The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee met to discuss the annual performance monitoring report, the budget and spending report, the Hayes estate regeneration progress, and council tax banding. The committee noted the annual performance report for 2024/25, the budget monitoring position as of August 2025, the update on the Hayes Estate Regeneration Project, and the information report on council tax banding. An interim summary letter will be sent to Cabinet Members outlining the Committee's findings thus far on maximising council spaces.

Budget and Spending Report

The committee reviewed the budget and spending report for 2024-25, noting a forecast overspend of £30.2 million as of August 2025. This figure includes a £4.2 million variance due to the decision not to draw down reserves. Demand pressures accounted for nearly £20 million of the overspend, with £8 million from undelivered service savings and £3 million from treasury activities and interest costs, partially offset by staffing underspends.

Savings performance was also discussed, with 49% of savings on track or banked, but £15.1 million of the £38.8 million savings programme was projected as undelivered, including £1.9 million identified for write-off. The committee noted that finance faced a £4 million pressure, mainly from treasury costs and staffing requirements, while corporate services showed shortfalls linked to the resident hub and HR. Savings delivery across these areas was approximately 73% on track or banked.

Barriers to achieving savings included delays in implementation, dependencies on third parties, and optimistic delivery timelines. Officers emphasised that the council operated as a low cost, high-performing authority, leaving few easy wins.

Annual Performance Monitoring Report

The committee reviewed the council's annual performance report for 2024-25, which consolidated key indicators for monitoring delivery of the corporate strategy. The report incorporated proposed Local Government Outcomes Framework¹ measures under consultation, including 15 priority outcomes and 115 statutory indicators. The counter-fraud team had exceeded expectations by over £2 million.

Housing repairs and maintenance were discussed, with over 3,000 repairs completed across council dwellings during the previous year. Improvements had been introduced to enable tenants to log repairs and track operative visits using modern technology. Annual tenant surveys showed above-average satisfaction rates compared to other social landlords, although some feedback indicated difficulties in speaking to staff directly.

Highways maintenance was reviewed, and investment in roads and pavements was highlighted. The committee noted that road conditions compared favourably with other boroughs, supported by a strong capital programme. Pothole repairs had fallen significantly, and winter resilience plans were highlighted.

The committee discussed EV charging infrastructure², noting figures related to public chargers per 100,000 people. A partnership with other boroughs aimed to share expertise, reduce risk, and secure funding, while addressing local challenges such as housing density and exploring solutions like pavement cabling.

Concerns about call handling were raised. It was explained that call volumes were monitored daily, with spikes linked to service changes. A new website and AI tools were planned to improve access and provide 24/7 support.

In terms of cybersecurity, it was noted that the council had been commended for strong leadership and governance following a Local Government Association Cyber 360 review. Continuous threat and phishing monitoring was in place, supported by Microsoft technology and cloud systems.

Local procurement was reported as increasing, and economic growth initiatives were outlined, including inward investment and town centre regeneration.

Hayes Estate Regeneration Project

An update was provided on the Hayes Regeneration Project following resident engagement and consultation. The committee heard that Hayes Town Estate and Avondale Drive Estate, built in the 1960s–70s, had faced issues with building condition and anti-social behaviour prompting redevelopment plans. Cabinet approval for design work was given in 2020, with positive resident ballots in 2021. Higgins was confirmed as the preferred bidder in 2022, planning consent was obtained, and Phase 1A at Avondale Drive (Jenner Court) was completed, while Phase 1 at Hayes Town Centre neared completion.

The committee was informed that agreements for future phases were progressing, including planning applications and demolition works to accelerate delivery. Public consultations were held in October, with proposals for 296 homes at Avondale Drive and 562 at Hayes Town Centre. Options to amalgamate phases to speed up construction were being explored.

It was noted that new homes would meet modern standards, improve design and landscaping and provide open spaces and play areas. The compulsory purchase process was confirmed as completed with minimal issues. Social value commitments were reported as monitored regularly, with Higgins appointing a liaison officer and organising community events.

Council Tax Banding

The committee received an information report on council tax banding. The process for reassessing council tax banding after significant property development was explained. Monthly reports from Building Control were used to track works, and cases involving increased living space were reported to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) fortnightly. Banding was reviewed by the VOA only after a property transaction, such as a sale, had occurred.

The committee was informed that some cases properties were temporarily removed from the Council Tax list during major works and re-banded upon completion. It was noted that not all extensions resulted in a band increase, as this depended on the original band and the scale of works. Under current legislation, higher Council Tax could not be charged until a property was sold, creating revenue loss and inconsistencies. The London Borough of Hillingdon had responded to a national consultation recommending reform of this process.

Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre

The committee provided feedback on its visit to the Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre in West Drayton. The visit had taken place before completion, and members were impressed with the quality and scale of the development. It was noted that officers had taken over as project managers and main contractors after the original firm collapsed, and their successful delivery was commended.

Maximising Council Spaces

An update was provided on the committee's review into maximising council spaces. To progress the review, the committee noted that an interim summary letter would be sent to Cabinet members outlining key issues, including the lack of a centralised register of hireable spaces, fragmented booking systems, inconsistent pricing, and underused or poorly maintained assets. The letter included interim recommendations such as creating a cross-council working group, conducting an audit, adopting a unified booking system, and standardising fees.

Forward Plan

The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan.

Work Programme

The committee noted the Work Programme.