This week in Hillingdon:

Council Confirms Article 4 Direction to Control HMOs, Impacting Housing Conversions

The Council met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to confirm a significant planning measure: an Article 4 Direction that will remove permitted development rights for converting dwelling houses into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for up to six residents across the entire borough. This decision aims to give the council greater control over the proliferation of HMOs, which can sometimes lead to concerns about neighbourhood character, parking, and public nuisance.

The confirmation follows a statutory consultation period that ran from 11 December 2025 to 22 January 2026, during which no written representations were received. By confirming this direction, the council permanently restricts the ability to convert dwelling houses into small HMOs without first obtaining planning permission. This means that any future conversions will be subject to a full planning application process, allowing for greater scrutiny of their impact on the local area.

This measure is particularly relevant for residents concerned about the density and impact of HMOs in their neighbourhoods. While the report indicated no compensation claims have been received by other councils that have implemented similar directions, the long-term implications for property owners and the housing market will be closely watched.

Link to the Council meeting

Safer Hillingdon Partnership Unveils New Community Safety Strategy

A new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029 was presented for consideration at the Council meeting on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Developed by the Safer Hillingdon Partnership, which comprises key local agencies including the London Borough of Hillingdon, the Metropolitan Police, National Probation Service, London Fire Brigade, and the Integrated Care Board, the strategy outlines a coordinated approach to reducing crime and disorder, tackling substance misuse, and preventing reoffending.

The strategy's priorities, informed by local evidence and public consultation, include Safer Neighbourhoods, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Serious Violence, and Preventing Harm and Safeguarding Communities. The report highlighted that the strategy will be funded from existing resources, indicating a focus on efficient resource allocation.

This strategy is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. By bringing together different agencies, it aims to create a more cohesive and effective response to the complex challenges of community safety. The focus on VAWG and serious violence, in particular, addresses critical concerns for many in the borough.

Link to the Council meeting

Council Reviews Six-Month Performance and Approves 2026/27 Budget

The Council meeting on Thursday, 26 February 2026, also included a review of the six-month performance report for 2025/2026 and the crucial General Fund Revenue Budget, Housing Revenue Account, and Capital Programme for 2026/2027. The performance report benchmarks the council's expenditure against key performance indicators, aiming to demonstrate value for money. Notably, Hillingdon was highlighted as having the fourth lowest net expenditure in London per 100,000 residents, despite pressures from Heathrow Airport.

The approval of the budget for the upcoming financial year is a fundamental responsibility of the council, determining how public funds are allocated to deliver essential services. This process involves calculating and approving the Council Tax Requirement for the year, directly impacting the amount residents will pay. The report indicated that Cabinet would be recommending a budget for approval, with specific details to be published. The process also included provisions for conflict resolution should members object to or propose amendments to Cabinet's proposals.

The financial health of the council, as reflected in its budget and performance, directly impacts the quality and availability of services for all residents, from social care to waste management.

Link to the Council meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Continues Hearing for Ruislip Manor Sports Club

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to continue a hearing concerning an application for a Premises Licence for the Ruislip Manor Sports and Social Club. This hearing is a continuation of a previous session held on 4 February 2026, which was adjourned to allow all parties to attend and to explore the possibility of reaching a mutual agreement.

The committee is reviewing the application in light of the four key licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003: the prevention of crime and disorder, the protection of children from harm, the prevention of public nuisance, and public safety. The report pack included the application form, associated plans, and representations from the Police and the Licensing Authority. The outcome of this hearing will determine the licensable activities and operating conditions for the club, impacting its operations and its relationship with the local community.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Residents' Services Select Committee on Tuesday 10 March 2026 will convene.
• The Hillingdon Planning Committee on Wednesday 11 March 2026 will convene.
• The Appointments Committee on Wednesday 11 March 2026 will convene.
• The Children, Families and Education Select Committee on Thursday 12 March 2026 will convene.
• The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee on Thursday 05 March 2026 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Tackles Homelessness Strategy and Waste Management

This week, Hillingdon Council's Residents' Services Select Committee met to discuss crucial strategies impacting the borough's most vulnerable residents and its environmental services. The committee reviewed the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, aiming to provide a compassionate and effective approach to tackling homelessness, and examined the effectiveness of the council's commercial and general waste services.

A Compassionate Approach to Homelessness

The draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026-2030 outlines five key priorities: preventing homelessness before it starts, ensuring resident-focused services, facilitating access to safe accommodation, creating targeted housing pathways for specific groups, and implementing modern, data-driven services. The strategy envisions a Hillingdon where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

However, the report highlighted significant challenges, including a rise in homelessness applications, the increasing cost and scarcity of private rented accommodation, and the impact of asylum seeker dispersal. These factors place immense pressure on the council's resources and directly affect individuals and families facing housing insecurity. The strategy's success will be critical in ensuring that those experiencing or at risk of homelessness receive the support they need to find stable and suitable housing.

The committee also reviewed the council's commercial and general waste services. While the commercial waste service reported a net positive income, it faces challenges in a competitive market. The general waste service remains largely unchanged, with the garden waste service now being a paid-for option. Issues with an aging fleet and the quality of recycling sacks were also noted. These operational details directly impact the cleanliness and environmental sustainability of our neighbourhoods.

The committee also considered the West London Waste Plan, a document guiding waste management across several boroughs, and reviewed the Cabinet's Forward Plan and its own Work Programme.

Link to the Residents' Services Select Committee meeting

Health and Social Care Services Focus on Transformation and Support

The Health and Social Care Select Committee convened to discuss the commissioning of health and social care services, the ongoing transformation of local health services, and the implementation of past review resolutions, particularly concerning Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Transforming Local Health Services

A key focus was the Hillingdon Health and Care Partnership (HHCP) transformation programme. This collaborative effort between NHS organisations, the council, and other partners aims to improve resident outcomes and ensure the long-term sustainability of local health and care services. Early successes include a reduction in A&E attendances and improved hospital flow, attributed to initiatives like Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) and expanded same-day alternatives to hospital care.

However, the report also flagged risks such as persistent high A&E attendances and winter pressures, underscoring the ongoing demand on these vital services. The programme's continued focus on scaling proactive frailty care and embedding improved discharge practices is crucial for ensuring vulnerable residents receive timely and appropriate care.

Improving Mental Health Support for Young People

The committee received an update on the implementation of resolutions from a past review of the CAMHS Referral Pathway. This update detailed wider system transformation for children and young people's mental health, guided by the THRIVE Framework. A new online platform, Hillingdon Thrive Together! , has been developed to offer a comprehensive service directory and self-care resources. Efforts are underway to ensure a No Wrong Door policy and to embed the THRIVE philosophy across all services.

The report highlighted the importance of early support for parents and the strengthening of service-user involvement. However, the effectiveness of these improvements will depend on sustained investment and effective collaboration between all involved agencies.

The committee also reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan and its own Work Programme, ensuring its scrutiny activities remain aligned with the council's strategic priorities.

Link to the Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting

Standards Committee Reviews Ethical Conduct and Complaints

The Standards Committee met to review the authority's standards and ethics indicators for 2025 and to note a summary of Code of Conduct complaints received against elected members during the same year.

Annual Review of Standards and Ethics

The committee received a comprehensive report detailing various indicators, including public interest reports, whistle-blowing incidents, challenges to procurement decisions, employment tribunal cases, and declarations of interest by officers and members. Notably, there were no public interest reports or whistle-blowing incidents in 2025. Two challenges to procurement decisions were recorded, both successfully defended or settled.

The report also detailed member declarations of interest made at meetings, with 16 declarations recorded. These ranged from living near application sites to having family members in pension schemes. In most cases, members remained in the room and participated in discussions and voting, though in some instances, members withdrew. Declarations of gifts and hospitality also increased, with 26 received in 2025.

The committee also reviewed complaints handled by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, noting that a significant proportion of complaints were not investigated. The introduction of new Complaint Handling Codes may lead to more formal complaints in the future.

Code of Conduct Complaints

The committee also considered a summary of Code of Conduct complaints received against elected members during 2025. This item was discussed in private, with members noting the details and receiving a summary of complaints over the past four years.

Link to the Standards Committee meeting

CABINET Meeting Covers Diverse Portfolio

The CABINET met to discuss a range of matters, including the confirmation of an Article 4 Direction, the Safer Hillingdon Partnership Community Safety Strategy, performance reports, and the annual budget.

Article 4 Direction to Control HMOs

A significant decision was the confirmation of an Article 4 Direction, which will permanently remove permitted development rights for converting dwelling houses into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for up to six residents across the entire borough. This move aims to control the proliferation of HMOs, which can sometimes lead to issues with amenity, parking, and community cohesion. While no compensation claims have been received by other councils with similar directions, this could have financial implications for landowners.

Community Safety Strategy for Safer Neighbourhoods

The Cabinet considered the new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029, developed by the Safer Hillingdon Partnership. This strategy addresses resident concerns about police visibility, anti-social behaviour, women's safety, and CCTV coverage. It outlines a shared approach to reducing crime and disorder, tackling substance misuse, and preventing reoffending, with the overarching goal of creating safer neighbourhoods.

Performance and Budget Review

The Cabinet also reviewed the six-month performance report for 2025/2026, highlighting Hillingdon's efficient expenditure across various services, including Adult Social Care and Children's Services, which have achieved 'Good' and 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings respectively. The meeting also addressed the General Fund Revenue Budget, Housing Revenue Account, and Capital Programme for 2026/2027, crucial for the council's financial planning and service delivery.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday 25 February 2026 will convene.
• The Council on Thursday 26 February 2026 will convene.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 03 March 2026 will convene.
• The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee on Thursday 05 March 2026 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Faces Critical Financial Warnings as Audit Committee Reviews Accounts

The Audit Committee met on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, to confront deeply concerning financial reports, including a projected disclaimed audit opinion for the 2024/25 accounts and significant weaknesses in the council's financial sustainability. The auditors, Ernst & Young (EY), warned that the council's financial position is critical, with doubts cast over the reliability of the 2025/26 budget and the council's ability to set a balanced budget.

This situation has led the council to apply for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The report highlighted several key areas of concern:

• Financial Sustainability: Depleted reserves and forecast overspends have created a precarious financial outlook.
• Quality of Council Information: Issues with the implementation of the Oracle Fusion and Oracle EPM systems have resulted in inaccurate data and a reliance on manual processes, undermining confidence in budget management.
• Capacity of the Finance Team: High turnover in senior finance roles and the ongoing demands of system implementation have stretched the finance team's capacity.
• System Implementation: Gaps in the implementation of Oracle Fusion and Oracle EPM, including insufficient testing and monitoring, have further compounded the problems.

EY also stated they could not complete all planned audit procedures, meaning they could not conclude on the accuracy of all 2024/25 financial statements. This mirrors the disclaimed opinion from the previous year.

The committee also received updates on the Governance Review Improvement Plan (GRIP) and the Finance Modernisation Programme (FMP), both aimed at addressing these deep-seated governance and financial management issues. While progress is being made, the scale of the financial challenges suggests a long road ahead. The implications for residents are significant, as a council struggling with its finances may face difficult decisions regarding service provision and investment in the future.

Link to the Audit Committee meeting

Planning Committee Grapples with Resident Objections to Local Developments

The Hillingdon Planning Committee convened on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to consider a series of planning applications, many of which had attracted significant public attention and objections from residents. The committee's decisions will shape the local landscape and impact the daily lives of those living near the proposed developments.

Concerns Mount Over Eastcote Outbuilding and South Ruislip Extension

Two applications, in particular, highlighted community concerns. At 1 High Road, Eastcote, a proposal for an outbuilding behind an office building faced objections from 20 residents via petition. Concerns centred on the visual impact on the Eastcote Village Conservation Area and potential parking issues.

Further south, at 31 Great Central Avenue, South Ruislip, a plan to convert a bungalow into a two-storey dwelling drew a substantial petition of 101 signatures. Objectors cited worries about the character of the area, increased density, loss of amenity, and potential drainage and parking problems. A local ward councillor also raised objections.

Station Road Development Sparks Petition Over Business Impact

At 30-34 Station Road, West Drayton, two applications related to a commercial property generated a petition with 92 signatures. Residents voiced concerns about the concentration of similar businesses, highway safety, parking, delivery management, and opening hours, suggesting a negative impact on the local environment and community.

These applications demonstrate how planning decisions directly affect residents' quality of life, from the aesthetics of their neighbourhoods to the practicalities of parking and local business impact. The committee's role is to balance development needs with the concerns of the community.

Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Other Matters

• The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 12 February 2026, was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Standards Committee on Monday 16 February 2026 will convene.
• The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 17 February 2026 will convene.
• The Residents' Services Select Committee on Wednesday 18 February 2026 will convene.
• The CABINET on Thursday 19 February 2026 will convene.
• The Council on Thursday 26 February 2026 will convene.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Wednesday 25 February 2026 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Licensing Concerns Raised Over Ruislip Sports Club Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, to consider a new premises licence application for the Ruislip Manor Sports and Social Club. The application, which sought permission for a wide range of licensable activities including the sale of alcohol, live music, and late-night refreshment, attracted objections from both the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority.

Concerns primarily focused on the prevention of crime and disorder, and the prevention of public nuisance. The police highlighted issues with outdoor licensable activities, extended event hours, and the proposed licensable area. The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, specifically mentioning the potential impact of extended outdoor entertainment hours on nearby residents.

The applicant, Ruislip Manor Sports and Social Club Limited, indicated a willingness to address some of these issues, including withdrawing the outdoor entertainment aspect and adjusting proposed seasonal timings. The Sub-Committee's decision will shape the operational parameters of the club and its impact on the local community.

Link to the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting

Residents Petition for Traffic Calming and One-Way System in Hayes

Two petitions were heard by Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, highlighting resident concerns about traffic and road safety in Hayes.

Botwell Lane Traffic Calming

A petition signed by 20 residents requested traffic calming measures on Botwell Lane, Hayes, citing issues with speeding, anti-social behaviour, and increasing traffic volumes posing a risk to pedestrians and animals. While some traffic calming measures are already in place, the petition suggests they are insufficient. The recommendation is for Councillor Tuckwell to meet with the petitioners and for officers to consider commissioning speed and traffic surveys. This could lead to the implementation of new measures to improve safety for those living on and using this residential street.

Northfield Parade One-Way System

Another petition, signed by 87 residents, called for a one-way system on Northfield Parade, Hayes. The petitioners believe a one-way system, with traffic entering from North Hyde Road and exiting onto Station Road, would alleviate congestion and improve safety in this busy local shopping area. The report noted potential implications, including increased traffic speeds and impacts on nearby junctions. The recommendation is for Councillor Tuckwell to meet with the petitioners, after which a decision will be made on whether to investigate the proposal further.

Link to the Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth meeting

Youth Justice Strategy and Fostering Services Under Review

The Children, Families and Education Select Committee met on Thursday, 5 February 2026, to discuss critical services impacting the borough's young people.

Youth Justice Services Strategy

The committee received an update on the Hillingdon Youth Justice Service (HYJS) Five-Year Strategy (2024-2029). The strategy aims to prevent youth offending and reduce reoffending through early intervention and welfare-led approaches. While the service has seen a reduction in first-time entrants to the youth justice system, the report highlighted persistent disproportionality, with children from Black and Mixed ethnic backgrounds being more likely to receive custodial sentences. This is a significant concern for ensuring equitable treatment within the justice system. The committee was asked to note the strategy's progress and continued focus on prevention and restorative justice.

Fostering Review

A review of the council's fostering services presented draft recommendations aimed at improving support for foster carers and children in care. Key themes emerging from discussions with foster carers and young people included the need for clearer communication, better matching processes, a mentor system for new carers, and enhanced training on topics like trauma-informed practice. Concerns were also raised about sibling separation and the need for more realistic recruitment materials. The committee was asked to agree these draft recommendations, which could lead to tangible improvements in the lives of children in the care system.

The committee also reviewed the Learn Hillingdon Annual Self-Assessment Report and the Cabinet Forward Plan.

Link to the Children, Families and Education Select Committee meeting

Petition Hearing Addresses Waste Management and Park Security

On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, the Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Community & Environment considered two petitions from residents.

Waste and Parking Issues in Hayes

A petition concerning commercial waste bins and illegal parking on Coldharbour Lane and Hunters Grove in Hayes highlighted ongoing problems with fly-tipping and obstruction. The land where the bins are stored has changed ownership, and while leaseholders are compliant, third-party unlawful disposal is an issue. The Council's enforcement options on private land are limited. Recommendations included noting the work undertaken, the legal limitations, and agreeing to a site meeting with the petitioner to discuss the ongoing issues. This aims to find practical solutions to improve the local environment for residents.

Fassnidge Park Security

A petition requested that the gates at Fassnidge Park in Uxbridge be locked to address anti-social behaviour. Further details on the specific discussions or outcomes for this petition were not available in the provided documents.

Link to the Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Community & Environment meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Audit Committee on Tuesday 10 February 2026 will convene.
• The Hillingdon Planning Committee on Wednesday 11 February 2026 will convene.
• The Residents' Services Select Committee on Wednesday 18 February 2026 will convene.
• The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 17 February 2026 will convene.
• The Standards Committee on Monday 16 February 2026 will convene.
• The CABINET on Thursday 19 February 2026 will convene.