The Cabinet meeting of Hillingdon Council on Thursday 27 July 2017 saw the endorsement of recommendations to improve stroke prevention, approval for a Heritage Lottery Fund bid for Cranford Park, and the adoption of the Accessible Hillingdon supplementary planning document. The council also reviewed its monthly budget monitoring report, noting a net underspend and progress on savings targets.

Stroke Prevention Recommendations Endorsed

The Cabinet unanimously endorsed recommendations from the Social Services Housing and Public Health Policy Overview Committee aimed at improving stroke prevention among residents. The review, presented by Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, highlighted that stroke is a largely preventable condition and a significant cause of disability for those over 65 in Hillingdon. The recommendations include the development of a universal offer for stroke prevention, encompassing physical activity and healthy eating, the launch of a campaign to raise awareness of stroke risks and prevention methods, and the promotion and development of health checks to identify at-risk individuals. Councillor Philip Corthorne MCIPD, Mayor of Hillingdon, welcomed the report, stating it was a timely one in really getting into the detail of some of the work which is already happening to promote and encourage the kind of activities, behaviours and lifestyle choices which can really make a difference. He also noted the report's focus on Hillingdon's public health responsibilities.

Heritage Lottery Fund Bid for Cranford Park Approved

A bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the refurbishment and renewal of Cranford Park¹ was approved. Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, described the park as one of the borough's prized possessions, spanning 144 acres and straddling the M4 motorway. The bid aims to preserve and bring into economic use the remaining structures of the former Cranford House, including its vaulted cellars and stables, which have deteriorated over time. Councillor Richard Lewis highlighted that the bid has no immediate cost implications, with a contribution of £45,000 only required if the bid is successful in the development phase. He added that the funding would help remove the stables and cellars from the at-risk register, improve the landscape, restore river banks, and prevent listed garden walls, the ha-ha, and the ice house from crumbling. The project is anticipated to take until at least 2020 before physical work can commence.

Accessible Hillingdon Supplementary Planning Document Adopted

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the Accessible Hillingdon supplementary planning document policy framework and put it before full council for formal adoption. Councillor boroughs presented the document, which has been revised following a public consultation period held between April and May of the same year. The document aims to ensure all residents have access to all council areas and is considered a sound part of our planning documents. Minor textual and graphical alterations are delegated to Councillor boroughs and the Deputy Chief Executive before it goes to full council. The Cabinet also approved a charge of £19 for printed copies of the adopted policy.

Monthly Council Budget Monitoring Report Reviewed

The monthly Council Budget Monitoring Report for month two (May) was presented by Councillor Jonathan Bianco. The report indicated a net in-year underspend of £127,000, which was described as a good result at this stage of the financial year. Significant progress was noted on savings targets, with 80% of the £15.5 million required for 2017-18 either banked or definitely due for delivery. A significant underspend of over £10 million was also reported in the capital budget, largely attributed to slippage in programmes.

Regarding the Housing Revenue Account, the report noted that current projections do not include the cost of any further works that may arise, but confirmed that sufficient funds are available. Councillor Richard Mills drew attention to a decision ratified under recommendation six, concerning the council's vote for the establishment of the first Business Improvement District in Uxbridge Town Centre. He described this as a defining moment in the development of Uxbridge history. The report also included details on Treasury management, delegated authorities for agency assignments over £50,000, a planning performance agreement for the former Dairy Crest site in Long Lane, and the approval of the discretionary rate relief scheme for one year only, due to a reduction in government grant for the following year. The purchase of replica aircraft for the Battle of Britain Bunker Visitors Centre was also highlighted as an important investment programme to attract visitors and contribute to the local economy.