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Hillingdon Council has approved a range of increases to council fees including a 70 per cent increase in parking charges for residents.
At Cabinet on Thursday, October 22, the Conservative led group argued the current levels of fees and charges in the borough are “unsustainable.” The parking changes are set to come into force from April 1, 2027.
For Hillingdon First cardholders, parking charges will increase by 15 per cent, and the resident parking discount will be reduced from roughly 40 per cent to 10 per cent. This means residents come out paying around 70 per cent more to park.
On-Street Pay & Display Tariffs will increase across all time bands: parking up to 1 hour will rise from £1.50 to £2.60, up to 1.5 hours from £2.40 to £4.10, and up to 2 hours from £3.30 to £5.70. Every 20 minutes thereafter will cost £1.40, up from £0.80.
The changes to parking charges has led to backlash from the Labour MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Danny Beales. In a social media post, Danny Beales urged the council to reconsider the changes.
He said: “The council must consider the additional financial burden on residents and the higher parking charges could have on our local high streets and businesses."
On Sunday, October 25, Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Leader of the Council, issued a statement defending the 70 per cent increase, and criticised Danny Beales and for the Labour government’s funding settlement. He said: “Hillingdon residents have benefited from some of the lowest parking charges in London for many years and will continue to do so.
“Independent benchmarking has also found that many of the council’s discretionary charges are among the lowest 25 per cent compared with other authorities. It would not be responsible or sustainable to leave them unchanged indefinitely.
“Despite the planned increases we have ensured that residents will continue to benefit from discounted parking, paying less than visitors, and one free 30-minute parking session per day, continuing to support access to local shops and high streets.”
Resident parking permits will also increase - by 15 per cent. Residents' first vehicle permit will now cost £106.30 per year rather than £92.40 per year. In refuse, the garden waste collection fee will be reduced by £8 per year.
The bulky waste collection charges have been frozen at £53 for up to three items, however it has increased to £70 for four to six items. The over 65s concession on bulky waste collection has also been removed and the standard rate will now be applied.
Fees charged at council leisure centers are set to increase by four per cent from December 1, 2026. Parks, sports, and outdoor facilities such as tennis courts and football pitches will also see an increase in fees for residents.
Speaking in Cabinet on Thursday, Cllr Eddie Lavery, the Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Hillingdon residents have for many years had levels of fees and charges and council tax significantly below that of other authorities. Whilst we wish to remain a lower charging authority, the current levels are not sustainable.
“The principle is a 15 per cent uplift reflecting historic low charges compared to other boroughs and also the need to raise further income to close the income gap we currently have.”
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