The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 21 April 2022, to discuss a range of important issues, including the future of assisted living technologies, the standards of education in the borough, and the ongoing investment in school places. Key decisions were made regarding the Uxbridge Business Improvement District and the schools capital programme.

Assisted Living Technologies Review

The Cabinet received the findings and recommendations from the Families Health and Wellbeing Select Committee's review of assisted living technologies (ALT). The review examined existing offers, technological innovation, and opportunities to enhance services for residents, enabling them to live more independently. Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, proposed welcoming the review report and noting its recommendations. She announced that officers have been commissioned to develop a practical action plan for the future delivery of ALT, with a commitment to report back to the select committee on its progress. The committee's work was praised for its thoroughness and its integral role in shaping future plans.

Standards and Quality of Education in Hillingdon

Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, presented the annual report on the Standards and Quality of Education in Hillingdon for 2020-2021. Due to the impact of COVID-19, much of the data in the report is from the 2018-2019 academic year. The report highlighted that early years settings remain 100% good or better, according to Ofsted, which is above the London average. The focus during 2020-2021 was on supporting vulnerable two-year-olds and ensuring they were school-ready. For primary schools, statutory assessments were withdrawn, and the priority was supporting schools with catch-up funding. Secondary school results were based on teacher-assessed grades, leading to higher-than-usual outcomes that are difficult to compare with previous years. The report also noted that Hillingdon remains the top London borough in West London for allocating school places of choice, despite a general reduction in pupil admission numbers. The Cabinet noted the key findings of this report.

Uxbridge Business Improvement District (BID)

The Cabinet agreed to support the Uxbridge Business Improvement District (BID) for another five-year term. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, declared a non-pecuniary interest as a council-appointed director of the bid. The Uxbridge BID, which covers a defined area within Uxbridge Town Centre, provides additional services to businesses financed by a levy on business ratepayers. The report detailed measures taken to improve the town centre, including security ambassadors, funding for police officers, and floral displays, alongside promotional events. The business plan for the new term focuses on creating a fun and vibrant community, a safer and cleaner environment, and a greener, more vibrant High Street, acknowledging the changing nature of shopping centres and office employment. Councillor Douglas Mills reinforced the importance of the BID, highlighting its role in ensuring Uxbridge receives the recognition it deserves and expressing the council's commitment to supporting its future success.

Schools Capital Programme

An update on the schools capital programme was presented, demonstrating the council's continued commitment to investing in school places. Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, highlighted the council's long-standing commitment to ensuring every child has an appropriate school place, with over £150 million invested in secondary school expansion and subsequent primary school programmes. The report outlines a proposed spend of £10.9 million on maintaining and investing in school places between now and 2027. Councillor O'Brien elaborated on the changing needs for school places, particularly for those with special educational needs (SEND). The report details two projects in the pipeline: the rebuilding and expansion of Harlington School and the concept phase for Bishop Arden Free School. These schools will include SEND spaces integrated into the mainstream environment. The council will continue to bid for and invest in school places provision, with an estimated £22 million for future SEND programmes expected to deliver 394 additional places. The Cabinet approved three recommendations related to this programme.

Monthly Council Budget Monitoring Report

Councillor Martin Goddard presented the monthly council budget monitoring report for the year to date as at 28 February 2022. The overall financial position of the council was described as strong and stable, with a general fund revenue account underspend against budget of £521,000. General balances are projected to be £26.6 million at year-end. Exceptional pressures arising from COVID-19 are projected at £19.1 million, with agreed central government funding of £21 million allocated to cover these. The council's savings programme for 2021-2022 is progressing well, with £8.4 million of budgeted savings banked or well progressed. A significant piece of good news reported was a reduction of £15 million in the deficit for the dedicated schools grant, bringing the projected deficit down to £23 million by 31 March 2022, as a result of a safety valve agreement with the Department for Education. This agreement does not require further investment from the council and aims to eliminate the deficit by 2025. The housing revenue account reported a forecast surplus of £147,000. The Cabinet approved recommendations including the council's energy rebate discretionary scheme, which allocates further grants to residents in council tax bands E to H suffering financial hardship, and a revised charging structure for fees for the imported food service, necessitated by changes following Brexit.

Transparency Initiative for Part 2 Matters

Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, introduced an initiative to bring matters ordinarily considered in private (Part 2) into better public view, aiming to enhance transparency in decision-making. Councillor Jane Palmer spoke about a proposed contract for a mental health crisis house, a pilot project developed in collaboration with health partners. This initiative aims to support residents experiencing mental health crises in a community setting rather than a hospital, promoting recovery and reducing the likelihood of future crises. The service is proposed to be 24/7 with a length of stay of up to seven days, and there is an option for a 12-month extension depending on its success. Councillor Jonathan Bianco also commented on two important contracts: electrical testing, repairs, and upgrades for over 10,000 council-owned properties, ensuring compliance with legislation and resident safety, and the extension of contracts for adaptation works under the Disabled Facilities Grants, which help residents retain independence by making their homes suitable. The Cabinet noted this initiative.