Labour councillors have responded to the Government’s announcement on Harrow’s future funding, while the Council’s finance portfolio has clarified the precise figures and timescales involved.
The draft local government settlement confirms additional funding for Harrow from 2026/27 onwards, giving the Council increased spending power and a stronger platform to manage pressures across core services. This forms part of the Government’s wider reforms to local government finance, designed to reverse years of instability and rebuild councils’ capacity to plan responsibly for the long term.
The settlement comes after more than a decade in which Harrow experienced severe reductions in government support, leaving the Council exposed to growing pressures in adult social care, housing and children’s services. The new approach to funding marks a clear shift towards sustainability, transparency and fairness.
Harrow Labour Group Leader, Councillor David Perry, said:
“This funding will help stabilise the Council’s finances and support the services residents rely on. After years of decline, the Labour Government is beginning the work of rebuilding local government and investing in Harrow’s future.”
Councillor David Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Finance, clarifies:
“This figure is wrong and completely misleading. We are not receiving £100 million in new funding, we are receiving an extra £7.4 million in the draft settlement for 2026/27, and lesser amounts in the following two years. This funding won’t be confirmed until February and could change.
Although it is welcome that we are receiving some extra funding, it isn’t enough to deal with the pressures we are facing on adult social care, an additional pressure of £14.2million in 2026/27, and temporary accommodation, an additional £12.1 million in 2026/27, which the Government has failed to address despite their promises. The Government has also withdrawn funding for the much-needed new School on the Kodak development.”
The Council will continue to engage with government ahead of the final settlement in February, pressing the case for funding that fully reflects Harrow’s needs and allows it to deliver sustainable, high-quality services for residents.
The draft local government settlement confirms additional funding for Harrow from 2026/27 onwards, giving the Council increased spending power and a stronger platform to manage pressures across core services. This forms part of the Government’s wider reforms to local government finance, designed to reverse years of instability and rebuild councils’ capacity to plan responsibly for the long term.
The settlement comes after more than a decade in which Harrow experienced severe reductions in government support, leaving the Council exposed to growing pressures in adult social care, housing and children’s services. The new approach to funding marks a clear shift towards sustainability, transparency and fairness.
Harrow Labour Group Leader, Councillor David Perry, said:
“This funding will help stabilise the Council’s finances and support the services residents rely on. After years of decline, the Labour Government is beginning the work of rebuilding local government and investing in Harrow’s future.”
Councillor David Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Finance, clarifies:
“This figure is wrong and completely misleading. We are not receiving £100 million in new funding, we are receiving an extra £7.4 million in the draft settlement for 2026/27, and lesser amounts in the following two years. This funding won’t be confirmed until February and could change.
Although it is welcome that we are receiving some extra funding, it isn’t enough to deal with the pressures we are facing on adult social care, an additional pressure of £14.2million in 2026/27, and temporary accommodation, an additional £12.1 million in 2026/27, which the Government has failed to address despite their promises. The Government has also withdrawn funding for the much-needed new School on the Kodak development.”
The Council will continue to engage with government ahead of the final settlement in February, pressing the case for funding that fully reflects Harrow’s needs and allows it to deliver sustainable, high-quality services for residents.
Harrow Monitoring Group 