former Health & Social Care Select Committee Report - Adult Social Care Early Intervention and Prevention

The Cabinet welcomed the findings of the former Health and Social Care Select Committee's review into adult social care early intervention and prevention. They noted the ongoing work between the Council and its health and care partners to reduce, prevent, or delay the loss of independence for Hillingdon's adult population. It was agreed that officers would provide the Children, Families, Health and Care Select Committee with updates over the next 18 months on the development, delivery, and effectiveness of this model. These updates will include information on the co-production of the refresh of the Older People's Plan (now the Age Friendly Plan), the development of a data-sharing framework for Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs), communication strategies with residents, and collaborative working developments.

Hillingdon Growth Plan

The Cabinet approved the adoption of Hillingdon's Growth Plan, establishing it as the Council's strategic framework for economic growth and regeneration. Authority was delegated to the Director of Planning and Sustainable Growth, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to develop and implement detailed delivery programmes and partnerships required to deliver the Growth Plan, including the development of a strategic spatial framework. This plan aims to ensure that growth benefits Hillingdon's residents by fostering innovation, improving connectivity, and enhancing the borough's places and communities.

Hillingdon Age Friendly Plan

The Cabinet approved the Hillingdon Age Friendly Plan 2026-2031, which will serve as the strategic framework for supporting the health and wellbeing of older residents. The Plan, developed following public consultation and an equality impact assessment, aims to make Hillingdon a better place to grow older by focusing on eight key domains: outdoor spaces and buildings, transport, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services. The Plan will be reviewed annually and presented to Cabinet.

Temporary Accommodation Action Plan Monitoring

The Cabinet noted the quarterly update report on the delivery of the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan. Progress has been made across all five Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) workstreams, with improvements in key measures such as the number of households in temporary accommodation, new placements, and associated costs. Workstream 1, focusing on prevention and reducing new placements, is performing well, with placements below target and strong prevention and relief outcomes. Workstream 2, aimed at increasing access to alternative housing options, has seen progress in securing private rented sector move-ons, though move-ons to supported and social housing are not yet at target levels. Workstream 3, focused on reducing the cost of temporary accommodation, has successfully implemented rent caps and maintained strong property standards. Workstream 4, concerning move-on into social housing, remains below target due to limited supply, but actions are being taken to improve engagement with housing associations and increase acquisitions. Workstream 5, focused on service modernisation, has seen progress in restructuring the Housing Needs and Homelessness Service and strengthening governance arrangements.

Commissioned Therapies for Experts at Hand Service

The Cabinet noted the new SEND reforms and accepted the Department for Education SEND reforms grant for a three-year period ending 2029/2030. They approved an award of contract to Constellia Public Ltd for the commissioning of a provider to deliver Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy capacity, valued at up to £1.5 million per annum for three years, totalling £4.5 million. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care, for the implementation of these therapy services. This initiative aims to enhance mainstream schools' ability to support children and young people with SEND, promoting early intervention and inclusion.

Consideration of setting a licensed deficit budget for schools in the Borough 2026/27

The Cabinet approved applications for licensed deficit budgets for ten schools for the 2026/27 financial year. These schools are facing financial challenges due to declining pupil numbers, rising costs, and other factors. The Council will maintain enhanced financial monitoring and oversight of their recovery plans. The licensed deficits are managed through the Dedicated Schools Grant and do not impact the Council's General Fund.

Monthly Council Budget Monitoring Report: M2

The Cabinet noted the forecast revenue positions for the General Fund (£584,000 adverse) and Housing Revenue Account (net nil) for 2026/27. They also noted the progress in delivering General Fund savings, with 61% of savings either delivered or on track. The report highlighted a forecast £646,000 deficit in the Council Tax Collection Fund for the year, which would impact in 2027/28. The Cabinet approved proposed in-year changes to filming charges and amendments to fines for specific environmental offences. Authority was delegated to approve a new policy for civil penalties under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The Cabinet approved the acceptance of grant funding totalling £2,580,470 from the Department for Education for preventative services for children and families, £449,000 in Planning Gift Funding, and £2,805,603 in ringfenced grant funding for the Experts at Hand model. Further capital roll-forward requests totalling £15.6 million from 2025/26 underspends were also approved.

Public Preview: Matters to be considered later in private

The Cabinet noted the reports to be considered in private and Part 2 of the agenda, offering a public summary of these items without disclosing confidential information.

Major Project: New Care Home Facility & Housing: Redevelopment of 1-10 Nelson Lane, Uxbridge

The Cabinet approved the redevelopment of the Nelson Lane site in Uxbridge to provide two six-bedroom care homes for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, alongside two affordable general needs houses. They also approved the redevelopment of the New Peachey Lane Garage site into three four-bedroom units for affordable rent. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, for further necessary decisions regarding the project's implementation. Capital funding of £1 million from the General Fund and £130,000 from the Housing Revenue Account was approved for the redevelopment.

Contract: Integrated Sexual Health Services

The Cabinet approved a six-year contract award for integrated sexual health services from April 2030 to March 2036, valued at up to £23,772,345, funded solely by the Public Health Grant. They noted that the service is fully funded and has no impact on the Council's core budget. Cabinet also supported the relocation of the Integrated Sexual Health Service to the Civic Centre, delegating authority for property arrangements to the Corporate Director of Residents Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property.

Contract: Laboratory Analysis on Behalf of the Imported Food Office (Heathrow Airport)

The Cabinet accepted the tender from Public Analyst Scientific Services Limited for laboratory testing services for the Imported Food Office at Heathrow Airport. The contract, valued at up to £1,994,357 for four years with an option to extend for two years to a total of £2,991,535, will support food and feed safety controls.

Contract: Communal Passenger & Goods Lifts Maintenance & Repairs Services

The Cabinet accepted the tender from Elevator Repairs Specialists Ltd for communal passenger and goods lift maintenance and repairs services. The contract, valued at approximately £306,000 per annum, will run for three years with an option to extend for a further four years. Authority to approve any extensions was delegated to the Corporate Director for Residents Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Property.

Contract: Tree Maintenance Service

The Cabinet approved the division of the Tree Maintenance Services contract into three lots: North Highways and Borough-wide Emergency Works, South Highways, and Housing and Corporate Sites. Tenders were accepted from Pro Landscapes for Lot 1 (£2,470,269.19 over three years), Glendale Countryside Ltd for Lot 2 (£1,823,468.65 over three years), and John O'Conner Grounds Maintenance Ltd for Lot 3 (£546,618.04 over three years). The combined estimated value over the initial three-year term is £4,840,355.88. Authority to approve any extension for a further two years was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Residents Services, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Residents Services.

Assets: Corporate Disposals Programme 2026/27 - Garages Disposal Strategy Update

The Cabinet agreed to retain seven garage sites previously approved for disposal and to declare a further five sites surplus to requirements for sale. This brings the total number of garage sites in the disposal programme to 37. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, for further decisions regarding the sale or use of these properties.

Assets: Corporate Disposals Programme 2026/27 - Flats at 17 Frithwood Avenue, Northwood

The Cabinet declared three properties (Flats 1, 2 & 4 at 17 Frithwood Avenue, Northwood) surplus to requirements and approved their sale. These flats are in poor condition, do not meet modern housing standards, and would require significant investment to bring back into use. Disposal will avoid refurbishment costs and generate a capital receipt for reinvestment.

The meeting concluded at 7:55 pm.