The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday 17 March 2016, discussing a range of important local issues. Key decisions included the approval of the Hillingdon Local Plan Part 2 for public examination and the establishment of a new housing zone in the Hayes area to facilitate development.

Raising Standards in Private Sector Rented Accommodation

The Cabinet reviewed a report from the Social Services, Housing and Public Health Policy Overview Committee concerning the raising of standards in private sector rented accommodation. The review highlighted the increasing importance of the private rented sector due to the national housing crisis and the council's responsibility to improve the quality of life for residents in this sector. The committee noted that overcrowding might be increasing as tenants accept lower standards to reduce costs. While acknowledging that the council has limited influence, the report welcomed the strengthening of enforcement options through the Housing and Planning Bill, which will focus on severe instances of landlord malpractice. The Cabinet agreed to support all the recommendations put forward by the committee.

Hillingdon Local Plan Part 2

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Hillingdon Local Plan Part 2, specifically the Draft Development Management Policies, Sites Allocation and Designations, and Policies Map. Councillor Keith Burrows presented the report, which summarised the representations received following the public consultation on the revised proposed submission version of the local plan. The report also outlined the officers' responses to these representations and recommended an approach to address outstanding objections. The Cabinet approved recommendations one to six, with the understanding that the plan would return to a future Cabinet meeting following the outcome of the public examination process.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

The Cabinet considered the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, the 2015 version of which is a requirement under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Councillor Dominic Gilham noted that while Hillingdon is relatively fortunate in terms of flood risk compared to other boroughs, the strategy details the steps being taken to manage potential issues. The strategy is a comprehensive document designed to prepare the borough should a flood-related disaster occur. The Cabinet proposed and adopted recommendations one and two of the strategy.

Revised Scheme for Financing Schools

Councillor David Simmonds CBE presented the revised scheme for financing schools. This document outlines how the council interacts with maintained schools on various financial matters, including procurement, governor expenses, and cash management. The scheme has been updated to reflect the ongoing shift towards schools becoming academies by 2020 or 2022, as academy schools operate separately from these financing processes. The Cabinet commended the report with its contained updates.

Council Budget Monitoring

The Cabinet received an update on the council budget for the 2015-16 financial year, specifically for month 10 (January). Councillor Jonathan Bianco reported a net underspend of approximately £1.5 million, an improvement on the previous month. He also noted that the capital underspend was continuing as expected, with prudential borrowing being significantly lower than initially assumed. The Cabinet agreed to recommendations one to five, which included noting the forecast, the continued delegated authority for consultancy and agency assignments, the release of a grant for Universal Credit claimants, the appropriation of former day centre sites for housing development, and the overall positive financial position of the council, with an anticipated £40 million in free reserves by the end of the financial year. Councillor Mills highlighted recommendation five, specifically the partnership with Uxbridge College to create a pop-up park in front of the Hayes campus, enhancing the area.

Planning Obligations Quarterly Financial Monitoring Report

Councillor Keith Burrows presented the quarterly financial monitoring report for planning obligations, specifically Section 106 and Section 278 agreements. The report indicated that developers remain keen to work in Hillingdon, and the council is allocating these funds in a timely manner to support its objectives for the built environment, heritage, and civic pride. Councillor Burrows moved the recommendation for the Cabinet to note the updated financial information. Councillor Simmonds made two observations: firstly, that a significant portion of the balances relate to education and children's services, and that this money is likely to be allocated quickly due to the ongoing growth in secondary school numbers and discussions about providing extra places. Secondly, he noted the item on air quality and its funding, suggesting that EU air quality limits have prevented a third runway at Heathrow and expressing a desire for British law to enshrine these protections should the UK leave the EU. The recommendation was agreed.

School Capital Program Update

Councillor David Simmonds CBE provided an update on the school capital program. He reiterated the urgency of ensuring continued availability of school places, particularly for secondary schools, noting a slight decrease in the number of residents securing their first or top-choice schools. A key concern highlighted was the delay in the rebuild projects for Abbotsfield and Swakeley's schools, which are part of the government's Priority School Buildings Programme. Unlike the Northwood School rebuild, which Hillingdon is managing directly and is on schedule for completion in September, the Education Funding Agency is managing Abbotsfield and Swakeley's projects, which are reportedly a year behind schedule and have not yet started on site due to issues with Section 106 agreements. The Cabinet expressed its concern and commitment to pressing ministers for an urgent meeting to resolve these delays. The recommendation was agreed.

Proposal to Establish a Housing Zone for the Hayes Area

The Cabinet considered a proposal to establish a housing zone for the Hayes area. Councillor Douglas Mills moved the recommendations, explaining that this initiative, in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA), would provide access to significant funding (in excess of £45 million over a long period). This funding will enable the council to work with both the private and public sectors to join up land and opportunities, particularly in areas where it might not be obvious to other stakeholders. The housing zone aims to maximize development opportunities in Hayes, driven by the Crossrail development and private developers. The additional funding will also provide financial leverage to ensure a better mix of homes, including more affordable housing, and overcome normal financial viability challenges faced by developers. The Cabinet agreed that the recommendations would lead to the delivery of additional housing units across all tenures, including new social housing stock. The recommendations were agreed.