The Council meeting on 26 February 2026 saw significant debate and decisions on the borough's budget for 2026/27, including Council Tax levels and capital programmes. Councillors also confirmed an Article 4 Direction to restrict Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and adopted the Safer Hillingdon Partnership Community Safety Strategy.

Budget and Council Tax Approved for 2026/27

The Council approved the General Fund Revenue Budget, Housing Revenue Account, and Capital Programme for 2026/27, setting the Hillingdon element of Council Tax at £1,534.95 for a Band D property, an increase of 4.99%. This brings the total Band D Council Tax to £2,045.46, including the Greater London Authority precept. The decision was made despite an objection from the Labour Group, who raised concerns about the deliverability of savings targets and the reliance on assumptions within the budget. The Council also approved the use of up to £62 million in Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) to balance the 2026/27 budget. The Housing Revenue Account saw a rent increase of 4.8% approved, and the General Fund Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2030/31 was also approved.

Article 4 Direction Confirmed to Restrict HMOs

Councillors confirmed the introduction of a borough-wide immediate Article 4 Direction, removing permitted development rights for the conversion of dwelling houses into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for up to six residents. This decision means that planning permission will now be required for such conversions across the entire borough. The Council received no written representations during the consultation period for this direction.

Safer Hillingdon Partnership Community Safety Strategy Adopted

The Safer Hillingdon Community Safety Strategy 2026-2029 was adopted as a policy framework document. This strategy, developed by the Safer Hillingdon Partnership, outlines a shared approach to reducing crime and disorder, addressing substance misuse, and tackling reoffending across the borough. It is informed by local evidence and public engagement, with priorities including Safer Neighbourhoods, Violence Against Women and Girls, Serious Violence, and Preventing Harm and Safeguarding Communities.

Six-Month Performance Report Noted

The Six Month Performance Report for 2025/26 was noted by the Council. This report benchmarks the Council's expenditure against key performance indicators for each directorate, providing insights into service delivery and value for money. The report highlighted that Hillingdon had the 4th lowest net expenditure in London per 100,000 residents, despite unique pressures from Heathrow Airport. It also detailed performance across Adult Social Care and Health, Residents Services, Children's Services, and Finance, with Select Committees providing comments on the findings within their remits.

Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 Approved

The Council approved the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27, revoking the current scheme as of 31 March 2026. The new scheme will be implemented from 1 April 2026. The basic allowance for councillors will remain at £12,793, with no increase proposed for Special Responsibility Allowances.

Motion on Heathrow Expansion Condemned

A motion condemning the proposed changes to national and London-wide planning legislation, which were described as a direct threat to Green Belt land, Metropolitan Open Land, and the long-term sustainability and character of communities, was carried. The motion expressed grave concern over the threat to Metropolitan Open Land, the default position favouring development, proposals for emergency Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) relief, and changes to the Mayor of London's call-in powers. The Council resolved to write to the borough's three Members of Parliament demanding they publicly oppose these proposals.

Motion Welcoming Labour Government's Funding Lost

A motion welcoming and expressing gratitude to the Labour Government for providing fairer local government funding, including an increase of £126.7 million for Hillingdon, was lost. The motion also called on the Conservative-led local administration to use this funding responsibly. Those speaking against the motion argued that it contained misleading information and that the funding settlement would necessitate annual Council Tax increases.

Motion on CCTV Service Review Agreed

An amendment to a motion calling for an urgent review of the CCTV service was agreed. The substantive motion, as amended, requested that the Residents Services Select Committee undertake a review of the CCTV service to establish where improvements could be recommended to further enhance safety and security for Hillingdon residents.

Motion on Home Office Data Restrictions Carried

A motion expressing deep concern at the Home Office's decision to restrict local authorities' access to data relating to the placement of asylum seekers was carried. The motion condemned the decision as evidence of the Government's failure in asylum and immigration policy, which had cost Hillingdon taxpayers millions in unfunded demand pressures. The Council called on the Government and the Home Office to urgently reverse the decision and restore full transparency.

Motion Opposing Heathrow Expansion Carried

The Council reaffirmed its longstanding and unequivocal opposition to the expansion of Heathrow Airport through the construction of a third runway. The motion condemned the Government's approach of advancing two concurrent Development Consent Order processes, placing an unacceptable burden on Hillingdon residents and demanding sustained, long-term funding. It also condemned the Mayor of London's failure to engage meaningfully on the implications of Heathrow expansion for Hillingdon residents. The Council resolved to write to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Transport, and the Mayor of London regarding these matters.

Motion on Heathrow Expansion Consultation Lost

A motion calling for a robust, evidence-based response to the Government's consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, and requesting an extension to the consultation deadline, was lost. Labour members abstained from the vote, stating that while they opposed the impact of Heathrow expansion, the motion was purposefully drafted with openly partisan and misleading language and lacked credibility.

Motion on Roadworks Management to be Reviewed

A motion calling for the Residents Services Select Committee, in consultation with the Cabinet member, to undertake a review of the processes for managing roadworks, and to engage with utility companies, Transport for London, bus operators, and local business representatives, was lost. The motion highlighted inadequate planning and communication during recent Cadent Gas roadworks in Hayes Town Centre, which caused significant disruption.

Public Questions Addressed

Several public questions were addressed during the meeting. These included concerns about the Council's endorsement of the Plant Based Treaty, the operation of Single Point of Contact arrangements for residents, the electrification of the council fleet, the lease for the Yiewsley and West Drayton Arts Centre, access to banking services, fly-tipping enforcement, the publication of statutory consultee responses for planning applications, bus stop changes at Ruislip Station, safety measures at Ruislip Lido, litter picking before grass cutting, the closure of the Uxbridge Post Office, and waste disposal services in the south of the borough. Written responses were provided for many of these questions.