A London borough's campaign for a better share of grant has won the backing of its local newspaper, whose editor last week chaired a public meeting in support. Conservative Harrow LBC says it receives £145 a head less than its nearest neighbours, and £573 less than the London average. Some 3,000 residents have signed a petition organised by the Harrow Observer calling for a change in the grant formula. The newspaper's editor chaired a public meeting addressed by all the council's party leaders to show cross-party support for the case. Local government minister, Phil Woolas, was invited but declined to attend. Instead, local MP and junior minister, Gareth Thomas, was left to defend the Government, arguing that Harrow was one of 120 councils with the same grant increase and received more money per head than seven other London boroughs.
