Harrow council budget, opposition concerned

Harrow council cabinet has recently approved raising Council tax by 4.99% in the coming year.
The opposition Labour group is concerned that  “this will take the total increase in Council Tax until 2027 up to 20% since 2023”.
Furthermore, along with the stakeholders in the voluntary sector, the opposition group has opposed the proposed £1.3m cuts, stressing the “huge impact” on vulnerable groups.
“This cut has received overwhelming opposition from the local voluntary sector, including Citizens Advice Harrow and even Council frontline staff have argued that this budget could increase poverty, neglect, deprivation, and mental health issues” said Cllr David Perry, leader of the Labour group.
He has urged the council to reverse the cuts to most vulnerable families, who will be negatively impacted by this budget.
Regarding the impact of the financial decisions on vulnerable in the borough, Cllr David Ashton, lead executive member for the finances, said: 
“We are protecting those in the vulnerable category. We are also establishing a £250000 hardship fund to assist those in particular need”.
He informs that they are facing huge increases in the Adult social care area and Homelessness. Both are statutory requirements.
“Labour shout about council finances and the council tax support scheme and yet meanwhile the Government cuts winter fuel payments with no equalities impact review or consultation” he added.