Good that, unlike the rest of the Tory London councils (four), Harrow is participating in a review of London’s green belt led by Sir Sadiq Khan’s office. The review aims to assess and potentially revise the green belt designation in London, including areas within Harrow.
The mayor of London says current rules prohibiting development on green belt land are “wrong, out-of-date and simply unsustainable”, as the demand for housing increases.
Harrow’s Green Belt covers around 11 square kilometres (1088 hectares), equivalent to eight Hyde Parks and about one fifth of the Borough’s total area.
Harrow is experiencing a severe housing crisis characterized by insufficient affordable housing, high rents, and increasing homelessness. This crisis has led to a growing number of residents in temporary accommodation and a rise in the demand for information and advice services.
In 2024, Harrow had 2,163 households on their social housing waiting list with an increased number of those deemed homeless.
Therefore, the Labour opposition on the council welcome a boost to Homelessness Prevention Grant and Household Support Fund from central government – £2.6 million assigned to Harrow as Household Support Fund renewed for an unprecedented extra 12 months.
“Grant funding is desperately needed as Harrow has endured 223% increase in risk of homelessness” they said.
Labour Group Leader, Councillor David Perry, said they are relieved to hear that the Labour government has taken action to tackle the cost of living and homelessness crisis currently gripping Harrow and many parts of London with the recent £10m of grant funding.
“During the past five years, homelessness has ballooned in our capital, forcing thousands of people into temporary accommodation. I am pleased our most vulnerable families will get much needed financial support over the coming 12 months thanks to this package of support” he said.
Leader of the council, Cllr Paul Osborn has informed that the government’s Household Support Fund will continue to fund free school meals during the holidays and set money aside for pensioners on council tax support who will miss out on winter fuel payments as well as to provide food aid and fund a homelessness outreach team.
The mayor of London says current rules prohibiting development on green belt land are “wrong, out-of-date and simply unsustainable”, as the demand for housing increases.
Harrow’s Green Belt covers around 11 square kilometres (1088 hectares), equivalent to eight Hyde Parks and about one fifth of the Borough’s total area.
Harrow is experiencing a severe housing crisis characterized by insufficient affordable housing, high rents, and increasing homelessness. This crisis has led to a growing number of residents in temporary accommodation and a rise in the demand for information and advice services.
In 2024, Harrow had 2,163 households on their social housing waiting list with an increased number of those deemed homeless.
Therefore, the Labour opposition on the council welcome a boost to Homelessness Prevention Grant and Household Support Fund from central government – £2.6 million assigned to Harrow as Household Support Fund renewed for an unprecedented extra 12 months.
“Grant funding is desperately needed as Harrow has endured 223% increase in risk of homelessness” they said.
Labour Group Leader, Councillor David Perry, said they are relieved to hear that the Labour government has taken action to tackle the cost of living and homelessness crisis currently gripping Harrow and many parts of London with the recent £10m of grant funding.
“During the past five years, homelessness has ballooned in our capital, forcing thousands of people into temporary accommodation. I am pleased our most vulnerable families will get much needed financial support over the coming 12 months thanks to this package of support” he said.
Leader of the council, Cllr Paul Osborn has informed that the government’s Household Support Fund will continue to fund free school meals during the holidays and set money aside for pensioners on council tax support who will miss out on winter fuel payments as well as to provide food aid and fund a homelessness outreach team.
Harrow Monitoring Group 