The CABINET of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday 24 September 2020 and discussed a range of important issues, including the council's COVID-19 Local Outbreak Control Plan, proposed changes to the planning system, and the council's budget. Decisions were made regarding the COVID-19 plan, the response to government planning reforms, and the renewal of a Public Space Protection Order.

COVID-19 Local Outbreak Control Plan

Councillor Palmer presented an update on Hillingdon's Local Outbreak Control Plan, outlining the council's ongoing efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. The plan details how the council is working with residents, businesses, and partner organisations, including providing advice and support, delivering food parcels to vulnerable residents, and administering grants to local businesses. Proactive measures such as social distancing markers and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) have also been implemented. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations presented in the report, confirming the continuation of these vital services. The council also confirmed its commitment to reinvigorating its support hub to assist residents who may need to self-isolate. A letter was to be sent to staff clarifying that many council services are considered key services by the government and that staff in these roles should continue to attend work where necessary. The council is also privately sourcing COVID-19 testing kits for employees who exhibit symptoms to ensure rapid testing and reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Response to Government Consultation on Changes to the Planning System

Councillor Burrows presented the council's response to a government consultation on proposed changes to the current planning system. The council expressed significant concerns about the proposed legislation, which could impact the local plan, strategies, built environment, and heritage. While acknowledging that Hillingdon Council's housing supply targets were expected to increase significantly under the new proposals, the council noted that the current formula used by the government was flawed. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations to submit the council's robust response to the government, highlighting that Hillingdon Council disagreed with many of the proposed changes.

Proposed Changes to Admissions Criteria for Community Schools

Councillor O'Brien proposed changes to the admissions criteria for community schools, in line with the Department for Education's School Admissions Code, which requires annual reviews. The Cabinet was asked to note the findings of the officer review, consider the proposed changes, and authorise officers to undertake a full public consultation. A further report will be presented in January 2021 to consider consultation responses, with any agreed changes to the admissions criteria to commence in September 2022. The Cabinet agreed to these recommendations.

Revision of Licensing Policy

Councillor Mills moved to begin a public consultation on the council's revised statement of licensing policy. This is a routine review to ensure the policy reflects all legal changes since its last adoption. The proposed changes are not considered radical but aim to update and refine the existing policy. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations to start the consultation process.

Transport for London Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Annual Spending Submission 2021-22

Councillor Burrows presented the annual spending submission for the Transport for London Local Implementation Plan. Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 on Transport for London's (TfL) funding, the council is submitting a plan to be ready for when TfL is in a better financial position. The Cabinet agreed in principle to the LIP submission, with a noted amendment to delegate authority for agreeing the final submission to the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation. Councillor Mills raised concerns that the pandemic was being used as an excuse for TfL's financial difficulties, suggesting that the Mayor of London's previous actions had exacerbated the situation, potentially impacting promises for improved disabled access at stations like Ryslip and East Coast stations.

Boroughwide Public Space Protection Order 2020

Councillor Mills moved to renew the Boroughwide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for a further period, as the existing order was due to expire. The PSPO is a tool to help manage public spaces and address issues such as anti-social behaviour, ensuring that the majority of residents can enjoy the borough's public spaces. The Cabinet agreed to the renewal of the order.

Setting a Licence Deficit Budget for Maintained Schools

Councillor Bianco presented a report on setting a licence deficit budget for five maintained schools in the borough for 2020-21. While school funding is not a direct financial issue for the council, Cabinet is the decision-making body for such matters. The deficits have arisen for various reasons, including insufficient pupil numbers in some cases. There is an expectation that these deficits will improve, particularly at Oakwood School, which is a growing school. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations.

Council Budget 2021: Revenue and Capital Month 4 Budget Monitoring

Councillor Bianco provided an update on the council's budget monitoring for Month 4, indicating a net underspend of £838,000 against the budget. This position is projected to lead to unallocated reserves of £28.74 million by March 2022. A separate account for COVID-19 expenditure shows pressures of £3.661 million, which will be funded from earmarked reserves. The Cabinet agreed to 18 recommendations, including a grant of £10,287 to East Coast Tennis Club for flood repair work and the acceptance of a grant from the Environment Agency for works to the Cannon Brook, which was the cause of the flooding.

Councillor Mills highlighted a funding agreement with the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the Partnership Tasking Team. He noted that despite Hillingdon Council honouring its financial commitment, the Mayor of London had reduced his contribution, resulting in one less sergeant and five fewer officers on the team.

Other recommendations agreed included the acceptance of grants for EU exit planning and COVID-19 support, community safety grants from the Metropolitan Police Service, and funding for small business grants. The Cabinet also noted the allocation of capital contingency for an exhibition at the Battle of Britain Visitors Centre and the acceptance of grants for bridge assessment and strengthening, planning performance agreements, and flood repair works. Changes to fees and charges for garages and the inclusion of new planning charges were also agreed.

A significant recommendation was the establishment of the Tashan Daniel Award, with £60,000 from Amart Reserves allocated for all-age sports activity, in memory of Tashan Daniel, who was fatally stabbed at Higdon Underground Station the previous year. The council expressed its condolences to the Daniel family and committed to working with them to tackle knife crime.

School Capital Program Update

Councillor O'Brien presented an update on the School Capital Program. While primary school place demand has plateaued, secondary school demand is rising and is forecast to continue due to birth rates, new housing developments, and population mobility. The Cabinet noted the update.

Planning Obligations, Quarterly Financial Monitoring

Councillor Burrows presented the quarterly financial monitoring report for planning obligations. The council currently holds £15.38 million in Section 106 and Section 278 agreements, with £3.89 million allocated to specific projects. Councillor Mills highlighted that a significant proportion of Section 106 contributions from the sale of the Trident Site at Stockley Park would be invested in improving the underpass at Hayes and Harlington Station into Blythe Road. Additionally, Section 106 funds will be used to provide training for at least 50 residents to prepare them for employment on construction sites, with a focus on those facing particular difficulties returning to the workplace. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations.