Brent Council’s leader and deputy leader headed to Whitehall on Thursday (January 7) to meet a Government minister to argue for a better funding deal for Brent residents.

Councillors Muhammed Butt and Michael Pavey argued Brent’s case to Parliament under Secretary of State Marcus Jones MP, demanding to know why neighbouring Westminster City Council receives government funding of £255 per person, compared to Brent’s £176, despite similar levels of need.

Brent Council Leader Cllr Muhammed Butt said: “Central government cuts have hit local councils harder than any other area of the public sector.

“The Chancellor recognises that local authorities, such as Brent, provide essential services to local people but he refuses to provide the necessary funding to deliver those services. This is putting our most vulnerable residents at risk.

“This government needs to give Brent a fair funding settlement – at least as good as Westminster Council next door.”

Deputy leader and cabinet member for finance Cllr Michael Pavey added: “The government has cut £1.3million this year alone from our public health funding, and I was glad to be able to look the minister in the eye and tell him that it’s not on.

“Brent people are being let down by this funding settlement and enough is enough.”

The council says it will now have to wait and see whether any of its detailed representations will be listened to and acted upon by the government.

Brent’s public consultation on its budget proposals start this week with the first two of seven public meetings, where local people can ask questions and have their say.

  • Wembley: Tuesday January 12, 7pm to 10pm, Banqueting Hall, Patidar House, 22 London Road, Wembley HA9 7EX

  • Brent Civic Centre: Thursday January 14, 7pm to 9pm, Conference Hall, Brent Civic Centre, Wembley HA9 0FJ

  • Kilburn and Kensal: Tuesday January 19, 7pm to 10pm, Queens Park Community School hall, Aylestone Avenue NW6 7BQ

  • The Library at Willesden Green: Monday January 25, 12noon to 2pm, The Library at Willesden Green, 95 High Road, Willesden NW10 2SF

  • Willesden: Monday February 1, 7pm to 10pm, The Library at Willesden Green, First floor Performance Space, 95 High Road, Willesden Green, NW10 2SF

  • Harlesden: Tuesday February 2, 7pm to 10pm, The Roundwood Youth Centre, Longstone Avenue, Harlesden NW10 3UN

  • Kingsbury and Kenton: Wednesday February 3, 7pm to 10pm, Main Hall, Kingsbury High School, Princes Avenue, Kingsbury, London NW9 9JR

The council will set their budget and the council tax rates in March once the government has finalised the level of grant and the public have had their say locally.