On Thursday, February 24, the ruling Conservative group of Hillingdon Borough Council (HBC) had their 2022/23 budget approved, meaning a council tax increase of 1.9 per cent, though well below the rate of inflation.
Of the budget, £450 million will be invested into housing in the area, with £32 million going to improve road infrastructure and £25 million to reduce carbon footprint amongst other things.
An alternative budget introduced by Labour that would have seen current rate of council tax frozen and a focus on crime prevention was outvoted.
Cllr Peter Curling, leader of the council’s Labour group, said: “The alternative was to propose a lower rate of Council tax, reduce crematorium fees, invest in children’s mental health, and much more.
The Conservatives voted down our alternative, and we were left with no option but to vote for their proposal as it was the only choice left. Hillingdon Labour has always put residents first and will continue to make sure that they are at the heart of everything we say and do.”
Leader of Hillingdon Conservatives, Cllr Ian Edwards said: “Never has the choice been clearer. Sound financial management, excellent services and facilities valued by Hillingdon residents with Hillingdon Conservatives, or cuts, bureaucracy and reckless gambling leading to bust with Labour.”
Photo Credit: Ray Stanton
Seems like the lowest change in Council tax compared to a number of other boroughs in the area. I’ve always been impressed with the services and facilities that we receive in Hillingdon.