Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme – March 2024 Report
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Democratic Services
Location: Phase II
Ext: 0185
DDI: 01895 25 0185
CMD No: 1107
To: COUNCILLOR DOUGLAS MILLS
CABINET MEMBER FOR CORPORATE SERVICES
c.c. All Members of the Finance and Corporate
Services Select Committee
c.c. Natasha Norton – Place Directorate
c.c. Ward Councillors for Charville, Eastcote, Hayes
Town, Ruislip, West Drayton, Wood End
Date: 1 May 2024
Non-Key Decision request Form D
NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME (April
2024)
Dear Cabinet Members,
Attached is a report requesting that a decision be made by you as an individual Cabinet
Member. Democratic Services confirm that this is not a key decision, as such, the Local
Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England)
Regulations 2012 notice period does not apply.
You should take a decision on or after Friday 10 May 2024 in order to meet Constitutional
requirements about publication of decisions that are to be made. You may wish to discuss
the report with the Corporate Director before it is made. Please indicate your decision on the
duplicate memo supplied and return it to me when you have made your decision. I will then
arrange for the formal notice of decision to be published.
Liz Penny
Democratic Services Officer
Title of Report: NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME (April 2024)
Decision made:
Reasons for your decision: (e.g. as stated in report)
Alternatives considered and rejected: (e.g. as stated in report)
Signed ……………………………………………………… Date……………………..
Cabinet Member for Corporate Services
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 1
Part I – Public
NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME (April
2024)
Cabinet Members Councillor Douglas Mills
Cabinet Portfolio Cabinet Member for Corporate Services
Officer Contact Natasha Norton – Place Directorate
Papers with report • Appendix A – Details of projects submitted for the Ward Budget
Scheme from 27 November 2023 to 18 March 2024
• Appendix B – Ward Budget Financial Summary for March 2024
HEADLINES
Summary
This report seeks Cabinet Member approval to allocate funds from
the Ward Budget Scheme for proposals submitted by Ward
Councillors.
Putting our
Residents First
The Ward Budget Initiative supports the adopted Council Strategy
commitments to residents of ‘Thriving, Healthy Households’ and ‘A
Green and Sustainable Borough’ , s pecifically ‘ Live Active and
Healthy Lives’ and ‘Enjoy Access to Green Space, Leisure Activities,
Culture and Arts’.
Financial Cost The overall funds earmarked for the Ward Budget Scheme since its
inception in 2011 total £1,430,000. The aggregate value of proposals
to date is £1,216,489. This report seeks Cabinet Member approval
to release funds of £7,020 for seven new Ward Budget grants, taking
the proposal total to £1,223,509 and leaving a balance of £2 06,491
available for allocation.
Relevant Select
Committee
Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee.
Relevant Wards Charville, Eastcote, Hayes Town, Ruislip, West Drayton, Wood End
RECOMMENDATION
That the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services approves the allocation of £ 7,020 from
the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposals:
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 2
Part I – Public
Ward Grant Recipient Amount
Charville Charville Community Centre Christmas and New Year events £ 800
Eastcote Upgrading the exterior lights and erecting addition al signs at
the Eastcote Community Centre Association £1,000
Hayes Town Replacing the tables and chairs at Hayes and Harlington
Community Centre £2,220
Ruislip Additional bulbs for Howletts Lane £ 150
West Drayton Bell Farm Christian Centre 2023 Christmas events £ 400
Wood End Hayes End Community Association 2023 Christmas Event £ 450
Wood End To create a mini forest school within the campus of Guru
Nanak Sikh Academy £2,000
SUBTOTAL £7,020
Reasons for recommendation
The Ward Budget Scheme enables Councillors, with their local knowledge and insight, to submit
proposals for expenditure, supporting local priorities using their specific ward allocation. Each of
the proposals submitted complies with the protocol on the use of Ward Budgets.
Alternative options considered / risk management
None.
Select Committee comments
None at this stage.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Between 2011/12 and 2019/20, three tranches of Ward Budget growth funding, totalling
£1,430,000, were agreed by Cabinet. At its meeting in June 2022, Cabinet agreed a revised Ward
Budget allocation of £237,500 (from the reserve balance) based on the area / population density
of each of the new 21 wards foll owing the Local Government Boundary Commission’s
recommendations and as implemented for the May 2022 C ouncil elections. The 21 new wards
were allocated £5,000 plus £2,500 for each elected representative for the ward.
The reserve balance remaining at the end of 2022/23 was £24 3,488. Since its launch, 828
projects with a cumulative value of £1,215,589 have benefitted via the Ward Budget initiative.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 3
Part I – Public
Ward Budget funding is used for proposals that make a difference in a local area and to give
residents a chance to influence how their local priorities are met. Primarily, the funds are intended
for one-off expenditure on physical works, events or activities that have a positive impact within
the ward. Proposals are submitted with the agreement of all relevant Ward Councillors.
A further seven proposals, covering six wards and totalling £7 ,020 have been received . T he
details of these are set out in Appendix A of this report.
Financial
Year
Cabinet
Member
Approval
No. of
Proposals
No. of
Wards
Total
Proposal
Value
Growth
Funding
Balance
Remaining
Aggregate earmarked funding to date £1,430,000 £1,430,000
2011/12 to
2021/22 769 £1,146,237 £283,763
2022/23 35 £40,275 £243,488
2023/24 May 4 4 £3,250 £240,238
2023/24 June 6 6 £9,402 £230,836
2023/24 September 6 5 £9,682 £221,154
2023/24 December 8 6 £7,643 £213,511
2023/24 Return of unutilised Nov 2019 grant (£900) £214,411
2023/24 March 7 £7,020 £207,391
835 £1,222,609 £1,430,000 £207,391
The updated balance of funds for each ward under the Ward Budget Scheme is set out in
Appendix B.
Financial Implications
The total growth allocation to date for the Ward Budget Scheme is £1,430,000. Between 2011/12
and 202 2/23, proposals with an aggregate value of £1,186,512, covering all wards, were
approved. At the end of 2022/23, the reserve balance available for distribution was £243,488.
The seven grants totalling £7,020, recommended within this report for March 2024, will take the
aggregate value of proposals approved to £1,222,609, leaving an unallocated balance of
£207,391 on the reserve available for distribution.
RESIDENT BENEFIT & CONSULTATION
The benefit or impact upon Hillingdon residents, service users and communities
Ward Budgets help Councillors to make a difference in their W ard. They address specific local
priorities by delivering proposals to benefit residents and local organisations.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 4
Part I – Public
Consultation carried out or required
Consultation with the lead Councillor from each Ward and officers internally has taken place,
where appropriate. Where other services are involved, such as Residents’ Associations and
community organisations, the views of these groups have helped to shape the nature of the
proposals.
CORPORATE CONSIDERATIONS
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance has reviewed this report and concurs with the financial implications set out
above. If the schemes set out in this report are approved, £207k will remain available to support
future initiatives.
Legal Implications
Legal Services confirm that the Council is responsible for this function pursuant to section 19 of
the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and section 137 of the Local
Government Act 1972.
Furthermore, as this report confirms that each of the proposals submitted complies with the
protocol on the use of Ward Budgets, there are no legal impediments to allocating funds from the
Ward Budget Scheme as recommended by this report. Although, any contract that the Council
enters into must comply with its Procurement & Contract Standing Orders.
Infrastructure/ Asset Management
None at this stage.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
NIL.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 5
Part I – Public
APPENDIX A: DETAILS OF PROJECTS SUBMITTED FOR THE WARD
BUDGET SCHEME FROM 27 NOVEMBER 2023 TO 18 MARCH 2024
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Charville WB6CH01 Charville Community
Centre Christmas and
New Year events
£800 Cllrs Nelson-
West & Mills
(Cabinet
Member)
£9,200
Supporting Information
1. Charville Community Centre originally opened in 1984 and will be
celebrating its 40
th anniversary this year. There are some 200
members ranging from 18 - 80 years plus.
2. The community centre is open all year round, seven days a week
for its members, community groups, local charity groups, private
hire and many more. The centre also organises fund raising
committees including bingo, quiz nights, darts tournaments , and
seasonal parties.
3. The first event was a Christmas lunch for the community centre’s
senior citizens group
. The grant was used to fund the Christmas
dinners, cooked by C harville Academy. Prizes were also
purchased for bingo and a quiz. They were also joined by Charville
Academy’s Choir who sang for the residents.
4. The second event was a family friendly New Year’s Eve party with
a DJ, raffle, and games and prizes for the children.
Target Delivery Date
Early approval was given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member to
ensure that funding was received ahead of the events.
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for residents
2022-
2026, in particular to ‘enjoy access to green spaces, leisure
activities, culture and arts’ and ‘live active and healthy lives’.
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer was arranged for the recipient in- line with the early
approval consent.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 6
Part I – Public
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Eastcote WB6EA07 Upgrading the exterior lights
and erecting additional signs
at the Eastcote Community
Centre Association
£1,000 Cllrs
Edwards,
Haggar, &
Denys
£3,575
Supporting Information
1. Eastcote Community Association (ECA), located within walking
distance from Eastcote High Street, has been providing
community centre facilities for some 70 years.
2. The centre and hall are used by a vast number of groups
throughout the week , including educational groups such as a
pre-school nursery ; exercise , dance, and martial arts classes ;
and support groups for the elderly members of the community. It
is also available for hire.
3. As the facilities are well used in the evenings, the ECA would use
the grant to upgrade its exterior lighting to improve the safety for
those groups / hirers. It will also be used to install new signage
to help visitors identify the community centre and find the
entrance.
Target Delivery Date
The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved.
Expected Outcome
The proposal will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for
residents 2022-2026 and in particular to ‘be/feel safe from harm’ and
‘enjoy access to green spaces, leisure activities, culture and arts.’
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal
has been approved.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 7
Part I – Public
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Hayes
Town
WB6HT07 Replacing the tables and
chairs at Hayes and
Harlington Community
Centre
£2,220 Cllrs
Gardner &
Curling
£380
Supporting Information
1. Hayes and Harlington Community Centre was a building originally
constructed in the early 1940s for use as a canteen for the Land
Army. After the war ,
it was taken over as a Community Centre
and remained in use until 1989, when it was demolished to make
way for a brand-new purpose-built Centre.
2. The community centre has a main function hall, lounge area with
bar, and meeting rooms available for hire for all types of
occasions. During the week, there are activities and support
groups for all ages: adults and junior Jujitsu clubs, keep fit for over
55s, Alzheimer's Society, tutoring and tuition classes, and many
more.
3. T he grant will be used to replace the existing 12 tables and 60
chairs for the training rooms.
Target Delivery Date
The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved.
Expected Outcome
The proposal will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for
residents 2022- 2026 and in particular to ‘live in good quality,
affordable homes in connected communities’ and ‘enjoy access to
green spaces, leisure activities, culture and arts.’
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal
has been approved.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 8
Part I – Public
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Ruislip WB6RU04 Additional Bulbs for
Howletts Lane Residents
£150 Cllrs Riley,
Corthorne, &
Smallwood
£11,234
Supporting Information
1. Building on the success of the two bulb planting projects last year,
residents of Howletts Lane have requested additional bulbs to
further uplift the area.
2. Ward Budget funding has been proposed to facilitate bulb
planting carried out by the residents of Howletts Lane themselves,
who take a keen interest in their living environment and wish to
improve this local green space to benefit all local residents.
3. A selection of bulbs , including Tête-à- Tête (dwarf variety
daffodils), will aesthetically improve the area during the late winter
and increase biodiversity.
4. The additional bulb planting will create an opportunity to harness
the goodwill and civic pride of the residents of Howletts Lane.
Target Delivery Date
The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved.
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council
Strategy 2022-2026; in particular to achieve a ‘Green and sustainable
borough’.
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal
has been approved.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 9
Part I – Public
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
West
Drayton
WB6WD07 Bell Farm Christian Centre
2023 Christmas Events
£400 Cllrs
Sweeting &
Islam
£7,350
Supporting Information
1. Bell Farm Christian Centre is long established in the community
with its Doorway Advice and information Centre, Foodbank,
Older Persons Dining Centre and International Café for Asylum
Seekers.
2. The Centre was established in 1950 and has been run as a
charity since 1997. The Centre works with those around the area
to alleviate hardship, loneliness and stress.
3. On 8th December, there was a Children's Christmas Party with
some 50 children attending. Half of the grant was used to
purchase refreshments.
4. An Older Person’s Christmas party took place on 19
th December
with some 75 residents in attendance. The remaining half of the
grant was used to contribute towards live entertainment.
Target Delivery Date
Early approval was given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member to
ensure that funding was received ahead of the events.
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for
residents 2022-2026, in particular to ‘enjoy access to green spaces,
leisure activities, culture and arts’ and ‘live active and healthy lives’.
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer was arranged for the recipient in-line with the early
approval consent.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 10
Part I – Public
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Wood End WB6WE03 Hayes End Community
Centre Association 2023
Christmas Event
£450 Cllrs Mathers,
Kaur &
Garelick
£10,815
Supporting Information
1. Hayes End Community Centre was built over 30 years ago and
registered as a Charity in 1993. Located in Hayes End
Recreation Ground, this centre has been serving the local
community since its opening.
2. Multiple community groups use the centre on a weekly basis and
sometimes more. There are dog training classes up to twice a
week, a young troupe of dancers attend weekly and a Bingo
session is open to all every Friday.
3. During the course of a year, the Hayes End Community Centre
organises events for elderly and seasonal parties for children
and families.
4. The Ward Budget Grant was used as a contribution towards
entertainment, refreshments and gifts for the annual children’s
party for 40 children.
Target Delivery Date
Early approval was given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member
to ensure that funding was received ahead of the events.
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for
residents 2022-2026, in particular to ‘enjoy access to green spaces,
leisure activities, culture and arts’ and ‘live active and healthy lives’.
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer was arranged for the recipient in-line with the early
approval consent.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024 Page 11
Part I – Public
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Wood End WB6WE04 To create a Mini Forest
School within the campus
of Guru Nanak Sikh
Academy
£2,000 Cllrs
Mathers &
Garelick
£8,815
Supporting Information
1. Guru Nanak Sikh Academy (GNSA) is in the top three performing
schools in the Borough. Academically , it has been achieving
GCSE outcomes above national averages consistently in the
past years.
2. Through a balanced approach to education, it provides a diverse
range of academic, artistic, athletic, and extracurricular
opportunities that cater to the unique interests and strengths of
students. It claims to foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration,
and respect, where each individual is valued for their
contributions and encouraged to reach their full potential.
3. The Ward Budget fun ding will enable GNSA to create a Mini
Forest School within the campus, with the aim of promoting and
educating students about biodiversity. This
will benefit the
students of G NSA and its sister school Nanaksar Primary by
providing an outdoor learning environment and teaching
biodiversity.
Target Delivery Date
A purchase order will be raised once the proposal has been
approved.
Expected Outcome
The proposal will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for
residents 2022-2026 and in particular to ‘achieve well in education,
with opportunities for learning at all ages’ and ‘enjoy access to green
spaces, leisure activities, culture and arts’.
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal
has been approved.
Cabinet Member Report – 1 May 2024
Part 1 – Public
APPENDIX B: WARD BUDGET FINANCIAL SUMMARY (MARCH 2024 CABINET MEMBER REPORT)
Appendix B
Ward
Total Ward
Budgets since
Oct 2011
Committed to
Mar 2022
Balance
remaining
Mar 2022
Budget £
(May 2022)
Approved
Projects
Total
Committed
to date £
New
Projects
received
Estimated
cost £
Balance
Remaining £
Belmore £12,500 0 £0 0 £0 £12,500
Charville £10,000 0 £0 1 £800 £9, 200
Colham & Cowley £12,500 1 £1,020 0 £0 £11,480
Eastcote £12,500 6 £7,925 1 £1,000 £3,575
Harefield Village £7,500 2 £2,818 0 £0 £4,682
Hayes Town £12,500 6 £9,900 1 £2,220 £380
Heathrow Villages £10,000 3 £2,200 0 £0 £7,800
Hillingdon East £12,500 4 £4,242 0 £0 £8,258
Hillingdon West £10,000 3 £2,662 0 £0 £7,338
Ickenham & South Harefield £12,500 0 £0 0 £0 £12,500
Northwood £10,000 0 £0 0 £0 £10,000
Northwood Hills £10,000 0 £0 0 £0 £10,000
Pinkw ell £12,500 5 £9,988 0 £0 £2,512
Ruislip £12,500 4 £1,116 1 £150 £11,234
Ruislip Manor £10,000 3 £2,670 0 £0 £7,330
South Ruislip £12,500 7 £7,690 0 £0 £4,810
Uxbridge £12,500 1 £1,500 0 £0 £11,000
West Drayton £12,500 6 £4,750 1 £400 £7,350
Wood End £12,500 2 £1,235 2 £2,450 £8,815
Yeading £10,000 4 £7,273 0 £0 £2,727
Yiewsley £10,000 2 £3,263 0 £0 £6,737
Unallocated Balance £46,263 0 (£900) 0 £0 £47,163
Total £1,430,000 £1,146,237 £283,763 £283,763 59 £69,352 7 £7,020 £207,391
WARD BUDGET SUMMARY (New Wards from March 2024 Cabinet Member report)
View Decision / Minutes Text
Executive Decision Notice – 10 May 2024
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
OFFICIAL EXECUTIVE DECISION NOTICE
PUBLISHED BY DEMOCRATIC SERVICES
Notice is hereby given that the following decision(s) have been made today by
Cabinet Members at the London Borough of Hillingdon:
Title of decision NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME
(April 2024)
Reference No. 1107
Date of decision Friday 10 May
Call-in expiry date This decision comes into immediate effect
Relevant Select
Committee
Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee
Relevant Wards N/A
Decision made
Cabinet Members
making the decision
Councillor Douglas Mills – Cabinet Member for Corporate
Services
Decision Approved
That the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services approved
the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposals:
Ward Grant Recipient Amount
Charville Charville Community Centre Christmas
and New Year events
£ 800
Eastcote Upgrading the exterior lights and erecting
additional signs at the Eastcote
Community Centre Association
£1,000
Hayes
Town
Replacing the tables and chairs at Hayes
and Harlington Community Centre
£2,220
Ruislip Additional bulbs for Howletts Lane £ 150
West
Drayton
Bell Farm Christian Centre 2023
Christmas events
£ 400
Wood
End
Hayes End Community Association 2023
Christmas Event
£ 450
Wood
End
To create a mini forest school within the
campus of Guru Nanak Sikh Academy
£2,000
SUBTOTAL £7,020
Reason for decision The Ward Budget Scheme enables Councillors, with their local
knowledge and insight, to submit proposals for expenditure,
supporting local priorities using their specific ward allocation.
Each of the proposals submitted complies with the protocol on
the use of Ward Budgets.
Executive Decision Notice – 10 May 2024
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
Alternative options
considered and
rejected
None.
Classification Part I – Public
Link to associated
report
Here
Relevant Officer
contact & Directorate
Natasha Norton – Place Directorate
Any interest declared
by the Cabinet
Member(s) /
dispensation granted
N/A
Implementation of decision & scrutiny call-in
[Internal Use only]
When can this
decision be
implemented by
officers?
Officers can implement Cabinet Member decision in this notice only
from the expiry of the scrutiny call-in period which is:
This decision comes into immediate effect
However, this is subject to the decision not being called in by
Councillors on the relevant Select Committee. Upon receipt of a
valid call-in request, Democratic Services will immediately advise
the relevant officer(s) and the decision must then be put on hold.
Councillor scrutiny
call-in of this
decision
Councillors on the relevant Select Committee shown in this notice
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expiry of the scrutiny call-in period above.
Councillors should use the Scrutiny Call-in App (link below) on their
devices to initiate any call-in request. Further advice can be sought
from Democratic Services if required:
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Executive Decision Notice – 10 May 2024
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
Further information These decisions, where applicable, have been taken under The
Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access
to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.
This is the formal notice by the Council of the above executive
decision, including links to the reports where applicable.
If you would like more information on this decision, please contact
Democratic Services on 01895 250636 or email:
democratic@hillingdon.gov.uk.
Circulation of this decision notice is to a variety of people including
Members of the Council, Corporate Directors, Officers, Group
Secretariats and the Public. Copies are also placed on the
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