The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to discuss and approve key strategies and programmes. Decisions made included the adoption of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2030, approval of the Housing Forward Investment Programme for 2026/27, and the continuation of substance misuse and stop smoking services. The Cabinet also reviewed the monthly budget monitoring report for Month 10 and received a public preview of confidential reports.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

The Cabinet approved the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026-2030, following a review and consultation process. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, presented the strategy, highlighting the significant increase in homelessness contacts, with over 7,300 households approaching the Council for assistance in 2024/25, a 47% rise on the previous year. More than 1,600 households are currently living in temporary accommodation. Key drivers for homelessness include evictions from the private rented sector, individuals being asked to leave by family or friends, and domestic abuse. The strategy prioritises prevention, aiming to provide resident-focused services, early intervention, and improved access to safe and sustainable housing. It also focuses on clearer pathways for rough sleepers and vulnerable residents, and enhanced data monitoring. The strategy does not introduce new direct costs but provides a framework for managing demand and supporting efforts to control financial pressures associated with temporary accommodation. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Edwards, welcomed the strategy as a strong and balanced approach for the next five years, emphasizing the need to increase housing provision and work with partners.

Housing Forward Investment Programme 2026/27 (and 2025/26 Review)

The Cabinet agreed to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Works to Stock Programme for 2026/27, allocating approximately £45 million for essential upgrades and improvements to the Council's housing stock. Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, outlined the investment, which includes nearly £31 million for direct capital works, over £10 million for the Green Homes Initiative, and more than £4 million for HRA adaptations to support residents with disabilities and mobility needs. The programme will involve extensive roofing works, the replacement of windows in around 500 homes to improve thermal efficiency, and the renewal of approximately 1,000 kitchens and 800 bathrooms. The Green Homes Initiative will focus on properties with an EPC rating below C, aiming to meet government standards by 2030 through measures like insulation and heat recovery systems. The programme also includes boiler replacements, lift upgrades, and improvements to fire safety and emergency lighting. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Edwards, praised the comprehensive programme for improving living conditions and ensuring residents live in decent homes. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, to manage the delivery of the programme within approved budgets and contracts.

Substance Misuse and Stop Smoking Services

The Cabinet approved the continuation and development of substance misuse and stop smoking services for the period 2026-2029. Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, presented the report, highlighting that these services are funded entirely by the ring-fenced Public Health Grant from the Department of Health & Social Care, meaning there is no cost to the core council budget. The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health and the Director of Public Health to develop delivery plans and commissioning arrangements, including contract variations up to £525,000 over the three-year period. This funding will support the existing contract with Central and North West London NHS Trust for substance misuse treatment and recovery services, including an uplift for Agenda for Change salary increases, and will also continue funding for the Hillingdon Youth Service's SORTED programme for young people. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Edwards, noted the high demand for these services but also the quality of outcomes achieved locally, expressing support for continued investment.

Monthly Council Budget Monitoring Report: Month 10

The Cabinet received the monthly budget monitoring report for January 2026, which indicated a broadly stable financial position. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, reported an in-year overspend of £36.3 million on the General Fund, primarily driven by service pressures in children's services, adult social care, and housing, as well as financing costs. The General Fund reserve is forecast to be overdrawn by £34.8 million, which will be addressed by Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government. The report noted that 48% of the savings programme is banked or on track for delivery, with some slippage expected into the next financial year. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast shows an in-year deficit of £9.2 million, which is expected to be mitigated by a government grant. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) continues to forecast a break-even position. The Cabinet agreed to a virement of £3,696k from the Madison Brook Residential Property Acquisitions budget to the In-House team's capital budget and agreed to put planned fee increases for the Imported Food Office on hold pending a review. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Edwards, welcomed the stability in the monitoring position and acknowledged the need to prepare for potential future financial pressures.

Public Preview of Confidential Reports

The Cabinet noted the reports that would be considered later in private session (Part 2 of the meeting). Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, explained that these reports contained exempt information, such as commercially sensitive details, which needed to be discussed in private to ensure value for money for residents. He assured that maximum transparency would be maintained through advance notice on the Forward Plan, public previews, and the live broadcast of the meeting.

The following items were considered in private:

• Dynamic Purchasing System for Temporary Accommodation Placements: Approval was sought to extend the existing Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Temporary Accommodation placements for a further two years.
• Fleet Maintenance & Repair Contract: Approval was sought to extend the current contract for the maintenance and repair of the Council's fleet of vehicles.
• Home Care, Extra-Care and Reablement Services Contracts: Approval was sought to extend current contracts for essential care services to ensure continuity while a review of future delivery models takes place.
• Fuel Contract for the Council's Fleet: Approval was sought for a new fuel supply contract to ensure a reliable supply of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel for the Council's operational vehicles.