The Council meeting on 26 September 2024 addressed several key issues, including the appointment of statutory officers, changes to members' allowances, and motions concerning the coordination of waste and green spaces services, and fire safety in residential buildings. Significant discussions also took place regarding the impact of flooding in the borough and the council's response to national policy changes affecting pensioners.

Appointment of Statutory Officers

The council appointed Richard Ennis as the interim Section 151 Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and Lloyd White as the interim Monitoring Officer. These appointments were made to ensure continuity in crucial financial and governance roles. Councillor Stuart Mathers, Leader of the Labour Group, welcomed the appointments but requested a timeframe for reviewing interim roles to encourage permanent recruitment. Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, assured members that the council was in a stable financial position despite facing challenges.

Members' Allowances

The council approved an increase in the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for the Chair of the Audit Committee to £8,000 per annum and introduced a new SRA of £8,000 per annum for the Chair of the Pensions Committee. These changes were made to ensure these roles are attractive to qualified candidates and to recognise the significant time commitment and responsibility involved.

Flooding and Lebanon Situation

Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, provided an update on the recent flooding that had significantly impacted residents, including the closure of Bourne Primary School and damage to approximately 121 homes in Ruislip Gardens. Officers were instructed to investigate the causes of the flooding and report back within two weeks. He also mentioned that the council had met with Heathrow Partners to prepare for the arrival of refugees from Lebanon.

Electoral Count Arrangements

The council agreed to a review of electoral count arrangements to ensure transparency and efficiency. A key decision was to move the count for local elections to the following day, Friday 8 May 2026, instead of immediately after polling closes, to improve staff welfare and accuracy.

Motion on Waste Services and Green Spaces Coordination

A motion was passed asking the Cabinet Member for Residents' Services to address the lack of coordination between Waste Services and Green Spaces to ensure litter is removed before grass cutting. An amendment was accepted, which noted the council's climate change commitments and rewilding efforts, and requested continued liaison to ensure efficient maintenance activities. Councillor Scott Farley, who proposed the original motion, expressed disappointment that the amendment diluted the original request, despite residents' concerns about shredded litter.

Motion on Fire Safety in Residential Buildings

The council passed a motion, with an amendment, acknowledging the Grenfell Tower disaster and the ongoing need for fire safety remediation in residential buildings. The amended motion instructs officers to provide the Corporate Resources and Infrastructure Select Committee with an up-to-date list of buildings requiring remediation, and to monitor their progress. Councillor Sital Punja, who proposed the motion, highlighted concerns about private sector buildings and the need for accessible information on remediation efforts. Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council, detailed the council's own extensive fire safety improvement programme in council-owned high-rise blocks. Councillor Caul shared residents' lived experiences and concerns regarding fire safety in tower blocks.

Members' Questions

• Uxbridge Library Access: Councillor Burles raised concerns about the accessibility of the new Uxbridge Library's lift for wheelchair users. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, assured that the lift would be DDA compliant.
• Traffic Light Destruction: Councillor Makwana asked about actions taken to safeguard residents from harm caused by the vandalism of traffic lights. Councillor Lavery stated that the council was working jointly with Transport for London (TfL) and the police to address the issue.
• Winter Fuel Allowance: Councillor Martin questioned what steps the council would take to mitigate the impact of the government's cut to the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, outlined measures including using the Household Support Fund to assist with pension credit claims and prioritising energy efficiency improvements for pensioner tenants.
• SEND Inspection: Councillor Sweeting inquired about the progress following an Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of the local area's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, acknowledged the need for improvements and highlighted ongoing work and partnership efforts.

Amendment to Cabinet Portfolios

The council noted an amendment to the Cabinet portfolios, transferring responsibility for Fleet and Passenger Services from the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport to the Cabinet Member for Finance.