Thousands of people are leaving north-west London each year, as more young people are attracted to major cities in the Midlands and the North.

Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that, between mid-2016 and mid-2017, almost 5,000 people left Harrow for somewhere else in the UK. In Brent, this figure was more than 6,800.

Research by buy-to-let mortgage analysts Landbay suggested that these statistics stem from rising rent costs in London and major investment in cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

This is backed up by rent growth in these areas which, according to Landbay, is far outstripping the capital.

The company’s CEO, John Goodall, said: “The truth is there is now a twin speed rental market as London’s rent growth is dwarfed by cities such as Leeds and Manchester.

“This is being fuelled by the capital’s millennial exodus as countless young professionals realise there is more to life than London.

“In many ways it could be argued that the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ is beginning to take effect amid stretched affordability and a harsher tax regime.”

Both Harrow and Brent Councils have adopted ambitious regeneration plans to drive growth and employment in the area.

Their leaders have spoken of the need to provide more housing – and more affordable housing.

And Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council is convinced that the borough is an attractive prospect.

He said: “We’re always saying that Harrow is a great place to live and work. Our parks are beautiful, our schools are great, and our small businesses are prospering.”