Householders will not face a hike in council tax bills after Hounslow council rubber stamped a 0 per cent increase on Tuesday.

For the second successive year, amid spiralling council tax bills across the country, residents will not be asked to pay any extra money.

Leader of the council Peter Thompson said: "I am delighted that we are able to once again freeze the council's share of the council tax. We have moved from charging the fifth highest council tax in London, to the 11th highest.

"Too many families are crippled by high bills and rising costs of living and we do not believe people can afford to pay any more.

"So it is up to us to respond by lowering our tax burden."

Labour councillors saw their bid to reverse the cuts to adult education and the rise in school dinner prices turned down.

Their budget included a 0 per cent rise in council tax and funds for park rangers to improve security in the borough's major parks.

The Labour group accused the Conservatives of having a slush fund of £14million.

Labour Group leader Jagdish Sharma, said: "They obviously have no faith in their budget and have to keep council tax payers' money locked away in the bank rather than using it to maintain and improve services.

The Liberal Democrats proposed a £1million climate change fund in an alternative budget.

Group Leader Councillor Andrew Dakers described their policy as "green and socially responsible."

He said: "This is essential investment in the future of our planet, a subject we have discussed on several occasions in this chamber and the Lib Dem group have long advocated.

"School crossings and road safety training are essential to protect young people of the borough.

"Removal of funding and cost shunting onto schools are, we believe, ill advised in these areas."

Valuation Bands: A £727.10 B £848.28 C £969.47 D £1,090.65 E £1,333.02 F £1,575.38 G £1,817.75 H £2,181.30