This week in Hillingdon:

Council Grapples with Licensing Policy and Future Development Plans

The Council convened on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to tackle a range of critical policy decisions, including the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031 and an update on the Local Development Scheme (LDS). These discussions hold significant weight for businesses, residents, and the future shape of the borough.

Shaping Hillingdon's Licensing Landscape: The 2026-2031 Policy

A key focus was the proposed revision of the Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031. This five-yearly review aims to ensure Hillingdon's licensing framework remains effective in promoting the four core licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, the protection of children from harm, the prevention of public nuisance, and public safety.

The policy updates reflect changes in guidance and operational practices, seeking to balance a thriving local economy with community well-being. It addresses crucial areas such as environmental best practices, equality duties, and the integration of licensing with other council strategies like planning and public health. The report detailed the consultation process, incorporating feedback from responsible authorities and stakeholders.

The adoption of this policy will directly impact businesses operating under a licence, from pubs and restaurants to entertainment venues. It sets the standards and expectations for how these businesses operate, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the community.

Link to the Council meeting

Charting Hillingdon's Future: The Revised Local Development Scheme

The Council also considered a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS), which acts as the council's project plan for creating its Local Plan and other planning policy documents. The current LDS, adopted in February 2025, is being updated due to significant shifts in the planning policy landscape.

The need for revision stems from factors beyond the council's direct control, including increased housing targets from the London Plan and changes in national planning policy. These developments necessitate a revised timetable for the production and consultation of the Local Plan, pushing key stages into 2026 and beyond. The revised LDS outlines updated timelines for documents like the West London Waste Plan and the Local Plan Strategic and Development Management Policies and Site Allocations review.

A robust Local Plan is fundamental to guiding future development, ensuring adequate housing is built, protecting green spaces, and supporting infrastructure improvements. Delays or uncertainties in this process can impact the pace of development and create a less predictable environment for both residents and developers.

Link to the Council meeting

Financial Outlook: Council Tax and Business Rates Forecast

The meeting also addressed the proposed Council Tax Base and Business Rates Forecast for the 2026/2027 financial year. This forecast is crucial for the council's financial planning and its ability to fund essential services.

The report indicated an estimated increase in the Council Tax Base for 2026/27, with a projected 107,349 Band D Equivalent Properties. Recommendations included approving amendments to the local Council Tax Reduction Scheme and introducing a 100% premium on second homes from April 2026. The rationale for the second homes premium is to address the housing crisis and generate funds for local services.

The complexities of the Business Rates forecast were also highlighted, particularly the impact of property revaluations and new tax arrangements. These financial decisions directly influence the council's capacity to deliver services, from waste collection to social care, and ultimately affect the council tax burden on residents.

Link to the Council meeting

Members' Questions and Motions

The agenda also included a session for Members' Questions and Motions, providing a platform for councillors to raise concerns and propose actions on a wide array of issues. These ranged from leaseholder service charges and road gritting to the fairness of government funding and the Home Office's restriction of data access for local authorities regarding asylum seeker placements. Councillor Steve Tuckwell's motion, condemning proposed changes to national planning legislation and their threat to Green Belt land, underscores the ongoing debate about development and environmental protection in the borough.

Link to the Council meeting

Health and Social Care Services Under Review

The Health and Social Care Select Committee met on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, to scrutinise public health initiatives, the council's budget, and service performance. The committee's work is vital for ensuring the well-being of Hillingdon's residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

Public Health in Hillingdon: Initiatives and Outcomes

The committee received an update on public health initiatives, highlighting Hillingdon's performance against key indicators. The report emphasised that public health is shaped by a broad range of factors, including lifestyle choices and socio-economic conditions. It detailed mandated public health functions, such as services for young children and NHS Health Checks, and outlined achievements in programmes like Hillingdon Healthy Smiles and the SORTED drugs and alcohol service for young people.

While Hillingdon's population health is generally good compared to national averages, the report noted that variations within communities are being addressed. This focus on addressing disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable health outcomes for all residents.

Link to the Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting

Budget Pressures in Adult Social Care

The committee also examined the draft revenue budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2030/31, with a particular focus on services within its remit. The report indicated significant growth proposals for Adult Social Care (ASC) placements and inflation, alongside substantial savings proposals.

A key concern highlighted was the projected overspend in Adult Social Care, with pressures attributed to ASC placements and inflation. The report noted that at Month 7 of the 2025/26 financial year, service operating budgets within the committee's remit were forecasting a net overspend of £4.7 million, largely driven by adult social care placements. This overspend could impact the council's ability to fund essential support services for elderly and disabled residents, potentially leading to longer waiting times for care packages.

Link to the Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting

Performance Monitoring: Efficiency and Resident Satisfaction

The committee reviewed the six-month performance report for 2025/26, which monitors expenditure against key performance indicators. The report indicated that Hillingdon has one of the lowest net expenditures in London per capita for various services, including Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care. Despite these efficiencies, resident satisfaction with services is a key metric. The report noted an increase in overall satisfaction for adult social care service users to 62%, with a quality of life score above the London average.

Link to the Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday 04 February 2026 will convene.
• The Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth on Wednesday 04 February 2026 will convene.
• The Children, Families and Education Select Committee on Thursday 05 February 2026 will convene.
• The Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Community & Environment on Tuesday 03 February 2026 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Local Development Scheme Revision Sparks Debate on Future Planning

The CABINET met on Thursday, 15 January 2026, to discuss a significant revision to the Local Development Scheme (LDS). This crucial document acts as a three-year project plan for creating new planning policies, and its update signals a shift in how Hillingdon will approach development over the coming years. The existing timetable for the Local Plan, which guides future growth and housing, was deemed undeliverable due to a confluence of factors: escalating housing targets from the London Plan, changes in national planning policy introduced by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, and the potential expansion of Heathrow Airport.

Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, explained the necessity of the revision: Continuing under the current LDS would expose the council to a high risk of producing an unsound and vulnerable local plan. He highlighted that Hillingdon's housing target is set to more than double under new national standards, and a new London Plan is expected to propose even higher figures. Furthermore, the impending revised airport national policy statement for Heathrow could profoundly impact the borough. It would be premature to lock in a long-term spatial strategy without clarity on these proposals, he stated.

The revised LDS pushes key stages of the Local Plan production and consultation into 2026 and beyond, aligning with the new plan-making system. This approach aims to ensure a robust and defensible plan that addresses housing needs, the Green Belt, and Heathrow's future in a comprehensive manner. The Cabinet was asked to endorse this revised scheme for adoption by Full Council.

The implications of this revised LDS are far-reaching. A well-structured Local Plan is vital for ensuring sustainable development, protecting green spaces, and providing much-needed housing. However, delays in its finalisation could create uncertainty for developers and residents alike, potentially impacting the pace of new housing delivery and infrastructure improvements.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School to Expand Early Years Provision

In a move to address the growing demand for funded early education, the CABINET also considered a proposal to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School. The school, currently catering to children aged 3-7, would extend its provision to include eligible two-year-old children, offering them up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week.

This proposal comes in response to national policy changes expanding eligibility for two-year-old childcare. A public consultation on the matter indicated strong support from parents, with concerns raised primarily revolving around the suitability of a school environment for very young children and the potential impact on existing local childcare providers. The report presented to Cabinet aimed to address these concerns, emphasizing the benefits of increased access to high-quality early years education for local families.

This expansion could significantly benefit working parents by providing more accessible and affordable childcare options. However, careful consideration will be needed to ensure the school's facilities and staffing are adequately prepared to support two-year-olds, and to mitigate any negative impacts on existing private childcare providers in the area.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Temporary Accommodation Strategy Shows Progress Amidst Persistent Demand

The CABINET received its third quarterly update on the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan. While the report highlighted good progress in preventing homelessness, increasing move-on rates to settled accommodation, and reducing expenditure on temporary accommodation, it also underscored the persistent challenge of high demand from homeless households.

Councillor Tuckwell noted that despite these successes, pressures continue to remain. He pointed to the difficulty in securing affordable accommodation in the private rented sector and exceptional costs related to the council's role as a port authority, particularly with the arrival of UK and other nationals. These factors mean some families are staying in temporary accommodation longer, placing strain on the homelessness budget. The council is actively exploring innovative solutions to increase the supply of leased and private rented sector homes.

The ongoing pressure on temporary accommodation services directly impacts vulnerable individuals and families, potentially leading to prolonged periods in unsuitable living conditions. The council's commitment to reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and increasing the supply of social housing remains a critical objective.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday, 16 January 2026, to review a premises licence for Greenland at 62 The Broadway, Joel Street. This discussion was held in private, with information deemed exempt under the Local Government Act 1972. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The Shareholder Committee convened on Thursday, 15 January 2026, to discuss director appointments and business matters for the council's wholly-owned companies, Hillingdon First Ltd and The Hillingdon Care Company. These discussions were also held in private due to the sensitive nature of the information. Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting
• The Hillingdon Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to consider several planning applications. These included proposals for a new six-bedroom house at 47 Sweetcroft Lane, an extension to the Ariel Hotel in Bath Road, and the creation of five flats at 82-84 High Street, Ruislip. Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday 21 January 2026 will convene.
• The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 20 January 2026 will convene.
• The Council on Thursday 22 January 2026 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Children's Services Face Budget Scrutiny Amidst Reform Drive

The Children, Families and Education Select Committee met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to grapple with the council's budget proposals for 2026/27, performance monitoring, and significant reforms within children's services. The committee's discussions highlighted the delicate balance between financial sustainability and the crucial need to maintain high-quality support for the borough's most vulnerable young people.

The committee was tasked with scrutinising the Cabinet's budget proposals, which included proposed savings and growth within the Children, Families and Education directorate. While the report detailed projected changes to the net budget, with significant savings anticipated, it also flagged growth in areas like support for looked-after children and those with disabilities. A key concern raised was the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position, which showed a projected in-year deficit driven by high needs placements. This could mean longer waits for vital support for children with complex needs.

Performance monitoring reports indicated that Hillingdon Council maintains a strong position, with the fourth lowest net expenditure in London per 100,000 residents, even with unique pressures from Heathrow Airport. However, the committee also reviewed updates on the transformation of statutory social care services, part of the Family First Partnership (FFP) reforms. These reforms aim to create more integrated and responsive services, but their success hinges on adequate funding and effective implementation, especially for children in need of protection.

The committee also considered proposals to reduce the Published Admissions Number (PAN) for Field End Infant School and Field End Junior School, from three-form to two-form entry. This decision, impacting admissions from September 2027, aims to align school capacity with declining pupil numbers. Similar adjustments were proposed for St Martin's Church of England Primary School and Park Academy West London. Additionally, a proposal to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School to include two-year-olds was discussed, a move intended to address a shortfall in childcare provision but which raised concerns among parents and existing childcare providers about the suitability of a school environment for very young children.

The committee also reviewed findings from a Fostering Review and minutes from the Corporate Parenting Panel, underscoring the ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children in care.

Link to the Children, Families and Education Select Committee meeting

Council Faces Significant Budget Pressures as Overspends Loom

The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee and the Residents' Services Select Committee both met on 6 and 8 January 2026 respectively, and both received stark warnings about the council's financial health. Reports presented to both committees indicated a projected council-wide overspend of £36.0 million as of October 2025.

For the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee, the overspend was largely attributed to demand pressures (£15.9 million) and a shortfall against budgeted savings (£8.0 million). Services within their remit, including Finance, Corporate Services, and the Chief Executive's Office, reported projected overspends totalling £6.3 million. The report highlighted that a significant portion of planned savings – 27% – were considered undeliverable and would require write-off from the next financial year. This raises serious questions about the council's ability to deliver its planned services within budget.

The Residents' Services Select Committee also reviewed the budget monitoring report, noting a projected overspend of £7.8 million within its portfolio. Pressures in Homes and Communities, particularly due to homelessness support, and in Place, due to shortfalls in income from the Garden Waste subscription fee and Trade Waste targets, were highlighted. The committee also considered the Cabinet's budget proposals for 2026/27 to 2030/31, which include significant savings and growth initiatives. For Residents' Services, savings were projected to total £14.043 million in 2026/27, but growth proposals were even higher at £29.880 million. This widening gap between savings and growth underscores the challenging financial landscape ahead.

Both committees also reviewed performance monitoring reports, which, while noting Hillingdon's low net expenditure across various services, also identified areas for improvement. These included higher rates of rough sleeping and a greater proportion of homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard, despite planned investment.

Link to the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee meeting Link to the Residents' Services Select Committee meeting

Hayes Estate Regeneration Continues Amidst Financial Scrutiny

The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee received an update on the Hayes Regeneration Project, a significant undertaking aimed at redeveloping the Hayes Town Estate and Avondale Drive Estate. While the project progresses, with Phase 1A at Avondale Drive nearing completion, the committee's discussions were framed by the broader financial pressures facing the council. The regeneration efforts, driven by issues with building condition and anti-social behaviour, are a long-term investment in the borough's infrastructure and housing stock. The committee also reviewed the General Fund Capital Programme, proposing an investment of £228.8 million over five years, and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme, with a proposed £522.2 million investment. These substantial capital commitments will need careful management in light of the projected revenue overspends.

Link to the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee meeting

Other Matters

• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for a Tesco Express in West Drayton. The application, which includes the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment, has attracted objections from existing local businesses and residents concerned about potential increases in street drinking and anti-social behaviour. The committee will weigh these concerns against the licensing objectives and the applicant's proposed conditions. Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting
• The CABINET is set to discuss a revised Local Development Scheme, crucial for the council's future planning policy. They will also consider a proposal to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant & Nursery School to include two-year-olds, and receive an update on the Temporary Accommodation Action Plan, which highlights ongoing pressures due to high demand for homelessness services. Several reports on corporate disposals and contract awards are also on the agenda. Link to the CABINET meeting
• The Shareholder Committee will meet to discuss director appointments for council-owned companies, Hillingdon First Ltd and The Hillingdon Care Company. A significant portion of this meeting will be held in private to discuss exempt information. Link to the Shareholder Committee meeting
• The Hillingdon Planning Committee will consider several planning applications, including a proposal for a new six-bedroom house in Sweetcroft Lane, an expansion of the Ariel Hotel to include an apart-hotel building, and residential conversions in Ruislip. Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Hillingdon Planning Committee on Wednesday 14 January 2026 will convene.
• The CABINET on Thursday 15 January 2026 will convene.
• The Shareholder Committee on Thursday 15 January 2026 will convene.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 12 January 2026 will convene.
• The Council on Thursday 22 January 2026 will convene.
• The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 20 January 2026 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Discusses Key Issues in Cabinet Meeting

The CABINET convened this week. No video was provided.