The leader of Harrow Council has called on the Government to listen to local authorities across the country and provide more funding for their services.

Cllr Graham Henson, who has led the council for eight weeks, outlined the harsh realities faced by his administration during a speech at last night’s full council meeting.

He noted how almost a third of children in the borough are living in poverty and said there was a strain on care services.

All of this, he explained, stems from the fact that, in his view, there is not enough money to work with.

He pointed out that Harrow’s government grant has dropped from £52 million in 2013 to £1.2 million this year.

He added that the council is facing a funding gap of £17 million next year, and £16 million the year after.

“It has created a perfect storm,” Cllr Henson said. “We are a low-spending, low-funded council on a tight budget.

“For too long, central government has relied on us to deliver first class services to our residents on a shoestring budget – for that, I must say thank you to all the hardworking staff.

“But behind all these numbers are real people and I want Harrow to be a place that all residents feel proud of, feel safe in and is somewhere they want to live.

“It’s time for the Government to listen – not just to us, but to all councils around the country.”

But opposition councillors took aim at the services provided by the current administration.

While noting the national need to address issues in adult care, for example, they said there was little excuse for not delivering, what they see as, an adequate bin collection service.

Cllr Paul Osborn, leader of Harrow Conservatives, said it was unreasonable to expect people in the borough to pay so much for their garden waste collections.

And the council leader was quizzed over the food caddies, following reports of damages by rats, squirrels and foxes.

Cllr Henson assured his colleagues that the green bin service “allows the flexibility” appreciated by gardeners and has been a successful programme for 25,000 users.

He also reminded them that the caddies “meet industry regulations” and are utilised by several neighbouring boroughs.