The Hillingdon Council meeting on Thursday, 9 July 2026, saw significant debate and decisions on the West London Waste Plan, the Council's budget, and motions concerning Heathrow Airport expansion and roadworks disruption. Key decisions included the approval of the West London Waste Plan for consultation, the adoption of the Council's budget with a 4.99% Council Tax increase, and a reaffirmation of the Council's opposition to Heathrow expansion.

West London Waste Plan Consultation Approved

Councillors approved the publication and consultation of the Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) West London Waste Plan. This updated plan, which will replace the 2015 version, aims to manage waste across six west London boroughs and the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation area until 2041. The plan includes policies on safeguarding existing waste sites, promoting circular economy principles, and ensuring high-quality, resilient waste facilities. The decision also delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Sustainable Growth to make minor modifications to the plan before its submission for independent examination.

Council Budget Adopted with Council Tax Increase

The Council adopted its General Fund revenue budget and Capital Programme for 2026/27. This included an increase in the Hillingdon element of Council Tax by 4.99%, resulting in a Band D property charge of £1,534.95. The budget was approved by a recorded vote, with the Labour Group's amendment, which sought to object to elements of the proposed savings programme due to concerns about deliverability and financial risk, being lost. The adopted budget includes significant investment in housing and leisure facilities, alongside a commitment to maintaining weekly waste collections.

Heathrow Expansion Opposition Reaffirmed

A motion reaffirming the Council's unequivocal opposition to Heathrow Airport expansion, particularly a third runway, was carried. The motion highlighted the extraordinary burden placed on the Council by the Government's approach to competing expansion proposals and called for sustained, long-term funding to protect residents and local services. It also condemned the Mayor of London's perceived lack of engagement on the issue.

Review of Roadworks Management

A motion calling for a review of the processes for managing roadworks, prompted by significant disruption in Hayes Town Centre, was lost. The motion proposed that the Residents' Services Select Committee, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, undertake a review involving utility companies, Transport for London, bus operators, and local business representatives. While acknowledging the disruption caused, the Council's administration argued that existing mechanisms were sufficient for addressing such issues.

Other Discussions

The meeting also included public questions on various topics, including the promotion of plant-based diets, the Council's handling of resident correspondence, the electrification of transport, the closure of post offices, fly-tipping enforcement, and the impact of HS2 construction. Members also raised questions regarding access to waste and recycling centres, the closure of the Tavistock Road Civic Amenity Site, and the Council's approach to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

The Council also discussed and voted on motions regarding the consultation period for the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, which was ultimately lost, and the management of roadworks in town centres, which was also lost.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor, Councillor Reeta Chamdal, thanking attendees and declaring the meeting closed.