Financial Modernisation Programme (FMP)
Amid a severe financial crisis, Hillingdon Council's financial systems and processes, which the Financial Modernisation Programme aims to strengthen, are under scrutiny.
Hillingdon Council's financial systems and processes, which the Financial Modernisation Programme (FMP) aims to strengthen, came under scrutiny in September 2025. This followed an urgent call for a formal financial investigation by Councillor Sital Punja, prompted by a report from external auditors Ernst & Young (EY) that raised concerns over dwindling reserves and financial missteps. The motion urged the Chief Executive to request a government investigation into the council's financial position.
The council is grappling with a severe financial crisis, facing a deficit of £65.71 million, the highest among London boroughs, as discussed at a council meeting in September 2025. This includes a cumulative Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit of £65.6 million as of March 2025, with plans to balance the schools budget not expected until 2027-28.
Key facts
- Hillingdon Council faced an urgent call for a formal financial investigation in September 2025. Source
- External auditors Ernst & Young (EY) issued a report raising concerns about the council's finances. Source
- Councillor Sital Punja proposed a motion calling for a government investigation into the council's financial position. Source
- Hillingdon Council faces a deficit of £65.71 million, the highest among London boroughs. Source
- The council has a cumulative Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit of £65.6 million as of March 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.