Council agree a 4.8% tax rise

‘CLEVERLY WORDED’ BUDGET INCLUDES MORE CUTS TO YOUTH SERVICES

HILLINGDON residents will see council tax rise by 4.8 per cent after budget plans were approved on February 25.

Council leader Ian Edwards said he recognised the impact it will have on residents during the difficult economic period, and confirmed councillors’ allowances will be frozen at the existing rate for 2021/22.

Meanwhile, the 14-year older persons discount scheme will be discontinued for the upcoming financial year due to the challenges of the pandemic. Current taxpayers using the discount will not be affected.

Cllr Edwards also revealed £8 million in savings and efficient working will be found for 2021/22, and a further £12.8 million will be cut between 2022 and 2024.

But he added: “Since 2010 this Conservative council has reduced its running costs by £147 million through savings and more efficient working...Our track record is such that we are confident in our ability to make these savings, meaning there will be no cuts in services or facilities to balance the budget.

“Our budget not only provides for continuation of existing services but also for investment and more.”

Among investments announced within the plans were £29 million for a new leisure centre and community facilities in West Drayton, and £70 million for improvements to housing in the borough such as through the redevelopment of the Avondale Drive estates and Hayes town centre.

The Labour group however put forward alternative proposals to amend the budget, such as a review of youth services, a care leavers council tax discount, increased domestic violence support and discounts on local services for low-income families.

Labour councillor Stuart Mathers told the meeting: “Our amendment is necessary as it helps reverse some cuts, cuts that now is not the time to make.”

He flagged how youth services in the borough had been “cut dramatically” since 2010 from £4 million to now in the region of half a million pounds.

And Cllr Mathers blasted proposals to further cut this in the next budget.

He warned: “Our young people are struggling in this pandemic world and as we move into a new normal they need the support of universal youth services...Using the word review, efficiency or saving doesn’t mean you’re not cutting a service, it’s just cleverly worded.”

However finance boss Cllr Martin Goddard however blasted the proposals as “irresponsible” for totalling £1.2 million in revenue spending at a time the council is facing Covid pressures.

The Labour amendment was defeated while the Conservatives’ budget was approved.