Council Leader Blasts Mayor's "Excessive" Tax Hike

Strong condemnation raises further concerns of rise in council tax

Hounslow Council leader, Peter Thompson, has condemned the increased tax demands of 5.3% from London’s Mayor at a time when he says the council is working hard to keep local tax increases at a minimum.

Speaking after the announcement that the Mayor's GLA precept had been passed by the London Assembly despite strong opposition, Peter Thompson said, "We remain committed to an affordable council tax and continue to implement new ways of working to achieve the savings that will allow front line services to continue to improve without significant increases in the council tax.

"Despite our hard work, we have no control over the GLA increasing their council tax precept above the rate of inflation - and it’s our residents who suffer."

He continued “We are working so hard to be as efficient as possible and we are making tough choices in order to keep down bills, whilst still delivering high quality services. But the Mayor's increased spending is taking more and more of Hounslow residents’ hard earned money.

Hounslow Council is yet to announce their council tax for the year 2007/08.  Neighbouring borough Hammersmith & Fulham have cut their council tax bill to residents by 3% whilst Ealing announced a rise of just 1.9%.

February 17, 2007