Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
Capital Release Report 2026/27 - Street Lighting (CR 1)
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Democratic Services Location: Phase II DDI: 01895 277655 CMD No: 2026/1762 To: COUNCILLOR WAYNE BRIDGES CABINET MEMBER FOR RESIDENTS SERVICES COUNCILLOR EDDIE LAVERY CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE c.c. All Members of the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure c.c. Dan Kennedy, Corporate Director of Residents Services c.c. Roy Thabrew, Residents Services Date: 5 August 2026 Non-Key Decision request Form D STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMME 2026/27 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 Thursday 13 August 2026 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. Anisha Teji Democratic Services Title of Report: STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMME 2026/27 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 Residents Services/Cabinet Member for Finance Cabinet Member Report – 5 August 2026 Public STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMME 2026/27 Cabinet Member & Portfolio Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents Services Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Finance Responsible Officer Dan Kennedy – Corporate Director of Resident Services Report Author & Directorate Roy Thabrew – Resident Services Papers with report Appendix A – Capital Release Request for Approval Appendix B – Lighting Columns Replacement Programme Appendix C – Lighting Columns Painting Programme HEADLINES Summary To seek Cabinet Member approval for the release of capital funds. Putting our Residents First Delivering on the Council Strategy 2022-2026 This report supports our ambition for residents/ the Council of: Live in good quality, affordable homes in connected communities This report supports our commitments to residents of: Safe and Strong Communities Financial Cost This report seeks the release of £300k from the 2026/27 street lighting column replacement capital budget. The first phase of works (Phase 1) will commence upon release of the funds and are due for completion by 31 October 2026. Select Committee Corporate Resources and Infrastructure Select Committee Ward(s) Borough-wide RECOMMENDATIONS That the Cabinet Member for Finance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resident Services agree to the capital release request of £3 00k (phase 1) from the Street Lighting Replacement Programme 2026/27 capital budget for the funding of replacing lighting columns that have reached the end of their useful economic life (Appendix B) and column painting (Appendix C). Reasons for recommendation A current major issue is the structural deterioration of the ageing lighting column stock. The vast majority of columns in the Borough are galvanised mild steel which tend to corrode below ground level, resulting in a high risk of structural failure if continued investment is not programmed. Cabinet Member Report – 5 August 2026 Public The project consists of the prioritised based replacement of lighting columns that have reached the end of their life expectancy. The priority is determined from structural testing and inspections. The 452-column replacement programme for 2026/27 is based on the results of structural testing of 2,500 columns completed in 2019 and the condition of street lighting assets recorded by the contractor during maintenance work determined on current street lighting asset life expectancy data. Furthermore, complaints, petitions and members enquiries were reviewed and factored into the proposal for replacement due to the condition of the columns and inadequate lighting levels. To assist the Council's commitment to the climate emergency, the columns replacement programme has been reviewed to consider the potential of the provision for the electric vehicle charging point where the driveway facilities are unavailable, if the demand arises in the future. The project also consists of the lighting column painting to prolong the life of the asset. These works will be undertaken by the Council’s Street lighting term service contractor J McCann. This capital scheme will deliver: ● Improved asset condition, resulting in a significantly reduced risk of failure due to poor condition. ● Assurance that lighting columns installed across the Borough is consistent and adheres with current guidance and standards. ● Value-for-money and reduced maintenance costs, thus reducing the ongoing cost of routine maintenance and non-routine maintenance. ● Improved lighting levels for the safety of residents ● Ensure we fulfil our responsibilities for the provision and maintenance of safe street lighting in the public domain, in accordance with the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) guidance. The street lighting team will continue to monitor and compile a non- compliant road list when identified as a result night lamp scout checks, members enquiries, complaints, or petition reports. Details of the replacement lighting columns that have reached the end of their useful economic life is in Appendix B to the report. Those where column painting is required and proposed are shown in Appendix C to the report. Alternative options considered / risk management ● To make safe columns identified as defective and in need of replacement by cutting them down without replacement - this would leave roads without street lighting. ● To follow the previous maintenance policy by carrying out reactive maintenance work only without a planned column replacement programme. ● To find alternative funding. Select Committee comments None at this stage. Cabinet Member Report – 5 August 2026 Public SUPPORTING INFORMATION 1. The cost of the column replacement programme is to be funded from the capital programme for street lighting improvement. The column replacement programme of work was originally estimated to be a total of £5,345k, phased across the five years 2021 to 2027. 2. The scope of this contract will include the delivery of: ● Prioritised based column replacement programme. ● Painting of columns to prolong the life of the asset. 3. All costs have been calculated using the current term service contract contractual rates 2026/27 (J McCann). 4. Lighting levels in all roads for planned 2026/27 column replacements is compliant therefore, only one for one column replacement is assumed. Table 1: Street Lighting - Column Replacement Cost Plan Phase 1 Description Amount (£) Planned column replacement of 214 No. of columns from 2019 testing results of 2500 columns and existing information on the asset life expectancy (Appendix B). 236,300 Column painting (Appendix C). 6,000 Project Contingency 27,700 Street Lighting Engineers Fees 30,000 Total Project Cost £300,000 Phase 2 Description Amount (£) Planned column replacement of 237 No. of columns from 2019 testing results of 2500 columns and existing information on the asset life expectancy (Appendix B). 262,300 Project Contingency 27,700 Street Lighting Engineers Fees 10,000 Total Project Cost £300,000 Cabinet Member Report – 5 August 2026 Public Financial Implications Street Lighting Replacement /Painting Programme 202 6/27 Budget £ 600k, Previously Released Nil, Capital Release Requested £300k – Appendix A The 2026/27 capital programme approved by the Cabinet and Council in February 2026 includes a budget of £ 600k for the street lighting replacement /painting programme funded from Council resources. This report seeks the release of £ 300k for Phase 1 of the street lighting replacement/painting programme from the 202 6/27 Street Lighting budget to meet the costs of replacing /painting lighting columns across the Borough that have reached their useful economic life. The replacements/painting will be prioritised based on information from results of structural inspection and the testing of lighting columns. The release request is based on the street lighting term contractor (J McCann’s) quoted costs and includes contingency and internal fees of 11% and 8% respectively of the quoted costs. RESIDENT BENEFIT & CONSULTATION The benefit or impact upon Hillingdon residents, service users and communities • To ensure that the Borough's street lighting is kept in a safe condition, thereby minimising the risk of damage or injury to road users. • To ensure continuity of street lighting by installing replacement columns where defective units have had to be cut down or to prevent them from falling down in high winds. • It will also ensure that the replacement /painting of lighting is undertaken according to requirements before there are any premature structural failures. Consultation & Engagement carried out (or required) None required. CORPORATE CONSIDERATIONS Corporate Finance Corporate Finance has reviewed the report and concurs with the financial implications set out above, noting that the recommended action to agree a release of £300k for the first phase of the street lighting column replacement/painting across the Borough will be funded from the approved 2026/27 Street Lighting Replacement Programme capital budget Legal Legal Services confirms that the Council is responsible for carrying out this function pursuant to section 97 of the Highways Act 1980. Thus, there are no legal impediments to the capital release Cabinet Member Report – 5 August 2026 Public requested in this report being authorised, although any contract that is entered into must comply with the Council's Procurement Standing Orders. Capital Release Protocol The release of all capital funds, and certain revenue funds, held by the Council is to be made by a formal democratic decision. No expenditure can be placed or committed by officers until this formal approval is given by Democratic Services. Release of funds must be for identified projects only and strictly not for the general release of funds for projects to be identified at a later date. No block releases of capital or funding will be allowed, except if authorised by the Leader of the Council in advance to Corporate Finance. The release of funds will only be made if previous Council, Cabinet or Cabinet Member agreement has been given to the project and only if there is an approved budget. BACKGROUND PAPERS NIL. TITLE OF ANY APPENDICES Appendix A – Street Lighting Replacement Programme 2026/27 (CR No 1) Appendix B – Lighting columns replacement programme Appendix C – Lighting columns painting programme Cabinet Member Report – 5 August 2026 Public APPENDIX A Appendix A – Street Lighting Replacement Programme 2026/27 (CR No 1) Location Project Information Funds Release Sought £000s Approve Hold More Information Required Borough Wide Column Replacement Including Column Painting Replacement of street light columns that have reached the end of their life expectancy 600 Total seeking release 300 Previously released 0 Budget 600 Remaining budget 300
View Decision / Minutes Text
Executive Decision Notice – 13 August 2026
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 STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMME 2026/27
Reference No. 2026/1762
Date of decision Thursday 13 August 2026
Call-in expiry date Thursday 20 August 2026
Relevant Select
Committee
Corporate Resources and Infrastructure Select Committee
Relevant Wards All
Decision made
Cabinet Members making
the decision
Councillor Wayne Bridges – Cabinet Member for Residents
Services
Councillor Eddie Lavery – Cabinet Member for Finance
Decision Agreed
That the Cabinet Member for Finance, in consultation
with the Cabinet Member for Resident Services agree to
the capital release request of £300k (phase 1) from the
Street Lighting Replacement Programme 2026/27
capital budget for the funding of replacing li ghting
columns that have reached the end of their useful
economic life (Appendix B) and column painting
(Appendix C).
Reason for decision The Cabinet Member s noted that many ageing street
lighting columns had reached the end of their operational life
and approved a programme to replace 452 priority columns.
The scheme was intended to improve safety, reduce
maintenance costs, ensure compliance with current
standards and extend the lifespan of lighting assets.
Alternative options
considered and rejected
The Cabinet Member considered and rejected alternative
options, including removing defective columns without
replacement, relying solely on reactive maintenance, or
seeking alternative funding, as these would not adequately
address the risks associated with ageing lighting
infrastructure.
Classification Part I - Public
Link to associated report Report can be found here
Relevant Officer contact
& Directorate
Roy Thabrew, Residents Services
Executive Decision Notice – 13 August 2026
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
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:
5pm on Thursday 20 August 2026
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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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
Council’s website.
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