The Cabinet of Hounslow Council met on Tuesday 02 September 2025, discussing a range of important issues including a significant £10.5 million overspend forecast on the General Fund revenue budget, the approval of a new six-bed complex needs residential children's home, and the designation of a borough-wide additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The meeting also covered updates on the Council's performance, financial monitoring, and the development of an All-Age Autism Strategic Plan.

Health Integration Update

Cabinet endorsed the outline of the 'Model of Care' and a draft 'Service Specification' for integrated health and social care support, to be tested at two sites for 12 months starting mid-September 2025. Two initial 'Hounslow Care Together' teams will be created as part of this pilot, providing support to older adults living with frailty and those with complex needs registered at the Heart of Hounslow and Maswell Park health centres. The Council noted its ambition to scale this team-based approach across the borough, subject to evaluation of the pilot. A further update on the pilot's progress is expected in Spring 2026.

Quarterly Performance Reporting (Q1 2025-26)

Cabinet noted the corporate performance measures for 2025/26 and the Quarter 1 (April to June 2025) performance data. The report detailed changes to the suite of measures, including new indicators reflecting shifts in the operating environment and organisational focus.

West London Residential Project Strategic Business Case

Cabinet approved the design, development, and operation of a new six-bed complex needs residential children's home at a site detailed in a confidential appendix. This decision includes the appropriation of the site from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to the General Fund, subject to Secretary of State consent. A project budget of £3.169m was approved and will be reserved in the unallocated General Fund capital programme. The Council will also apply for a £1.53m Department for Education (DfE) grant to part-finance the capital costs. Authority was delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Growth to procure design consultants and award contracts. An Outline Business Case for the build phase is expected in Q1 2026/2027.

All Age Autism Strategic Plan 2025-2030

Cabinet agreed to the proposal for developing the All-Age Autism Plan 2025-2030. This plan, co-produced with autistic individuals and their carers, will outline Hounslow's offer to autistic people and their families, addressing diverse needs and aligning with national strategies. The plan will include clear milestones, overseen by an Autism Board, and will involve collaboration with health, education, and the voluntary sector.

Financial Monitoring Update (Q1 2025-26)

Cabinet noted the forecast General Fund revenue budget position, which indicates a £10.5m overspend, with identified risks and opportunities that could influence this figure. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget is forecast to have an overall net nil variance, with a projected contribution to HRA balances of £1.75m. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position is forecast to have a nil variance against a budgeted deficit of £4.2m. Progress on delivering savings included in the 2025/26 budget was also noted. Cabinet also noted the forward-looking prudential indicators and the capital programme budget following re-phasing. A capital budget of £0.926m was approved for the council-resourced Electric Vehicle Programme, funded from the Unallocated General Fund capital programme budget. Amendments to scheme budgets within the HRA Council House Building capital programme were also approved.

Treasury Management Annual Report 2024-25

Cabinet noted the content of the Treasury Management Annual Report 2024/25 and referred it to the Borough Council. The report detailed the Council's borrowing and investment activities, confirming compliance with treasury and prudential indicators. Key points included an increase in external debt to £608.6m, primarily to support the capital programme, and a slight increase in the investment portfolio to £62.4m. The report also highlighted a compliance issue regarding late interest payments from Lampton Investment 360 Ltd, which was addressed through remedial actions.

Delivery Plan Monitoring (Q1 - 2025-26)

Cabinet noted the progress made across the People, Place, Capital, and Digital Portfolios. The People Portfolio has five green and two amber programmes, with eight closed. Key achievements include the launch of a new fostering allowance package and the appointment of a Group Manager for the New Residential Children's Home project. The Place Portfolio saw the completion of developments at Chiswick Health Centre and Avenue Park Playground Improvements. The Capital Portfolio also reported completion of several projects, including Parks Signage Refurbishment and HRA Rooftop Programme. The Digital Portfolio has 20 green, 7 amber, and 2 red projects, with work ongoing to address challenges in Business Intelligence and Automated Accounts Payable.

Additional HMO Licensing Proposals

Cabinet considered the responses to the consultation on the Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Using its powers under Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004, Cabinet designated the entire London Borough of Hounslow as an Additional Licensing Area for five years. This designation includes all HMOs defined by Section 254 (shared facilities) and certain HMOs defined by Section 257 (converted self-contained units under single control). Cabinet agreed to the proposed Additional Licensing conditions and the HMO licensing fee structure.

Procurement of Council Wide Insurance Policies

Cabinet approved the proposed procurement exercise to secure council-wide insurance policies, including claims handling, for a four-year contract with a two-year extension option. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Finance and Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resources and External Affairs, to award the contracts and enter into the associated legal documentation.

Hounslow Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID)

Cabinet endorsed the Hounslow's Heart Business Improvement District (BID) Proposal. Cabinet requested the Chief Executive to arrange a ballot for the BID Proposal. Authority was delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Growth to vote in the BID Ballot on behalf of the Council, in consultation with the Lead Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development. Subject to a successful ballot outcome, authority was also delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Growth to finalise and enter into necessary arrangements and legal documentation with the BID company.

Financial Monitoring Update (Q1 2025-26) - Appendix E

Cabinet approved amendments to scheme budgets within the HRA Council House Building capital programme, as detailed in confidential Appendix E.

Exclusion of Press and Public

Members resolved that the press and public be asked to leave the meeting during the discussion of remaining items of business due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.