UNION members have thrown their weight behind a campaign to improve Harrow borough’s share of taxpayer cash.

The public sector workers union, Unison, passed a motion backing the Campaign For Fair Grant which aims to lobby the Department of Communities and Local Government to improve the size of Harrow Council’s annual grant from the government.

More than 1,200 people have added their name to the petition, jointly run by Harrow Council and the Harrow Observer, including Neighbourhood Champion Hugh Ogus.

Mr Ogus, of Spring Lake, Stanmore, said: “I am happy to sign the petition and will encourage my neighbours to do the same.

“In the current economic climate, I understand the government’s need to constrain grants but it is essential that Harrow gets the right amount of money to meet the needs of everyone who lives in the borough.

“The government is always talking about fairness, so I hope it takes note of this massive mismatch between what is given to Harrow compared with neighbouring boroughs.”

The motion passed at Harrow Unison branch’s annual general meeting said: “Members will note that the power at which local authorities yield to run their affairs rests very much on the financial resources and money allocated centrally by government.

“In Harrow, the government allocates one of the lowest grants in London – Harrow receives £1,608 per person, whereas neighbouring boroughs get £3,317. An increase in grant that is reflective of Harrow’s diverse population and the demographic pressures it faces would go some way to alleviate future cuts to services, privatisation and the aforementioned threat to our member’s jobs.”

Harrow Council’s portfolio holder for finance, councillor Sachin Shah (Labour), said he was pleased with the level of support received so far.

“The people of Harrow are really prepared to stand up for their borough,” he added. “But we need more people to do so, so if you haven’t already please sign up, and encourage your neighbours friends and colleagues to sign up too.”

n To join the campaign, complete the coupon on this page and post it to Campaign For Fair Grant, Harrow Observer, Gazette House, 28 Bakers Road, Uxbrudge, UB8 1RG, or sign up at www.harrow.gov.uk/fairgrant.