Hillingdon Council's Cabinet met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to set the council's priorities for the next four years and to respond to the government's draft National Policy Statement on Heathrow Expansion. The Cabinet also approved an agreement for the 2026/27 Better Care Fund and reviewed the council's budget monitoring for month four.

Cabinet Priorities 2026-2030

The Cabinet approved the council's priorities for 2026-2030, aiming to make Hillingdon an even better place to live, work and invest. These priorities are: being easy to deal with, brilliant at the basics, putting residents first, delivering Hillingdon homes for Hillingdon people, supporting future generations, and being open for business. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Leader of Hillingdon Council, stated that these priorities would guide the council's future policies and services, fostering a resident-focused culture. Councillor Richard Mills, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Digital & Transformation, emphasised that these priorities are about getting the basics right and turning ambition into action. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Finance, supported the document, noting the importance of financial resilience alongside growth. Dan Kennedy, representing the Corporate Management Team, assured that these priorities would be translated into clear outcomes and actions for all staff.

Consultation Response to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement

The Cabinet formally approved Hillingdon Council's response to the government's draft National Policy Statement on Heathrow Expansion. Councillor Steve Tuckwell reiterated the council's firm opposition to a third runway, arguing that the case for expansion had not been proven and that the potential impacts on communities, health, and the environment were significant. The council's response calls for stronger safeguards, clearer decision-making tests, and a new Community Impact Test to ensure local communities are not disproportionately burdened by expansion. Councillor Tuckwell stated, We do not believe that a third runway should proceed. But, if government decides otherwise, it cannot be expansion at any cost. And it cannot be our residents who are expected to pick up that cost. The council also authorised officers to continue engaging with the Department for Transport to advocate for these changes.

2026/27 Better Care Fund Section 75 Agreement

The Cabinet approved the council's entry into a Section 75 agreement with the West and North London Integrated Care Board (ICB) for the 2026/27 Better Care Fund (BCF). Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care, explained that this agreement pools £76.3 million of NHS and local authority funding to improve health and social care services for residents. The BCF aims to help residents remain independent for longer, reduce hospital admissions, and support safe hospital discharge, benefiting older residents, those with long-term conditions, and unpaid carers. Sandra Taylor, Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health, highlighted the importance of this agreement for joint working with the NHS and for legally securing the pooled budget.

Monthly Budget Monitoring Report: Month 4

Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the monthly budget monitoring report for month four, indicating a forecast underspend of £4.069 million for the General Fund Revenue. This represents an improvement from previous months, with significant progress made in delivering agreed savings. However, Councillor Lavery cautioned that potential risks, particularly concerning homelessness support and inflation, could reduce this underspend. The Housing Revenue Account Revenue position was forecast to break even. The report also detailed proposed changes to the General Fund Capital budget, including the acceptance of grants for family hubs and a special free school provision, and the release of contingency funds for works at the Ruislip Scout Group hut. The Housing Revenue Account Capital programme was forecasting an underspend. Councillor Lavery thanked the finance team for their work in ensuring budget stability.