The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 9 January 2025, approving new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour by private hire vehicles and taxis near Heathrow Airport, and initiating a public consultation on an updated policy for charging for social care and support. The meeting also saw the approval of an updated Risk Management Policy.

Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order – Heathrow Area Private Hire Vehicles / Taxi Controls

The Cabinet approved the finalised Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the Heathrow area, which will come into effect on 1 February 2025. This new order prohibits private hire vehicles (PHVs) and taxis from waiting in residential streets around Heathrow Airport unless they are collecting or dropping off a passenger, are a resident of the area, or the operating business is based within the restricted area. The decision followed a public consultation which showed strong support for the proposals. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, stated that the new prohibition would address a long-standing issue of anti-social behaviour by some PHV and taxi drivers near the airport. The order aims to tackle issues such as obstructions, littering, and public urination, which have negatively impacted residents' quality of life. Enforcement will be carried out using camera technology, targeting registered vehicle owners. The Cabinet noted that the primary goal is to address anti-social behaviour, not to generate fine income, and a period of publicity is planned to encourage compliance.

Review of Public Spaces Protection Order 2023

The Cabinet agreed to review the current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2023 and approved the draft for public consultation. The review proposes amendments to specific prohibitions within town centres, particularly concerning amplification, the placement of tables and signage, and street trading and leaflet distribution. Councillor Eddie Lavery explained that some existing prohibitions had faced legal challenges, and it was advised that defending these would be difficult. Therefore, a consultation will be conducted to amend the existing PSPO. It was clarified that prohibitions on amplified equipment in green spaces would remain in place. The Cabinet agreed to receive a further report in April 2025 following the consultation to inform any determinations on an updated PSPO.

Review of Charging for Social Care and Support Policy

The Cabinet approved the updated Adult Social Care Charging for Social Care and Support Policy for Hillingdon for 2025/26 for public consultation. Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, highlighted the importance of a robust and up-to-date charging policy to ensure the Council could successfully collect assessed contributions for care services. The updated policy proposes a care arrangement fee for residents who arrange their own care, comprising an annual setup fee and a yearly administrative cost, which is expected to generate a new income stream. The Cabinet also noted that Hillingdon's adult social care services had recently received a ‘good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. The authority was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, in consultation with relevant Corporate Directors, to consider the consultation outcomes and determine the final policy and fees.

Risk Management Policy

The Cabinet approved the updated Risk Management Policy for implementation. Councillor Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, explained that the Council has a statutory responsibility to maintain a comprehensive framework of internal controls, which includes managing risks. The updated policy outlines procedures for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating potential risks and threats, including assessing the likelihood and impact of risks and identifying management actions. A significant change noted was the clearer attribution of responsibilities to officers managing specific services for identifying and addressing risks. The Cabinet agreed that not implementing the policy would not align with best practice or legislative requirements.

Public Preview of Confidential Reports

The Cabinet noted the reports to be considered later in private session (Part 2 of the agenda). The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Edwards, introduced the report, stating its purpose was to provide a public summary of matters to be discussed in private, thereby increasing transparency. This allows Cabinet Members to discuss matters generally in public without prejudicing their later consideration in private.

Smoking Cessation and Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services

The Cabinet agreed to vary an existing contract with Central and North West London NHS Trust to incorporate new Local Stop Smoking Services and continue Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services. Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, introduced the report, which detailed the use of government grants for these public health initiatives. The Local Stop Smoking Services will be funded by a new Department of Health & Social Care grant, with no substitution of funding from the Council's General Fund when external funding ceases. The Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services will continue at a cost of £587,682, utilising the final year of a government grant. The Cabinet noted that alternative options, such as not spending the grant money, were considered but rejected as they would reduce the Council's focus on health initiatives.