Hillingdon Council: A future-fit finance programme

Hillingdon Council asked us to identify their finance programme and identify problems in their current systems. They wanted to build a future-fit department that would support delivery of the council's ambitions. Find out what they needed – and how we helped. 

The challenge 

"Like many local authorities, we’re navigating a period of intense financial pressure. With reserves reduced over recent years and ambitious savings targets set for 2025/26, we knew that achieving a sustainable financial position would require more than just short-term fixes—it demanded a cultural shift toward stronger financial management, underpinned by a resilient and capable Finance Department. 

However, we faced several challenges. High turnover at senior levels had impacted continuity and leadership within Finance. At the same time, our recently implemented finance system hadn’t delivered the benefits we expected, limiting our ability to generate insight and support decision-making effectively. These issues posed a real risk to our ability to meet savings targets and maintain financial stability. 

In response, we launched the Finance Modernisation Programme. Our immediate priorities were to establish a reliable view of our 2024/25 financial outturn and ensure transparency and ownership of budgets heading into the new financial year. We also needed to strengthen our Finance Systems team to build day-to-day resilience. 

Looking ahead, our ambition is to create a modern Finance Department that fully leverages our new systems—automating processes, delivering insight-led, customer-focused financial information, and supporting decision-making across the organisation. We want every stakeholder to understand the financial implications of their decisions and feel empowered to take ownership of their budgets. 

In the early stages, we’ve focused on getting the basics right—strengthening foundational practices, managing immediate risks, and engaging stakeholders to build momentum and ownership. This programme is about more than just fixing problems; it’s about building a finance function that’s fit for the future."

The solution 

The result 

Our team brought a focused blend of local government finance expertise and technical knowledge in cloud-based systems, all underpinned by a practical, delivery-oriented approach. As the programme progresses, it will embed good financial management practices across the organisation and unlock the full value of the council’s investment in technology. 

"Grant Thornton helped us turn a complex challenge into a clear, achievable plan. Their understanding of local government finance, combined with their practical approach and technical expertise, has been instrumental in shaping a programme that delivers both immediate improvements and long-term transformation.

Matthew Wallbridge, Chief Operating Officer, London Borough of Hillingdon

For more insight and guidance, get in touch with Neal Dempsey.