The Health and Social Care Select Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, to discuss a range of important topics concerning public health, council finances, and service performance. Key areas for discussion included an update on public health initiatives within Hillingdon, the proposed budget for the upcoming financial year, and a review of the council's performance over the past six months.

Public Health in Hillingdon Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on public health initiatives in Hillingdon, presented by Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health for the London Borough of Hillingdon. The report aimed to provide an overview of the Public Health Outcomes Framework, detailing Hillingdon's performance against various indicators in comparison to national and regional averages. It was noted that public health is influenced by a wide range of factors beyond medical care, including lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, as well as socio-economic conditions and the physical environment. The report outlined mandated public health functions, including services for young children, the National Child Measurement Programme, NHS Health Checks, sexual health services, and protecting the local population's health. It also detailed developments and achievements over the past three years, such as the Hillingdon Healthy Smiles oral health programme, School SuperZones initiative, physical activity programmes, and the SORTED drugs and alcohol service for young people. Priorities for 2026 were also to be discussed, focusing on ensuring statutory responsibilities are met and reviewing commissioned services for value and outcomes. The report indicated that Hillingdon's population health is generally good when compared to national averages, though variations within communities are being addressed. The financial implications were noted as being funded by the annual Local Authority Public Health Grant Allocation, with £21,007,294 allocated for 2025/26.

Budget Setting Report 2026/27

The committee was set to consider the draft revenue budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy proposals for 2026/27 to 2030/31, relating to services within its remit. The report indicated a net budget change for 2026/27 of £14.7 million, rising to £39.6 million by 2028/29, driven by savings proposals of £3.3 million and growth proposals of £17.9 million in 2026/27. A detailed breakdown of savings proposals was provided, including initiatives such as a Telecare Review, changes to post-16 transport budgets, and the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for direct care services. Growth proposals included significant increases for ASC Placements Demand and Inflation, as well as funding for SEND Transport Inflation and legal costs associated with developing the Lobster Pot site for care provision. The report also noted a proposed 10% increase in discretionary Fees & Charges for 2026/27.

Budget and Spending Report - Select Committee Monitoring

This report provided an update on the 2025/26 Month 7 budget monitoring position. At Month 7, service operating budgets within the committee's remit were forecasting a net overspend of £4.7 million against the budget, a favourable movement of £0.2 million from the previous month's position. This overspend was primarily attributed to adult social care placements forecasting a pressure of £7.2 million, offset by an underspend in SEND Transport and further mitigations through staff forecasts and holding vacant posts. The report detailed the 2025/26 savings requirement of £8.3 million, with £3.8 million (46%) recorded as banked or on track for delivery, and a further £0.7 million (9%) at initial stages of delivery. A significant £3.8 million (45%) of savings were reported as at risk for 2025/26, with £1.7 million expected to slip into 2026/27.

Six Month Performance Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to review the six-month performance report for 2025/26, which monitors expenditure against key performance indicators. The report highlighted that Hillingdon had the 4th lowest net expenditure in London per 100,000 residents, despite unique operational and financial pressures. Adult Social Care was noted as having the 2nd lowest net expenditure among London boroughs, while achieving a 'Good' Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating. The report also indicated that resident services had the 8th lowest expenditure for housing general fund and homelessness expenditure per 100,000 residents, and children's social care had the 3rd lowest expenditure per 100,000 children. The report included updated Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) data, showing an increase in overall satisfaction of service users to 62% and a score of 19.1 out of 24 for quality of life, above the London average.

Cabinet Forward Plan Monthly Monitoring

The committee was to review the Cabinet's latest Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions to be taken by the Cabinet and individual Cabinet Members over the coming year. The report detailed the actions available to the committee to monitor these items, including pre-decision scrutiny and providing comments on forthcoming executive reports. Specific items noted for future consideration included the Hillingdon Care Company Ltd. (THCC) Reporting, and a proposed Healthier Food Advertising Policy for March 2026.

Work Programme

The committee was to consider its Work Programme for the 2025/2026 municipal year. This included noting future meeting dates and planning work for the year. A major review into adult social care early intervention and prevention was ongoing, with terms of reference agreed and witness sessions taking place. The committee also planned to track progress on spending and savings targets for the Cabinet Portfolio it covers.