Subscribe to updates

You'll receive weekly summaries like the ones below about this council every week.

If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.

AI Generated

Weekly updates

Uxbridge Regeneration & HMO Licensing: Hillingdon Council Decisions

This week in Hillingdon:

Uxbridge's Future: Council to Decide on Regeneration Vision

Hillingdon Council's Cabinet is set to decide on the Uxbridge Vision, a strategic plan for the regeneration and future growth of Uxbridge town centre. This decision carries significant weight, as it will shape the economic, social, and environmental landscape of Uxbridge for years to come.

  • Three Pillars: The Uxbridge Vision focuses on building economic resilience, serving local communities, and enhancing the environment.
  • Public Input: The council claims the vision has been shaped by extensive public engagement, including consultations with over 1,000 stakeholders. However, the level of influence residents had on the final plan remains a key question.
  • Investment: The council plans to use the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support short-term actions and has increased the approved capital programme budget by £315,000.
  • Resident Voices: The report pack includes quotes from residents, such as a British-Asian woman in her 40s who praised the potential of the Civic Centre square to evoke nice plazas and squares found in European countries. A business owner highlighted the importance of architecture and branding in creating a sense of identity for Uxbridge.

The Cabinet will be asked to adopt the Uxbridge Vision as a framework for future investment. This decision could lead to significant changes in the town centre, impacting businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

HMO Licensing: Will New Controls Protect Vulnerable Tenants?

The Cabinet will also consider a report on exploring an Additional Licensing Policy for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Hillingdon. This is a crucial step towards addressing concerns about poor housing conditions, anti-social behaviour, and safety risks associated with unlicensed HMOs.

  • Protecting Residents: Additional licensing could provide greater protection for vulnerable tenants living in HMOs, ensuring that landlords meet minimum standards for safety and habitability.
  • Enforcement: The success of the policy will depend on effective enforcement by the council, including regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
  • Housing Survey: The council is currently conducting a Housing Tenure Survey to gather data and evidence to inform the policy.
  • Renters Rights Bill: The report pack states that the Council must also plan and prepare for the introduction of further powers under the Renters Rights Bill.

The Cabinet will be asked to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Homes & Communities to agree on a draft policy for consultation. This decision could lead to significant changes in the regulation of HMOs in Hillingdon, potentially improving the living conditions for many residents.

Other Matters

  • Council Budget: The Cabinet will review a report on the Council Budget - Outturn 2024/25 & Month 2 Monitoring 2025/26.
  • Confidential Reports: The Cabinet will preview reports to be discussed later in private, aiming to provide some public information without compromising confidentiality.

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Children, Families and Education Select Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025 will discuss a proposal to amalgamate Harefield Infant School and Harefield Junior School, an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), and future policy reviews.

Hillingdon: Maternity Inequality, Mental Health, and ICB Changes

This week in Hillingdon:

Maternity Services Face Scrutiny Over Inequality

The North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to discuss critical issues affecting residents' health, including maternity provisions, adult mental health services, and changes to the Integrated Care Board (ICB)1. The meeting took place at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge. No video of the meeting was provided.

  • Maternity Disparities: A report highlighted significant disparities in stillbirth rates among ethnic groups, with Black and Asian women facing threefold and fourfold increases in risk compared to White women. The report stated that White women experience a term stillbirth rate of 0.7 per 1,000 births, whereas Asian women face a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 and Black women 2.8 per 1,000.
  • Equity Action Plan: The Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS)2 has developed an Equity and Equality Action Plan with five priorities: inclusive service restoration, digital access, data quality, targeted prevention, and strengthened leadership.
  • Five-Year Strategy: Recommendations included developing a five-year maternity strategy, aligning local actions with national priorities, and implementing a regional Maternity Reducing Inequalities Care Bundle.

This scrutiny comes as the council has previously pledged to reduce inequality in the borough.

Mental Health Services Aim for Better Access and Equity

The committee also received an update on adult mental health provision in North West London, focusing on progress against key milestones outlined in the mental health strategy presented in October 2024.

  • Strategy Goals: The strategy aims to raise awareness, promote wellbeing, increase equity and equality of access, and ensure care is provided in the right place.
  • Long-Term Vision: By 2028/29, the strategy aims to ensure that every resident knows how to access mental health support, develop community support services, reduce variation in outcomes, and improve staff recruitment and retention.
  • Progress: Progress in 2024/25 included health equity audits, reviews of community mental health support, and the establishment of a Complex Care Board.

ICB Reconfiguration Could Reshape Local Services

The committee discussed the reconfiguration of the ICB and its potential implications on services.

  • Cost Reductions: NHS England announced that ICBs would face approximately 50% in cost reductions in the 2025/26 financial year.
  • Merger Option: Feedback from NHS England requested an options appraisal on future clustering with North West and North Central London ICBs, including the option of a full merger.
  • Evaluation Criteria: The options will be evaluated based on criteria such as improving patient outcomes, strengthening local arrangements, retaining staff, and ensuring cost-effective core functions.

Residents' Services Committee Focuses on Animal Welfare and Allotments

The Residents' Services Select Committee discussed a range of local issues, including animal welfare, allotments, and future review topics. No video of the meeting was provided.

  • Animal Welfare: The committee discussed the council's responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and related regulations, including licensing requirements for various animal-related activities.
  • Dog Control: The updated Council Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) imposes offences for dog walkers, including limits on the number of dogs and requirements to remove faeces.
  • Allotment Demand: The council manages 27 allotment sites with approximately 1,300 plots, but demand is high, with over 500 residents on the waiting list.
  • Allotment Success: The recent appointment of a dedicated Allotment and Fisheries Officer has led to 245 plot allocations, compared to just 91 in the previous 35 months.
  • Allotment Benefits: The report highlighted the benefits of allotments, including physical activity, mental health, healthy eating, and community building.

Planning Committee Considers New Developments

The Hillingdon Planning Committee met to consider planning applications for various sites in the borough. No video of the meeting was provided.

  • Eastcote Flats: An application for a rear and side extension at 14 Coteford Close, Eastcote, to create two flats faced objections from 63 residents, but the planning officer recommended approval.
  • Hayes Annexes: An application to change the use of outbuildings to granny annexes at 18 & 20 Wilmar Close, Hayes, was recommended for refusal due to concerns about creating separate self-contained units.
  • Uxbridge Industrial Site: The committee was to consider an application for the redevelopment of The Island Site, Eskdale Road, Uxbridge, to provide new commercial buildings. The planning officer recommended approval.
  • Yeading Sports Containers: An application for sports-related containers at Yeading Junior School, Carlyon Road, was recommended for approval to provide changing rooms, toilets, and storage space.

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025 will discuss GP coverage in Hillingdon, review the cabinet forward plan and consider their work programme.
  • The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee on Wednesday 23 July 2025 will discuss the Hillingdon Cycle Strategy, opportunities to maximise income from council spaces, and to review the Cabinet's forward plan.
  • The CABINET on Thursday 24 July 2025 will discuss the Uxbridge Vision, additional licensing controls for houses in multiple occupation, and the council budget.
  • The Audit Committee on Thursday 24 July 2025 will discuss updates on the Financial Modernisation Programme and the Governance Review Implementation Plan, as well as a review of the committee's work programme.
  • The Children, Families and Education Select Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025.

  1. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a statutory NHS organisation responsible for developing a plan for meeting the health needs of the population, managing the NHS budget and arranging for the provision of health services in an area. 

  2. The Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) brings together providers, commissioners, and other stakeholders to improve maternity and neonatal services in a specific geographic area. 

Hillingdon Council: Heathrow, Waste, Garden Centre Closure

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Meeting Focuses on Key Issues: Heathrow, Waste Collection, and Garden Centre Closure

The Council meeting took place on July 10, 2025, with discussions spanning from Heathrow expansion to waste collection charges and the future of the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC). The meeting also included the election of the new Mayor and the appointment of the Deputy Mayor. No video of the meeting was provided.

  • Mayor Elected: Councillor Philip Corthorne MCIPD (Mayor of Hillingdon) was nominated and elected as the Mayor for the 2025/2026 municipal year.
  • Urgent Decisions Noted: Councillors noted several urgent decisions made since the last meeting, including contracts for revenues, benefits, and housing systems, expansion of Meadow High School, the Hayes Estate regeneration, a finance modernisation programme, and the schools budget for 2025/26.
  • Political Group Changes: The council noted the change in the political balance following the formation of the Hayes Independent Party Group.
  • Statutory Officer Appointment: The council was asked to appoint the new Corporate Director of Finance to the statutory role of Section 151[^1] and Chief Financial Officer of the Council, once their appointment to the post has been confirmed and they have commenced employment at the Council. [^1]: Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires every local authority to appoint a chief financial officer (often referred to as a Section 151 officer) to ensure the proper administration of its financial affairs.
  • NWL JHOSC Terms of Reference: Councillors were asked to agree to changes to the terms of reference for the Northwest London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (NWL JHOSC).

Public and Member Questions Highlight Resident Concerns

The meeting included questions from both the public and councillors, addressing a range of local issues.

  • Hillingdon in Bloom: Brian Lawrence inquired about the cancellation of Hillingdon in Bloom & Autumn Show.
  • Ruislip Lido: Jash Patel suggested charging non-borough residents for entry to Ruislip Lido.
  • Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC): Andrea and John Scrivens raised concerns about the capacity of social services to carry out assessments following the decision concerning the RAGC, and whether the council had considered a Community Asset Transfer to Friends of RAGC. Isabel Stevenson asked how the open aspect of the Civic Centre gardens allocated as the alternative provision to RAGC can be made safe for her son. Mark Pearman Scrivens questioned why the Leader of the Council thought the RAGC situation would differ from previous service closures.
  • New Years Green Landfill: Sarah Green asked about the New Years Green landfill site and the results of the Monitored Natural Attenuation.
  • Financial Improvement Programme: Councillor Nick Denys (Chair, Health & Social Care Select Committee) requested an update on the Financial Improvement Programme.
  • Education Standards Report: Councillor Jan Sweeting asked why Hillingdon's Annual Education Standard's Report 2023/24 was not considered by Cabinet.
  • RAGC Closure Impact: Councillor Becky Haggar OBE asked about the likely effect of the RAGC retail operation closure on social care provision of horticultural therapy.
  • Breakspear Crematorium Parking: Councillor Peter Smallwood OBE asked if parking charges are levied on those visiting Breakspear Crematorium to pay their respects.
  • Uxbridge Library Relocation: Councillor Keith Burrows asked if the Cabinet member considered the decision to relocate Uxbridge Library to have been successful.
  • RAGC Alternative Providers: Councillor Tony Burles asked why alternative providers were not sought for the Rural Activities Garden Centre.
  • Garden Waste Scheme: Councillor Kaushik Banerjee asked for an update on the rollout of the garden waste subscription scheme.
  • Adult Social Care: Councillor Adam Bennett asked for updates on Adult Social Care following the CQC inspection.
  • HMO Licensing: Councillor Sital Punja asked why it had taken a year to produce a report considering the sufficiency of evidence required under Part 2 Housing Act 2004 to extend licensing obligations to all properties with 3 bedrooms housing multiple unrelated occupants.
  • Budget Monitoring: Councillor Gursharan Mand asked about the absence and delays of budget monitoring reports and financial reports to Cabinet and Select Committee meetings.

Motions Address Heathrow, Waste Collection, and RAGC

Councillors proposed motions on several key issues.

  • Heathrow Expansion: Councillor Peter Curling (Leader of Hayes Independent Group) proposed a motion reaffirming the council's opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport. This continues the council's long-standing opposition to the expansion, as previously reported.
  • Waste Collection Charges: Councillor Stuart Mathers (Leader of the Labour Group) proposed a motion expressing concern over the reversal of the July 2023 agreement on free weekly bin collections, including recycling and green waste. The motion called for the Cabinet to refer the implementation of charges for waste to the relevant select committee.
  • RAGC Closure: Councillor Sital Punja (Deputy Leader of the Labour Group) proposed a motion calling on Councillor Eddie Lavery (Cabinet Member for Community and Environment) to reconsider the Cabinet decision to close the retail operations of the Rural Activities Garden Centre. This follows previous discussions about the closure.
  • Asylum Seeker Accommodation: Councillor Ian Edwards (Leader of the Council) proposed a motion noting that Hillingdon has the highest number of asylum seekers housed in hotels or dispersed accommodation of any local authority in London. The motion called on the government to cease evicting former asylum seekers without securing and funding necessary support and accommodation.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  • North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025 will discuss maternity provisions, adult mental health services, and the reconfiguration of the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
  • Hillingdon Planning Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025 will discuss planning applications, including sports containers at Yeading Junior School, redevelopment at the Island Site in Uxbridge, and a conversion at Coteford Close, Eastcote.
  • Residents' Services Select Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025 will discuss animal welfare and licensing, allotments, review topic selection, the forward plan, and the work programme.

Hillingdon Council: Finance Director Appointment Discussed in Private

This week in Hillingdon:

Finance Director Appointment Discussed Behind Closed Doors

The Appointments Committee met on July 1, 2025, to discuss the appointment of a Corporate Director of Finance. The entire discussion was held in private, citing exemptions under the Local Government Act 1972 related to individual privacy and financial confidentiality.

  • Lack of Transparency: The decision to hold the entire meeting in private raises questions about transparency in a key appointment that will oversee the council's finances.
  • Impact on Residents: The Corporate Director of Finance plays a crucial role in managing the council's budget and ensuring financial stability, which directly affects the services available to residents.
  • Job Description: A job description was included in the Public reports pack.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Hillingdon Garden Centre Closure; Homelessness; SEND Funding

This week in Hillingdon:

West Drayton Garden Centre Set to Close: What Does it Mean for Vulnerable Residents?

Hillingdon Council's Cabinet is poised to approve the closure of the retail operations at the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) in West Drayton by July 31, 2025. The council cites ongoing financial losses, with the retail side requiring a £137,000 subsidy in 2024/25 and a 42% year-on-year decrease in sales income.

  • Impact on Social Care: The council plans to consult on the future of support services currently delivered at the site for those in receipt of assessed social care services[^1], with a proposal to relocate them to a new, enhanced garden facility at the Civic Centre campus in Uxbridge.
  • Volunteer Concerns: The council will also consult with volunteers who attend the site.
  • Public Opposition: The report pack includes a summary of two petitions received by the council in relation to the proposals, indicating public concern.

The report pack includes the following recommendations:

Agree to cease retail-side operations based at the Rural Activities Garden Centre in West Drayton on or before 31 July 2025, noting its continued loss-making commercial position and the public subsidy required.

Agree further consultation on the future of the services at the RAGC site for those in receipt of assessed social care services with a commitment to ensure identified needs continue to be met, along with further consultation with those who attend the RAGC as volunteers.

Tackling Homelessness: Council to Focus on Resident-Centric Approach

The Cabinet will review a report from the Residents' Services Select Committee on Homeless Prevention and the Customer Journey. The report emphasizes enhancing the resident experience, improving process efficiency, supporting staff, and strengthening partnerships.

  • Language Matters: The report recommends that all staff refer to applicants as 'residents' rather than 'customers' or 'clients'.
  • Clearer Guidance: A clearer Residents' Charter is proposed: a more accessible guide explaining each stage of the homelessness support process for new applicants, from intake to case closure.
  • Staff Support: The report recommends ensuring all Housing staff receive regular casework supervision and promoting current Staff Welfare policies.
  • Partnerships: The council aims to build on existing partnerships and further develop these with local organisations to create a wider support network for residents to access.

The report pack also includes an update on the Temporary Accommodation Action Plan, approved by Cabinet in February 2025, which focuses on prevention, alternative housing options, cost reduction, and move-on into social housing.

Investing in Education: £6.065m for Special Needs Provision

The Cabinet will consider allocating £6.065m of underspent funds for education and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

  • Specialist Provision: The funds will be used to support future specialist provision in Hillingdon.
  • Bishop Ramsey School: A capital release of £540,000 is recommended for internal adaptations at Bishop Ramsey School to create a specialist provision of up to 32 places.
  • SEND Strategy: The report mentions a strategy to extend secondary provision as outlined in Hillingdon SEND & AP strategic documents, including the expansion of Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) and Designated Units (DUs).

Other Matters

  • UK Shared Prosperity Fund: The Cabinet will discuss proposed allocations for Hillingdon's 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant, which aims to improve pride in place, support skills training, and boost local businesses. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, has agreed and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ealing Council for an additional tri-borough grant element.
  • Religious Education: The Hillingdon Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (HSACRE) is scheduled to meet to discuss national and local updates on religious education (RE), an Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC), and defining 'Meaningful RE'. The council is scheduled to conduct an audit of its members.

Upcoming Meetings

Recent meetings
Audit Committee

Audit Committee - Thursday, 24th July, 2025 5.00 pm

The Hillingdon Council Audit Committee met to discuss the Financial Modernisation Programme, the Governance Review Implementation Plan, and the Committee's work programme. The Committee was also scheduled to review the minutes of their previous meeting.

July 24, 2025
CABINET

CABINET - Thursday, 24th July, 2025 7.00 pm

Here is a summary of the upcoming Cabinet meeting of Hillingdon Council.

July 24, 2025
Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee (Proposed)

Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the Hillingdon Cycle Strategy, opportunities to maximise income from council spaces, and to review the Cabinet's forward plan. The committee was also expected to receive a verbal update on financial scrutiny training. Finally, they were scheduled to review and update their work programme for the coming year.

July 23, 2025
Health and Social Care Select Committee

Health and Social Care Select Committee - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 6.30 pm

The Health and Social Care Select Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss GP coverage in Hillingdon, the Cabinet Forward Plan, and the committee's work programme. As part of the meeting they were also scheduled to review the minutes from previous meetings.

July 22, 2025
Hillingdon Planning Committee

Hillingdon Planning Committee - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Hillingdon Planning Committee met on 17 July 2025 to discuss several planning applications. Permission was granted for developments at 14 Coteford Close, The Island Site on Eskdale Road, and the playing field adjacent to Yeading Junior School on Carlyon Road, while a change of use application for 18 & 20 Wilmar Close was refused.

July 17, 2025
North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee

North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 10.00 am

The North West London Joint Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to discuss maternity provisions, adult mental health services, and the reconfiguration of the Integrated Care Board (ICB). The committee reviewed maternity safety and equity, highlighting disparities in stillbirth rates among different ethnic groups, and discussed strategies to address these inequalities. Members also received updates on adult mental health services and the ICB's reconfiguration plans, focusing on strategic commissioning and local partnerships.

July 17, 2025
Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth CANCELLED

Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 6.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 16, 2025
Residents' Services Select Committee

Residents' Services Select Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Residents' Services Select Committee were scheduled to discuss animal welfare and licensing, allotments, a review of topic selection, the forward plan and the work programme.

July 15, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 2.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 10, 2025
Council

Council - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 7.30 pm

The Hillingdon Council meeting scheduled for 10 July 2025 included discussion of the council's financial position, committee membership, and responses to questions from both the public and council members. Councillors were also expected to consider motions relating to Heathrow Airport, waste collection charges, the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC), and support for asylum seekers. The meeting was also scheduled to include the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

July 10, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Children, Families and Education Select Committee

Children, Families and Education Select Committee - Wednesday, 30th July, 2025 7.00 pm

July 30, 2025