I attended the recent Business Question Time, organised by Business Connections of Harrow. The question time was most informative and helpful to small and medium sized businesses of Harrow. Employment Minister Tony McNulty answered questions relating to how the government was helping business in Harrow and the country as a whole.

Also at that meeting, Councillor David Ashton announced that Harrow Council was to launch a credit union for the residents of Harrow.

Harrow Labour group welcomes this move, along with the other announcements made by the council.

However, the Labour Group has also urged for further action to help residents and businesses in Harrow, such as a nominal charge or free parking at district centres; increasing the grant given to Harrow Citizens' Advice Bureau in order for it to take on more staff to help hard-pressed residents; and that residents in financial difficulties should be allowed to pay their council tax over 12 months rather than 10 months.

We call upon Harrow Council to set up an all-party business review group to look at these measures and others put forward by the business community.

COUNCILLOR PHILLIP O'DELL

Deputy Leader The Labour group

Harrow Council