Hillingdon Council saw a notable increase in declarations of interest from councillors in 2025, according to a report presented to the Standards Committee.
A total of 16 declarations of interest were made by councillors at meetings throughout the year, an increase from previous years. These declarations related to various matters, including councillors living near application sites, being employed by organisations, or having family members involved in pension schemes. Specific instances included declarations concerning proximity to application sites, employment by organisations, and family members' involvement in pension schemes.
While most councillors who declared a non-pecuniary interest remained in the room and participated in discussions and voting, some recused themselves. Councillor Bennett declared a pecuniary interest in St Andrews Park
and Former Cinema Building, St Andrews Park
due to owning a property on the St Andrews development. He left the room during the discussion of agenda items 8 and 9. Councillor Bennett also recused himself from the Dyson Drive application because he lived close to the application site. Councillor Davies recused himself from the Wilmar Close application due to prior discussions with petitioners on the matter.
The report, presented by Lloyd White, Head of Democratic Services, also covered other standards and ethics indicators for 2025. Officer declarations of interest in relation to council contracts remained at nil for 2025.
The Standards Committee resolved to note both the report on standards and ethics indicators, available as 260216 - Standards and ethics indicators, and a separate summary of Code of Conduct complaints received against elected members during 2025. The committee noted details of these complaints and received a summary of all complaints received over the past four years.
The meeting also saw the Standards Committee resolve to note the Minutes of Previous Meeting.
