Hillingdon Council is set to deepen its regional collaboration by joining the West London Economic Prosperity Board (WLEPB), a move aimed at boosting economic growth and investment across the sub-region. The WLEPB includes the West London Alliance partners Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow and Hounslow.

The decision was discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, where Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, presented the proposal. The move is designed to ensure Hillingdon has a voice in strategic decisions affecting the wider West London economy, supporting residents and businesses in the borough.

The WLEPB is a Joint Committee of West London boroughs that collaborates to drive inclusive economic growth, investment, and regeneration across the sub-region by coordinating strategic planning, infrastructure, and skills development initiatives.

According to the meeting report, membership of the WLEPB will ensure that Hillingdon has a seat at the table when it comes to strategic decision making that impacts the wider West London economy. Councillor Topham stated that joining the WLEPB has no direct cost, and any future funding or investment decisions would return to Cabinet for approval.

The report also notes that no powers are being transferred, and the council retains all its powers and can exercise them independently.

The decision is contingent on a unanimous vote by the WLEPB, scheduled for 16 September 2025, prior to Hillingdon's Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet approved the move, subject to the WLEPB's approval, and also agreed to adopt the revised Functions and Procedure Rules for the WLEPB, which are detailed in Appendix 1 of the Public reports pack.

Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, confirmed that the four recommendations were agreed.

Councillor Tuckwell will be appointed as Hillingdon's voting member on the WLEPB, with Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, as the reserve voting member. Authority to sign necessary documentation will be delegated to the Director of Planning and Sustainable Growth, in consultation with Councillor Tuckwell.

The Public reports pack contains the full agenda and reports pack for the meeting.