The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 9 January 2025, approving new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour around Heathrow Airport and updating policies on social care charging and risk management. Decisions were also made regarding smoking cessation services, the review of existing Public Spaces Protection Orders, and the council's financial strategy.

Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order – Heathrow Area Private Hire Vehicles / Taxi Controls

The Cabinet approved the implementation of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at restricting private hire vehicles (PHVs) and taxis from waiting in residential streets around Heathrow Airport. This decision follows a public consultation where a strong majority of respondents supported the proposed controls. The new order, which will come into effect on 1 February 2025, seeks to address issues such as nuisance, littering, and parking problems caused by PHV and taxi drivers waiting for fares. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, stated that the primary goal is to tackle anti-social behaviour, not to generate fine income. Enforcement will be carried out using camera technology, targeting vehicle owners. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Edwards, highlighted the extent of the problem, noting instances of obstruction, littering, and drivers using private gardens as toilets, and expressed his support for the new measures. Alternative options considered and rejected included doing nothing or introducing further legal restrictions on all vehicles, which were deemed less effective or too impactful on residents.

Review of Public Spaces Protection Order 2023

The Cabinet agreed to review the current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2023 and approved a draft for public consultation. The review proposes amending or removing certain prohibitions within town centres, specifically concerning amplification, the placement of tables and signage, and street trading and leaflet distribution. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, explained that some existing prohibitions had faced legal challenges, making their defence difficult. The council will consult on these proposed changes and will consider an updated final version of the PSPO in April 2025. It was clarified that prohibitions on amplified equipment in green spaces would remain in place.

Review of Charging for Social Care and Support Policy

The Cabinet approved the updated Adult Social Care Charging for Social Care and Support Policy for consultation, with the aim of introducing it from April 2025. The revised policy outlines how the council will charge eligible adults receiving care and support services. A key change includes the introduction of a care arrangement fee for residents who fund their own care, comprising an annual setup fee and a yearly administrative cost. This is expected to generate approximately £65,000 in new income annually. Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, emphasised the importance of a robust charging policy for the council's financial sustainability and noted that the council's adult social care services had recently received a 'good' rating from the Care Quality Commission. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care to consider the consultation outcomes and determine the final policy and fees for 2025/26.

Risk Management Policy

The Cabinet approved an updated Risk Management Policy for implementation. Councillor Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, highlighted the council's statutory responsibility to maintain a comprehensive framework of internal controls, including effective risk management. The updated policy reflects the implementation of a new risk management software system and includes updated procedures for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating potential risks. A key change is the clearer attribution of responsibilities to officers for managing specific risks. The policy aims to ensure that risk management is embedded within the organisation's culture, supporting the delivery of services and achievement of objectives.

Smoking Cessation and Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services

The Cabinet noted government grants for new Local Stop Smoking Services and the continuation of Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services. They agreed to vary the existing contract with the Central and North West London NHS Trust to incorporate these services. Funding for the Local Stop Smoking Service is dependent on government grants, with no substitution from the Public Health Grant or the Council General Fund. The Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services will continue at a cost of £587,682, utilising the final year of the government grant.

Public Preview of Confidential Reports

The Cabinet noted the reports to be considered in the private part of the meeting, aiming to increase transparency by providing a public summary of these matters. This allows Cabinet Members to comment on significant issues for public information purposes without prejudicing the later private consideration.

Any Other Items the Chairman Agrees Are Relevant or Urgent

No further items were considered by the Cabinet.