This week in Hillingdon:

Children's Services Face Budget Strain Amid Rising Demand

Hillingdon's Children, Families and Education Select Committee met to grapple with a concerning budget overspend and increasing demand for services, particularly for looked-after children. The situation raises questions about the council's ability to adequately support vulnerable young people in the borough.

• £2.5 Million Overspend: The committee reviewed a report revealing a £2.5 million overspend in 2024/25 against the budget for services within its remit, primarily due to the high cost of care placements for looked-after children.
• DSG Deficit: The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is also facing challenges, with an in-year deficit of £15.0 million reported. While this is an improvement from the previous year, the cumulative deficit carried forward to 2025/26 remains a significant £65.6 million.
• Demand-Driven Overspend: For 2025/26, the forecast indicates a further overspend of £3.9 million, driven by the increasing need for care services.
• Savings Targets: The committee also discussed savings targets, with concerns raised about the ability to meet the £4.998 million target for 2025/26, especially given the existing overspend.

The financial pressures on children's services could lead to difficult decisions about resource allocation, potentially impacting the quality and availability of support for vulnerable children and families in Hillingdon.

Link to the Children, Families and Education Select Committee meeting

Fostering Services Under Review: Aiming to Improve Care for Children

The Children, Families and Education Select Committee is also undertaking a review of fostering services, recognising the critical role foster carers play in the lives of children in care. The review aims to identify areas for improvement and ensure that Hillingdon's fostering provision is meeting the needs of its most vulnerable residents.

• Scoping Report: The committee discussed a scoping report for the review, titled Caring for Our Children: Enhancing Fostering Provision and Support.
• Terms of Reference: The review will focus on understanding the needs and experiences of children in foster care, evaluating recruitment and retention strategies for foster carers, identifying barriers to fostering, and formulating recommendations to strengthen Hillingdon's fostering provision.
• National Shortage: The review acknowledges the national shortage of foster carers and the challenges this poses for local authorities.
• Legislative Framework: The review will consider relevant legislation and guidance, including the Children Act 1989, the Children Act 2004, and the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011.

By examining its fostering services, Hillingdon Council aims to improve the lives of children in care and ensure they receive the support and stability they need to thrive.

Link to the Children, Families and Education Select Committee meeting

Pension Fund Performance and Responsible Investment in Focus

The Pensions Committee convened to discuss the performance of the Hillingdon Council Pension Fund, as well as its approach to responsible investment and risk management. The decisions made by this committee have long-term implications for the financial security of council employees and the sustainability of the fund.

• Investment Strategy: The committee reviewed the investment strategy and fund manager performance, including an executive summary from the London CIV for the London Borough of Hillingdon Pension Fund.
• Responsible Investment: The committee discussed responsible investment, an approach that incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions. This reflects a growing awareness of the importance of aligning investments with ethical and sustainable principles.
• Risk Management: The committee also reviewed a risk management report, identifying potential threats to the pension fund and outlining strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Governance: The committee discussed governance matters, including its workplan for 2025-26 and a training log from June 2025.

Link to the Pensions Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Hillingdon Planning Committee on Thursday 02 October 2025 will discuss planning applications, including a data centre campus, a change of use for supported living accommodation, and a youth club.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 30 September 2025 will consider an application for a new premises licence for Pepe's Piri Piri, located at 23 Station Road, West Drayton, seeking authorisation for late-night refreshment.
• The Licensing Committee on Wednesday 08 October 2025 will convene.
• The Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth on Thursday 09 October 2025 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Mount Vernon Minor Injuries Unit Closure Sparks Concern

Hillingdon Council's Health and Social Care Select Committee met to discuss the proposed transfer of services from the minor injuries unit at Mount Vernon Hospital to Hillingdon Hospital. The move, proposed by Lesley Watts, Chief Executive of the Hilliard Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Alan McGlennan, Chief Medical Officer and Managing Director of the Hilliard Hospital Trust, has raised concerns about access to care for residents in the north of the borough.

• Financial Pressures: Watts explained the transfer was necessary to address overspending, improve emergency department performance, and enhance elective recovery within the Hillingdon health system.
• Patient Numbers: Dr McGlennan stated that the minor injuries unit sees approximately 35 to 40 patients daily, while the emergency department at Hillingdon Hospital sees between 400 and 450 patients.
• Access Concerns: Councillor Nick Denys, Chair of the Health & Social Care Select Committee, voiced concerns about the impact on residents in the north of the borough, who may find it more difficult to access care at Hillingdon Hospital.
• Capacity Questions: Councillor Kelly Martin questioned whether other local services had the capacity to absorb patients who would have previously gone to the minor injuries unit.
• Consultation Controversy: Councillor Reeta Chamdal, Deputy Mayor, Chair of Pensions Committee, asked whether a formal consultation had been carried out with residents and staff. Watts responded that no formal consultation had been conducted, but that the trust had engaged with residents, councillors, and surrounding boroughs, and that the Integrated Care Board¹ (ICB) had advised that a formal consultation was not necessary.
• Timeline: Dr McGlennan said that the transfer was expected to take place at the end of the month.
• Financial Savings: Watts said that the move would save approximately £1 million per year, but that the money would be used to support the wider work of the acute unit, including improving elective surgery waiting times.

The decision to transfer services has sparked debate about the balance between financial efficiency and access to healthcare for residents, particularly those in more remote areas of the borough.

Link to the Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting

Adult Social Care Budget Overspend: Councillors Demand Answers

The Health and Social Care Select Committee also reviewed the budget monitoring report for adult social care, revealing a projected overspend of £5.4 million on adult social care placements.

• Financial Challenges: Sandra Taylor, Corporate Director of Adult Social Care, outlined the financial challenges facing the department, including demographic growth, increasing complexity of residents' needs, and rising costs of care.
• Cost Drivers: Matt Davis, a member of the finance team, highlighted the overspend on adult social care placements and the impact of increases in the living wage and changes to national insurance on care provider costs.
• Forecasting Concerns: Councillor Denys raised concerns about the accuracy of forecasting in adult social care, noting that the department consistently reports overspends.
• Data Demands: Councillor Sital Punja, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, said that she felt that the report lacked sufficient analysis to enable councillors to have confidence in the figures.
• COVID Impact: Councillor Kelly Martin asked about the impact of Covid-19 on adult social care needs, and whether there was sufficient focus on helping people to exit the social care system.
• Report Improvements: Councillor Tony Burles requested more explanation behind the figures in the report, and suggested that future reports should include more background information.

The overspend raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of adult social care services in Hillingdon and the potential impact on vulnerable residents.

Link to the Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting

Autism Services: Demand Soars, Strategy Needed

The Health and Social Care Select Committee received an update on autism services in Hillingdon, highlighting a significant increase in demand, particularly among people without a learning disability.

• Rising Numbers: The number of people with an autism diagnosis without an associated learning disability receiving services has increased from 18 in 2019 to 374.
• Waiting Lists: There are 1,468 people on the waiting list for an autism diagnosis.
• Service Pressures: The increase in demand is putting pressure on existing services, with concerns raised about waiting times for assessments and the availability of appropriate support.
• Strategy Development: Gary Collier introduced the report, noting that it had been some time since the committee had last discussed this area of need. He said that he would bring a draft strategy back to the committee in the future.
• Demographic Data: Councillor Punja noted that national data shows a higher prevalence of autism in males and in black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and asked whether there was research or analysis behind this, and how it correlated to Hillingdon.

The rising demand for autism services underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure that people with autism receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives.

Link to the Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting

School Merger Approved Despite Resident Concerns

The Hillingdon Council Cabinet approved the amalgamation of Harefield Infant School and Harefield Junior School, despite opposition from some residents.

• Falling Numbers: Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, explained that the merger was proposed due to falling pupil numbers and to streamline the schools, which already operate as a federation².
• Misinformation: Councillor O'Brien clarified that the Council was not closing the infant school and using the land to build flats, as had been rumoured.
• Financial Impact: The amalgamated school will eventually receive only one lump sum of funding, but this will be phased in to minimise the impact.
• Sustainability: Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the resident concerns but emphasised the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of schools.

The decision highlights the difficult choices facing the council as it seeks to manage resources in the face of changing demographics.

Link to the CABINET meeting

Other Matters

• The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee was scheduled to discuss the Annual Complaint & Service Monitoring Report, a Budget & Spending Report, the Forward Plan, and the Work Programme, but no video was provided. Link to the Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee meeting
• The Cabinet approved Hillingdon joining the West London Economic Prosperity Board, a joint committee focused on driving economic growth, investment, and regeneration across West London. Link to the CABINET meeting
• The Cabinet approved a six-week public consultation on the updated draft of the council's statement of licensing policy. Link to the CABINET meeting
• The Cabinet noted the outcome of the Regulator of Social Housing Inspection, which gave Hillingdon Council a C2 grading, the second highest possible, for its housing services. Link to the CABINET meeting
• The Cabinet noted the Annual Performance Report, which sets out Hillingdon Council's performance over the last year. Link to the CABINET meeting
• The Cabinet considered the monthly council budget monitoring report for month four, which indicated a projected overspend of £18.3 million. Link to the CABINET meeting
• The Cabinet approved the academy transfer of St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, with the transfer of the freehold of the land and buildings to the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust and the surrounding land by way of a 125-year lease. Link to the CABINET meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Children, Families and Education Select Committee on Thursday 25 September 2025 will discuss the council's budget and spending, a review into fostering, and the Corporate Parenting Panel minutes.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 30 September 2025 will consider an application for a new premises licence for Pepe's Piri Piri, located at 23 Station Road, West Drayton, seeking authorisation for late-night refreshment.
• The Hillingdon Planning Committee on Thursday 02 October 2025 will convene.
• The Pensions Committee on Wednesday 24 September 2025 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Financial Stability

Hillingdon Council is under pressure to address concerns raised by external auditors regarding its financial management, as highlighted in a report discussed at this week's Council meeting. The auditors have issued seven formal statutory recommendations, urging the council to take swift action to improve its financial planning and transparency.

• Auditor's Warning: The report reiterates previous recommendations, emphasizing the need for detailed implementation plans for all planned savings and a review of service delivery models for efficiency.
• Schools Budget Deficit: A key concern is balancing the schools' budget to prevent further growth in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, which is already the highest of any London borough.
• Transparency Demands: The auditors stressed the need for transparency and a faster pace of improvement, stating that the council must establish a clear understanding of its current financial position.
• Opposition Criticism: Opposition councillors have questioned the council's financial management, with Councillor Sital Punja, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, asking why Grant Thornton were procured for the implementation of the Financial Modernisation Programme in a sole procurement tender, when Cabinet had resolved in February in 2025 that CIPFA would be delivering on financial improvements.
• Potential Fraud Concerns: Councillor Elizabeth Garelick asked when the Conservative administration would be in a position to provide the required information to the independent auditor which would establish whether the issue is either misstated information or actual fraud.
• Exceptional Financial Support: Councillor Tony Burles asked what level of Exceptional Financial Support funding from central Government the Cabinet member calculates that the Council needs to avoid a Section 114 Notice¹ and what will be the cost to Hillingdon Tax Payers.

The council's response to these recommendations will be crucial in ensuring its long-term financial stability and its ability to provide essential services to residents. Failure to address these issues could have serious consequences for the borough's future.

Heathrow Expansion Sparks Debate

The Council meeting also saw heated debate over Heathrow Airport expansion, with councillors clashing over their stance on the issue.

• Unanimous Opposition: The council had previously voted unanimously to oppose plans for a 3rd runway at Heathrow.
• Councillor's Support: Councillor Darran Davies, Chair of Licensing Committee, asked Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, his view on what message is sent to residents when Full Council votes unanimously to oppose plans for a 3rd runway at Heathrow and then one member of the opposition, who joined the vote to oppose the expansion, then appears in a promotional video supporting the scheme.

The debate highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Heathrow expansion and the divisions it creates within the community.

Public Questions Focus on Local Concerns

Members of the public raised a range of concerns at the Council meeting, highlighting issues that directly affect their daily lives.

• Rural Activities Garden Centre: Andrea Scrivens and John Scrivens questioned the council about the future of the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC), with Andrea Scrivens asking if the council could confirm or deny the rumour that the land of the RAGC had been offered for sale, and John Scrivens asking why the council had failed to process the ACV nominations for the Rural Activities Garden Centre within the statutory time limit, as specified in the Localism Act 2011.
• Garden Waste Collection: Lynn Jackson asked why garden waste bags were being collected from homes that had not paid for the service.
• Fire Safety at Union Park: Daniel O'Neill raised concerns about fire safety at the Union Park Estate, including how the borough came to have thirteen residential units on a new development with such safety concerns, what the Walking Watch entails, how its contract was awarded, what the day-to-day situation is for the residents on the estate, the future plan to ensure the buildings are made safe, when that might be and how the cost will be borne.
• Hate Crime: Ade Banjoko asked how the council can reassure residents that it takes hate crime seriously when its own communications appear to be fuelling hostility against migrants.

These questions demonstrate the importance of public engagement in local government and the need for the council to address residents' concerns in a transparent and accountable manner.

Health Board Focuses on Key Priorities

The Hillingdon Health and Wellbeing Board convened to discuss integrated health and wellbeing performance, community equipment services, and pharmaceutical needs.

• Strategic Priorities: The board focused on five strategic priorities: Start Well, Live Well, Age Well, Healthy Places, and Equity and Inclusion.
• Integrated Neighbourhood Teams: All three integrated neighbourhood teams are now live, covering the borough, with 50% of the severe frailty cohort already case managed, delivering a 36% reduction in non-elective admissions.
• Community Equipment Service: The board received an update on the change of provider for the Community Equipment Service (CES) from NRS Healthcare to Medequip Assistive Technology Limited, following the liquidation of NRS Healthcare.
• Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment: The board agreed that the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) be published by 1 October 2025 and delegated further amendments to the Public Health team and Business Intelligence team.

Link to the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Other Matters

• The Residents' Services Select Committee was scheduled to discuss community safety, budget updates, abandoned vehicles and footway parking, but no video was provided. Link to the Residents' Services Select Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 22 September 2025 will convene.
• The Pensions Committee on Wednesday 24 September 2025 will convene.
• The Children, Families and Education Select Committee on Thursday 25 September 2025 will convene.
• The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 16 September 2025 will discuss an update on autism services, the budget and spending report, and the future of Mount Vernon Hospital.
• The CABINET on Thursday 18 September 2025 will discuss a proposal to amalgamate two schools, a review of persistent absenteeism, membership of the West London Economic Prosperity Board, and the annual performance report.
• The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee (Proposed) on Wednesday 17 September 2025 will convene.

This week in Hillingdon:

Planning Decisions: Affordable Housing Approved, Parking Rejected

The Hillingdon Planning Committee convened this week, making decisions on eight planning applications ranging from affordable housing to supermarket redevelopment and data centre expansion. The committee approved seven applications and refused one.

• Affordable Housing Boost: A significant development at Haydon Drive, Eastcote, will see 16 studio bungalows demolished and replaced with 21 affordable family-sized houses, all for social rent. This includes three accessible housing units and communal play space.
• Supermarket Redevelopment: The Morrisons Supermarket on High Street, Yiewsley, West Drayton, is set for a phased demolition and redevelopment, resulting in a new food store and 158 residential units. However, only 10% of the units will be shared ownership affordable housing.
• Data Centre Expansion: Union Park, North Hyde Gardens, will see an extension to its existing data centre campus, intensifying industrial capacity in the area.
• Parking Dispute: An application to create nine off-street parking spaces on Dyson Drive, Uxbridge, was refused despite a petition with 54 signatures supporting the proposal. The planning officer argued it would lead to over-provision of parking and negatively impact highway safety.

These decisions highlight the council's ongoing efforts to balance housing needs, economic development, and transportation concerns within the borough.

Link to the Hillingdon Planning Committee meeting

Dyson Drive Parking Petition

The committee refused an application to create nine off-street parking spaces and plant three new trees on Dyson Drive, Uxbridge. The application had been brought to the committee because of a petition supporting the proposal that had 54 signatures.

The planning officer stated that the proposal was contrary to policy because it would result in an over-provision of parking, would detrimentally impact on highway safety, and would fail to promote sustainable modes of transport.

The officer also stated that the Transport Safety Note lacked any supporting evidence, such as the number of parking tickets issued, to demonstrate that a significant parking issue exists.

The committee agreed with the officer's recommendation and refused the application.

Haydon Drive Affordable Housing

The committee approved an application for the demolition of 16 studio bungalows and the erection of 21 affordable family-sized houses with associated facilities at Haydon Drive, Eastcote.

The development would be 100% affordable housing, with all units being social rent. The proposal also secures the provision of three accessible housing units and communal play space and open space.

The planning officer stated that the proposed site layout and density were considered to represent the optimal use of the site. The officer also noted that the overall scale, massing, and appearance of the development were considered to respond well to the local context, and the proposed detailed design was of high quality.

The committee agreed with the officer's recommendation and approved the application, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions.

Morrisons Supermarket Redevelopment

The committee approved an application for the phased demolition of the existing buildings and the redevelopment of the Morrisons Supermarket, 41-67 High Street, Yiewsley, West Drayton, for a replacement food store and 158 residential units.

The development would include a replacement food store (Class E) of 1,672m2, 158 residential units (Class C3), car parking, servicing and access arrangements, and associated works. The residential units would comprise 74 one-bed flats, 66 two-bed flats, and 18 three-bed flats, including 10% of units (based on habitable rooms) as shared ownership affordable housing. A total of 88 car parking spaces would be provided, split between residents and customers, alongside servicing and access arrangements, and landscaping works to create communal and private amenity space, alongside some play space.

The planning officer stated that the proposed reduction in the floorspace of the Morrisons retail unit had previously been accepted under previous applications, and there was no reason to conclude otherwise under the current application. The officer also noted that the provision of additional residential flats on sustainably located brownfield land within the Yiewsley and West Drayton Town Centre was supported.

The committee agreed with the officer's recommendation and approved the application, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions.

Other Matters

• The Petition Hearing - Cabinet Member for Community & Environment scheduled for Wednesday 03 September 2025 was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday 09 September 2025 will discuss health and wellbeing performance, community equipment services, and pharmaceutical needs in the borough.
• The Residents' Services Select Committee on Tuesday 09 September 2025 will discuss community safety, budget monitoring, abandoned vehicles, and footway parking.
• The Council on Thursday 11 September 2025 will discuss recommendations from external auditors regarding the council's financial stability, questions from both the public and council members, and several motions concerning Heathrow Airport expansion, waste collection charges, and the Rural Activities Garden Centre.
• The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee (Proposed) on Wednesday 17 September 2025 will convene.
• The Health and Social Care Select Committee on Tuesday 16 September 2025 will convene.
• The CABINET on Thursday 18 September 2025 will convene.