The Residents' Services Select Committee met on Wednesday, 09 September 2026, to discuss a range of issues including the Safer Hillingdon Partnership's performance, environmental enforcement, and woodland management. The committee also reviewed the Council's forward plan and work programme, and initiated a new policy review into Unlocking Hillingdon's Heritage: Growing Membership, Engagement and Income.

Safer Hillingdon Partnership Performance

The committee received an update on the Safer Hillingdon Partnership's (SHP) performance, noting that the Community Safety Strategy 2026-2029 is in its early stages of implementation. Progress has been made in strengthening multi-agency working, information sharing, and intelligence-led approaches. Key achievements include enhanced support for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), with the appointment of a dedicated coordinator and improvements to victim support. The partnership has also strengthened its efforts to reduce violence through targeted interventions and the introduction of Integrated Offender Management arrangements. The report highlighted that the SHP is on track with its strategic priorities, with strong foundations in place for successful implementation.

Superintendent Jake Albon-Massey provided a detailed update on policing in the borough, noting an increase in demand and a rise in residential burglaries, though theft from persons and motor vehicles had decreased. He highlighted that while overall crime remained stable, investigative outcomes had improved. Violence with Injury figures were stable, with a recent reduction in the four-week period, and homicides remained rare. VAWG offences, including domestic abuse and rape, had seen a reduction, with London now reporting the highest positive outcome rate for rape nationally. Stop and Search figures had increased, with a high positive outcome rate, primarily for drug-related offences.

Environmental Enforcement Service

The committee reviewed the Environmental Enforcement Service, delivered by APCOA Environmental Services. The contract, renewed in December 2025 for a further five years, focuses on compliance, deterrence, and environmental improvements rather than income generation. Between January and June 2026, APCOA issued approximately 5,886 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for offences including littering, fly-tipping, and Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) breaches. The report detailed that the majority of FPNs were issued for Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) PSPO offences near Heathrow. Councillors raised questions about the inclusion of fly-tipping in FPNs, the effectiveness of behaviour change initiatives, and the challenges of enforcing street drinking PSPOs. Discussions also covered the use of CCTV, the process for prosecuting offenders, and the support provided to environmental enforcement officers facing confrontational situations.

Woodland Management

An update was provided on woodland management, with a particular focus on Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve (NNR). The Council manages a significant woodland estate, balancing public access with biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Recent achievements include habitat restoration through coppicing, conservation grazing, and Natural Flood Management schemes. A new Woodland Management and Delivery Plan is being commissioned to ensure the long-term sustainable management of Ruislip Woods through strengthened partnerships and investment. Challenges include waterlogged footpaths, invasive species, ageing infrastructure, and the impact of climate change. The report highlighted the critical role of volunteers and the need for increased resources to prevent the NNR from reverting to its 1978 condition.

Unlocking Hillingdon's Heritage: Growing Membership, Engagement and Income

The committee initiated a new policy review focused on Unlocking Hillingdon's Heritage: Growing Membership, Engagement and Income. This review aims to understand why the Hillingdon Heritage Membership Scheme has seen lower-than-expected take-up and to identify ways to increase membership, engagement, and income. The review will examine the scheme's purpose, benefits, promotion, and customer journey, as well as explore opportunities for sponsorship, donations, and partnerships. The committee will also consider how the heritage offer can support social connection and wellbeing among older residents.

Forward Plan and Work Programme

The committee reviewed the Cabinet's Forward Plan, noting upcoming decisions and opportunities for pre-decision scrutiny. They also considered their work programme for the upcoming municipal year, which includes several site visits to locations such as the Hillingdon Museum, the Battle of Britain Bunker, and Eastcote House Gardens. The committee agreed to delegate further agreement on review topic selection to the Democratic Services Officer in conjunction with the Chair and Opposition Lead.