Residents will know that while we are lucky to be served by the excellent councils of Hillingdon and Harrow, London boroughs have not been immune from the financial pressures of the last few years.
The very first council meeting I attended saw the then Labour administration of Hillingdon raise council tax by 18% without outlining how it would make life better for its residents. When the Conservatives under Ray Puddifoot took over, they ensured that residents would no longer face extraordinary council tax rises, as they would put public finances on a sound footing.
The benefit of this is felt by many in the constituency and with work underway in Harrow to achieve the same, I am frequently told by residents how much they appreciate a well-run council.
Recently, however, the Government’s changes to National Insurance Contributions, Business Rates and a diversion of grants to central London are placing outer London boroughs like ours under increased strain.
In a Westminster Hall Debate this afternoon, I pressed the Ministers on the pressures their policies are having on London boroughs, and I was delighted to see such a strong turnout among MPs asking the Government to go further and provide real support.
