The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday, 15 February 2018, to discuss several key issues, including hospital discharge processes, support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in early years, the council's budget, and the draft London Plan. Decisions were made to endorse recommendations for improving hospital discharge efficiency, support the ongoing work to enhance SEND provision, approve the council's budget and medium-term financial forecast with no council tax increase for the tenth consecutive year, and to formally respond to the draft London Plan with a comprehensive rebuttal.

Review into Hospital Discharges

The Cabinet endorsed recommendations from the Social Services, Housing and Public Health Policy Overview Committee's review into hospital discharges. The review highlighted the increasing pressure on hospital resources due to an ageing population and the importance of efficient patient discharge. While acknowledging significant work already undertaken by the council and its partners, the report identified challenges in the consistency of discharge process initiation and the provision of adequate care home places. Improved communication between organisations and partners was stressed as crucial. Councillor Philip Corthorne MCIPD, Mayor of Hillingdon, commended the report, noting that some recommendations were already being implemented. Councillor Douglas Mills shared a personal experience, emphasizing the need for better end-to-end process management and clearer communication within hospitals. Councillor Jane Palmer, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, agreed that while adult social care had worked well with hospitals, the NHS needed to improve its processes.

Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Early Years

The Cabinet received a report from the Children, Young People and Learning Policy Overview Committee regarding the identification and transition processes for children with SEND in their early years. The review aimed to assess current interventions and how children's needs are identified. Councillor David Simmonds CBE, who moved the report, highlighted the significant impact of early years investment on a child's future. He noted that while Hillingdon generally provides a good service for children with SEND, the report offers practical recommendations focused on enhancing communication and monitoring outcomes. Councillor Susan O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, agreed that the report was valuable, particularly in highlighting areas for improvement in communication within a complex system involving various providers. The recommendations were agreed.

Council Budget and Medium-Term Financial Forecast

The Cabinet reviewed the council's budget for the 2017-18 financial year at month 9, noting a positive underspend of over £1.1 million in the general fund. Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, presented this as good news, indicating that savings targets were on track for delivery and that general fund balances were projected to exceed £39 million by the end of the year. He also presented the Council's proposed budget for 2018-19 to 2022-23. A key announcement was that for the tenth consecutive year, there would be no increase in Council Tax for residents under 65, and for the twelfth year for those over 65. Furthermore, the council has not levied the social care precept in any of the three years it has been available and will not do so for the upcoming year. Councillor Bianco stated that fees and charges would also remain frozen, with Hillingdon charging at least 10% less than neighbouring boroughs for most services. The recommendations concerning the budget monitoring, treasury management, delegated authority for consultant appointments, and a grant for the rebuilding of the Guide Hart in Harefield were agreed.

School's Budget for 2018-19

The Cabinet discussed the school's budget for the 2018-19 academic year. Councillor David Simmonds CBE explained that while this forms part of the council's budget process, school funding is primarily derived from the Ring-Fence Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). He highlighted two key points: the Department of Education's agreement to fund pressures around three early years centres from the DSG, and the introduction of a new education funding formula which reduces the discretion of the schools forum to allocate DSG funds. He noted that schools would see a minimum 0.5% increase per pupil in funding, with additional increases for pupil premium rates. Councillor Simmonds described the overall picture for Hillingdon schools as broadly positive, despite some areas of pressure, particularly regarding the rising cost of employing staff. He moved the recommendations, which were agreed.

Standards and Quality in Education in Hillingdon 2016-17

An annual report on educational progress in Hillingdon for the 2016-17 academic year was presented. Councillor David Simmonds CBE highlighted the continued good progress in early years and primary schools, with attainment levels exceeding London and national averages. He noted that while secondary schools generally provide a good service, there is a particular concern regarding Key Stage 5 (A-level) qualifications, where outcomes for students who have previously performed well are not as strong as in neighbouring boroughs. This trend is leading some Hillingdon parents to seek education for their children in schools outside the borough. The report also indicated progress in Ofsted inspection data, with 87% of schools now rated as good or outstanding, an increase from 80% the previous year. Councillor Simmonds commended the work of officers, led by Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, in driving this improvement. The recommendations were agreed.

Hillingdon's Response to the Draft London Plan

The Cabinet discussed Hillingdon's comprehensive response to the draft London Plan. Councillor Keith Burrows, Chair of the Registration & Appeals Committee, described the plan as daft, citing concerns over parking standards, the perceived attack on the Green Belt, and contradictions within the document. He emphasized that the council's response, over 40 pages long, was developed to protect residents and local development plans. Councillor Douglas Mills expressed concern about the lack of awareness of Outer London boroughs within the plan, particularly regarding transport infrastructure and the provision of essential services like schools and GP surgeries to support proposed housing targets. Councillor Philip Corthorne MCIPD added that leaders of all political parties across London shared significant reservations about the draft plan, citing a demonstrable lack of understanding of Outer London boroughs. The recommendations to meet with GLA representatives and actively participate in the examination process were agreed.

Dynamic Purchasing Vehicles for SEN Provision

The Cabinet agreed recommendations concerning the use of dynamic purchasing vehicles (DPVs) for the procurement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision and independent fostering agencies. Councillor David Simmonds CBE explained that DPVs are a procurement method designed to save money and improve efficiency and quality in securing specialist placements for children whose needs cannot be met by in-house services. He commended the recommendations, which were agreed.