A Harrow MP has welcomed figures showing a fall in unemployment in his consistency.

Bob Blackman said the unemployment rate in Harrow East was now 1.4 per cent, according to statistics from the Office of National Statistics.

It represents another drop in the unemployment rate locally.

The number of unemployed job seekers allowance claimants fell by 402 compared to the same time last year - around 23 per cent fewer over the 12 month period.

While 957 people were claiming benefits related to unemployment in February 2015, last month that figure was 734.

Some 115 18 to 24 year olds were claiming job seekers allowance in Harrow East during February 2016, this compared to 205 in February 2015 - a reduction of around 44 per cent.

Mr Blackman said: "It is great to see unemployment and youth unemployment especially continue to fall in Harrow East.

"Everyone deserves the peace of mind that comes with a job and a pay packet and this government is giving more families the chance of enjoying the stability and security that work brings.

"Today’s figures show our welfare reforms and long term economic plan for a low tax and high employment economy really are getting Britain working and prospering."

The MP added that cuts to income tax announced in the chancellor's budget last week will also take an estimated 1,710 low-earners in Harrow East out of paying income tax altogether.

The chancellor said personal allowances are set to reach £11,000 from April this year and will rise again to £11,500 from April 2017.

The threshold for the higher rate of income tax will rise to £43,000 this April and up to £45,000 in April 2017.