HOUSEHOLDS are being encouraged to sign a petition to get a fairer deal for Harrow.

This year every person in Harrow will get £159 less in public spending than the average Londoner, thanks to what Harrow Council have called an “outdated funding system”.

This equals £39.8 million in total – money which would deliver cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, better libraries, extra school places, more apprenticeships and homes, better care for elderly and disabled people and much more.

Today Cllr David Perry, the Leader of Harrow Council, launched a campaign in partnership with the Harrow Times urging the Government to give Harrow a better, fairer deal.

He said: “Every year, Harrow residents suffer because Government funding formulas fail to recognise changes here.

“It means we miss out on millions we could spend protecting the vulnerable, improving our public realm, repairing roads, fixing buildings, creating apprenticeships and making classrooms better.

“It’s another kick in the teeth when you consider our grant has been cut year-on-year.

“Today, we are asking residents to join us and tell Government we want a better deal.”

The 159 campaign was launched as Harrow Council revealed new research which shows that the borough has one of the worst payouts in London.

The best funded residents, in Kensington & Chelsea, each get £365 per year more than the average.

Cllr Perry said it was vital that residents signed up to the campaign to send a loud and clear message to Government that Harrow was fed-up of being short-changed.

He said: “I don’t expect a change overnight, but by joining our £159 campaign you can make your voice heard and help us to highlight this shortfall to government.

“As well as trying to get a fair share of the funding we are also looking for other sources of income.

“We are already sharing services with other councils; such as HB Public Law, public health services and also procurement.

“This in addition to driving down the costs of our contracts means we have been able to protect a wide range of services in the borough, which includes street cleaning and care for the elderly.”

The petition will be delivered by a delegation to Downing Street, so the government can take action.

Go to www.harrow.gov.uk/harrow159/ to sign the ‘Harrow £159’ petition and to follow the progress of the campaign, or follow on twitter using the hashtag #Harrow159.