The Hillingdon Council cabinet approved the amalgamation of Harefield Infant and Junior Schools, welcomed a report on persistent absenteeism, agreed to join the West London Economic Prosperity Board, and authorised a public consultation on the updated draft of the council's statement of licensing policy. The cabinet also noted a positive assessment of the council's housing services and reviewed the annual performance and budget monitoring reports.

Harefield School Amalgamation

The cabinet approved the amalgamation of Harefield Infant School and Harefield Junior School into an all-through primary school for children aged 3 to 11, effective from 7 April 2026. This decision followed a consultation and equalities impact assessment. Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, clarified that the term 'technical closure' of the infant school was a legal requirement and would not affect the land or buildings.

The legal requirement to close a school was a technical term and did not affect land or buildings, as all assets would transfer to the new primary school.

Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education

The amalgamation aims to address falling pupil numbers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the school. The schools already operate closely, sharing curriculum, staff and resources. The new primary school will receive a single lump sum of funding, but Councillor O'Brien assured that funding for SEND¹ and Pupil Premium² would not be affected.

Persistent Absenteeism Review

The cabinet welcomed the Children, Families & Education Select Committee's report on persistent absenteeism among school-aged children in Hillingdon. Councillor Heena Makwana, Chairman, Children, Families and Education Select Committee, presented the report, which highlighted complex reasons for absenteeism, including mental health, SEND needs, housing instability and bullying. The report recommended strengthening parental engagement, enhancing mental health support and fostering inclusive school environments. Councillor O'Brien thanked the committee for their work and clarified that while the council would offer guidance, schools would continue to organise their own welcome programmes for new families. Councillor Stuart Mathers, Leader of the Labour Group, commended the report's high standard.

West London Economic Prosperity Board

The cabinet approved Hillingdon joining the West London Economic Prosperity Board, a joint committee focused on driving economic growth, investment and regeneration across West London. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, explained that membership would give Hillingdon a voice in regional strategic decisions on planning, infrastructure and skills, without transferring any powers from the council. There is no direct cost to joining the board.

Statement of Licensing Policy

The cabinet approved a six-week public consultation on the updated draft of the council's statement of licensing policy. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, said the review was in accordance with legislative requirements and mainly involved tidying up bits and pieces, with no significant changes proposed due to few national policy changes.

Housing Inspection Outcome

The cabinet noted the outcome of the Regulator of Social Housing inspection, which awarded Hillingdon Council a C2 grading, the second highest possible, for its housing services. Councillor Tuckwell said the inspection highlighted strengths in repairs, safety, tenancy management and community engagement, but also areas for improvement, including meeting the decent homes standard, strengthening tenant engagement and improving reporting on repairs and damp and mould. He added that an action plan was being developed to address these areas. Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, congratulated the officers on securing a C2 grading at the first attempt.

Annual Performance Report

The cabinet noted the annual performance report for 2024-25, which Councillor Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, said showed progress in digital transformation, housing provision, safeguarding, adult social care and environmental sustainability. Councillor Goddard highlighted achievements including the delivery of over 400 new homes, success in youth justice early intervention, highways maintenance outperforming London averages, and high levels of library engagement. Councillor Edwards welcomed the report and suggested it be shared with residents in a different format, with more information on value for money.

Monthly Budget Monitoring Report

The cabinet considered the monthly council budget monitoring report for month four, with Councillor Goddard reporting a projected overspend of £18.3 million in the general fund, mainly due to increased interest costs, demand for temporary accommodation, and revised demand estimates in children's services. He also noted a projected savings of £38.6 million, with £24.8 million either fully delivered or on track. The housing revenue account was maintaining in-year parity with budget, while the dedicated schools grant was projected to be on budget with a £12.5 million deficit. The cabinet approved recommendations including new fees and charges at heritage sites, forward phasing of the Housing Revenue Account Capital overspend, and acceptance of a Children's Services grant from the North West London Integrated Care Board.

St Bernadette Catholic Primary School

The cabinet approved the academy transfer of St Bernadette Catholic Primary School, with the freehold of the land and buildings to be transferred to the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust and a 125-year lease granted for the surrounding land. Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, said this was a standard approach for such transfers. Councillor O'Brien clarified that the date for the academy conversion had moved to 1 November.

Public Preview of Confidential Reports

The cabinet noted the reports to be considered later in private, which included contractual matters related to door entry systems, pest control services, telecare monitoring and the disposal of a garage site in Black Horse Yard, Uxbridge. Councillor Edwards said the purpose of this report was to try and give more information to the public on those things that would now be considered in part two, and that the council tried to be as transparent as possible on decisions that impact residents.