The Council meeting on 26 September 2024 saw councillors discuss a range of important issues, including the council's priorities for working with the government, the management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and fire safety in residential buildings. Key decisions were made regarding the appointment of statutory officers, changes to members' allowances, and the adoption of a revised Local Development Scheme.

Council's Priorities for Government Engagement

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a motion outlining the Council's seven key aims for engagement with the central government. These aims include securing full government funding for the support provided to asylum seekers, ensuring adequate grant funding for adult and children's care, and maintaining the ring-fencing of the dedicated support grant. The Council also resolved to seek the ability to veto regional transport initiatives that could limit motorists' freedom or impose charges, oppose the reclassification of green belt land, and retain localism powers to override detrimental planning policies. Furthermore, the Council aims to amend national aviation policy to remove the threat of a third runway at Heathrow Airport and retain the cap on council tax increases, requiring a resident referendum for any exceedance.

During the debate, supporters of the motion highlighted the potential for increased local authority power under the new Prime Minister and expressed hope for collaboration with the new MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Concerns were raised about the potential for underfunding in areas like the Dedicated Schools Grant and the need for lobbying to address these issues. The state of Hillingdon Hospital was also mentioned, with hopes for its redevelopment.

Opponents of the motion argued that the current administration had prioritised working with the Conservative government for 14 years without achieving these aims and that the Labour Group had previously proposed similar lobbying efforts that were rejected. They also noted that the current Prime Minister had only recently taken office. Regarding Heathrow Airport, it was pointed out that more negotiation was needed, as residents in the Heathrow Villages were facing difficulties selling their properties.

The motion was ultimately passed.

Addressing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

The Council resolved to address the problems caused by unlicensed HMOs, including anti-social behaviour and poor housing conditions. A motion was put forward to extend licensing obligations to all properties with three bedrooms housing multiple unrelated occupants.

An amendment was proposed and accepted, which will see a report sent to the Cabinet to consider the sufficiency of evidence required under the Housing Act 2004 to extend licensing obligations. This will be followed by consultation on the implementation of additional licensing where justified.

During the discussion, it was noted that a significant proportion of HMOs were being improperly managed and that a coordinated approach was necessary. The limitations of licensing, which focuses on the internal state of a property rather than its neighbourhood impact, were discussed. The existing Article 4 direction, which removes permitted development rights, was mentioned, along with the complexities of extending it. Concerns were raised about the difficulty in obtaining accurate information on HMO locations and the potential for hidden bedsits.

Fire Safety in Residential Buildings

A motion was passed acknowledging the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report and addressing fire safety concerns in residential buildings within the borough. The Council recognised that a number of buildings still require remediation for issues such as unsafe cladding and flammable materials.

An amendment was made to the original motion, which acknowledged the hard work carried out speedily since the tragedy to ensure that all Council owned buildings are 'fire safe' and also recognised that there are private sector residential buildings with fire safety issues. The amended motion instructs officers to provide the Corporate Resources and Infrastructure Select Committee with an up-to-date list of these buildings and to monitor their remediation progress until all residential buildings meet the required fire safety standards.

During the debate on the amendment, residents' concerns were highlighted, including issues related to homeless individuals in high-rise areas, smoking on balconies, sprinkler system confusion, and the limitations of fire brigade access. It was noted that the Council had taken significant steps to ensure the safety of its own tenants in high-rise blocks, classifying them as 'low risk'. The Council's role in enforcing private sector housing standards was also discussed, with reference to a recent prosecution of a management agent.

Appointment of Statutory Officers

The Council formally appointed Mr Richard Ennis to the statutory role of Section 151 Officer and Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis. The Constitution, Financial Regulations, and Officer Scheme of Delegations will be amended to empower Mr Ennis to undertake these functions. Additionally, Mr Lloyd White was appointed as the interim Monitoring Officer.

While the appointment of Mr Ennis was welcomed, a request was made for the appointment to be for a specific time period. It was noted that the Council is in a stable financial position but faces challenges common to many local authorities.

Other Decisions and Discussions

• Urgent Implementation of Decisions: The Council noted urgent decisions taken since the last meeting, including the acquisition of residential development sites in Uxbridge and Hayes, and the provision of internet security services.
• Electoral Count Arrangements: The Council resolved to request a review of electoral count arrangements to ensure transparency and efficiency. It was also decided that the local elections count in May 2026 would take place during the day on Friday, 8 May, rather than immediately after polling closed.
• Members' Allowances: The Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for the Independent Chair of the Audit Committee was increased to £8,000 per annum, and an SRA of £8,000 per annum was approved for the Chair of the Pensions Committee.
• Amendment to Cabinet Portfolios: The Council noted an amendment to Cabinet portfolios, transferring responsibility for Fleet and Passenger Services from the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport to the Cabinet Member for Finance.
• Members' Questions: Councillors raised questions regarding the accessibility of the new Uxbridge Library lift, actions taken to safeguard residents from traffic light vandalism, potential mitigation measures for the cut to the winter fuel allowance, and an update on the Ofsted and Care Quality Commission Area SEND inspection.
• Motions: A motion was passed to improve coordination between Waste Services and Green Spaces to ensure litter is removed before grass cutting.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Colleen Sullivan (Mayor) and Councillor Philip Corthorne (Deputy Mayor).