Hillingdon Council is set to expand specialist education provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), following a Cabinet meeting on Thursday 26 June 2025. The move aims to address the growing demand for specialist places and reduce reliance on out-of-borough placements.
The council plans to use £6.065 million of underspent funds from existing budgets to fund future specialist provisions in Hillingdon. This includes expanding Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) and Designated Units (DUs) within secondary schools. As a first step, the Cabinet approved a capital release of £540,000 for internal adaptations at Bishop Ramsey School, creating a specialist provision for up to 32 students.
In addition to education, the Cabinet addressed several other key issues. A report from the Residents' Services Select Committee on Homeless Prevention and the Customer Journey was reviewed, focusing on enhancing the resident experience, process efficiency, staff support and training, and building on existing partnerships. Recommendations included referring to applicants as 'residents' rather than 'customers' and creating a clearer Residents' Charter.
The Cabinet also discussed the proposed closure of retail operations at the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) in West Drayton by 31 July 2025, due to ongoing financial losses. The council will consult on relocating support services currently delivered at the site to a new, enhanced garden facility at the Civic Centre campus in Uxbridge.
Furthermore, the Cabinet considered the allocation of Hillingdon's 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant, aimed at improving pride in place, supporting high-quality skills training, and boosting local businesses. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, agreed and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ealing Council for an additional tri-borough grant element.
Finally, the Cabinet held a public preview of confidential reports to be considered later in private, relating to the purchase of street sweepers, a contract variation for fire safety works, a contract for revenues, benefits, housing and other corporate solutions, and non-domestic rates irrecoverable debt.