HILLINGDON is proposing a council tax and social care precept of 4.99% (2.99% core council tax and 2% to fund adult social care) next financial year.

This equates to £1.27 a week for a Band D property, which the Conservative-led council says is among the lowest levels of council tax in outer London.  

Hillingdon’s fees and charges are also likely to remain lower than most London authorities and will be set in line with Consumer Price Index inflation for discretionary services used by residents.  

Cllr Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “While the national funding picture for local government remains bleak, here in Hillingdon the council’s sound financial management continues alongside an effective savings delivery programme.

“It ensures residents don’t pay as much as others and that the council can continue to maintain and invest in its award-winning services.   

“The next year will continue to prove challenging, and we are going to have to continue to look at even more innovative and efficient ways to deliver our outstanding services.

“But we will maintain our commitment to putting our residents first through our robust financial planning.” 

Hillingdon says it is able to contain costs through efficiency savings, rather than cutting services. It saved £20.8m in the current financial year, a spokesman said, with a further £15.8m in 2024/25.   

Efficiencies included relocating services and reducing energy usage, such as moving Uxbridge adult education service to the Civic Centre. 

Residents can visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/budget-consultation before Sunday, January 28, to have a say on the proposed budget.