The Council of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 19 January 2017, to discuss a range of issues including the council tax base, the future of children's centres, and the expansion of Heathrow Airport. Key decisions included the approval of the council tax base and business rate forecast, and a vote against a motion to protect children's centres.

Council Tax Base and Business Rate Forecast

The council discussed and approved the annual council tax base and business rate forecast for the forthcoming year. Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, presented the report, highlighting an increase of 1,450 bandy equivalent properties, bringing the tax base to 97,220. This increase is largely attributed to new development, with approximately 1,400 new properties due to development and a further 50 from the introduction of an empty property premium. Councillor Bianco stated this was a very good news story and that the increase would contribute approximately £1.6 million to the council's general fund. A minor typo in the report regarding the Local Government Act 2012 was noted and corrected.

Future of Children's Centres

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the future of Hillingdon's Children's Centre programme. Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, addressed a question from Duncan Flynn regarding the ongoing consultation. She explained that the current model, established under the previous Labour government, was facing challenges due to a lack of sustained revenue funding and emerging evidence questioning their effectiveness in reaching the most vulnerable families. Councillor O'Brien outlined proposals to move towards a more sustainable service model, drawing parallels with efficiencies made in the music service and libraries. She referenced the Business Improvement Delivery Programme as a key strategy for reshaping service delivery and achieving efficiencies while maintaining or improving services. She also referred to the Ofsted Social Care Report 2016, which highlighted the importance of investing in programmes proven to work.

A motion proposed by Councillor Jan Sweeting aimed to seek additional funding to protect the 18 children's centres. Councillor David Simmonds CBE moved an amendment, which was ultimately carried by 42 votes to 22. The amendment focused on placing children's centres on a sustainable financial footing and ensuring resources were directed to those most in need. During the debate, concerns were raised about the potential impact of funding cuts on staff and the quality of services, with specific reference to the Townfield Children's Centre. Councillor Sweeting argued that cuts of 41% would inevitably lead to staff reductions and impact programme delivery, while Councillor Simmonds emphasised the need for efficiency and focusing on what works .

Heathrow Airport Expansion

Councillor Dominic Gilham asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Edwards, for an update on the legal challenge against the Government's decision to expand Heathrow Airport. Councillor Raymond Puddifoot MBE, Leader of the Council, confirmed that a judicial review request had been issued in the High Court on grounds of air quality and legitimate expectation. He stated that government lawyers had applied to strike out the claim as premature, arguing it could only be lodged after the national policy statement process. Councillor Puddifoot expressed the council's commitment to fighting the challenge, stating, No ifs, no buts. He also announced that Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, had agreed to take a supporting role in the campaign.

Councillor Gilham also questioned Councillor Puddifoot about the Back Heathrow campaign's criticism of the council's use of funds to oppose expansion. Councillor Puddifoot defended the council's expenditure, contrasting it with the significant spending by Heathrow Airport Limited and its associates. He highlighted that Heathrow Airport Limited had paid £2.1 billion to shareholders in four years, while paying only £24 million in UK corporation tax over a ten-year period. He stated that Hillingdon Council had used £587,078 of its funds over ten years to fight expansion, which he described as a modest cost per household.

Road Safety and Traffic Calming

Mr. Stephen Garlick raised concerns about traffic congestion and safety on New Year's Green Lane, suggesting it be made one-way. Councillor Keith Burrows, Chair of the Registration & Appeals Committee, responded, explaining that making the road one-way was not considered a viable solution due to potential impacts on residents, businesses, and commuters, as well as the risk of increased traffic speeds. He also noted that the Secretary of State could potentially overrule such a decision regarding HS2.

Housing and Maintenance

Councillor Lynne Allen raised concerns about the poor state of walkways and lighting in Austin Road and Silverdale Road, fearing an accident. Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, stated that while carriageway and pavement surveys are conducted, they do not typically include footpaths between houses or across grassed areas. He confirmed that highways would inspect the areas and report back.

Elderly Care and Delayed Transfers of Care

A motion was put forward by Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, highlighting the increasing struggles of elderly patients to access medical and social care, leading to delayed transfers of care. The motion noted a rise in emergency hospital admissions for older people and a fall in local government spending on social care. Councillor Philip Corthorne MCIPD, Mayor of Hillingdon, moved an amendment that focused on the representations already being made by the council and other bodies for more adequate funding, and the importance of using existing resources effectively, particularly by shifting emphasis towards preventative services. The amendment was carried and subsequently became the substantive motion.

Petition System Review

Councillor Peter Curling, Leader of the Hayes Independent Group, proposed a motion to review the petition system, citing long delays in action following petition hearings. He argued that these delays were causing residents to lose faith in the council. Councillor June Nelson and Councillor Lynne Allen spoke in support, sharing experiences of prolonged waiting times for responses to petitions. Councillor Peter Money BSC (Hons) MSc (Res) PhD also supported the motion, referencing a specific road safety issue in Sipson that had been ignored for over a year. The motion was put to a vote and lost with 41 votes against and 22 in favour.

Homelessness and Vulnerable Adults

Councillor Janet Duncan presented a motion detailing a case where a vulnerable adult was facing eviction from a council property, highlighting a perceived lack of coordination between council departments. She called for a review of management and processes to improve communication and support for vulnerable adults facing homelessness. Councillor Philip Corthorne MCIPD moved an amendment to the motion, clarifying that the council does not seek to make vulnerable adults homeless and emphasising established protocols for referrals and a monthly coordination board for complex cases. The amendment was carried and became the substantive motion. Councillor Duncan expressed that while the amendment addressed some points, there was still a need for further review and internal resolution.