Category: News

New digital strategy launched to enhance online services for Hillingdon residents

Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet has agreed a new digital strategy and £9 million investment to improve the way residents access services.  The plan builds on previous successes and sets out an innovative vision for the next three years.

It includes:

  • improving residents’ experiences when accessing services and information so they can carry out basic transactions quickly and only need to make contact once
  • creating a modern, digitally skilled council workforce equipped with the systems and technology to do their work and put residents first
  • understanding residents’ needs using technology to combine data and get insights to shape service improvements
  • improving services while maintaining or reducing costs.
  • The strategy sets out four main principles to deliver the vision, which include prioritising residents’ needs, carrying out an agile approach to delivery, delivering new business models driven by data, and adopting a ‘One Council’ approach by creating project teams and shared goals.

And five workstreams will be created, which will focus on building services online by default; sourcing better data to make better decisions; modernising council infrastructure and systems; building digital capacity and inclusion; and delivering a digital place.

Hillingdon Council has already made great strides in its digital journey by:

  • becoming the first in the country to introduce an automated voice and web chat function on its phone lines and website
  • supporting residents who are unable to use technology
  • making its digital infrastructure more modern and reducing the number of applications
  • quickly adapting to hybrid working
  • improving digital connectivity across the borough by increasing bandwidth at council sites to give residents better access to the internet.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said: “While we have, to date, already made a host of digital improvements, this new strategy and investment of £9 million in digital technologies will significantly propel our vision of being a more digital council into reality and immensely improve our resident, visitor, business and staff experience.

“The document provides a broad, overarching framework for effective business planning and strong performance management within the council to drive the transformation of services to continue to meet the changing needs and expectations of our residents and allow people to transact with the council quicker and more effectively.”

To read the digital strategy and for information and support to help you get online, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/digital-everyone.

Trafalgar U-turns on new Beck Theatre deal

Entrance of the Beck Theatre in HayesTrafalgar Theatres has U-turned during last-ditch negotiations with Hillingdon Council which aimed to secure a deal for residents for the ongoing management of the Beck Theatre.
Until last night (Thursday 10 October), the council had been seeking to negotiate terms with Trafalgar for a three-year contract to continue the Beck Theatre operation without the council making an annual payment to them. These negotiations had continued despite Trafalgar’s unexpected announcement on 15 September to terminate their management arrangement on 13 January 2025.

Since that announcement, the council has sought to work closely with Trafalgar to find terms which would enable them to reconsider their position. Whilst Trafalgar publicly accepted the ending of the annual payment, they also sought compensatory terms beyond the council’s offer of the lease of the Beck on a peppercorn rent with the council continuing to be responsible for essential repairs and maintenance.

Last Friday, terms were discussed that seemed mutually agreeable that would ensure the continuation of the Beck’s operation for a further three-and-a-half years, whilst also discussing longer term investment aspirations for a new theatre in the future. However, late on Tuesday evening (8 October), Trafalgar changed their demands and the deal has subsequently fallen through.

In addition to the rent-free use of the Beck which had already been agreed, Trafalgar were now also asking for a considerable subsidy. They were also seeking the ability to walk away from a three-year deal, with rolling break clauses, despite originally wanting more certainty of continued operation. Fundamentally, this would not have ensured any long-term stability for the running of the facility which is the council’s main priority.

Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “It was with both surprise and regret that we learned that Trafalgar had again reneged on their position at the last-minute and our agreed terms had fallen through.
“Whilst we know this will be hugely disappointing for the residents and supporters of our Beck Theatre to learn, the council cannot be held to a position which continually moves further away from the demands Trafalgar originally negotiated and which would not secure the longer-term future of the Beck.
“I can assure residents that council officers and elected councillors worked tirelessly to reach an agreement with Trafalgar to secure their continued operation, doing everything reasonably possible to keep the theatre operating and open.
“It was immensely frustrating to hear Trafalgar’s demands changed for a second time and as such, the council can no longer move forward while a commercial entity continues to hold taxpayers to ransom, exploiting public funds when essential services for our residents have to take precedence.”

The council will continue to seek an alternative provider to run the council-owned facility to secure its future and the continued enrichment of our community.

New campaign aims to get Hillingdon top of the charts for recycling

Hillingdon Council has launched a new campaign to encourage residents to recycle more and further reduce contamination by double-checking items before placing them in their clear bags.

Residents are being asked to ‘take two seconds to check your recycling’ and make sure the contents of their clear, dry mixed recycling bags can be recycled.

The contamination rate in Hillingdon currently stands at around 15 per cent, which matches the average rate for London, however the council’s ambition is to improve on this. Contamination occurs when an item which can’t be recycled via the council’s kerbside collections, such as clothing, is put in residents’ clear bags. Too many contaminating items can lead to good recycling being rejected at the sorting facility and the whole load instead going in general waste.

Reducing contamination, while increasing uptake of free kerbside food waste and textiles collections provided by the council and its partners, will all contribute to a net reduction in contamination rates.

Why not take two seconds to check what you can and can’t put in your clear recycling bags in Hillingdon? Visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/dry-mixed-recycling.

The new campaign is visually inspired by ‘Top of the Pops’ style music chart countdowns, listing the top five contaminating items found in the council’s kerbside collections: crisp packets, batteries, nappies and sanitary products, clothing and textiles and the number one contaminant: food items.

The campaign launched on Monday 14 October to coincide with Recycle Week – a national awareness campaign to encourage people across the UK to minimise their household waste by recycling as much as they can.

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We know most Hillingdon residents recycle the best they can, but we could all improve if we take two seconds to check we’re only putting items out for collection that can be recycled.

“Our residents have various free services available to them for dealing with items which can’t be placed in the clear bags, including our food waste, garden waste and textiles collections – while our two civic amenity sites will take most other things.

“Recycling correctly is better for the planet as it means less waste is being produced. This small change in behaviour also helps save money and allows us all to play a part in creating a greener future.”

Some items incorrectly put in with the dry mixed recycling can be hazardous, particularly lithium-ion batteries hidden in objects like Bluetooth headphones, old mobile phones and electric toothbrushes. These can risk starting a fire if they get caught up in processing machinery.

Hillingdon Council launches WhatsApp channel

Hillingdon Council has launched a WhatsApp channel to send residents news, updates and important alerts making it easier for them to stay informed.

Following the channel is quick and easy to do:

*         download the WhatsApp app on your smartphone

*         open WhatsApp and click on the ‘Updates’ icon

*         search for ‘Hillingdon Council’ and ‘follow’

*         remember to unmute the bell icon so you will be notified when there are new posts.

Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, said: “The launch is part of the council’s continuing efforts to be more digitally enabled and create meaningful and efficient engagement with our communities.

“The new WhatsApp channel makes it even quicker and easier for the council to cascade news and important timely updates to our residents. Posting on WhatsApp allows residents to share information with their contacts – especially with anyone who isn’t using Facebook or other social media platforms”.

Alongside the new WhatsApp channel, you can follow Hillingdon Council on Facebook, Instagram, X and Nextdoor, and sign up to receive regular e-newsletters straight to your inbox on the latest news and events at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/enews>.

Hillingdon Council announces new winter support initiatives to protect older residents from government winter fuel allowance cuts

Hillingdon Council has announced three new initiatives to support its older residents this winter.

The plans were unveiled by Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, at a Full Council meeting last night (Thursday 26 September) in response to the cut in winter fuel payments by the government, a move that will impact thousands of pensioners in the borough.

The council will use some of the £2 million Household Support Fund it has been allocated under the latest extension of the scheme to:

  • commission a local charity, or other third party, to reach out to all pensioners in the borough and assist those that may be entitled to Pension Credit to submit a claim. Pensioners who may need support to navigate the online application system will receive help directly in their homes
  • prioritise the council’s pensioner tenants for energy efficiency improvements planned for its housing stock. Properties with older tenants which have an Energy Performance Certificate of D and below will be prioritised for the programme of new boilers, new double glazing and improved insulation
  • create a Pensioners’ Support Fund to help eligible older residents stay warm this winter, with further details of this scheme provided in due course.

This support is in addition to that already provided at warm welcome centres, where the council works in partnership with organisations across the borough so that residents can get information, and advice, have a warm drink, socialise and get involved in activities that are on offer.

Cllr Edwards said: “Unfortunately, the council is not in a position to mitigate entirely the harms of this government cut in winter fuel allowance for some of our most vulnerable residents, but we will be taking these important steps to help support the borough’s 13,000 pensioners this winter.

“The process to submit a claim for Pension Credit can be daunting and is structured mainly for online applications, which is not ideal for older people. This is why we’ll be providing on-hand support with applications, in their homes, to assist them as best we can. By making homes more energy efficient we will permanently lower their energy bills, in some instances by much more than their lost winter fuel allowance ensuring they can continue to heat their houses and stay safe.

“These initiatives are part of our important and proactive work to support thriving, healthy households in the borough and, in particular, help our most vulnerable residents.”

More information will be provided via the council’s website in due course.

Hillingdon cycling strategy outlines long-term ambitions to boost active travel

Hillingdon Council has unveiled its ambitious 10-year plan for improving cycle infrastructure and making it easier for residents of all ages and abilities to switch to active travel.
The council’s new Cycling Strategy details its bold plans for making cycling safer and more accessible to all, through measures including new and upgraded cycle routes and by working to future-proof active travel in the borough.

The Cycling Strategy can be viewed at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/cycling.

The strategy was formally launched at an event in the Closes Park, West Drayton, on Friday 27 September, where local school pupils enjoyed some free cycling training and residents were invited to bring their bikes along for a free health check from Dr Bike.

Central to the council’s plans is the creation of eight new dedicated cycle routes, some of which use the borough’s green spaces and towpaths so riders can avoid busy roads, which can often be daunting to new or inexperienced cyclists.

When people choose more sustainable forms of travel, such as cycling and walking, it has the combined effect of reducing local vehicle emissions while improving riders’ health and wellbeing.

The strategy was updated to include residents’ feedback following a public consultation earlier this year. The consultation showed most respondents supported the draft document, with more than 70 per cent saying that they would consider cycling more and just under 90 per cent supporting the overall aims of the strategy.

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport, said: “We’re grateful for the informed contributions from residents which have helped shape our final strategy document to ensure that what we aim to deliver is as ambitious and inclusive as possible.

“Over the next 10 years our target is to see more people, of all backgrounds and abilities, confidently and safely using the borough’s cycle network and highways.

“Our approach will be to try and bring existing and new cyclists along for the journey by creating facilities that make them choose to ride instead of driving, but with the realism we can’t have the same expectation of all motorists.”

In recent years, the council has already made good ground on cycling provision, including the delivery of more and better cycle parking, improvements to towpaths to make them suitable for cycles and use in all weathers and the continuation of the council’s highly popular free cycle training for children and adults.

Hillingdon Council Gambling policy

Dear Residents, the Council is required to review its Statement of Gambling Policy at regular intervals to ensure that it is carrying out licensing functions in accordance with current legislation. During this review, consideration has been given to how changes might improve the way in which services are being delivered, to make them more efficient and customer friendly.

The Gambling Act 2005 sets out how gambling in Great Britain is regulated. It came fully into force in September 2007, and covers arcades, betting shops, bingo premises, casinos, gaming machines, society lotteries, and remote gambling (including online gambling). The Council is required to review the Statement of Gambling Policy every three years. The current policy was last formally reviewed in 2022 and therefore requires updating.

The regular review and adoption of the Statement of Gambling Policy ensures that the licensing framework are up to date and effective in ensuring a safe and regulated environment for users of licensed premises.

We are now seeking your views on the draft proposed Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028.

The consultation period is between 13th September 2024 and midnight on 25th October 2024

To read the draft Policy and to formally submit your comments, please click the link to the relevant page of the Council’s website.  https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/review-gambling-policy

If you have any queries or wish to discuss this matter further then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,
Daniel
Daniel Ferrer
Licensing Team Manager
Licensing Service
London Borough of Hillingdon
Civic Centre, 3S/09
High Street
Uxbridge UB8 1UW
dferrer@hillingdon.gov.uk
01895 277 753

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