The Council meeting on Thursday 24 September 2026 addressed a range of resident concerns, including the closure of a waste recycling centre and the impact of rent increases on local businesses. Key decisions were made regarding the appointment of an independent chair for the Audit, Finance & Performance Committee and updates to the Council's constitution concerning procurement and planning decisions.

Harefield Recycling Centre and Waste Services

Councillor Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, responded to a question from Andrew Retter regarding the broken barriers at the Harefield Recycling Centre. He stated that significant technical issues had caused congestion, but that alternative measures, including Hillingdon First card checks, had shown that only a small percentage of visitors were non-residents, suggesting minimal loss of revenue. Magazines and paper can still be recycled at the site, though residents are encouraged to use the kerbside service. A dedicated textile collection point remains available.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed closure of the West Drayton Waste Weekends service at Tavistock Road. Councillor Bridges acknowledged the value residents placed on this service but clarified that it was a change in delivery, not a removal of services. He outlined alternative provisions including kerbside collections, bulky waste collections, the Harefield Civic Community Site, pop-up waste drop-and-go events, and access to the Spaceway Household Recycling Centre seven days a week. Councillor Bridges stated the decision was operational, made under delegated authority following reviews, and that while some residents might find the new arrangements less convenient, they might be more convenient for others. He also distinguished between the Council's waste services and the charitable activities of the contractor, Powerday, at the site. Despite strong opposition from Councillors Sweeting, Elder, Capps, and Mathers, who presented petitions and argued that the closure would increase fly-tipping and disproportionately affect vulnerable residents, the motion to pause the closure and review the decision was lost by 30 votes to 19.

Local Businesses and Rent Increases

Several questions were raised concerning the impact of increased costs and rent rises on local businesses. Councillor Denys, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, addressed grouped questions from Vinoobhai Patel, Keith Herbert, Darren Sullivan, Sukhpreet Kang, and Robin Rockell. He explained that the Council, as a commercial landlord, had a statutory duty to manage its property portfolio to secure commercial value. He stated that investments had been made in Mulberry Parade (£567,000) and Sutton Court Road (£460,000), and there were no plans for redevelopment. Councillor Denys acknowledged that rent reviews were individual negotiations and advised shop owners to seek professional advice. He recognised that the rent review process had been unsettling and officers would work with tenants on stepped increases and consider proof of hardship.

Despite these assurances, a motion moved by Councillor Mathers, calling for a pause on backdated rent increases, the development of a Commercial Tenant Charter, and a new Commercial Estates and Local Parades Policy, was lost by 19 votes to 30. Supporters of the motion argued that the Council's failure to conduct timely rent reviews had led to significant backdated costs for businesses, and that a best value assessment should consider the wider costs of business failure. Opponents argued that a pause would create uncertainty and that the Council had a statutory duty to negotiate based on market rent.

Council Governance and Finance

Councillor Tuckwell, Leader of the Council, addressed concerns about the Council's financial management and governance. In response to a question from Councillor Mand regarding the Best Value Notice, Councillor Tuckwell acknowledged areas for improvement but highlighted the establishment of an Improvement Board, securing Exceptional Financial Support, and ongoing work to strengthen financial management, governance, and reporting. He stated that improvement was an ongoing process, not a finished task.

The appointment of Mr Paul Grady as the Independent Chair of the Audit, Finance & Performance Committee was approved. Councillor Tuckwell also confirmed that the Council's constitutional provisions regarding member conduct would be reviewed to reflect modern communication methods, including social media.

A motion proposed by Councillor Punja, calling for an update to the Council's Code of Conduct to explicitly address racist, sexist, and online conduct, was lost by 19 votes to 30. Supporters argued the current code was outdated and inadequate, while opponents suggested it was unnecessary to update the code before a national framework was introduced and raised concerns about the proposed two-month deadline for complaint resolution.

Planning and Development

Councillor Denys responded to a question from Jayson Power regarding housing allocation for residents with medical or welfare needs, stating that while chronic housing shortages exist, exceptional circumstances, particularly those involving safeguarding or risk to life, could lead to consideration for larger properties.

Regarding Hillingdon Hospital, Councillor Denys confirmed that the Government's review of the New Hospitals Programme had led to delays and a likely need for revised proposals and planning permission, a situation he described as frustrating.

Councillor Tuckwell addressed concerns about the Mayor of London's proposals to build on Hillingdon's Green Belt. He reiterated the Council's opposition to building on green belt land, stating that Hillingdon should not bear a disproportionate housing burden. He confirmed the Council had undertaken its own review rather than participating in the Mayor's London-wide review. The Council's position is brownfield first and regeneration of town centres.

Other Matters

Councillor O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care, provided details about the upcoming Age-Friendly Festival, highlighting its role in supporting older residents and providing access to information, advice, and health checks.

Councillor Bennett, Cabinet Member for Community, Environment & Enforcement, detailed the Council's efforts to combat fly-tipping, including vehicle crushing, targeted patrols, CCTV use, and the rollout of the Love Clean Streets app.

Councillor Bridges responded to questions about parking policies, noting the move towards digital payment options and the ongoing review of arrangements to ensure they remain affordable, accessible, and responsive to local demand.

Councillor Denys provided an update on home improvements and repairs, stating that over 12,000 responsive repairs had been completed between April and August 2026, alongside significant investment in kitchen and bathroom refurbishments, roof renewals, and energy efficiency improvements.

Councillor Lavery addressed questions regarding the timely publication of Cabinet budget reports, stating that six of the last twelve reports were published within the statutory notice period, with others published as supplementary agenda papers.

Councillor Tuckwell moved a motion reaffirming the Council's opposition to Heathrow expansion, calling on the Government to provide sustained funding for the Council to assess and challenge the proposals, and condemning the Mayor of London's lack of engagement. The motion was carried.

A motion regarding the disruption caused by Cadent Gas roadworks in Hayes Town Centre, calling for a review of roadworks management processes, was moved by Councillor Sansarpuri but lost.

The meeting also saw the approval of changes to the Council's constitution regarding Procurement Standing Orders and the delegation of planning decisions, aligning with new national legislation. The Audit Committee's Annual Report for 2025/26 was also noted.