Hillingdon Council has approved a four-year strategic roadmap, setting out six priorities that will guide its policy until 2030. The decisions were made at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, September 17, where council leader Cllr Steve Tuckwell presented the framework. While the report details broad commitments under each priority, the operational specifics will be published in an upcoming council plan.
Council leader outlines 'simple ambition'
Speaking in Cabinet, Cllr Tuckwell described the core goal: "At its heart is a very, very simple ambition: to make Hillingdon an even better place to live, work, and invest. These priorities are deliberately clear and straightforward because residents should not need to understand the machinery of the council to understand what it is we are trying to achieve."
The six priorities range from improving council accessibility to focusing on homes for residents. The underlying theme under Cllr Tuckwell's leadership is being "brilliant at the basics," which he called the council's guiding "north star" in a June interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). Council documents state this means providing services that make residents "proud to live in Hillingdon."
Priorities include cleanliness and enforcement
Being "brilliant at the basics" also means keeping public spaces clean and well maintained, alongside providing "reliable weekly waste collections." The council says it will take tough enforcement against those who harm local communities. This approach recently led to a fly-tipper having their truck crushed as a result of illegal dumping.
Last year, a Ford Iveco flatbed truck was caught leaving waste on a residential road in Ickenham. After being located by the council's anti-social behaviour team using the authority's CCTV network, it was seized in Hayes and impounded. The truck was crushed on September 3.
Another priority focuses on making the council "easy to deal with" by simplifying access to services. The council plans to enhance digital services, provide clear information, respond quickly, and bring services together to make them easier to use.
Housing shortage and local prosperity
Like many boroughs, Hillingdon faces a housing shortage. Under its new priorities, the council says it will support the delivery of affordable homes, improve housing, hold landlords to account by protecting residents from poor conditions, and ensure developments reflect local need and community character.
Just last week, Hillingdon Council approved plans to convert historic buildings into 71 homes, none of which will be affordable. The council currently has an evidenced unmet housing need, as it cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites. The most recent position statement, published on April 1, 2026, confirmed a 2.5-year supply.
The council also aims to "harness our global connectivity to drive local prosperity" by promoting Hillingdon as a place for investment. This involves supporting "high-growth" industries and revitalising town centres and public spaces.
Support for residents and young people
Another key focus is the borough's long-term slogan of "putting residents first." The council says it will protect vulnerable residents and "listen to your views to shape what we do."
Finally, the council says it will "support every young person to reach their full potential" by expanding apprenticeships and ensuring every child has access to the technology they need. The local authority will also work closely with schools, colleges, and universities to deliver "excellent education opportunities."
Cllr Richard Mills, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "Under [Cllr Tuckwell's] energetic and passionate leadership, Hillingdon is clearly moving forward with a plan for the next four years focused on delivering for our residents and not just making promises or sound bites... Our priorities are about getting the basics right: cleaner and safer streets, better roads, well-maintained parks and green spaces."
