Statement on the Future of the HCEB
In light of the significant reduction in our responsibilities and activities, resulting from the suspension of all active DCO processes, HCEB is reverting to its former role as an airport consultative committee for the foreseeable future. Our focus and functions will be as outlined in the DfT’s Guidelines, which state that:
‘ACCs are structured forums that provide an opportunity for the exchange of information between aerodromes and interested parties. They make recommendations to the aerodrome management and other bodies when appropriate as well as being a place where there is an opportunity to reach common understanding between interested groups about the nature of the aerodrome operation in the hope that issues can be resolved amicably’ (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/618544/guidelines-airport-consultative-committees.pdf)
After several months of negotiation with Heathrow, regarding our future role and remit, HCEB has reluctantly accepted a much reduced budget. Sadly, this means that the Board will cease to exist and the majority of the staff are now being put at risk of redundancy. In its new format, it is proposed there will be a Chair, a part time executive assistant and a Chair of the Passenger Services Group. We are pleased that we are able to continue as an independent company and will retain operational independence. The community engagement aspects of our company are dormant, other than those integral to our ACC role and we anticipate a change of name to reflect our change of role. If at any time in the future the DCO process is reactivated, we will enter into discussions with Heathrow about our remit and funding.
Our immediate focus is the winding down of our CEB structures and transition to a consultative committee. Going forward, we will be discussing future plans with our stakeholders and we expect the quarterly forum and its associated activities together with our Passenger Services Group to be our primary outputs. Our core functions will be stakeholder consultation and co-ordination, public challenge and holding to account. We hope to develop the forum to provide an effective arena for robust dialogue and debate, seeking to resolve conflict and encourage compromise, based on our learning from The Vienna Airport Dialog Forum model. In common with all our stakeholders, our most pressing concern is the current pandemic and we are keen to contribute to the recovery agenda, building on our Oxford Economics report last year. We will be working with Heathrow to ensure that their revised engagement structure feeds in to our forum effectively, supporting our co-ordination role and enabling our ‘critical friend’ function.
Like almost everyone else, we find ourselves in undesirable and unfortunate circumstances, not of our own making, however we are determined to hold on to the values that have been at the heart of everything we do and to make the very best of future opportunities. I am very grateful for all the support and encouragement we have received as HCEB and would like to thank my Board and my team for all that they have achieved and for continuing to work hard, with commitment and care to ensure we leave a potent and valuable legacy.
Rachel Cerfontyne (Chair of the HCEB)
Click here to view a statement on the HCEB from Heathrow Airport Limited.