The approved merger of North West London and North Central London Integrated Care Boards, due to take effect on 1 April 2026, will create the largest ICB in England, covering 13 boroughs and around 4.5 million people. The merger itself is not contested. What warrants scrutiny are the consequences of this scale for local accountability,Continue reading “A larger NHS ICB must not leave Harrow’s vulnerable adults and children behind”
Author Archives: hmgupdated
Who holds the challenge in Harrow’s children’s services governance?
Following our recent article examining the blunt use of legislation to appoint an interim Director of Children’s Services in Harrow, attention must now turn to a wider safeguarding concern: whether the structural design of the Director of Children’s Services (DCS) role itself provides sufficient independence, challenge and accountability within the system. Safeguarding failures do notContinue reading “Who holds the challenge in Harrow’s children’s services governance?”
Lawful but risky: Harrow’s interim children’s services leadership under safeguarding scrutiny
The operation of Section 18 of the Children Act 2004, and the safeguarding governance risks now associated with its routine use, is not a local or isolated issue but a matter of clear national interest. Harrow Council’s emergency decision to designate its Managing Director as interim Director of Children’s Services following the unexplained departure ofContinue reading “Lawful but risky: Harrow’s interim children’s services leadership under safeguarding scrutiny”
Harrow cannot afford to look away from knife violence
On Boxing Day, a man in his 50s was stabbed in Station Road, Edgware – not late at night in some distant borough, but on one of Harrow’s busy high streets. Police were called following what appears to have been a group attack on the car he was travelling in. The victim was taken toContinue reading “Harrow cannot afford to look away from knife violence”
Funding boost gives Harrow firmer financial footing
Labour councillors have responded to the Government’s announcement on Harrow’s future funding, while the Council’s finance portfolio has clarified the precise figures and timescales involved.The draft local government settlement confirms additional funding for Harrow from 2026/27 onwards, giving the Council increased spending power and a stronger platform to manage pressures across core services. This formsContinue reading “Funding boost gives Harrow firmer financial footing”
Walks, words and wristbands: when Harrow’s VAWG “Day of Action” becomes a publicity exercise
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Harrow Council’s latest publicity drive, branded “Harrow shows up to support end to gender-based violence,” is polished, upbeat and carefully staged. A mayoral opening, a short town-centre walk, partner speeches and safety packs create the appearance of decisive action. But read alongside our earlier article, “Harrow talks tough onContinue reading “Walks, words and wristbands: when Harrow’s VAWG “Day of Action” becomes a publicity exercise”
£17.4m SEND boost for Harrow welcomed – but can troubled services deliver for children?
Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas has welcomed confirmation that Harrow will receive £17.374 million as part of Labour’s national programme to expand provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), promising new specialist places and improved local support. The funding forms part of a multibillion-pound national investment aimed at creating around 50,000 specialistContinue reading “£17.4m SEND boost for Harrow welcomed – but can troubled services deliver for children?”
City Hall welcomes Harrow Monitoring Group’s call for more accessible planning documents and consultations
City Hall has issued a formal acknowledgment of the Harrow Monitoring Group’s recent submission to the Mayor of London, commending the organisation for its “important” and “constructive” contribution to the ongoing debate about accessible and inclusive public consultation in the planning system. In a detailed response (MGLA121125-8307), London Plan Manager Marissa Ryan-Hernandez thanked the GroupContinue reading “City Hall welcomes Harrow Monitoring Group’s call for more accessible planning documents and consultations”
Much of £11bn Covid scheme fraud ‘beyond recovery’: what does that mean for Harrow?
The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s revelation that nearly £11 billion of Covid-era public money has been lost to fraud and error nationally – with most of it now “beyond recovery” – should prompt serious reflection in every local authority that handled pandemic funds, including Harrow. While the borough received substantial support at the height ofContinue reading “Much of £11bn Covid scheme fraud ‘beyond recovery’: what does that mean for Harrow?”
Arise makes its mark: Harrow’s new political party launches energised first canvass in Marlborough Ward
Arise, Harrow’s newest political force, burst onto the local scene on 7 December 2025 with its first canvassing session in Marlborough ward, the seat currently held by the Labour opposition leader on Harrow Council. The party, founded on 27 August and launched in Harrow with the support of Jeremy Corbyn MP, is led by formerContinue reading “Arise makes its mark: Harrow’s new political party launches energised first canvass in Marlborough Ward”
Harrow Monitoring Group 