The Hillingdon Council Cabinet meeting on Thursday 16 February 2017 discussed the council's budget monitoring report, the proposed budget for 2017-18, and the schools budget for the upcoming year. Key decisions included approving the budget for 2017-18 with no increase in council tax for the ninth successive year, and agreeing to the recommendations for the schools budget.

Council Budget Monitoring Report

The Cabinet received a positive update on the council's budget monitoring for month 9 (December). The report indicated an underspend of approximately £1.84 million, an improvement of £379,000 on the previous report. Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, presented the findings, highlighting that savings were on track and the council's balances were increasing. Projections indicated closing balances of £36.6 million, with an expectation to reach closer to £37.5-£38 million by the year-end. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was also reported to be in a strong position, forecasting an in-year overall surplus of £12.9 million, with a significant portion earmarked for investment in new housing stock. The Cabinet agreed to note the forecast position, the treasury management updates, and the use of agency workers, as well as to revamp the nominal ledger codings ahead of introducing a new budget management system.

Budget for 2017-18

The Cabinet considered the proposed budget for 2017-18, a document comprising 150 pages of financial information. Councillor Jonathan Bianco stated that this budget represented a fantastic job for its residents and marked the ninth successive year without an increase in council tax for all residents, and the eleventh year for those over 65, at the Hillingdon level. This was presented as a significant achievement in contrast to other councils facing cuts and tax increases. The Cabinet agreed to put the 8 recommendations from the budget report to the full council meeting.

Schools Budget for 2017-18

Councillor David Simmonds CBE presented the schools budget for 2017-18, explaining that the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which funds education, is a ring-fenced grant and does not directly impact the council tax. The Cabinet has a practice of accepting the recommendations of the Schools Forum, a body of elected representatives from schools. However, this year, late guidance from the Department of Education and disorganisation within the Schools Forum led to decisions being made late in the day, with significant consequences for schools in the borough. A key concern raised was the reduction in funding for special educational needs within the borough, alongside an increase in funding for mainstream education. Councillor Simmonds also highlighted the decision by the Schools Forum to no longer use funds from the DSG for early years centres, leading to a significant reduction in support for these centres. This decision was noted to have a knock-on effect on children's centres and would be subject to further discussion. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations set out on page 56 of the agenda.

Enforcement of Dropped Kerbs with White Bar Markings

Councillor Barrows presented a report on the enforcement of dropped kerbs with white bar markings, a measure introduced following an increase in incidents on roads where footway parking has been suspended. The report proposed two recommendations to address this issue. The council will now offer a white bar marking across a dropped kerb for a one-off fee of £135 (free for disabled residents). Once registered, the council's enforcement team can issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) to vehicles parked across these dropped kerbs. This measure aims to resolve issues experienced by residents, particularly in the 380 roads where footway parking is suspended. The Cabinet agreed to the two recommendations presented.

School Capital Programme Update

A regular update on the school capital programme was presented by Councillor David Simmonds CBE. The Cabinet noted the report and agreed to the recommendation.