The challenge of having to spread money around is familiar to most households in the borough. It’s the same for the council, but on a dramatically bigger scale.
Although our annual budget is over £600 million, the money we receive from central Government has fallen dramatically since 2014 while increases in the number of residents, and especially the number of young and old people, have significantly increased demand for council services.
The council has focussed on the things that matter most to residents of the borough at large, while also protecting those who are most vulnerable.
By renegotiating contracts and improving online and over the phone services, savings have been generated. Our workforce is now smaller, and Lampton 360, our trading company, now provides services including the collection of waste and recycling.
Council Tax in Hounslow did not increase from 2006/7 to 2017/18 despite the financial pressures. Further reductions in funding mean it will have to increase in 2018, but by just 1.99%.
More cost saving initiatives are already underway and our new, smaller council offices in central Hounslow will play a major role, while also boosting the regeneration of the town centre.
