Northwood and Ruislip residents can look forward to a freeze on council tax after Hillingdon Council approved its budget for 2018/2019.
Following a council meeting on February 22, a council tax freeze will be delivered for all residents for the 10th successive year and the 12th successive year for over 65s.
In contrast to a recent report revealing that 95 per cent of authorities in England will be raising council tax this year, Hillingdon Council confirmed the freeze and that all current services and facilities will continue, including library services, weekly refuse and recycling collections and services for the elderly including free burglar alarms, free allotments and free swimming.
Councillors also agreed that Hillingdon residents will not be charged the social care precept (an additional charge of up to three per cent added to council tax bills) for the third year running.
The budget includes further investment in expanding primary and secondary schools, continued investment in replacing children’s playgrounds, and initiatives to reduce the use of plastic bottles and cups among other things.
To mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, a £320,000 bursary scheme to assist young Hillingdon residents with university tuition fees is also included in the budget.
The council has also set aside £200,000 to protect the wellbeing of residents and the environment by assisting in the removal of the threat of Heathrow Airport expansion.
Councillor Ray Puddifoot, leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “We put residents at the heart of everything we do, and it is our sound financial management and good business practice that really sets Hillingdon apart from other councils.
“Considering the huge financial pressures facing local authorities, freezing council tax for a 10th successive year and the 12th year for over 65s is a remarkable achievement and we will continue to improve facilities and deliver services that our residents value.”
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