The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 13 December 2018, to discuss the council's budget monitoring, financial forecast, and support for voluntary organisations. Key decisions included an increase in the maximum penalty for fly-tipping and a proposed council tax increase for most residents, alongside a freeze for those over 65.

Council Budget Monitoring Report

The Cabinet reviewed the Council Budget Monitoring Report for month seven (October). Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, reported a slight adverse movement of £18,000, but noted that the council still had an underspend of £241,000 against the General Fund Revenue Budget, describing it as a good news story. Six recommendations were presented and agreed. These included noting the budget position as at October 2018, with a predicted balance of £39,612,000 by March 2019. The report also confirmed no breaches of prudential indicators or non-compliance with the Treasury management policy. Authority was delegated to the Leader and Chief Executive to approve consultancy and agency assignments up to £50,000 until the next Cabinet meeting.

A significant decision was to agree a fixed penalty notice for small-scale fly-tipping, increasing the maximum penalty from £150 to £400, a move welcomed by Councillor David Simmonds CBE as a really positive decision that could point the way for other enforcement activities. The Cabinet also agreed to accept £100,000 in grant funding from the Environment Agency for flood protection, specifically to undertake a catchment plan within the River Colne to reduce flood risk. Authority was delegated to appoint flood risk consultants. Finally, the Cabinet approved the acceptance of gift funding of up to £22,000 for a planning performance agreement at Unit 2 Skyline Business Park, Great South West Road.

Councillor Simmonds raised concerns about the schools' budget, highlighting demographic challenges for children with special educational needs and the government's extension of support to age 25 without a significant funding increase. He stressed the need for schools to be robust in managing their budgets, similar to the council's approach to cost pressures.

Council's Budget and Medium-Term Financial Forecast 2019-20 to 2022-23

The Cabinet discussed the Council's Budget and Medium-Term Financial Forecast. Councillor Jonathan Bianco presented a draft, noting that the local government settlement announcement could make the council up to £648,000 better off. For the thirteenth consecutive year, a zero increase for residents over 65 was proposed. However, for the first time in ten years, a small increase in council tax for other residents was proposed at 2.4%, equating to 51p per week for Band D properties. This increase was deemed necessary to maintain services. The report also indicated a 1% drop in council house rents, which would more than compensate for the council tax increase for most tenants.

The capital programme for the next year includes a budget of £665 million. The report detailed savings requirements, with the proposed council tax increase contributing £2.684 million towards these. The council planned to draw down £7.7 million from its balances, leaving approximately £31,836,000, which is within the recommended maximum balances. Earmarked reserves were projected to reach £21 million by the end of the year.

Priority growth items included £250,000 for unallocated growth, £34,000 for an additional Freedom of Information and Subject Access Request officer, £188,000 for an enhanced CCTV community safety offer (including 24-hour monitoring), a £250,000 increase for RISIP LIDO budgets, £100,000 for voluntary sector grants, and £60,000 for a new domestic violence post.

The policy on fees and charges was to benchmark against neighbouring authorities and charge 90% of what they charge. This policy, coupled with previous freezes, meant some fees would see a significant rise to align. An exception was made for the Cedars and Granges car parks in Uxbridge Town Centre, where charges would not be aligned to neighbouring boroughs.

Additions to the capital programme included £1.164 million for the Rural Activities Garden Centre to enhance facilities, £2.8 million for street lighting replacement, and a further £1 million for expanding the CCTV network. Pay and display car park machines would be upgraded to cashless payment. £8 million was allocated for annual highway structural works. A £2 million investment was earmarked for the refurbishment of the West Drayton Community Centre. The council's offer to purchase the UZ Police Station for £5 million had been declined by MOPAC. The £250,000 per year set aside for its running costs would now be added to the earmarked reserves for the Heathrow Legal Challenge, bringing the total to £500,000.

Councillor Douglas Mills commented that the council's decisions to enhance town centres and manage housing developments had benefited the authority through increased business rates and an expanded tax base, particularly as revenue support grants have diminished. The five recommendations were agreed.

Assistance of England's Local Voluntary Organisations

Councillor Douglas Mills moved the recommendations concerning support for local voluntary organisations. He highlighted the crucial role of these organisations in providing services that alleviate pressure on the local authority and contribute to community well-being. The recommendations aimed to provide assurance of continuity and support to these organisations. Specific mention was made of continued support for dining centres, aligning with the older persons strategy, and the continuation of transport grants. A grant previously outside the core grant was being transferred to the community safety budget to enhance support for victims of domestic violence, ensuring it was discussed at a strategic level within Safer Hillingdon. All recommendations were agreed.

Planning Obligations 106 Financial Monitoring Report

Councillor Keith Burrows, Chair of the Registration & Appeals Committee, presented the usual report on planning obligations under Section 106 and Section 278 agreements. The council currently held £14.4 million relating to these agreements. Of this, £4.7 million was spent or allocated, £3.8 million was held but currently unspendable, and £5.8 million was spendable but not yet allocated. Councillor Burrows reiterated the regular meetings held to push officers to spend these funds as quickly as possible on projects benefiting residents. In the second quarter, £327,000 in additional income was received, with £132,000 spent. Cabinet colleagues were encouraged to review their portfolios and challenge any perceived delays. The recommendation to note the report was agreed.