Hounslow Council have now formally approved the budget and a council tax rise for 2023/24 following a meeting on 28th February. 

The proposals to increase council tax in order to protect vital services received approval from a majority of the councillors, and thus the budget has now been approved will be brought into action. 

The budget proposal was revealed by Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat on Wednesday 22nd February, explaining that he had taken the decision to raise council tax by 4.99% in order to avoid creating a budget shortfall. 

This pressure has been caused by inflation being at a 40-year high, a decade of reduced government funding, and the cost-of-loving crisis creating more demand for public services, so the council had to raise funding to continue to support all residents who rely on these services. 

Rajawat said: "This month we have set out our budget plans for the year ahead – to ensure we can continue to deliver for the residents, communities, and businesses of Hounslow through challenging times.  

"We remain committed to building a Thriving, Safer, Cleaner and Greener, Healthier and more Liveable borough for all – by delivering our ambitious corporate plan.  

"However, like all councils we find ourselves under considerable financial pressure as we face the combined impact of soaring inflation and rising demand for vital, frontline services for our most vulnerable residents.  

"Whilst careful financial management over many years means Hounslow is in a relatively strong position among local authorities, the extraordinary economic climate means we have little choice but to propose to raise Council Tax to ensure a balanced budget and –to ensure we can deliver the quality of services and support residents expect and deserve.  

"If the proposals are accepted, the average resident will see an increase in Council Tax, and whilst our council tax remains well below the national average, I fully appreciate this is an added cost for residents at a time when household finances are already stretched.  

"To address this, we are still offering one of the most generous Council Tax support schemes in London for eligible residents, including a further reduction of up to £50.  

"Through close collaboration with our partners, we already have an extensive package of support to help every resident navigate the current economic challenges and I encourage anyone with concerns about their finances to visit one of our cost-of-living marketplace events to find help."