Harrow Council has defended its decision to redesign the council logo - claiming it will be at “zero cost” to taxpayers.

Under new Conservative leadership since the May 5 local elections, the council set out the key priorities to be considered for approval on Tuesday (May 24).

Harrow West Labour MP Gareth Thomas said it is “beggars belief” that a logo redesign was on the list.

On Monday, he tweeted: “Heard tonight that the first priority of the new Conservative leadership of @Harrow_Council is to change the council’s logo!

“In the middle of a cost of living crisis, it beggars belief that this is even on their list.”

In the agenda for the cabinet meeting, the council stated that changes to the logo would be “zero-cost”.

The plan states this would be achieved by working with the local college and university, and the chosen design could be part of the students’ portfolio.

The agenda states: “The digital roll out of the new logo will also be zero cost, and any roll out physically onto buildings and signage and vehicles would only take place as part of the natural replacement cycle when the new logo is chosen.”

Harrow Times: Cllr Paul Osborn says logo changes would be "zero-cost"Cllr Paul Osborn says logo changes would be "zero-cost"

Cllr Paul Osborn, leader of the council, insisted the change would not cost taxpayers.

He said: “As a minor part of the work to put residents first and to improve resident recognition of the services the council delivers, we will look at a redesign of the council logo (most likely reverting to the borough crest) with local educational partners – and at zero cost to taxpayers.”

Discussing other priorities set out, he said: “Just one week after taking control of the council we are starting to deliver one hour's free parking across the borough to support local residents, making the bulky waste collection service free and putting limits on tall buildings in our suburbs.”