The CABINET of Hillingdon Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 19 March 2026, with a public session commencing at 7:00 PM. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the council's strategy for addressing homelessness and rough sleeping, significant investment plans for the council's housing stock, and the allocation of grant funding for substance misuse and stop smoking services. Additionally, the Cabinet will review the latest budget monitoring report and receive a public preview of confidential matters to be discussed later in private.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

A key item for discussion is the proposed adoption of the Hillingdon Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy, developed following a six-week public consultation and a comprehensive review of homelessness in the borough, aims to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping through a multi-faceted approach. The strategy outlines five key priorities: resident-focused homelessness services, early and sustained prevention of homelessness, ensuring access to safe and suitable accommodation, targeted housing pathways for vulnerable groups, and the implementation of modern, data-led, cost-effective services. The report details the outcomes of the consultation, an equality impact assessment, and the review findings, which highlight increasing homelessness demand driven by affordability pressures, asylum dispersal, and a contracting private rental market. The strategy also addresses the significant financial pressures associated with temporary accommodation and the need for increased housing supply.

Housing Forward Investment Programme 2026/27

The Cabinet will consider the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Forward Investment Programme for 2026/27, which details significant planned investment in the council's housing stock. This programme aims to upgrade tenants' homes, improve energy efficiency, and enhance living conditions. Key areas of focus include roofing, window replacement, kitchen and bathroom renewals, and adaptations for residents with disabilities. The report also outlines plans for domestic and communal boiler replacements, electrical safety upgrades, and fire door replacements, all contributing to improved safety, compliance, and energy efficiency. The programme is supported by a substantial budget, with delegated authority sought for officers to manage its implementation efficiently. A review of the 2025/26 programme is also included for transparency.

Substance Misuse and Stop Smoking Services

The Cabinet will be informed about additional government grant funding received for public health services for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. This funding is specifically for substance misuse services and will be allocated through a contract variation with the existing provider, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL). The report seeks approval to spend this grant funding on the continued provision of these vital services, including drug and alcohol treatment and recovery, smoking cessation support, and services for young people. The funding is ring-fenced for public health initiatives and does not draw on the core council budget. The report also details plans for developing a more in-depth understanding of local needs and enhancing commissioning and partnership approaches.

Monthly Council Budget Monitoring Report: Month 10

This report provides an update on the council's General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue forecasts as at the end of January 2026. The General Fund is forecasting an overspend of £36.3 million, primarily due to pressures in homelessness, children's and adults' social care, and challenges in delivering savings. However, the council has received an in-principle agreement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) of £88 million for 2025/26, which will help manage these pressures and replenish reserves. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecasts a deficit, but government announcements indicate that 90% of this deficit will be covered by a national grant. The HRA is forecasting a breakeven position, with pressures in operating costs offset by a reduction in revenue contributions to the capital programme. The report also includes recommendations for a virement of funds for property acquisitions and a review of fees for the Imported Food Office.

Public Preview of Confidential Reports

The Cabinet will hold a public preview of matters to be considered later in private. This session is designed to offer maximum transparency by allowing Cabinet Members to openly discuss the general nature of these private items in public before they are considered in detail in Part 2 of the meeting. This approach aims to inform residents about the topics being discussed without prejudicing the council's ability to secure value for money in sensitive contractual or property-related matters. The reasons for certain reports being considered in private are explained, relating to confidential, commercially sensitive, or personal information that outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

In addition to these main agenda items, the Cabinet will also consider reports on the Dynamic Purchasing System for Temporary Accommodation placements, the Fleet Maintenance & Repair Contract, Home Care, Extra-care and Reablement Services Contracts, and the Fuel Contract for the Council's Fleet. These items are listed as being considered in private, indicating they likely contain commercially sensitive information.