The leader of Hertsmere Borough Council’s Labour group has said she has seen little sign of the economic renewal promised by the Conservative Government.

Councillor Ann Harrison was speaking after Council Leader Morris Bright told the Borehamwood Times Hertsmere was coming out of the recession and beginning to see economic growth.

Cllr Harrison said: “The Conservatives are saying the economy is beginning to improve, but I don’t see any signs of that yet.

“My main concern is the effect that Government measures such as the bedroom tax and cuts to the welfare budget will have on the people of the borough over the next year.

“I am worried, now that Christmas is over, more and more people will find themselves struggling with debt.

“Demand for the Foodbank is on the increase, as is the number of people who are at risk of homelessness.

“There have been articles in the national press saying big landlords are evicting people who are on housing benefits and only letting their houses to those in well paid jobs, and I am worried this could have a disastrous effect on Hertfordshire.”

She said she hoped the Government’s predictions would come true but she said under the current administration she did not see this happening.

Cllr Harrison added: “My biggest hope is, come the council elections at the end of May, is the Labour group can boost the number of representatives it has on Hertsmere Council and help put the needs of constituents first.”