The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee meeting scheduled for 6 January 2026 was set to review the council's budget proposals for the upcoming financial years, alongside performance monitoring reports and updates on key regeneration projects. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the council's forward plan and work programme.

Cabinet Budget Proposals 26/27

The committee was scheduled to consider the draft revenue budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy proposals for 2026/27 to 2030/31, as outlined in the Cabinet agenda published on 23 December. These proposals indicated a net budget change for services within the committee's remit, with savings proposals of £2.1 million and growth proposals of £9.5 million for 2026/27. The report detailed specific savings and growth proposals across various directorates, including initiatives such as the outsourcing of the Council's Film Office, a review of the Hillingdon People Magazine, and the restructuring of the Legal Services department. Growth proposals included investments in areas like Business Intelligence, HR services, and technology contracts. The committee was also to consider proposed increases to discretionary fees and charges and review the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account capital programmes.

Budget & Spending Report

This report provided an update on the council's financial position as at October 2025 (Month 7). The council was forecasting a net overspend of £36.0 million on its core operating activities, including pressures across service operating budgets, budgeted use of reserves, and centralised corporate budgets. The report detailed significant demand pressures in areas such as Adult Social Care, homelessness support, and Children's Social Care. It also highlighted a shortfall against budgeted savings targets, with a considerable percentage of savings being tracked as at risk or facing serious delivery problems. The committee was to review the budget monitoring position for services within its remit, which projected an overspend of £6.3 million, with notable pressures identified within the Finance and Place directorates.

Six Month Performance Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to review the six-month performance report for 2025/26, which monitors expenditure against key performance indicators and benchmarks the council's performance against other local authorities. The report indicated that Hillingdon had the 4th lowest net expenditure in London per 100,000 residents, despite facing unique pressures such as the presence of Heathrow Airport. The report provided detailed performance data across various service areas, including Adult Social Care and Health, Residents Services (covering housing and homelessness), Children's Services, and Finance. It highlighted areas of strong performance, such as the 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating for Children's Social Care and the 2nd highest consumer grading from the Regulator of Social Housing for Council Housing. However, it also identified challenges, including higher rates of rough sleeping and a significant proportion of homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard.

Hayes Estate Regeneration Progress Report

An update was to be provided on the Hayes Regeneration Project, detailing progress following resident engagement and consultation. The report was expected to cover the redevelopment of the Hayes Town Estate and Avondale Drive Estate, including the completion of Phase 1A at Avondale Drive and the nearing completion of Phase 1 at Hayes Town Centre. Agreements for future phases, planning applications, and demolition works were also to be discussed, alongside public consultations for new homes at Avondale Drive and Hayes Town Centre. The report was also to address social value commitments and the monitoring of these by Higgins, the preferred bidder.

Information Report on Council Tax Banding

The committee was scheduled to receive an information report explaining the process for reassessing Council Tax banding following significant property development. The report was to outline how monthly reports from Building Control are used to track works, and how cases involving increased living space are reported to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). It was noted that banding reviews by the VOA typically occur after a property transaction. The report was also to address the legislative framework under which higher Council Tax cannot be charged until a property is sold, and the council's response to a national consultation recommending reform of this process.

Feedback from Committee Site Visit to Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre

The committee was to provide feedback on its recent site visit to the Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre in West Drayton. The visit had taken place before the centre's completion, and members were reportedly impressed with the quality and scale of the development. The report was expected to commend the officers for their successful delivery of the project, particularly after the original firm collapsed and officers took over as project managers and main contractors.

Verbal Update on Committee's Review into Maximising Council Spaces

A verbal update was to be provided on the committee's ongoing review into maximising the use of Council spaces. The update was expected to outline key issues identified, such as the lack of a centralised register of hireable spaces, fragmented booking systems, inconsistent pricing, and underused or poorly maintained assets. Interim recommendations, including the creation of a cross-Council working group, an audit of spaces, and the adoption of a unified booking system, were likely to be discussed.

Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider the Cabinet's latest Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions and other decisions to be taken by Cabinet members over the coming year. The plan is published monthly and provides public notice of future key decisions. The committee's role was to monitor this plan and provide comments on items within its remit.

Work Programme

The committee was to consider its multi-year work programme, noting future meeting dates and planning its work for the current municipal year. The work programme details planned reviews, service and performance monitoring, and updates on various council initiatives.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in Committee Room 6 at the Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW.