Hillingdon Council ‘must deliver’ £34 million in savings outlined in its budget this year or face the possibility of declaring bankruptcy due to reserves reaching a critical position.
Hillingdon Council is facing a critical financial crisis, requiring £34 million in savings this year to avoid potential bankruptcy. The council's reserves have reached a critical low, with the possibility of issuing a Section 114 Notice, which would halt new spending. Years of overspending, poor governance, and reliance on reserves have led to this situation. The council leader remains optimistic about meeting the savings target, but past performance shows they've only averaged £13 million annually since 2010, needing a significant increase. A cultural shift is needed to prevent overspending, and the council is set to present its budget on February 27. Critics highlight systemic failures and potential tax hikes, while the council aims to avoid government intervention.