Councils coping with severe funding cuts should be given more support from central government, according to a leading trade union.

GMB, which represents local authority workers across the UK, said it was important that “vital services” are protected as councils face ever-increasing pressures.

It responded to a report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which pointed out that some councils are in a “extremely worrying position” financially.

Warren Kenny, GMB regional secretary, argued that the Government should not only ease up on cuts to local authorities but should actively bolster their coffers.

He said: “This warning from the PAC reflects what GMB has been warning about as well.

“We need Members of Parliament to impose their will for policy to be reversed.

“It is high time that the government grants to local authorities be increased to ease the pressure.

“We need this to be followed up by a number of years where spending by councils are increased.”

Both Harrow and Brent Councils have frequently spoken about their struggles to maintain balanced budgets in the face of government cuts and increased demand.

This has led to repeatedly increased council tax in both boroughs and a series of “tough decisions” when it comes to reduced spending on services.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “In Brent, our residents are crying out for austerity to end, but with our council facing a further £40 million in cuts, we have another year of impossible decisions on which services we protect.

“If the Government truly values the vital services local councils provide, from building homes; to protecting our children; through to fixing our roads – it must be willing to help fund them.”

His thoughts were echoed by Cllr Adam Swersky, who is responsible for finance at Harrow Council, who said councils – particularly those in outer London boroughs – “cannot cope” with the increased pressures.

But Communities Secretary James Brokenshire is adamant that the Government is working to support local authorities in Britain.

He pointed out that it is investing £91.5 billion over the next two years to “meet the needs of their residents”.