This week, Hillingdon Council held several important meetings, making key decisions that will impact the community.

Hillingdon Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)

On Wednesday 26 June 2024, the SACRE discussed the national closure of The Interfaith Network, local provision of speakers for schools' religious education, and the review of the Religious Education (RE) curriculum in Hillingdon schools.

The Interfaith Network

The committee expressed concerns about the closure of The Interfaith Network, which aimed to improve understanding between faith groups. The lack of a central body may increase the need for local speakers in Hillingdon. The committee discussed the RE Hubs website as an alternative resource for finding religious speakers. However, it was noted that very few committee members were registered on this platform.

It was highlighted that almost no Faith Representative Committee Members from HSACRE were yet advertised as a faith speaker on the RE Hubs website.
Minutes of Previous Meeting, Item 28: NATIONAL UPDATES

To address this, the committee agreed to create a calendar of religious festivals and celebrations, which will be published on the Council's website, featuring photographs of local people celebrating different festivals.

Review of the RE Curriculum in Hillingdon

The committee discussed improving the evaluation of the current RE curriculum delivery. Concerns were raised about the lack of detail in the annual report and low attendance at teacher training sessions.

The HSACRE Advisor noted that the annual written report for SACRE did not currently go far enough to showcase all the great work of Hillingdon SACRE in previous years.
Minutes of Previous Meeting, Item 28: NATIONAL UPDATES

An online survey of teachers will be conducted to gather more information on RE curriculum delivery. The committee also discussed adapting the curriculum to better meet the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Breaking down more conceptual tasks into smaller steps, which would help reduce cognitive load for pupils.
Minutes of Previous Meeting, Item 28: NATIONAL UPDATES

Licensing Sub-Committee

On Thursday 27 June 2024, the Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for Harefield Food and Wine at 12 The Broadway, Harefield, UB9 6LX. The application was granted with several conditions.

Application for a New Premises Licence - Harefield Food and Wine

The applicant sought permission for the sale of alcohol from 6am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday. Local residents raised concerns about potential anti-social behaviour and increased crime.

I do not object to a further shop opening in the parade and indeed wish the applicant all the best in their business venture however I feel very strongly that the sale of alcohol from the premises is very likely to add to the problems of anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder in the area.
Gurvinder Madan - Appendix 2 - Gurvinder Madan E-mail Objection_Redacted

The applicant addressed these concerns by committing to several measures, including installing a CCTV system, staff training on the Licensing Act 2003, and not selling high strength beer or single cans. The sub-committee granted the licence with these conditions.

Licensing Sub-Committee

Another Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday 27 June 2024 considered an application for a street trading licence by Shah’s Halal Food. The application was granted with conditions.

Application by Shah’s Halal Food for a Street Trading Licence

Shah’s Halal Food applied to operate a street trading business at the junction of Long Lane and Uxbridge Road. Councillors raised objections about traffic congestion, the applicant not being a Hillingdon resident, and potential nuisance to local residents.

I object to this application on the following grounds, that this will cause: major traffic congestion, the applicant is not a resident of Hillingdon, parking issues for residents in the surrounding roads.
Councillor Ranjit Singh Chamdal

Despite these objections, the committee granted the licence with conditions, including compliance with food hygiene regulations, removal of the stall by 8pm daily, and ensuring customers do not obstruct pedestrians or traffic.

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet also met on Thursday 27 June 2024 to discuss various issues, including the adoption of new flood risk and youth justice strategies.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

The Local Flood Risk Management Strategy was adopted. This strategy outlines the approach to managing flood risk in Hillingdon from 2024 to 2030. The Council is required to have this strategy under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Youth Justice Strategy 2024-2029

The Youth Justice Strategy 2024-2029 was also adopted. This strategy aims to reduce youth crime and includes four strategic priorities: Early Help and Prevention, Diversion and Restorative Approaches, Court and Sentencing, and Partnerships and Collaboration.

Complaints

The cabinet reviewed the latest complaints data, noting that complaint volumes were consistent with the previous year. No decisions were made regarding complaints handling during this meeting.

Meeting Cancellations

The Standards Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 27 June 2024 was cancelled.

This week's meetings reflect the Council's ongoing efforts to address local concerns and improve community services. For more detailed information, you can access the full meeting transcripts and documents through the provided links.