Here's a summary of the Hillingdon Council Cabinet meeting held on 23 October 2025:

The Hillingdon Council Cabinet convened to discuss key issues ranging from housing and community safety to climate action and budget management, with a focus on improving services for residents. Approvals were given to consult on additional licensing for houses of multiple occupation, to submit a transport funding bid, and to extend contracts for vital services. The Cabinet also addressed financial challenges and outlined strategies for a sustainable future.

• Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing The Cabinet approved the launch of a public consultation on a draft additional licensing policy for HMOs across the borough. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, explained that the aim was to address concerns about poor housing conditions and anti-social behaviour associated with unlicensed HMOs. The consultation, running from 31 October 2025 to 11 January 2026, will gather feedback on the proposed policy, licensing conditions, and fees. The council aims to implement the policy in Spring 2026.
• Child and Adult Safeguarding The Cabinet received and noted the annual reports for both child and adult safeguarding arrangements. Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, presented the Child Safeguarding report, highlighting the partnership's commitment to protecting vulnerable children and families. Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, presented the Adult Safeguarding report, outlining strategic priorities for the coming year, including safeguarding adults with complex needs and improving engagement with carers. The Leader of the Council praised the work of both partnerships and the comments of Independent Scrutineer Alan Caton OBE.
• Community Safety Strategy The Cabinet agreed to launch a public consultation on the draft Community Safety Strategy 2025-2029. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, explained that the strategy, developed through the Safer Hillingdon Partnership, sets out priorities for reducing crime and disorder, including safer neighbourhoods, tackling violence against women and girls, addressing serious violence, and safeguarding communities.
• Transport for London (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP) The Cabinet approved a proposed funding bid to TfL for the implementation of the Council's LIP for 2026/27. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, sought delegated authority to finalise the submission. The bid includes schemes for safer walking and cycling routes, junction improvements, bus priority measures, and the Borough Safer Streets programme.
• Strategic Climate Action Plan Review The Cabinet noted the progress made in the Strategic Climate Action Plan, with Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, highlighting a 34% reduction in carbon emissions at the Civic Centre and ongoing tree planting initiatives. The council's tree canopy cover was recognised as the second largest in London.
• Better Care Fund (BCF) Section 75 Agreement The Cabinet approved Hillingdon entering into an agreement with Northwest London Integrated Care Board (ICB) for the delivery of the Better Care Fund plan from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, with Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, seeking delegated authority to amend the agreement if needed. The BCF aims to integrate health and social care services and support people to live independently.
• Monthly Council Budget Monitoring Report Councillor Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance & Transformation, presented the Month 5 Budget Monitoring Report, outlining a projected overspend of £30.2 million. The Cabinet approved a series of financial recommendations, including forward phasing of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme contingency, transfer of capital budget from the General Fund to the HRA, and endorsement of enhanced revenue spend controls.
• Minor Property Transaction The Cabinet approved the grant of a 99-year lease at a peppercorn rent to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks for an electricity substation at Otterfield Road in Yiewsley, which is essential for the completion of the Otterfield Road Housing Development.
• Temporary Accommodation Action Plan Monitoring The Cabinet noted the quarterly update report on the Temporary Accommodation Action Plan.
• Confidential Reports The Cabinet gave a public preview of matters to be discussed in private, relating to contract awards, property transactions and sensitive commercial information.

Decisions Made on Contracts and Services

• Windows Renewals Contract The Cabinet approved tenders from EVANDER GLAZING & LOCKS LIMITED and SOVEREIGN GROUP LIMITED for a framework agreement to replace windows in council housing stock.
• Veterinary Services at the Imported Food Office The Cabinet approved the tender from Senlac Associates to provide veterinary services at the Imported Food Office at Heathrow Airport.
• Drainage and Water Main Repairs Service Contract The Cabinet approved a two-year extension of the existing contract with CCR Property Services Ltd for reactive drainage and water main repairs.
• Supported Living and Care & Wellbeing Services The Cabinet approved the extension of existing contracts with Ability Housing Association, CCS Homecare Services, and Support for Living for care and wellbeing services for vulnerable adults.
• Recruitment Agency Services Review The Cabinet approved the direct award of a contract to Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Limited for temporary recruitment services.
• Social Care Catering Services The Cabinet approved the tender from Caterplus Services Limited for catering services at Grassy Meadow Court and Park View Court extra care schemes.
• Increasing Local Care Provision & Disposal of Land at the Civic Centre The Cabinet supported a project to increase local care provision and approved the disposal of land at the Civic Centre Car Park, Cricket Field Road, Uxbridge, subject to planning consent, traffic management order rescinding, and changes to private parking lease arrangements. The intention is for The Hillingdon Care Company (THCC) to lease back the development once completed.