The Council meeting on 09 July 2026 addressed a range of significant issues, including the adoption of the West London Waste Plan, changes to the residents' petition scheme, and the approval of the council's budget and Council Tax for the upcoming year. Key discussions also focused on the electrification of transport, fly-tipping enforcement, and the future of post office services in Uxbridge.

West London Waste Plan Regulation 19

The Council considered recommendations from the Cabinet regarding the West London Waste Plan¹. Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, moved the recommendations, highlighting that the current plan, adopted in 2015, was out of date. The updated plan aims to provide a framework for waste management in west London until 2041, ensuring appropriate facilities and policies are in place for sustainable waste management. The decision made was to authorise the publication and consultation of the Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) West London Waste Plan, allowing residents, stakeholders, and statutory bodies to provide their input before it is submitted for independent examination. Councillor Bridges also noted that the plan supports the council's ambition for a greener and more sustainable borough, safeguards important waste infrastructure, and ensures future planning decisions are guided by a robust policy framework. Councillor Nick Denys, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, seconded the motion, acknowledging the hard work across many London boroughs that contributed to the report and supporting its progression to consultation.

Review of Council Constitution – Council Residents' Petition Scheme

A significant debate took place regarding proposed changes to the Council Residents' Petition Scheme. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Leader of the Council, moved the approval of the revised scheme, stating it would modernise the process to better reflect how residents engage today, while retaining traditional methods and ensuring inclusivity. He highlighted that the changes would introduce a tiered petition framework with updated thresholds, a proactive Cabinet Member response model replacing automatic hearings with written responses or site visits, and updated planning petition provisions to align with national reforms. Councillor Gursharan Mand, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, opposed the changes, arguing they represented a significant reduction in residents' ability to bring concerns to the council in a visible and democratic way. He expressed concern over increased signature thresholds for petitions and the removal of automatic cabinet member hearings, which he stated would reduce transparency and accountability. Councillor Tuckwell countered that the changes were about making the scheme work better for residents and delivering results, not preserving outdated processes. He emphasised that Cabinet Members would still engage with communities through site visits. Following a recorded vote, the motion to approve the revised scheme was carried.

General Fund Revenue Budget, Housing Revenue Account and Capital Programme 2026/2027

The Council debated and voted on the General Fund Revenue Budget and associated financial strategies for 2026/27. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Finance, moved the approval of the budget recommendations. Councillor Punja, seconded by Councillor Stuart Mathers, moved an amendment in the form of an Objection, citing concerns about the significant challenge and delivery risk associated with the proposed savings programme, which left the budget with continued material risk. The Labour Group argued that the budget relied on critical assumptions without sufficient governance and oversight, and that previous savings targets had not been met. They also raised concerns about the erosion of the Council's reserves and the reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government. Councillor Lavery, speaking against the objection, defended the budget as achievable, highlighting the council's low Council Tax rates and investments in services. He also addressed the use of EFS, noting that other London authorities, including Labour-led ones, had also received it. The amendment, in the form of an Objection, was put to a recorded vote and lost. The original motion to approve the budget was carried. This included setting the Hillingdon element of Council Tax at £1,534.95 for a Band D property, an increase of 4.99%. The budget also approved the General Fund Capital Programme and the Housing Revenue Account budget, including a rent increase of 4.8% for social housing.

Questions from the Public

Several questions were raised by members of the public. Nicky Crowther asked about accelerating the electrification of transport and EV charging, noting the purchase of diesel vehicles. Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, responded that while a fully electric fleet is the long-term goal, practical and financial challenges remain. He stated that savings from the recent procurement would be reinvested in charging infrastructure and that electric vehicles would be chosen where practical and cost-effective. Sean Cremin questioned the disparity in fly-tipping enforcement in Hillingdon compared to other London boroughs. Councillor Adam Bennett, Cabinet Member for Community, Environment & Enforcement, assured that the disparity was being addressed, highlighting new initiatives such as intelligence-led operations and vehicle seizures. Katrina Patterson raised concerns about the closure of the Uxbridge Post Office and asked what the council was doing to support bids for a new one. Councillor Bridges confirmed that discussions had progressed positively for a temporary post office to operate from the Civic Centre campus. Susan Browne inquired about the routine publication of statutory consultee responses in planning applications. Councillor Nick Denys, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, confirmed that a new planning portal would ensure routine publication and that statutory consultee advice would be taken into account. Janet Kelly-Woeginger raised concerns about the operation of the Old Coal Yard dump and the potential closure of the Tavistock Road civic amenity site. Councillor Bridges stated that the question had already been answered in a previous response.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services

Lloyd White, Head of Democratic Services, presented a report that included decisions taken under urgency provisions, the result of the Hillingdon West election, and changes to committee memberships. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Leader of the Council, moved the report, noting the election result in Hillingdon West and the political balance of the council. He also highlighted the appointment of an Interim Section 151 Officer, Mr Pete Carpenter, due to the sickness of the Corporate Director for Finance, and the proposed updates to the council's petition scheme. Councillor Gursharan Mand, on behalf of the Labour Group, opposed the changes to the petition scheme, as detailed above. A recorded vote was held on the report's recommendations, which were carried.

Members' Questions

Councillor Murray asked about the council's steps to enable residents across the borough access to waste and recycling centres. Councillor Bridges detailed improvements, including access to the Spaceway Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Hounslow and the permanent establishment of a successful pop-up waste drop service. Councillor Sweeting questioned the proposed closure of the Tavistock Road civic amenity site and its impact on residents in Yiewsley and West Drayton. Councillor Bridges referred the Councillor to his previous answers regarding waste and recycling centre access.

Motions

Three motions were presented and debated. Councillor Steve Tuckwell moved a motion reaffirming the council's opposition to the expansion of Heathrow Airport, calling on the Government to provide sustained funding for the council to manage the impacts of any expansion, and condemning the Mayor of London's lack of engagement. Councillor Raju Sansarpuri moved a motion regretting the disruption caused by Cadent Gas roadworks in Hayes Town Centre and calling for a review of the processes for managing roadworks. Councillor Stuart Mathers moved a motion reaffirming the council's opposition to Heathrow expansion, highlighting the impact on residents and calling for a robust response to the Government's consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, including an extension of the consultation deadline.