The Council meeting on 24 September 2026 addressed a range of issues, including the closure of a waste recycling centre, changes to council tax reduction, and concerns over rent increases for local businesses. Key decisions included the rejection of a motion to pause the closure of the Tavistock Road Civic Amenity Site and motions to update the Council's Code of Conduct and implement a fairer approach to commercial rent reviews.

Closure of West Drayton Waste Weekend Service

Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, responded to several questions regarding the permanent closure of the West Drayton Waste Weekend service. He stated that this was a change in service delivery, not a removal of waste disposal options. Residents would still have access to curbside collections, bulky waste collections, the Harefield Civic Community Site, an expanded programme of pop-up waste drop-and-go events, and the Spaceway Household Recycling Centre, which is open seven days a week. Councillor Bridges acknowledged that while the new arrangements might be less convenient for some, they were designed to be more accessible overall and would save taxpayers over £300,000 annually. He clarified that the decision related to waste and recycling services, not the operation of the Powerday reuse shop, and that Powerday could continue its charitable activities independently.

A motion, moved by Councillor Jan Sweeting and seconded by Councillor Kamal Preet Kaur, calling for a pause on the closure of the Tavistock Road Civic Amenity Site and a review of its impact, was debated. Supporters of the motion highlighted the significant opposition from residents, evidenced by petitions and surveys, and raised concerns about increased fly-tipping, the impact on vulnerable residents, and the strain on the Harefield site. They argued that the closure was a cost-cutting measure that would ultimately lead to greater expense and inconvenience. Opponents, including Councillor Bridges, argued that the motion represented a change of heart from the opposition and that the new arrangements offered a better service with increased accessibility and cost savings. They contended that preserving the weekend-only arrangement would cost taxpayers over £300,000 and that the motion lacked consistency and conviction. The motion was lost by 30 votes to 19.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme Changes

Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Finance, addressed concerns raised by Joanna Smith regarding changes to the Council Tax Reduction scheme implemented in April 2026. These changes, which now apply non-dependent deductions to all working-age claimants, including those receiving disability benefits, were acknowledged in the Council's Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment as having a negative impact on vulnerable residents. Councillor Lavery stated that while the Council had the power to reduce support, there were no plans to change the scheme in the forthcoming year. He explained that a review would be conducted in 2028/29, after the Council began receiving its full share of the fair funding grant allocation, and that any changes would be subject to full consultation. The Council would continue to offer additional support through hardship relief on a case-by-case basis.

Support for Local Businesses and Rent Reviews

Councillor Nick Denys, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property, responded to several questions concerning the support for local businesses facing increased costs and unaffordable rent increases. He outlined the Council's policy approach as a commercial landlord, emphasizing the need to manage its property portfolio to secure commercial value for residents and taxpayers. Councillor Denys stated there were no plans to redevelop or sell off Sutton Court Road or Mulberry Parade for non-retail uses. He challenged the notion that moving to market-rate rents would worsen shopping parades, suggesting that low rents had allowed some businesses to operate with reduced hours or as fronts for other activities. Rent reviews were described as individual negotiations, and shop owners were advised to seek professional advice. The Council would consider stepped increases in rent and negotiate start dates for new market rents to provide a reasonable time for shop owners to adjust.

A motion, moved by Councillor Stuart Mathers and seconded by Councillor Kamal Preet Kaur, calling for a pause on backdated rent increases, a review of rent review delays, the development of a Commercial Tenant Charter, and a new Commercial Estates and Local Parades Policy, was debated. Supporters argued that the Council's failure to conduct timely rent reviews had led to significant backdated rent increases, threatening local businesses and communities. They called for fairness, transparency, and a more supportive approach from the Council as a landlord. Opponents, including Councillor Denys, argued that a pause would create uncertainty and chaos, and that the Council had a statutory duty to negotiate based on market rent. They highlighted the Council's investment in shopping parades and the availability of arbitration for rent disputes. The motion was lost by 19 votes to 30.

Code of Conduct Review

Councillor Sital Punja moved a motion calling for an update to the Council's Code of Conduct, citing a lack of explicit provisions for racist or sexist conduct, social media use, and bullying. She highlighted that the current code, adopted in 2012, was outdated and that a review by Lawyers in Local Government found it to be low on behavioural expectations. Councillor Punja proposed a report to the Standards Committee within two months to explore options for an updated code, potentially adopting the LGA Model Code. Councillor Adam Bennett spoke against the motion, arguing that it was unnecessary as the Council's code had been reviewed and found fit for purpose, and that a mandatory national code was forthcoming. He also expressed concern about the proposed two-month deadline for complaint resolution, suggesting it could compromise fairness and due process. The motion was lost by 19 votes to 30.

Other Matters

• Harefield Recycling Centre: Councillor Wayne Bridges addressed concerns about broken barriers at the Harefield Recycling Centre, stating that technological issues had caused congestion and that alternative measures, including card checks, were in place. He indicated that revenue loss was minimal and that magazines and paper could still be recycled, though residents were encouraged to use curbside services.
• Brookside Community Centre: Councillor Nick Denys stated he would provide a written response regarding the continued closure and condition of Brookside Community Centre.
• Housing Allocation Policy: Councillor Nick Denys confirmed that while the Council carefully considered medical and welfare needs, a chronic shortage of social housing meant that larger properties were only allocated in exceptional circumstances, supported by professional evidence.
• Audit, Finance and Performance Committee: Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Leader of the Council, stated that the new committee's structure would be kept under review but there were no plans to change it at present. Councillor Tony Eginton raised concerns about the Audit Committee's report being hidden and questioned compliance with regulations regarding annual governance statements and external auditor recommendations.
• Hillingdon Hospital Redevelopment: Councillor Nick Denys expressed frustration that the Hillingdon Hospital redevelopment appeared to require new planning permission due to government delays and changes in design. He criticised the Labour government for not understanding local needs.
• Nolan Principles: Councillor Tuckwell confirmed that the Council's Code of Conduct referenced the seven Nolan Principles and that established arrangements were in place to deal with any breaches. He would provide Councillor Tony Eginton with a written response regarding the Improvement Board's membership.
• Age-Friendly Festival: Councillor Susan O'Brien provided details about the upcoming Age-Friendly Festival, highlighting its aim to support older residents by connecting them with local services and opportunities.
• Green Belt Protection: Councillor Tuckwell reiterated the Council's opposition to building on Hillingdon's Green Belt, stating that the Borough should not bear a disproportionate share of London's housing needs. He emphasised a brownfield first approach and the importance of protecting the character of the Borough.
• Best Value Notice: Councillor Tuckwell acknowledged areas needing improvement identified through external scrutiny, including a Best Value Notice, and outlined the actions being taken, such as the establishment of an Improvement Board and strengthening financial management and governance.
• Children's Improvement Team Provider: Councillor Susan O'Brien announced Hillingdon's selection as a Children's Improvement Team provider, a national achievement endorsing the quality of its children's services.
• Parking Policies: Councillor Wayne Bridges explained that parking policies aimed to balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, and that the Council was modernising parking management with increased use of technology.
• Home Improvements and Repairs: Councillor Nick Denys reported on significant investment in resident homes, including over 12,000 responsive repairs and the refurbishment of 279 vacant properties between April and August 2026.
• Budget Reports: Councillor Eddie Lavery stated that six out of the last twelve Cabinet budget monitoring reports were published within the statutory five-day notice period, with the remaining six published as supplementary agenda papers.
• Fly-tipping: Councillor Adam Bennett detailed the Council's three-step approach to tackling fly-tipping: prevention, rapid removal, and robust enforcement, including vehicle crushing and the use of the Love Clean Streets app.
• Heathrow Expansion: A motion reaffirming the Council's opposition to Heathrow expansion and calling for sustained government funding and engagement from the Mayor of London was passed. Labour members abstained from the vote, stating that while they opposed expansion, the motion was partisan and lacked credibility.
• Roadworks in Hayes Town Centre: A motion calling for a review of processes for managing roadworks to prevent future disruptions in town centres was debated and lost.

The meeting was confirmed as held, and decisions were made on the matters discussed.