Brent Council will introduce a new commission aimed at tackling poverty in the borough.

It announced its plans for a special ‘poverty commission’ that will address issues such as child poverty and food poverty.

Made up of experts on the subject, councillors and anti-poverty advisors, it seeks to build on the council’s existing programmes.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for housing and welfare reform at Brent Council, said: “Many Brent residents are really struggling.

“The combined impact of welfare changes, insecure employment and rocketing housing costs is creating real hardship.

“I’m launching this commission because we need to do more, working with our partners to create opportunities for everyone to have a good quality of life in Brent.”

It comes following a report by London Councils into supporting those in the capital who are on low incomes.

The report noted Brent Council’s ‘community hub’ model, which looks at tackling financial exclusion and offers advice on securing sustainable employment.

It has also developed a strategy to promote sensible borrowing and how to manage debt.

The commission wants to hear from those who have experienced poverty and make use of evidence-based solutions.

It will provide recommendations to the council’s cabinet with proposals on how to implement these from 2020.

According to the council, more information on how to get involved with the project, including the details of public meetings, will be announced at a later date.