The Health and Social Care Select Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to discuss a range of critical issues affecting the borough's health and social care services. Key topics included an update on public health initiatives, the council's budget setting for the upcoming financial year, a review of performance over the last six months, and monitoring of the Cabinet's forward plan. Decisions were made regarding the provision of further information on specific health service impacts and the scheduling of future discussions.

Public Health in Hillingdon Update

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health for the London Borough of Hillingdon, presented an overview of the public health outcomes framework. The report highlighted that Hillingdon's overall health is generally good when compared to England and regional averages, though variations within communities were acknowledged. The team's achievements over the past three years were detailed, including the Hillingdon Healthy Smiles children's oral health programme, School SuperZones initiative, expansion of physical activity programmes, and the SORTED drugs and alcohol service for young people. Priorities for 2026 were outlined, focusing on ensuring statutory responsibilities are met, reviewing commissioned services for stop smoking, drugs and alcohol, and sexual health, and developing proposals for integrated healthy lifestyles and increased physical activity. The report noted that Hillingdon received a Public Health Grant Allocation of £21,007,294 for 2025/26.

Budget Setting Report 2026/27

The committee reviewed the draft revenue budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy proposals for 2026/27 to 2030/31. Services within the committee's remit are projected to see a net budget increase of £14.7 million in 2026/27, rising to £39.6 million by 2028/29. This is driven by savings proposals totalling £3.3 million and growth proposals amounting to £17.9 million in 2026/27. The report detailed specific savings proposals, including a £400,000 saving from a Telecare Review and £387,000 from a post-16 policy change to offer Personal Transport Budgets. Growth proposals include significant increases in ASC Placements Demand (£3.6 million in 2026/27) and ASC Placements Inflation (£6.9 million in 2026/27). The committee was asked to consider and comment on these proposals, with a decision made to arrange a briefing session for members to discuss the budget numbers in detail.

Budget and Spending Report - Select Committee Monitoring

This report provided an update on the 2025/26 Month 7 budget monitoring position. 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. This overspend is 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 savings requirements for 2025/26 totalling £8.3 million, with £3.8 million (46%) recorded as banked or on track for delivery. The committee noted the 2025/26 Month 7 budget monitoring position.

Six Month Performance Monitoring Report

The committee received the six-month performance report for 2025/26, which monitors expenditure against key performance indicators. Hillingdon was highlighted as having the 4th lowest net expenditure in London per 100,000 residents, despite unique pressures from Heathrow Airport. Adult Social Care was noted for having the 2nd lowest net expenditure among London boroughs, while achieving a 'Good' Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating. The report indicated that Hillingdon's rate of people in residential and nursing placements was in line with averages, suggesting success in supporting people in less restrictive settings. The latest Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) 2024–25 data showed an increase in overall satisfaction of service users to 62%, now above the London average. The committee noted the report and agreed that any comments would be presented to full Council.

Cabinet Forward Plan Monthly Monitoring

The committee reviewed 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 committee noted the plan, with specific items of interest to the Health and Social Care Select Committee including reports from Select Committees, The Hillingdon Care Company Ltd. (THCC) reporting, and a future item on a Healthier Food Advertising Policy. The committee acknowledged its role in monitoring these items and providing feedback where necessary.

Work Programme

The committee considered its Work Programme for the 2025/2026 municipal year. It was agreed that a report on spending and savings targets would be brought to each meeting, with the exception of September and January when budget-related reports are scheduled. The committee noted its ongoing major review into adult social care early intervention and prevention, with the first witness session having taken place on 25 February 2025. The committee agreed to move the HHCP place-based transformation update from 20 January 2026 to 17 February 2026 and noted the Work Programme as amended.

Decisions Made:

• Mr Jason Seez was requested to provide additional information about the impact of the closure of Mount Vernon Minor Injuries Unit (MVMIU) on the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) to the Democratic, Civic and Ceremonial Manager for circulation to Members of the Committee.
• Mr Jason Seez was also asked to provide the Committee with an update on the comprehensive programme that had been introduced at Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (THH) to address infection prevention and control.
• Mr Jason Seez was to provide Members with a detailed breakdown of the increase in falls at Hillingdon Hospital, including the reasons, trends, and a narrative.
• Ms Sue Jeffers was requested to provide the Committee with further information on lessons learned from the implementation of the Pharmacy First service at a future meeting.
• The committee agreed to arrange a demonstration of the Magic Notes pilot for Members.
• Investigations were to be undertaken to establish whether it would be possible for Members to have a briefing session on the budget to discuss the numbers.
• The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan.
• The Democratic, Civic and Ceremonial Manager was to circulate the recommendations from the Committee's CAMHS review to Members.
• The HHCP place-based transformation update was moved from 20 January 2026 to 17 February 2026.
• The Work Programme, as amended, was noted.