The Cabinet meeting on 15 January 2026 saw the endorsement of a revised Local Development Scheme, which will be recommended to Full Council for adoption. A decision was also made to lower the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School to include two-year-olds, and the Cabinet noted the third quarterly update on the Temporary Accommodation Action Plan.

Local Development Scheme

The Cabinet endorsed and recommended for adoption by Full Council a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS). This statutory document outlines the timetable for preparing the borough's Local Plan, which will guide development in Hillingdon for the next 15 years. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, explained that the existing timetable, adopted in February 2025, was no longer deliverable due to significant external changes. These include a more than doubling of Hillingdon's housing target under the revised national standard method, the introduction of a new plan-making system under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, and the potential expansion of Heathrow Airport, which could have profound implications for the borough.

Councillor Tuckwell stated that proceeding with the current timetable risked producing an unsound and vulnerable Local Plan. The revised LDS offers a more realistic and robust pathway, aligning the Local Plan with these external policy changes and allowing for proper consideration of housing needs, the Green Belt, and the Heathrow expansion. The costs associated with this revised plan will be met from existing budgets and government funding. The Cabinet agreed to recommend the revised LDS to Full Council for adoption, with a note that if new planning regulations are introduced before Full Council's decision, the LDS would be adopted as a Local Plan timetable under the new system.

Proposal to Lower the Age Range of Whiteheath Infant & Nursery School, Ruislip

The Cabinet agreed to change the age range of Whiteheath Infant and Nursery School from 3-7 years to 2-7 years. This decision, brought forward by Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, aims to address the growing demand for funded early years education and childcare places, particularly for two-year-olds who are now entitled to up to 15 hours of funded provision. The school's governing body formally agreed to this proposal.

The Children, Families and Education Select Committee noted that this change would increase childcare options in Ruislip and surrounding areas, helping to address a local shortfall. While acknowledging potential concerns from existing childcare providers about increased competition, the Committee highlighted that the school would offer a term-time-only provision, differentiating it from many other childcare settings. The Cabinet considered the outcome of the public consultation, which showed a majority of respondents supported the proposal, with particularly strong backing from parents at the school. Concerns raised by some respondents regarding the suitability of a school environment for two-year-olds and the potential impact on existing private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) childcare providers were addressed. The Council stated that the provision would be delivered in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with dedicated practitioners and adapted environments. The proposal is expected to complement, rather than replace, existing early years provision.

Temporary Accommodation Action Plan Monitoring

The Cabinet noted the third quarterly update on the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth, reported continued progress in increasing the supply of housing to prevent and resolve homelessness, including the delivery of new social rented homes and property acquisitions. Phase one of price negotiations with temporary accommodation providers had been completed, leading to cost reductions, with phase two now underway.

Despite these successes, demand from homeless households remains high, exacerbated by Hillingdon's role as a Port Authority for Heathrow Airport and challenges in securing suitable, affordable private rented accommodation. This has led to some families staying in temporary accommodation for longer, placing pressure on the homelessness budget. Officers are actively exploring innovative approaches to increase the supply of leased and private rented sector homes. The strategic aim remains to ensure residents live in good quality, affordable homes and to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Edwards, emphasised the importance of closely monitoring temporary accommodation pressures, noting that these housing-related costs are impacting local authorities nationwide.