What is a borough and a council? 

London is by far the largest city in the United Kingdom, and is split up into 32 smaller units called London boroughs, and each is governed by a London borough council.

Councils are responsible for social care and provide some aspects of transport, housing, and education. They are also in charge of a range of neighbourhood services including libraries and waste collection.

Each of the 32 London boroughs are divided into wards. Each ward is usually represented by three elected councillors. Elections are held every four years.

Hillingdon Council 

The London Borough of Hillingdon is the second largest borough in London. 

Hillingdon Council  runs most of the day-to-day services across the London Borough of Hillingdon. The council is responsible for housing, social services, street cleaning, waste disposal, roads, local planning and many arts and leisure services. 

The main council offices are located in the Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge.

The council is made up of 65 councillors. 

Councillors are not paid, but receive allowances from the council to ensure that they are not financially penalised for carrying out their duties.

All councillors meet together as the full council and meetings are normally open to the public.

At these meetings, councillors decide the council's overall policies and set the budget each year. They debate issues of current interest, consider and approve proposals from the Cabinet and appoint councillors to sit on the various council committees and outside bodies.

Find your councillor by entering your postcode. You can also find your councillor by name, political party or ward.

The office for your local council is called a surgery. 

Find your nearest council surgery location and opening times 

Mayor of Hillingdon

Each year a Mayor is appointed to lead the ceremonial and civic duties of Hillingdon. 

The Mayor is elected annually from among the councillors and takes office after the Council meeting in May.

The Mayor is the First Citizen of the London Borough of Hillingdon. During his/her term of office, he/she has a specific role to play for the local authority.

The Mayor's office is not political and he/she represents the council at many civic and ceremonial events in Hillingdon, as well as other boroughs.

The Mayor attends many different types of functions throughout Hillingdon, including the official opening of events or new facilities, talking to clubs and societies, and visiting schools.

One of the Mayor's most important tasks throughout the year is to chair council meetings in the Council Chamber, to keep order and ensure the rules of debate are followed.

The Mayor hosts visits to the Mayor's Parlour (office of the Mayor) from various organisations and is always happy to receive a request.

In a non-political way, the Mayor is responsible for furthering the interests of the borough whenever and wherever an appropriate occasion arises.

While hosting Citizenship Ceremonies and during any official visits to the borough, the Mayor has the role of receiving Members of the Royal Family.

The Mayor also acts as host to distinguished visitors, including national representatives of various organisations and foreign visitors.

*Information and images as shared on the Hillingdon Council website