The Council meeting on 12 January 2023 saw significant debate and decisions on the Council Tax and Business Rates forecast, the adoption of a revised Statement of Gambling Policy, and a motion opposing the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Councillors also discussed the impact of inflation on capital projects and reviewed arrangements for managing damp and mould in housing.

Council Tax Base and Business Rates Forecast 2023/2024

The Council approved its Council Tax base for 2023/24, calculated at 103,625 Band D equivalent properties, representing a net reduction of 215 properties from the previous year. This reduction was attributed to an increase in discounts and exemptions, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, and an allowance for anticipated reductions in collection rates due to the cost of living crisis. To mitigate the financial impact, the Council agreed to increase the non-dependent charge within the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to £8 per week and increase the minimum award from £1 to £2 per week. Furthermore, the Council agreed to increase the Empty Homes Council Tax Premium, phasing in increases to a maximum of 300% for properties empty for over ten years. The forecast for business rates income for 2023-24 was projected at £330.8 million gross, with the Council retaining £60.7 million, an increase of £4 million on the current financial year, attributed to positive movements in the rating list and economic recovery post-pandemic.

Statement of Gambling Policy 2023-2025

The Council adopted the revised Statement of Gambling Policy for 2023-2025. This policy includes minor amendments to reflect updated guidance and working practices, ensuring a fit-for-purpose framework for gambling matters in the Borough. A change to the Ward Councillor Call-in procedure for gambling applications was also approved and included within the Constitution, requiring Ward Councillors to set out how applications adversely affect the licensing objectives.

Opposition to ULEZ Expansion

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to debating a motion opposing the Mayor of London's decision to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to outer London boroughs. Councillors expressed strong opposition, arguing that the expansion would disproportionately affect low-income residents and businesses during the cost of living crisis, and that it was a cash grab rather than a measure to genuinely improve air quality. The motion requested Cabinet to formalise a plan of action to oppose the ULEZ decision and establish an appropriate budget for this purpose. An amendment was proposed, seeking to acknowledge government policy on Clean Air Zones and to work with both the Mayor of London and the government for mitigations. However, this amendment was lost. The main motion was carried by 30 votes to 22, reaffirming the Council's opposition and instructing Cabinet to develop a plan of action and budget to oppose the ULEZ expansion.

Damp and Mould in Housing

In response to a question regarding the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, detailed the steps Hillingdon Council is taking to address damp and mould in its properties, those owned by housing associations, temporary accommodation, and private rented homes. The Council has reviewed its damp and mould management processes, established a cross-service group, and is extending its focus on health and safety to include damp and mould. Investment is being made in roofing, window, and boiler replacement programmes, and processes are being reviewed to ensure all information is centrally managed. The Council is also working to improve communication with residents regarding damp and mould. For private rented properties, the Council complies with statutory requirements for hazards and has drafted a private sector housing enforcement policy.

Impact of Inflation on Capital Projects

Councillor Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance, provided an update on the impact of inflation on capital projects. He explained that increased costs for building materials and labour, exacerbated by the depreciation of sterling, had necessitated cost reappraisals and the use of built-in contingencies. An £8.8 million cost contingency has been included in the General Fund Capital Programme. Projects such as the new West Drayton and Yiewsley leisure centre, the Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre relaunch, and new home building programmes are on track, with the Hayes Town Centre and Avondale regeneration project also progressing well. In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Goddard assured residents that delays or increased costs would not diminish the benefits or size of these projects, including the provision of social and affordable housing.

Telephone Waiting Times

Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, agreed with Councillor Peter Curling that speaking to a person on the phone is sometimes essential, especially in emergencies. Councillor Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, reported that the Council receives around 51,000 enquiries per month. To manage this volume, automated voice responses have been introduced for frequent enquiries, reducing average waiting times to six minutes and also reducing costs. The main out-of-hours provider is exceeding its targets, with 92% of calls handled within one minute. However, it was acknowledged that one housing contractor experienced difficulties before Christmas, and lessons have been learned. In response to a supplementary question, the Leader confirmed that a wait of one hour and forty minutes for an out-of-hours call was unacceptable and that action was being taken to address this.

Fair Tax Borough Motion

A motion proposed by Councillor Peter Curling requesting the Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee to review how Hillingdon can become a Fair Tax borough was debated. Supporters argued for the promotion of exemplary tax conduct by local authorities and highlighted the adverse impact of corporate tax avoidance on public services. Opponents raised concerns about the subjectivity of defining fair taxation and the legal restrictions on penalising or rewarding tax conduct within current procurement law. The motion was put to a vote and lost.

Innovative Technological Solutions for Carbon Footprint Reduction

A motion proposed by Councillor Scott Farley calling for feasibility studies into innovative technological solutions, such as city trees, aquamation, and water reclamation, to reduce the Borough's carbon footprint and improve air quality was debated. Supporters highlighted the need for such solutions, given Hillingdon's air quality challenges and the limitations of tree planting in urban areas. Opponents argued that the motion was too vague and that the Council's existing Climate Change Action Plan already encompassed many of these areas. The motion was put to a vote and lost.