The Residents' Services Select Committee meeting scheduled for 10 June 2026 was planned to cover a range of service briefings. The agenda included an introduction to overview and scrutiny in Hillingdon, a review of the Cabinet Forward Plan, and the Committee's Work Programme. The meeting's agenda also included the review of minutes from previous meetings and confirmation of public and private session items.

Introduction to Overview & Scrutiny in Hillingdon

The committee was scheduled to receive an introductory report on overview and scrutiny within Hillingdon. This report, presented by Mark Braddock, Statutory Scrutiny Officer, was intended to provide committee members with information on the role of select committees, how they operate, and the scrutiny rules, support, and guidance available. The report highlighted that overview and scrutiny committees are a legal requirement for larger councils and assist in policy development, service improvement, and the review of executive actions. The report also detailed how overview and scrutiny in Hillingdon is arranged, aligning with Cabinet Member portfolios and Officer Directorates, and outlined the general responsibilities of select committees, including monitoring the Cabinet Forward Plan, post-decision scrutiny, and undertaking statutory external scrutiny.

Cabinet Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to review the Cabinet's latest Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions and other decisions to be made by the Cabinet and individual Cabinet Members over the coming year. The report, presented by Liz Penny, Democratic Services Officer, detailed the actions available to the Committee in monitoring this plan, including providing specific comments on future reports, requesting further information, and identifying items that may merit post-decision review. The Forward Plan itself listed upcoming business, including the procurement of fleet vehicles, reports from Select Committees, and a proposed Parking Strategy.

Work Programme

The Committee was set to consider its Work Programme for the current municipal year, as presented by Liz Penny, Democratic Services Officer. This programme outlines the committee's planned activities, including review topics, service and performance monitoring, and one-off information items. The schedule included planned meeting dates and potential site visits, such as to the Council's CCTV control room. The Work Programme also detailed the reporting deadlines and agenda publication dates for upcoming meetings.

Update on the Council's Legal and Policy Framework for Houses in Multiple Occupation

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the Council's legal and policy framework for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Officers attending to respond to questions included Dan Kennedy, Corporate Director for Residents Services; Julia Johnson, Director of Planning and Sustainable Growth; Richard Webb, Director of Community Safety & Enforcement; Stephanie Waterford, Head of Public Protection & Enforcement; and Michelle Greenidge, Private Sector Housing Manager. The report was expected to cover the success of enforcement actions, the impact of the Renters' Rights Act, response times to complaints, and the geographical distribution of HMOs. It was also anticipated that the discussion would address data on housing conditions, anti-social behaviour linked to HMOs, and the prioritisation of cases. The report was expected to detail the expected timescales for improvements in housing conditions and neighbourhood impacts, as well as the process for licensing applications and the use of intelligence.

Sport and Physical Activity for Young People

An update on sport and physical activity for young people was scheduled for discussion. Officers present were Priscilla Simpson, Sport & Physical Activity Team Manager; Mekaya Gittens, Sports & Physical Activity Officer; and Kim Truelove, Senior Officer – Sport & Physical Activity. The report was expected to address physical activity and inactivity rates, challenges faced, and efforts to promote activity through schools and other initiatives. The discussion was also anticipated to cover participation in the London Youth Games, the utilisation of leisure facilities, and the role of GLL community grants. The use of Active Lives data and its influence on service and funding decisions was also on the agenda, alongside suggestions for extending promotion of physical activity to GP surgeries and exploring potential funding support.

Update on Homeless Prevention Review

The Committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Homeless Prevention Review. Officers in attendance were Dan Kennedy, Corporate Director of Residents' Services; Adam Stephenson, Assistant Director – Housing Needs & Homelessness; and Debby Weller, Head of Housing Strategy & Policy. The report was expected to address concerns regarding the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act and its potential impact on homelessness, as well as the common reasons for homelessness prevention attempts failing. The discussion was also anticipated to cover the utilisation of empty Council-owned properties for temporary accommodation, the presentation of homelessness data, and improvements to case management processes.

Forward Plan

The Committee was scheduled to note the Cabinet Forward Plan, which details future key decisions and other decisions to be taken by the Cabinet and Cabinet Members.

Work Programme

The Committee was scheduled to note its Work Programme. This item also included a note of regret regarding the passing of former Councillor Alan Chapman, with tributes planned.