Labour leader Ed Miliband says he is “deeply troubled” by Barnet Borough Council’s decision to cut libraries and outsource its services.

During a visit to Finchley today, Mr Miliband, who is hoping to become the next Prime Minister in the May 2015 elections, was invited to speak to students at the Wren Academy, in Hilton Avenue.

Pupils ranging from 11 to 18-years-old asked him hard hitting questions – which Mr Miliband admitted had been some of the best he had heard in his time as a politician.

They quizzed him on issues relating to the National Health Service, immigration, the European Union and UKIP.

Mr Miliband also led a debate on whether 16 and 17-year-olds should be allowed to vote.

One pupil told him: “The current education system isn’t catering well enough to give people a more informed view of the world. Introducing a compulsory education for 15 and 16 year-olds in the run up to a general election would allow them to make an informed decision.”

But another 17-year-old said: “If we’re not allowed to get involved in it right now we’re not going to take much of an interest in it. Allowing us to vote would be a clever way of showing us we have a voice, that way we will take an interest in it.”

After the question and answer session, Mr Miliband and Labour’s MP candidate for Finchley, Sarah Sackman, spoke to the Times Series about issues facing Barnet.

Labour has proposed to introduce a mansion tax – meaning those with more expensive houses will have to pay a higher council tax fee.

When asked how this would affect elderly people who are asset-rich but cash poor, particularly those who live in Bishops Avenue, East Finchley, he said: “Anyone who is a basic ratepayer can defer paying mansion tax until they complete the transaction on their house.

“This will give that really important protection to those who are on low income but have a house worth more than £2m who may be worried.

“Some people won’t be in favour of it but it’s an important way of funding our NHS.”

Mr Miliband also spoke about Barnet’s ruling Conservative group’s decision to outsource its services under the controversial One Barnet programme, as well as cuts to library services in the borough.

The authority hopes to save £2.85m by closing libraries, reducing their size or leaving them manned purely by volunteers.

Mr Miliband said: “They think libraries are a soft touch but they are a vital service people rely on. Any issues we make on the matter won’t be easy.”

When asked how a Labour MP could win an election in a Conservative borough, Ms Sackman said: “People are flocking towards the Labour party and increasing their support for us.

“They care about the ideas we are putting forward, improving local services and hospitals and investing in our NHS. We are confident people like our ideas.”