The Residents' Services Select Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to discuss a range of issues concerning the borough's residents. Key topics included the council's budget and spending, the legal and policy framework for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and the provision of sport and physical activity for young people. The committee also reviewed updates on homelessness prevention and the council's forward plan.

Budget and Spend Monitoring

The committee was scheduled to review the council's budget and spending position as of December 2025 (Month 9). The report indicated a projected net overspend of £36.3 million on core operating activities, with significant pressures identified in temporary accommodation and homelessness support. The report also detailed the savings programme, noting that £14.9 million of savings were considered undeliverable. For services within the remit of the Residents' Services Select Committee, a projected overspend of £7.4 million was forecast, primarily driven by increased demand for homelessness support. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was forecasting a breakeven position, despite pressures from staffing costs and increased repairs.

Update on the Council's Legal and Policy Framework for Houses in Multiple Occupation

This report provided an overview of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Hillingdon, including the legal controls and council policy framework. It highlighted that HMOs provide an important source of affordable housing but that poorly managed properties can negatively impact local neighbourhoods and tenants. The report detailed the Private Rented Sector in Hillingdon, noting a significant rise in privately rented homes and an estimated 2,537 HMOs, with a substantial number not licensed. The implementation of an Article 4 Direction across the borough, requiring planning permission for all new small HMO conversions, was discussed, along with the introduction of additional licensing controls for HMOs occupied by three or more persons. The report also clarified the differences between licensing and planning regimes for HMOs, emphasizing that they are separate legal requirements.

Sport and Physical Activity for Young People

The committee was set to receive an update on the provision of sport and physical activity programmes for young people, women, and girls in Hillingdon, covering the period 2024-2025. The report outlined the council's Public Health team's initiatives, aiming to encourage movement and participation in sport. Data from the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey indicated that Hillingdon had slightly lower physical activity levels and marginally higher inactivity levels compared to the London average. The report detailed various programmes, including disability sport, the London Youth Games, Mini Marathon, Junior parkrun, free park tennis, and initiatives for primary school children and families. The benefits to residents, such as improved social and communication skills, motor skills, emotional regulation, and self-esteem, were highlighted.

Update on Homeless Prevention Review

This report provided a progress update on the implementation of recommendations from the Residents' Services Select Committee's major review of homeless prevention and the customer journey. The review, conducted during a period of immense pressure on homelessness services, aimed to improve the experience of those presenting as homeless. Key findings included the importance of prevention and early intervention, the need for improved communication and empathy from housing officers, better systems for case handovers, and challenges faced by domestic abuse victims. The report detailed workstreams focused on increasing prevention, improving access to alternative housing options, reducing the cost of temporary accommodation, and increasing move-on into social housing through service modernisation. A new organisational structure was proposed to strengthen leadership, enhance operational capacity, and support long-term financial sustainability. The Hillingdon Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2030, which places prevention at its core, was also noted.

Cabinet Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to review the Cabinet's latest Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions and other decisions to be taken by the Cabinet over the coming year. The report detailed the actions available to the committee, including providing specific comments on future Cabinet or Cabinet Member reports, requesting further information, and potentially reviewing forthcoming reports post-decision. The Forward Plan itself listed several items relevant to the Residents' Services Select Committee's remit, including the HRA Business Plan, Temporary Accommodation Action Plan Monitoring, and the Housing Strategy.

Work Programme

The committee was to consider its Work Programme for the current municipal year, noting future meeting dates and planning its work. The report outlined scheduled meetings and past site visits undertaken by the committee. The role of Select Committees in making recommendations to the Cabinet for service changes and improvements was reiterated, emphasizing how this engagement benefits Hillingdon residents.