The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to discuss several key issues, including enhancing fostering provision, approving the Highways Improvement Programme, and amalgamating two local schools. Decisions were made to implement recommendations from the Children, Families & Education Select Committee regarding fostering, approve the 2026/27 Highways Improvement Programme, and proceed with the amalgamation of Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School.

Enhancing Fostering Provision and Support

The Cabinet welcomed and endorsed the report and recommendations from the Children, Families & Education Select Committee's review into the Council's fostering services. The review, which included input from officers, foster carers, and young people with lived experience, identified areas for improvement in supporting young people, recruiting and retaining carers, and ensuring stable placements. The committee's five recommendations, which Cabinet agreed to implement, focus on enhancing information and the voice of young people, developing specialist training pathways for foster carers, and strengthening peer support networks. These include developing an 'Introduction Pack for Children', including a 'Voice of the Child' section in 'All About Me' profiles, and featuring 'Where Are They Now' stories on the Council's website. Additionally, the training programme will be reviewed to introduce specialist pathways for carers supporting young people with complex needs, and existing peer support initiatives will be strengthened.

Highways Improvement Programme 2026/27

Cabinet approved the Highways Improvement Programme for 2026/27, which includes carriageway and footway resurfacing, highway drainage, and road marking improvements. The programme, valued at £8.2 million, will be funded through the Council's capital programme and supported by £3.2 million in grant funding from the Department for Transport. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Resident Services to amend the programme and determine further works, subject to sign-off by the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth. It was also noted that all schemes would be published on the Council's website to ensure transparency, in line with government requirements.

Proposal for the Amalgamation of Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School

Following a consultation process, Cabinet approved the proposal to amalgamate Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School into a single, three-form-entry primary school for children aged 3 to 11, effective from 1 September 2026. This will involve the technical closure of Whitehall Infant School and the extension of the age range of Whitehall Junior School. The decision was made in line with the Council's Infant and Junior School Amalgamation Policy, triggered by the impending retirement of the Headteacher of Whitehall Infant School. Cabinet noted that this amalgamation is a response to declining birth rates and pupil numbers, which are placing financial pressure on schools, and aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of both schools. The proposal was supported by the Children, Families and Education Select Committee, which recognised the benefits of consistent teaching, economies of scale, and improved educational outcomes.

Temporary Accommodation Action Plan Monitoring

Cabinet received the fourth quarterly update on the progress of the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan. The report indicated continued progress in managing homelessness demand, with a reduction in new temporary accommodation placements and an increase in move-on rates to the private rented sector. Cost control measures, including a rent cap programme, have been effective in limiting inflation. Despite these positive developments, high demand pressures persist, influenced by factors such as private sector evictions, family breakdowns, and Hillingdon's role as a Port Authority for Heathrow Airport. The report also outlined Medium-Term Financial Strategy targets for 2026/27, focusing on consolidation and strengthening supply and move-on capacity.

Public Preview of Confidential Reports

Cabinet noted the reports to be considered later in private, as part of Part 2 of the agenda. This public preview aims to provide transparency by outlining the general nature of the confidential items, which include contract tenders and property-related matters, without prejudicing the Council's commercial interests.

Commercial Gas Contract Tender

Cabinet approved the award of a three-year contract, with potential for a further four-year extension, to BSW Heating Ltd for the servicing, repairs, and maintenance of communal and corporate commercial gas-fired heating installations. The estimated value of the contract is £490,000 per annum. Delegated authority was granted to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, to agree any contract extensions based on satisfactory performance.

Highways Term Service Contract

Cabinet accepted the tender submitted by O'Hara Bros. Surfacing Ltd for a seven-year Highways Term Service Contract, commencing 1 July 2026, with an estimated value of up to £99.4 million, exclusive of annual inflationary uplifts. The contract includes an option to extend for a further five years, with an estimated value of up to £71 million. Officers were instructed to actively pursue and maximise social value and commercial opportunities throughout the life of the contract.

Contract for Furniture within Short-Term Let Properties

Cabinet accepted the tender from 4 Front Furniture LTD for the supply and installation of furniture and white goods for short-term let properties. The contract, valued at an estimated £685,000 per year for three years with a two-year extension option, aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs by using a single provider. Delegated authority was granted to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio holder, to approve any extensions based on satisfactory performance.

Development of the Civic Centre Car Park, Uxbridge into a Residential Care Home

Cabinet agreed to progress the scheme to develop the Civic Centre Car Park site in Uxbridge into a 162-bed residential care home. This decision follows previous approvals for the disposal of the site and the cessation of negotiations with a proposed purchaser. Cabinet approved the appointment of Hunter and Partners Ltd for architectural and principal designer building safety services, along with funding for various surveys, planning fees, and a contingency, totalling £488,211. The Capital Release request of £488,211 from the Investment in Care Home Capacity budget 2026/27 was also approved. The current intention is for The Hillingdon Care Company to enter into a leaseback arrangement upon completion of the development. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with Cabinet portfolio holders, for any further preparatory consultancy or survey requirements. This item was considered under urgency provisions due to its critical importance for delivering vital social care savings.