hmgupdated

Harrow funds no extra police: Thomas challenges council’s priorities

Gareth Thomas MP has challenged Harrow Council to explain why it funds no additional neighbourhood police officers while other London boroughs invest in extra policing. His Facebook intervention raises a direct question: has a council that claims to be “Putting Residents First” properly assessed whether its spending priorities deliver the protection residents need? The council’sContinue reading “Harrow funds no extra police: Thomas challenges council’s priorities”

Ofsted finds progress, but Harrow children’s services remain rated Inadequate

Ofsted’s fourth monitoring letter, published on 29 October following its September visit, recognises strengths in Harrow’s safeguarding response, assessments and management oversight. These findings deserve recognition, but Harrow’s overall Inadequate judgement remains unchanged. This was a targeted monitoring visit, not a full reinspection or confirmation that its improvement journey is complete. Even within the servicesContinue reading “Ofsted finds progress, but Harrow children’s services remain rated Inadequate”

£3.7 million and counting: Harrow’s compensation bill raises harder questions about legal advice and accountability

Harrow Council has disclosed that almost £3.7 million has been paid from its insurance fund since 2022. The disclosure raises a serious question for ratepayers: how much is Harrow actually paying when council decisions, actions and services go wrong? The figure emerged from a Freedom of Information request made by Harrow Monitoring Group following itsContinue reading “£3.7 million and counting: Harrow’s compensation bill raises harder questions about legal advice and accountability”

Boff quits Tory Party after 53 years: when defending human rights becomes a test of party loyalty

Andrew Boff’s departure from the Conservatives after 53 years raises a question that reaches beyond one party: how much room remains for principled disagreement when political loyalty is tested by willingness to abandon a human rights convention? The London Assembly member says he was blocked from entering the contest to become the Conservative candidate forContinue reading “Boff quits Tory Party after 53 years: when defending human rights becomes a test of party loyalty”

Save water, certainly, but Harrow residents deserve answers about rising bills and supply resilience

The ministerial appeal to save water, reported by the BBC on 16 October, carries an important message: protecting supplies requires everyone to use a precious resource responsibly. But for Harrow residents facing restrictions alongside higher charges, that appeal raises an equally important question. What evidence can water companies provide that the money customers pay isContinue reading “Save water, certainly, but Harrow residents deserve answers about rising bills and supply resilience”

Harrow’s rivers and flood protection: Gareth Thomas warns against Tory plan to axe environment agencies

Gareth Thomas has challenged Conservative plans to abolish the Environment Agency and Natural England, warning that Harrow needs stronger environmental protection as climate pressures grow. In a Facebook statement, the Harrow West MP described the proposal as “madness”, pointing to the Environment Agency’s role in reducing local flooding and tackling pollution in waterways including SouthContinue reading “Harrow’s rivers and flood protection: Gareth Thomas warns against Tory plan to axe environment agencies”

Empty homes, desperate families: Harrow needs action beyond promises

World Homelessness Day (10 October) raises a pressing question for Harrow: how can empty properties help families struggling to find a safe, affordable home? Harrow Council recorded 1,361 households in temporary accommodation at the end of March 2025, while government statistics show more than 303,000 long-term vacant homes across England in October 2025. These figuresContinue reading “Empty homes, desperate families: Harrow needs action beyond promises”

AI at Harrow Council: residents need answers on its use, risks and accountability

Artificial intelligence offers Harrow Council opportunities to improve administration, accessibility and service delivery. But residents need evidence of better outcomes, reliable information and safeguards that work in practice. The material reviewed by Harrow Monitoring Group did not provide a coherent public account of which systems are operating, their results and risks, or who holds overallContinue reading “AI at Harrow Council: residents need answers on its use, risks and accountability”

Holiday food support: Harrow needs answers, not a political contest

A report to Harrow’s Cabinet on 24 September revealed a dispute that could affect around 7,000 children eligible for free school meals. The Conservative administration wants to continue holiday support through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, but Department for Work and Pensions officials say its proposed blanket provision does not meet the fund’s principles.Continue reading “Holiday food support: Harrow needs answers, not a political contest”