The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday 22 October 2026, approving changes to the Garden Waste Service, a consultation on the reconfiguration of Family Hubs, and a series of discretionary fee and charge increases. The meeting also saw the adoption of an updated Conservation Area Appraisal for Bulls Bridge, approval of a funding submission to Transport for London for transport infrastructure improvements, and the appointment of a strategic delivery partner for council priorities and transformation.

Garden Waste Service Review and Future Design Options

Cabinet approved a review and redesign of Hillingdon's Garden Waste Service to ensure it remains affordable and sustainable. From April 2027, collections will move to a fortnightly, year-round service using wheeled bins instead of sacks. The annual subscription price will be reduced from £77 to £69 per year. Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents Services, explained that these changes are necessary due to a significant government funding shortfall and will reduce the service's net cost from £900,000 to approximately £100,000 annually, delivering savings of around £800,000. Councillor Richard Mills, Deputy Leader of the Council, welcomed the reduction in price and sought assurance that Christmas tree collections would continue, which Councillor Bridges confirmed.

Consultation on the Reconfiguration of the Family Hub Service

Approval was given to consult on the proposed reconfiguration of Hillingdon's Family Hubs and Children's Centres. Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care, stated that the proposal aims to ensure families can access the right support at the right time, from pregnancy through to age 19 (or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). The model will move to a locality and cluster-based approach, retaining existing Family Hubs in Uxbridge, Hayes, South Ruislip, and West Drayton, and consulting on converting children's centres in Yiewsley, Yeading, and Pinkwell into Family Hubs. A potential new hub in Hayes Town is also being considered. The consultation will also cover the closure of five children's centres: Cherry Lane, Charville, Harefield, Coteford, and Oak Farm, and the potential repurposing of Colham Manor as a child health hub. Julie Kelly, Corporate Director of Children's Services, emphasised the importance of hearing from families who do not currently use the services to understand barriers and improve accessibility.

Discretionary Fees and Charges 2026/27

Cabinet approved a series of increases to discretionary fees and charges for 2027/28, with a general uplift of approximately 15% to address historic low charges and close an income gap. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Finance, explained that Hillingdon residents have historically paid significantly less for council services than those in other authorities. The proposals aim to bring charges closer to market rates while acknowledging resident concerns and affordability. Parking charges will rise by 15%, with the resident discount reduced from approximately 40% to 10%, though 30 minutes of free parking will be retained. Wedding venue fees will be frozen, and leisure centre fees will rise by 4% in December as per the contract with GLL. Green waste collection fees will be reduced to £69 per bin, reflecting revised service efficiencies.

Conservation Area Appraisal Statement for The Bulls Bridge Conservation Area

Cabinet approved the adoption of the amended Conservation Area Appraisal Statement for the Bulls Bridge Conservation Area and a slight reduction in its boundary. Councillor Nick Denys, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, shared the local folklore behind the name Bulls Bridge and highlighted the area's heritage significance, particularly its connection to the Grand Union Canal. The appraisal aims to protect the area's heritage and guide future planning decisions. Dan Kennedy, Corporate Director of Residents Services, added that the appraisal would formalise ownership of the land and preserve it as public open space.

Transport for London Local Implementation Plan – 2027/28 Funding Submission

Approval was given for Hillingdon's proposed 2027/28 Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding bid to Transport for London (TfL), enabling the council to secure up to £2.8 million for transport infrastructure improvements. Councillor Wayne Bridges stated the programme focuses on safer streets, improved accessibility, active travel, bus priority measures, and road safety. This includes investment in school safety schemes, cycle routes, and improvements around local shopping parades. A significant portion of the bid, up to £1 million, is earmarked for improvements to St Andrew's Roundabout in Uxbridge through TfL's Borough Safer Streets programme.

Strategic Delivery Partner for Council Priorities & Transformation

Cabinet approved the appointment of a strategic delivery partner to provide additional capacity and specialist expertise for council priorities and transformation projects. Councillor Eddie Lavery explained that this approach is more efficient than increasing permanent senior officer teams, allowing for faster delivery of necessary changes. The partner will be appointed for an initial three-year period with an option to extend, and costs will be subject to open-book costing with clear milestones. The arrangement will not involve a retainer or guaranteed expenditure, with each project requiring separate approval and demonstrating value for money.

Improvement and Assurance Board: First Quarterly Report to Cabinet

Cabinet received and noted the first quarterly report from the Independent Improvement and Assurance Board, chaired by John Houghton. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Leader of the Council, highlighted that the report indicated encouraging progress in clearer leadership, stronger financial management, and a more realistic understanding of the council's financial position. However, the Board also noted that significant work remains to be done, particularly in developing the medium-term financial plan and ensuring the deliverability of savings proposals. Tony Zaman, Chief Executive, emphasised the voluntary nature of the board and its role in providing objective scrutiny. Councillor Richard Mills, Deputy Leader, sought clarity on the practical implications for residents and finances, to which Councillor Tuckwell responded that the board's scrutiny helps ensure responsible financial management and the delivery of savings.

Minor Property Transaction: Transfer of Land at Holly Gardens, West Drayton

Cabinet approved the formal acceptance of the transfer of Holly Gardens, an open space in West Drayton, into council ownership. Councillor Nick Denys explained that this formalises an agreement from 1987 related to the RAF West Drayton development, where the council had been maintaining the land for years without official ownership. A covenant will be accepted to prevent development on the land, ensuring it remains public open space. Dan Kennedy, Corporate Director of Residents Services, confirmed that this would formalise ownership without adding to existing maintenance costs.

Period 5 (August) 2026: Financial Monitoring Report 2026/27

Cabinet received a comprehensive financial monitoring report for Period 5 (August) 2026. Councillor Eddie Lavery reported a forecast General Fund revenue underspend of £3.640 million, which, after accounting for risks and opportunities, reduces to £2.754 million. He also noted the receipt of £100,000 in Home Office Operation Hillmore grant funding to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Progress on savings delivery remains at 54% delivered and 23% on track. The Housing Revenue Account is forecasting a net nil variance after transferring a £1.6 million surplus to reserves. The capital programme shows a forecast underspend of £35.611 million for the General Fund and £3.835 million for the HRA. Cabinet approved a capital virement of £4 million from the secondary school expansion budget to create new programmes for sensory rooms and support bases in mainstream schools, and accepted a £374,000 grant from the West London Waste Authority for highways work at New Year's Green Lane.

Public Preview of Confidential Reports

Cabinet noted the reports to be considered later in private, which included matters relating to the HR and Payroll IT System, the contract for child health services, and a proposed scheme for temporary accommodation through private landlord agreements. These decisions, made in Part 2 of the meeting, would be published the following day. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Leader of the Council, confirmed that these items contained sensitive information and that decisions would be made public after the meeting.

The meeting concluded the public session, with Cabinet moving into a private, confidential session to discuss the remaining agenda items.