Opposition councillors have announced they will spend more to help borough’s most vulnerable if they come to power in this year’s elections.

The Government has announced it will be scrapping a £180million fund to help people in a social emergency.

Coupled with this announcement, Harrow Labour has attacked the council’s Conservative administration for cutting £3million in the budget set aside to help those the most in need.

Cllr Sachin Shah, shadow member for finance, said: “The cut to the hardship fund means that the Harrow Help Scheme and Emergency relief fund will both be drastically cut by the Tories, removing all safety nets for the people of Harrow.

“On top of this, during the current year, the Harrow Tories are not spending the money they have to help vulnerable people, while homelessness rises and rent arrears grow.

“This is wrong. That is why I can confirm that if Labour forms Harrow’s administration after the local elections, all the underspend in the Harrow help scheme this year will automatically be transferred in to next year’s pot.

“Unlike Susan Hall and the Harrow Tories, Labour will not balance the books on the backs of the poor.”

The Harrow Times has contacted the Conservative administration about the fund and is awaiting a reply.