House-building in Harrow has faced a consistent pattern since the turn of the century, according to Government figures.

It comes after the Shadow Housing Secretary claimed that Labour-run councils create more homes than their Conservative counterparts.

Using figures from the Housing, Communities and Local Government department, John Healey calculated that, since 2010, Labour councils across the country had started work on an average of 1,300 more houses each year.

But in Harrow, which has been run by Labour for the past four years, the figures are practically neck-and-neck.

Since 2002, an average of 331 homes were built under Labour control, while the Conservatives started work on an average of 326 during the four years they were in power.

As part of campaign urging voters to back Labour in the upcoming local elections, Mr Healey accused the Conservative Government of “eight years of failure”.

He said: “Labour in power means more homes for local people, and Labour councils across the country are already delivering more of the homes their communities need.

“After eight years of failure, the Conservatives have no plan to fix the housing crisis.

“From falling home-ownership to rising homelessness, housing pressures are getting worse.”

In its 2018 manifesto, Harrow Labour points out that it built the first council homes in the region in a generation. It has also set a target of building 500 new council homes if it is re-elected in May.

And despite the group’s promise of building homes for Harrow residents, it has faced criticism over homes in tower blocks in the town centre which, its opponents argue, are being sold off to people living outside the borough.

Cllr Paul Osborn, leader of Harrow Conservatives, said: “I strongly believe Harrow does need more housing, but I don’t agree that the current plans for high rise flats across the borough will result in a “Better Harrow” or these plans are well thought through.

“High rise buildings with low levels of affordable housing will do little to resolve the problems of housing in Harrow.”

He added that a Conservative-run council would look to promote more affordable housing, with homes built at a lower density to ensure they go to Harrow residents.