Hillingdon Council's budget is "electioneering stunt" - Cox

8.54.00am GMT Fri 27th Feb 2009

Hillingdon's budget for 2009-10 was last night set at a 0% Council tax increase for 2009-10 and the Conservatives have promised the same for next year.

Cllr Mike Cox branded the budget an election stunt. He said

"The increase in Council tax is normally set after careful consideration and consultation with scrutiny committees and other partners. This budget has nothing to do with a prudent budget for hard times but everything to do with the re election of the Conservative administration.

I welcome a 0% increase this year but if Cllr Puddifoot believes he can maintain a 0% increase next year because of the refunds received from the government then he should have given the money back to the residents by reducing this year's Council tax bill. He should not be storing it up to pay for his re election."