COUNCIL tax will be frozen in Hillingdon for people over the age of 65 for the 14th consecutive year.

It was announced by council leader Ray Puddifoot last night (17) as he outlined his party’s budget plans for 2020/21. 

For residents under 65, council tax rose by 2.4 per cent last year, the lowest rate of all London boroughs.

In the coming financial year, when the maximum rise allowed is 2 per cent, Hillingdon plans a rise of 1.8 per cent.    

In past years, the council has not needed to levy a social care precept. However, adult social care services, not just in Hillingdon but across the country, are facing significant funding pressures.

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Accordingly, the council will levy a precept of 2 per cent on all residents, which in practice will mean a total rise of 3.8 per cent for those under 65 (83p a week for a Band D property) and 2 per cent for those over 65 (44p a week for Band D). 

Cllr Puddifoot said: “We continue to put the needs of Hillingdon residents at the heart of everything we do, and this small increase will contribute £4.4m a year towards maintaining and improving the many services provided by the council.

“Funding pressures continue for local authorities but our strong financial management and good business practice has enabled us to once again to deliver a balanced budget.”

The proposed 2020/21 budget - due to go be discussed in February - will include;

A new leisure and community centre in West Drayton 

Improvements to existing leisure centres

Town centre improvements across the borough

Money to buy Uxbridge police station 

Further support for victims of domestic abuse. 

People will be able to have a say on the proposed budget until January 26 by visiting www.hillingdon.gov.uk/haveyoursay