URL: https://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3527

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:   That the Cabinet:   1)    Note the 2025/26 General Fund Overview as set out in Section 1 of the report; 2)    Note the 2025/26 Revenue Outturn position as set out in Section 2 of the report; 3)    Note the 2025/26 Capital Outturn position as set out in Section 2 of the report; 4)    Approve the General Fund Capital Budgets to be carried forward into 2026/27 as per Section 2 of the Report; 5)    Approve the updated Reserves Levels as set out in Section 2; 6)    Note the HRA Outturn Position and Carry Forward Amounts as set out in Section 2 of the Report; 7)    Approve the bringing forward of £11.6m of funding from 2027/28 (where there is £39.3m budgeted) into 2026/27 to allow for the demolition works on the Hayes Regeneration Scheme; 8)    Note the DSG Deficit Position as set out in Section 2 of the Report; 9)    Note the final Treasury Position for the year (including the Prudential Indicators). 10)Appoint Cabinet Members to the following bodies; a.    Shareholder Committee - Cllr Steve Tuckwell (Chair); Cllr Richard Mills (Vice-Chair); Cllr Eddie Lavery; Cllr Susan O’Brien and Cllr Nick Denys.        b.    West London Economic Prosperity Board – Cllr Steve Tuckwell (re-appointment); 11)Approve acceptance of £310,000 of grant funding from the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) for 2026/27 and 2027/28 for direct investment in prevention activity for children at risk of suspension and exclusion from school. 12)Approve acceptance of £255,000 of capital grant funding from the GLA’s Green Roots Fund, for the delivery of three river restoration projects within the Yeading Brook/Crane Catchment. 13)Approve acceptance of DfE Arts Council Music Hub £147k Capital Grant for musical instruments, equipment, and technology to benefit children and young people. 14)Approve the acceptance of capital grant funding paid by MHCLG from Round 4 of the Local Authority Housing Fund, with Hillingdon’s allocation totalling £14,713,800.   Reasons for decision   On behalf of the Cabinet Member for Finance, the Leader of the Council introduced the 2025/26 budget outturn report, noting that it reflected both the scale of financial challenges and clear progress made. The General Fund position had stabilised since Month 6, with an improvement of £7.7 million, although an overspend of £29 million remained. This improvement was attributed to stronger financial control, departmental underspends, additional grant income and improved corporate oversight, alongside some technical adjustments.   The Leader advised that the Dedicated Schools Grant position had improved, with the in - year deficit reduced to £9.9 million, reflecting progress in reducing reliance on costly placements and strengthening local provision, although the cumulative deficit remained significant. The Housing Revenue Account remained stable with £15 million in reserves, supporting continued investment in housing. Delivery of the capital programme remained strong, including acquisitions and regeneration activity, with variances largely due to timing rather than underperformance. Furthermore, the Council’s reserves position had strengthened following the Exceptional Financial Support settlement, improving financial resilience.   The Deputy Chief Finance Officer advised that the outturn marked further progress in the Council’s financial recovery, supported by Exceptional Financial Support, although reserves remained below the London average and capacity for transformation remained limited. Capital carry?forwards would continue to be reviewed against priorities, and Dedicated Schools Grant funding later in the year would support cash flow, with final accounts expected by mid - July.   Cabinet noted the report and agreed the recommendations.   Alternative options considered and rejected   None.   Relevant Committee Audit, Finance & Performance Expiry date for any scrutiny call-in / date decision can be implemented (if no call-in) The Committee will have the opportunity to review this report. However, Cabinet’s decisions on this matter can still be called in by a majority of the Committee by 5pm, Friday 3 July 2026. If not called-in by then, Cabinet’s decisions can then be implemented. Officer(s) to action Pete Carpenter / Andy Goodwin / Matt Davis Directorate Finance Classification Public - The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge    

Date of Decision: June 25, 2026