Hounslow Propose Zero Increase in Council Tax

Cllr Peter Thompson recommends no rise in council's share of bill

At the Borough Council on Tuesday 6th March, Cllr Peter Thompson will be proposing that Hounslow Council’s part of the Council Tax increases by zero percent.

Cllr Thompson stated, "I am pleased to be recommending absolutely no increase in Hounslow’s share of the Council Tax."

“If the last round of proposals go through on Tuesday this will be the first time ever that Hounslow Council hasn’t increased its part of the Council Tax! We have worked hard to put together a budget that delivers a more efficient council whilst maintaining key services at no extra cost to our residents.”

“We stated from the outset that we want to be a lower tax authority, as we believe that Government, as a whole should tax less and deliver more for people’s money, a sentiment shared by 80% of our residents. We are clear that we want to see a fair level of council tax with money being spent wisely on front-line essential services and not wasted on expensive overheads, inefficiency and duplication.”

“Despite our hard work, we have no control over the Mayor of London increasing his part of the council tax precept above the rate of inflation - and it’s our residents who suffer. All the increase in this years Council Tax will be due to his increased spending that is taking more and more of Hounslow residents’ hard earned money. This year his tax has risen by 5.3% which is a staggering 147% increase since the GLA was created!”

“Improving our service remains our priority and we will keep working hard on behalf of local people to transform Hounslow Council into an authority that delivers on local priorities and does so efficiently and effectively. I hope that residents will recognise that we are moving in the right direction and delivering better value for money.”

Full details of the Executive's budget will be available on the Council's website from Friday 2nd March.

March 3, 2007