The Government has issued a formal Best Value Notice to Hillingdon Council, citing 'serious concerns' about the authority's governance, financial management and organisational culture. The notice follows a government-ordered review of the council's finances and governance, which was a condition for financial support awarded to the West London borough to help it avoid bankruptcy.
Best Value Notice details
The notice, described as 'damning' by Labour, highlights concerns about the council's financial resilience and forecasted reliance on government bailouts, as well as 'serious concerns' about financial management and governance. It also notes 'weaknesses in the quality, reliability and use of financial information to support decision-making' and 'evidence of systemic governance weaknesses'. The Government stated that 'there is a lack of challenge, clarity of strategic direction and organisational grip'.
Despite acknowledging steps Hillingdon is already taking to address issues, ministers 'remain concerned'. The Best Value Authority classification requires councils to constantly strive for improvements while balancing economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
Council's response
A Hillingdon Council spokesperson said: 'This Best Value Notice reflects the financial challenges the council has been working through during recent months. We are pleased the Government has recognised not only the progress we've already made, but also the cumulative impact funding pressures over a number of years have had on the council's finances.'
The spokesperson added: 'The notice does not take powers away from the council or affect the day-to-day services residents rely on. Instead, it supports the improvements already underway through our Finance Modernisation Plan and Governance Review Improvement Plan. We have never shied away from the difficult decisions needed to restore the council's finances, and we won't start now.'
Political reaction
Danny Beales, Labour MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, described the report as a 'damning' indictment of 'institutional failure'. He said: 'As the Member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, I have been left stunned by the persistent failures of Hillingdon Council to deliver for residents. The fact that people in Hillingdon work hard, pay their council tax, and are met with poor services and an administration that has been proven to be financially unsound is a disgrace.'
Councillor Stuart Mathers, Leader of Hillingdon Labour, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'This is a damning assessment of a Conservative administration that has been in power for nearly two decades. Concerns first raised by Labour have now been reinforced by external auditors, internal auditors, CIPFA and the Government itself, all pointing to significant weaknesses in governance, financial sustainability, organisational culture and financial management. That should concern every resident.'
Next steps
The notice remains in effect for 12 months unless withdrawn or escalated. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government says the council must take 'urgent steps' to improve its financial sustainability, ensure effective governance and scrutiny processes, and engage with the government department on at least a quarterly basis to discuss progress.
