The Local Government Association (LGA) Labour Group has praised Harrow Council for protecting culture in the borough and its commitment to tackling modern slavery.

It comes as part of a list of ‘100 more innovations’ compiled to highlight the work of Labour councils across the country.

This included Harrow Council’s successful bid for funding at Harrow Arts Centre, in Uxbridge Road, which had previously been threatened with closure due to financial struggles.

It was also championed – alongside several other local authorities – for its decision to sign up to the modern slavery charter, which vows to stamp out the practice in the public sector.

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said: “The work we have done to protect the arts centre will ensure that Harrow residents will continue to benefit from this great community asset and cultural hub.

“Being featured in a national publication shows that Harrow is leading the way and delivering for residents.

“I’m also delighted that Harrow has adopted and implemented the modern slavery charter which will ensure that the cruel and exploitative practices of modern slavery have no place in council supply chains.”

The arts centre will receive £1.9 million worth of funding after the council secured a grant from the Greater London Authority.

A motion calling on the council to improve its modern slavery checks was unanimously approved at a full council meeting in November.

The LGA’s Labour Group, as well as Harrow Council, has been heavily-critical of cuts to Government funding since 2010.

In Harrow’s case, the council’s grant from central government has fallen by £50 million over the past six years.

But communities secretary James Brokenshire insists that it is supporting local authorities, noting that £91.5 billion will be invested over the next two years to “meet the needs of residents”.