Hillingdon Council saw a rise in procurement challenges in 2025, with two formal challenges recorded compared to none in the previous year. This was detailed in a report presented to the Standards Committee on Monday, 16 February 2026.
The report, delivered by Lloyd White, Head of Democratic Services, outlined key standards and ethics indicators for 2025, including those pertaining to procurement, as well as other areas of council operations.
One of the two procurement challenges involved an informal dispute regarding 'Roofing Phase 5', which the council successfully defended. The second challenge was a formal claim submitted via a PA23 form, related to a Highways tender, and was resolved in December 2025.
Beyond procurement, the report also highlighted several other standards and ethics indicators. No External Auditor Public Interest Reports were received in 2025. However, the Council's External Auditors did issue a Section 24 report containing statutory recommendations in July 2025.
There were no whistle-blowing incidents reported during 2025. In terms of legal proceedings, three Employment Tribunal cases were settled in 2025, with three active cases remaining, relating to redundancy and discrimination. No officer declarations of interest were made in relation to council contracts during the year.
The report also noted that 16 declarations of interest were made by councillors at meetings. In most instances, members remained in the room and participated in discussions and voting, but in some cases, members left the room and did not participate.
Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of Member Declarations of Gifts and Hospitality, with 26 declarations received, up from previous years. The council also dealt with Local Government Ombudsman complaints, concluding 52 cases. Of these, 4 were upheld and none were partially upheld, with 79% (41 complaints) not being investigated by the ombudsman.
The full report, 260216 - Standards and ethics indicators
, can be accessed on the council's website.
Agenda frontsheet 16th-Feb-2026 19.00 Standards Committee Public reports pack 16th-Feb-2026 19.00 Standards Committee Minutes of Previous Meeting 260216 - Standards and ethics indicators Printed minutes 16th-Feb-2026 18.30 Standards Committee Public reports pack 16th-Feb-2026 18.30 Standards Committee Agenda frontsheet 16th-Feb-2026 18.30 Standards Committee
