The Council meeting scheduled for 22 January 2026 was set to cover a range of significant policy and financial matters. Key discussions were anticipated regarding the Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031, the Local Development Scheme, and the Council Tax Base and Business Rates Forecast for 2026/2027. The meeting also included time for public and members' questions, as well as the consideration of several motions.

Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031

The Council was scheduled to consider the adoption of a revised Statement of Licensing Policy for the period 2026-2031. This policy, which is reviewed every five years, had undergone statutory consultation and included minor updates to reflect changes in guidance and working practices. The aim of the revised policy is to provide local businesses and residents with an up-to-date and effective framework for licensing matters within the Borough, ensuring a safe and regulated environment for users of licensed establishments while also facilitating a thriving economy. The policy aims to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Local Development Scheme

A revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) was presented for consideration. The LDS acts as a project plan for producing the Local Plan and other planning policy documents, outlining the intended documents and their production timelines. The proposed revision was necessary due to changes in the planning policy context that were beyond the council's control, necessitating a shift in the production and consultation timelines for the Local Plan into 2026 and beyond. The revised scheme includes a new Local Plan Programme, with evidence gathering and preparation for the West London Waste Plan also detailed, including a Regulation 18 consultation planned for December 2025 to January 2026.

Council Tax Base and Business Rates Forecast 2026/2027

The meeting was set to address the Council Tax Base and Business Rates Forecast for the upcoming financial year. The Council is legally required to calculate its Council Tax Base by 30 November and its Business Rates forecast by 31 January. For 2026/27, the Council Tax Base was estimated to be 107,349 Band D Equivalent Properties, an increase from the previous year. The report also detailed proposed amendments to the local Council Tax Reduction Scheme, including changes to non-dependant deductions and maximum award percentages, as well as the introduction of a 100% premium on second homes from April 2026. The forecast for Business Rates was also to be discussed, noting the complexity introduced by a recent revaluation exercise, particularly concerning Heathrow Airport's valuation, and the introduction of new multiplier classes and transitional relief arrangements.

Public Question Time

Members of the public were scheduled to have the opportunity to submit questions to the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10. These questions covered a range of topics, including actions being taken to improve enforcement and timeliness of waste clearance in response to fly-tipping, the status of a planning application at the Morrisons site in Yiewsley, the financial implications of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) for residents, and plans for assisting residents with the disposal of larger household items.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services

This report was scheduled to cover several items, including the urgent implementation of decisions made since the last Council meeting, the programme of meetings for 2026/27, and the Audit Committee's Annual Report for 2024/25. The urgent decisions related to the Finance Modernisation Programme Phase 2 contract award, a corporate insurance contract extension, and the acquisition of new general needs housing stock for social housing. The Audit Committee's annual report aimed to assure the Council of the committee's work in overseeing governance, risk management, and internal controls.

Members' Questions

Councillors were scheduled to ask questions to Cabinet Members and the Leader of the Council. These questions touched upon the impact of delays in implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 on leaseholders facing high service charges, the Council's road gritting efforts, the cost to residents of Exceptional Financial Support, progress on food waste collection services for flats, promotion plans for the new Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre, and the Council's approach to housing allocation for residents versus asylum seekers. Other questions concerned the Council's financial position, including borrowing levels and the reliance on EFS, the accuracy of the draft budget, and the rationale behind awarding contracts for the Financial Modernisation Programme.

Motions

Several motions were scheduled for consideration:

• Motion from Councillor Gardner: This motion expressed concern about the monitoring capacity of the Council's CCTV system due to a perceived lack of staff, highlighting its importance in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, and called for an urgent review of funding to ensure effective operation.
• Motion from Councillor Mathers: This motion welcomed and expressed gratitude to the Labour Government for increased local government funding, stating it addressed years of underfunding by the previous Conservative government and would enable investment in services and financial stability. It called on the Conservative-led local administration to use the funding responsibly.
• Motion from Councillor Tuckwell: This motion unequivocally condemned proposed changes to national and London-wide planning legislation, arguing they threatened Green Belt land, Metropolitan Open Land, and community character. It raised concerns about the threat to Metropolitan Open Land, the default position favouring development, proposed changes to Community Infrastructure Levy relief, and the Mayor of London's call-in powers, urging the Leader to write to local MPs to oppose these proposals.
• Motion from Councillor Edwards: This motion expressed deep concern about the Home Office's decision to restrict local authorities' access to data on asylum seeker placements, citing it as evidence of the Government's failed asylum policy and a lack of transparency. It called for the Home Office to reverse this decision and restore transparency and partnership with local authorities.