Leader says he is ‘proud’ to represent such a diverse borough

Brent is the second most culturally diverse borough in the country, figures have shown.

Of the 311,000 population 64 per cent of residents are Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), statistics from the 2011 census survey released today show.

Brent has the largest Arab population, 11,430, the second largest Indian population, 58,017, and the second largest Asian:Other population, 35,589.

On housing, the survey showed that the number of residents living in the private rented sector increased from 17,043 to 31,784 and from 17 per cent to 28.8 per cent of the population.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said he was proud to represent a multicultural borough.

“The census shows there is so much for us to be proud of in Brent, but it also highlights some of the key challenges facing us as a community” he said.

“The fact that people from so many backgrounds live side by side, as a single community, is a compliment to all of us. We are living proof that multiculturalism can work.

“However the dramatic rise in use of the private rented sector is worrying. I have committed to taking radical action next year to improve the standard of homes in the private sector. This is now more important than ever.”