HILLINGDON’S Conservative-led council is calling on the new Labour government to ease funding pressures on local authorities. 

Like most councils, Hillingdon has had to find more efficient and innovative ways of working, to maintain services.

It says, however, that without key reforms at Westminster this is unsustainable in the long term.

Cllr Ian Edwards, council leader, presented a motion to the council meeting on Thursday (11), which outlined seven urgent priorities for Hillingdon. 

In response to the motion being carried, Cllr Edwards said: “It is clear the new government must embark on a fundamental review of local authority funding, to address the shortfall.  

“Being the home of Heathrow brings many opportunities for the borough.

“However, in recent years the council and residents have been expected to shoulder a disproportionate amount of the cost and national responsibility to support people seeking asylum.

“Funding has consistently failed to keep up with inflation and demand for services, in particular the costs of delivering care to vulnerable children and adults. Additional grant funding will address this.”  

Peter Curling, leader of the Labour group on Hillingdon Council, accused the Conservatives of going cap in hand to the new Government when it had declined to do so previously under the Tories.

He said: “The motion contains no action, apart from an implied lobbying of the Labour government on issues the Conservative government failed to deliver.

“Perhaps if they had lobbied their own government and used their influence with former prime ministers, some of these issues would have been dealt with. 

“As the largest party in local government, Labour are aware of the issues facing councils and will be addressing this.”

Alongside calls for funding, Hillingdon outlined the need for local authorities to be able to continue protecting the interests of people with greater powers over transport initiatives and planning policies.   

Cllr Edwards stated: “The extension of ULEZ was a perfect example of why councils must be given stronger powers to resist regional transport initiatives when they clearly do not serve the interests of local people.

“The speed at which these initiatives can be extended or amended is most concerning for the council and our residents.

“When thousands of low-income earners, vulnerable people, ordinary workers and small businesses face the risk of financial hardship, we must be equipped with stronger powers to protect them.”

He also encouraged more house-building – but not at the expense of the Green Belt.

“Planning policies cannot tarnish the character of any area or detrimentally impact local neighbourhoods," he added.

"We will continue to ensure our rich heritage and valued green spaces are protected from development."