The Council has approved recommendations related to revenue monitoring, fees and charges, grant funding acceptance, and capital roll-forward requests.

URL: https://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3555

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED:   That Cabinet:   Revenue Monitoring   1)    Note the forecast revenue positions for the General Fund (£584k adverse) and Housing Revenue Account (net nil) forecasts for 2026/27 as set out in Sections 1 and 2 and detailed in Appendix A; 2)    Note the progress in delivering General Fund savings as set out in the report and detailed in Appendix B; 3)    Note that the forecast £646k deficit in the Council Tax Collection Fund for the year would impact in 2027/28 rather than the current financial year and that a lower taxbase would additionally impact on the Medium-Term Financial Strategy [MTFS] assumptions for next year;   Fees and Charges / Enforcement Policies   4)    Approve the proposed in-year changes to charges for filming in the borough as per the report and detailed in Appendix C;   5)    Approve the amendment of fines applied by the Council for specific environmental offences as set out in this report in paragraph 22;   6)    Delegate authority to approve a new policy for civil penalties under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and other housing legislation, as set out in paragraphs 16 and 17, to the Cabinet Member for Community, Environment and Enforcement, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Property;   Acceptance of Grant Funding and Contributions   7)    Approve acceptance of £2,580,470 of additional grant funding from the Department for Education (DfE) for 2026/27, as set out in the report, to support continued investment in preventative services for children and families through the ongoing implementation of Family Help and Child Protection reforms;   8)    Approve the acceptance of Planning Gift Funding contributions totalling £449k to support the costs of the Planning Team, as set out in the report;   9)    Approve acceptance of £2,805,603 of additional ringfenced grant funding from the Department for Education (DfE) to support the implementation of the Experts at Hand model as a key component of Hillingdon’s SEND reform programme.   Capital Roll-Forward Requests and Monitoring   10)Approve the further capital roll-forward requests of underspends from 2025/26 as detailed in Section 4 of the report;   11)Note the forecast capital forecasts for 2026/27 as summarised in Section 4 of the report and detailed in Appendix D.   Reasons for decision   The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the Month 2 budget monitoring report, noting that it reflected continued progress from the stable budget position reported during the latter part of the previous financial year. The budget had been developed to reflect growth pressures and inflation in key demand-led services, with assumptions tested by both the Corporate Management Team and Members.   The General Fund position at Month 2 showed a net overspend of £584,000, with further risks and opportunities of £2.7 million. When set against the £10 million contingency built into the budget, this resulted in a net underspend position of £6.6 million. Budget performance continued to be closely monitored through recruitment and spend control panels. Key risks remained in demand-led budgets, particularly SEND assessments and transport, as well as inflationary pressures, with fuel prices remaining volatile. The savings programme was progressing well, with 61% of savings either delivered or on track.   The report also included proposals relating to filming charges, delegated authority for civil penalties arising from the Renters’ Rights Act, acceptance of Department for Education and planning-related grants, and capital rollovers, including schemes supporting additional SEND places in schools. The Housing Revenue Account remained stable, with ongoing capital investment in housing and regeneration schemes. The Cabinet Member thanked the Interim Chief Finance Officer and finance team for their continued work in monitoring the Council’s budget.   The Interim Chief Finance Officer advised that maintaining a break-even or surplus position was vital in the context of the Council’s wider financial recovery and Exceptional Financial Support arrangements. It was noted that future monitoring reports were likely to change format following the introduction of a new monitoring system, with greater emphasis on service manager commentary. Furthermore, it was advised of the need to keep a close watching brief on costs and efficiencies throughout the year.   The Leader of the Council thanked the Cabinet Member, Interim Chief Finance Officer and wider finance team for the report and for the continued focus on strengthening financial management. The Leader noted that Hillingdon, like councils nationally, continued to face significant financial pressures from rising demand in adult social care, children’s services and homelessness, alongside inflation. However, the Leader stressed that recognising those challenges was only the starting point, and that the Council’s responsibility was to respond through stronger financial discipline, improved governance, delivery of savings and ensuring that taxpayers’ money was used effectively.   The Leader said the Council welcomed external challenge from CIPFA, external auditors, government and the LGA corporate peer challenge process, noting that independent scrutiny had an important role in supporting improvement and the Council would act on any recommendations identified. However, the Leader recognised the progress already underway, including tighter financial control, improved savings delivery compared with the previous year and a stronger focus on identifying and managing risk early. It was stressed that the work was not complete, but that the report before Cabinet represented another important step towards long-term financial resilience, transparency, accountability and delivering the best possible outcomes for residents.   Cabinet agreed the recommendations in the report.   Alternative Options considered and rejected   Cabinet rejected taking no action on fees, charges and capital projects, as this would reduce income, weaken compliance and delay key investments that support Council priorities.   Relevant Committee Audit, Finance & Performance (scrutiny) 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 31 July 2026. If not called-in by then, Cabinet’s decisions can then be implemented. Officer(s) to action Pete Carpenter / Matt Davis / Andy Goodwin 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: July 23, 2026