Harrow Council has been awarded £400,000 to help migrants settle and contribute within the borough.

The borough is one of only four in London to win a share of the £15million Controlling Migration Fund, a government scheme designed to help migrants integrate in their new communities in the UK.

The council plans to offer free courses such as cooking, community care and English lessons to hundreds more new arrivals as a result of the donation.

Cllr Sachin Shah, leader of the council, believes the funding will help migrants make a “positive contribution” to the different communities in the borough.

He said: “Harrow is proud to be one of the most diverse places in the country. We know that migrants can offer so much in the way of skills and cultural enrichment. To make the most of this, we need to ensure they have the opportunities to make a positive contribution to their communities and this fund will go a long way to making sure that happens.

“We’re going to fund a teacher to provide English lessons, which will help families integrate and increase their ability to contribute economically. That not only reduces their reliance on the council, but allows us to tap into the skills we need in the borough.

“The fund will also help us reach out to more host families, easing pressure on our housing stock. Make no mistake, this funding is about ensuring migrants continue to be a positive and welcome part of Harrow’s community.”

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid added: “Migration brings great benefits to this country but, in some places, significant population changes in a short space of time have put pressures on public services.

“This new funding will help councils rise to the challenge.”