Brent Council will expand its ‘community hub’ scheme following a successful pilot programme.

Its cabinet agreed to extend the scheme to Kilburn, Willesden, Wembley, Kingsbury and Kenton after positive results in Harlesden.

The hub scheme gives vulnerable citizens better access to services and offers them greater online support.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for housing and welfare reform, said: “Its great news that the hub model has been given the go ahead by cabinet.

“The hubs will provide the flexibility that has proven so effective, on people’s doorsteps, ready and waiting to help, support, and advise in a way that leads to real and lasting change.

“The model recognises the important role of local community and voluntary organisations in ensuring people can access information and advice and the support they need to help themselves.

“Connecting organisations and community groups and developing capacity within the sector to respond to changing needs is a key focus of the hub approach.”

Independent research found that the hub helped people secure or keep their homes, find work and address debt.

It also provided people with connections, thereby alleviating loneliness, and helped protect children, “keeping them safe, well and in school”.

The expansion scheme will be rolled out over the next two years, while the Harlesden hub, based at the library in Craven Park Road, will benefit from extended hours.

It will cost the council £836,000 per year to operate the hub network, while refurbishment costs are set at £180,000.