The CABINET of Hillingdon Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 17 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the council's strategic priorities for 2026-2030, a consultation response regarding the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, and an update on the 2026/27 Better Care Fund Section 75 Agreement. Additionally, the Cabinet will consider the monthly budget monitoring report for Month 4, alongside various capital programme updates and proposals.

Cabinet Priorities 2026-2030

The Cabinet is set to consider a report outlining the council's strategic priorities for the period 2026-2030, under the overarching ambition to make Hillingdon an even better place to live, work and invest. ¹ These priorities are structured around six key themes: being easy to deal with, excelling at the basics, putting residents first, delivering Hillingdon homes for Hillingdon people, supporting future generations, and being open for business. The report details how these priorities will guide the emerging Council Plan, shape future policies and services, and foster a resident-focused culture. The report will inform the council's activities over the next four years, aligning with the Medium Term Financial Strategy and annual budget processes to ensure sustainable delivery.

Consultation Response to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement

A significant item on the agenda is the council's response to the Government's consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS).² The council maintains its firm opposition to Heathrow expansion, arguing that the evidence presented does not demonstrate a compelling case for a third runway. The report highlights concerns regarding the uncertain economic and connectivity benefits, alongside significant potential impacts on communities, public health, the environment, and infrastructure. While opposing expansion, the response also identifies substantial changes that would be required should expansion proceed, including stronger policy tests, clear pass and fail criteria, improved governance, and greater protection for affected communities. A new Community Impact Test is proposed to ensure community impacts are given equal weight to economic, climate, air quality, and noise considerations. The council's response also raises concerns across a broad range of issues, including air quality, noise, climate change, public health, transport, heritage, biodiversity, flood risk, community compensation, and the impact on local authority services. The agenda item is to consider the council's consultation response and to authorise officers to continue engaging with the Department for Transport to seek changes to the draft HENPS.

2026/27 Better Care Fund Section 75 Agreement

The Cabinet will consider a Section 75 agreement with the West and North London Integrated Care Board (ICB) for the 2026/27 Better Care Fund (BCF).³ This agreement is a national requirement to facilitate closer working between health and social care, enabling coordinated services and resources to achieve better outcomes for Hillingdon residents. The council's contribution of £46,674,122 represents existing services and funding aligned with BCF priorities, while the NHS contribution is £29,668,105, bringing the total agreement value to £76,342,227. This pooled budget arrangement is crucial for releasing the NHS's minimum BCF contribution of £27,927,934 to the Hillingdon health and care system, with £9,564,653 specifically allocated to Adult Social Care. The BCF plan focuses on preventing escalating needs, supporting independent living, reducing hospital admissions, and facilitating safe hospital discharges, primarily benefiting older people, those with long-term conditions, and unpaid carers. The recommendation is to consider the agreement for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health to make necessary amendments in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults, Children, Health & Care.

Monthly Budget Monitoring Report: Month 4

The Cabinet will receive an update on the council's financial position for the 2026/27 financial year, as of Month 4 (July).⁴ The General Fund Revenue monitoring shows a forecast gross underspend of £4.069 million, with identified risks and opportunities that could reduce this to £1.288 million. The report details the progress in delivering agreed savings, with 77.2% of the £27.090 million target either delivered or on track. The Housing Revenue Account Revenue is forecasting a net nil variance, with an operational cost overspend offset by savings in capital financing.

In terms of the capital programme, the General Fund is requesting consideration for changes including the release of £131,000 from the capital contingency for Ruislip Scout Group building works, acceptance of an £88,000 grant for family hub improvements, and the acceptance of £10.710 million in Department for Education funding for special school provision. The report notes a forecast underspend of £31.745 million in the General Fund capital programme and £3.835 million in the Housing Revenue Account capital programme. The agenda includes noting the revenue forecast positions, considering budget virements and grant acceptances, and noting the capital forecast underspends.