Hillingdon Council's Cabinet has approved a recommendation for a 4.99% increase in Council Tax for the upcoming financial year, a move that will see the annual charge for a Band D property rise to £1,534.95. The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, 19 February 2026, also includes a 2.00% increase specifically for the Adult Social Care precept.
This significant rise in Council Tax is a key component of the Council's 2026/27 budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which aims to address a projected budget gap of £62 million. The strategy anticipates the use of up to £62 million in Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to balance the budget for the next financial year, subject to government approval.
The Council's financial position has been exacerbated by what is described as historical underfunding and the phased implementation of the Fair Funding Review. The proposed budget also includes a 4.8% increase in Housing Revenue Account (HRA) rents, in line with national policy.
The MTFS has been approved through to the 2028/29 financial year. However, further proposals will need to be developed and approved to close future budget gaps and achieve balance without additional reliance on EFS.
No alternative budget proposals that did not involve a Council Tax increase were considered or adopted for the 2026/27 financial year.
The full details of the budget and financial strategy can be found in the 2026-27 Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy FINAL.
