hmgupdated

Council rebuts Labour claims following cabinet meeting

Following the Cabinet meeting of Harrow Council on 19 February 2026, the Labour opposition alleged that a local resident was branded a “disgrace” by the Council’s Deputy Leader after raising, through a public question, the case of a mother and baby reportedly hospitalised due to a damaged pavement in West Harrow. An opposition press releaseContinue reading “Council rebuts Labour claims following cabinet meeting”

Brent’s mayoral leadership fosters shared belonging across borough borders

Brent’s youngest mayor in history, Cllr Ryan Hack, has significantly strengthened the borough’s leadership through a clear commitment to inclusion, visibility, and genuine community participation. His approach focuses on uniting residents through dialogue, cultural celebrations, and collaborative local initiatives that reflect the borough’s rich diversity. By engaging across faith groups, youth networks, voluntary organizations, andContinue reading “Brent’s mayoral leadership fosters shared belonging across borough borders”

‘Quiet Vehicles’, real risks: City Hall steps up for blind and partially sighted Londoners

It is encouraging to see that London City Hall is taking seriously the challenges created by the rapid growth of electric and hybrid vehicles on London’s roads, particularly the safety implications for people with sight loss.Cleaner vehicles deliver undeniable environmental gains. However, their reduced engine noise introduces a material safety risk for blind and partiallyContinue reading “‘Quiet Vehicles’, real risks: City Hall steps up for blind and partially sighted Londoners”

Cabinet Member stays as Harrow children’s services failures deepen

Harrow Council’s children’s services have faced sustained scrutiny since 2022, culminating in an Ofsted judgement of “inadequate” and a formal government improvement notice. Inspectors identified serious weaknesses, particularly in services for care leavers, citing poor planning, inconsistent oversight and failures to safeguard vulnerable young people transitioning into adulthood. Although two areas relating to younger childrenContinue reading “Cabinet Member stays as Harrow children’s services failures deepen”

Millions visit Wembley – local boroughs bear the cost, but will they share the benefit?

Harrow should back Brent Council’s call (photo from their campaign) for any overnight Visitor Levy to be rooted in fiscal fairness and meaningful local retention. What happens in Brent has clear consequences for Harrow, as the effects of major events at Wembley extend well beyond administrative boundaries. The Government’s Overnight Visitor Levy consultation is thereforeContinue reading “Millions visit Wembley – local boroughs bear the cost, but will they share the benefit?”

Harrow Council’s 70% leasehold hike sparks outrage as families hit breaking point

Harrow Council is facing mounting criticism after proposing service charge increases of up to 70 percent for leaseholders in council-owned blocks, a move residents warn will heap unsustainable pressure on families already struggling with rising living costs.Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas (photo), who says he has heard first-hand from affected residents, said the new costsContinue reading “Harrow Council’s 70% leasehold hike sparks outrage as families hit breaking point”

Arise unveils council candidates across Harrow ahead of 2026 vote

A new political force has stepped onto the Harrow stage. Arise has announced its full list of council candidates for the May 2026 local elections, standing in four wards and positioning itself as a grassroots alternative to Labour and the Conservatives. Launched in Harrow last year with the backing of Jeremy Corbyn MP, Arise isContinue reading “Arise unveils council candidates across Harrow ahead of 2026 vote”

London Mayor’s programme: Supporting Londoners to Benefit from Growth, with implications for Harrow

The Greater London Authority’s current initiatives, reinforced by the Mayor’s Supporting Londoners to Benefit from Growth programme, set out a clear and timely vision for inclusive economic development. Together, they recognise that London’s long-term prosperity depends not simply on economic expansion, but on whether growth translates into improved skills, access to good-quality work, and reducedContinue reading “London Mayor’s programme: Supporting Londoners to Benefit from Growth, with implications for Harrow”

School absence fines hit record high as Harrow mirrors national trend

England has recorded another surge in term-time school holiday fines, as cheaper off-peak travel continues to attract families, particularly those on low incomes or with larger households. New figures from the Department for Education show a record 459,288 penalty notices were issued in 2024–25 for unauthorised absence, up 4% on the previous year. Term-time holidaysContinue reading “School absence fines hit record high as Harrow mirrors national trend”

Harrow’s “good neighbour” housing standards highlighted amid London-wide debate

The London Borough of Harrow is among a number of London councils that incorporate “good neighbour” principles into their housing and anti-social behaviour (ASB) frameworks, using tenancy conditions to regulate conduct that may cause nuisance or harassment within residential areas. In Harrow, tenancy agreements expressly hold tenants responsible for the behaviour of household members andContinue reading “Harrow’s “good neighbour” housing standards highlighted amid London-wide debate”