RESIDENTS over 65 in Hillingdon are set to benefit from an unprecedented 12-year freeze in their council tax.

The council is also pledging to help families by proposing no increase in the Hillingdon element of their council tax for a sixth and seventh successive year.

It is also proposed that all fees and charges for residents, including parking charges, will stay the same for a further 12 months until the end of 2014/15.

The budget for next year also outlines plans to build a landmark 1,200-seat theatre in Uxbridge, a museum, three new youth centres and extra money for roads and improvements.

It will be considered by the council cabinet on Thursday this week.

“In the current economic climate, these budget proposals show we are still able to not only continue to deliver value-for-money services, but improve them as well,” said Conservative council leader Ray Puddifoot.

“When other councils are asking their residents what services to cut and facilities to close, we are investing significant sums of money in the things our residents tell us are important, helping us deliver even better services.

“A further £4m has also been set aside for investment in frontline services, such as extended library opening hours, extra support for the elderly and a new fund for sports and leisure initiatives for all ages."

The budget also includes extra money for the TelecareLine service for vulnerable residents, allowing the age of free access to be reduced from 85 to 80.