Harrow Council’s Conservative leadership forced through a motion at the council meeting on 18 September 2025 to block the use of local hotels for so-called “illegal migrant” accommodation – despite there being no hotels in the borough earmarked or suitable for this purpose. The motion, carried by the group’s majority, was tabled by the councilContinue reading “Harrow Conservatives push through symbolic motion on “Illegal Migrants” amid pressure to track right”
Author Archives: hmgupdated
Redevelopment of Travellers Rest refused – urban design in a suburban setting
Planning application PL/0378/25, for the redevelopment of the Travellers Rest, 134 Kenton Road, Harrow, into 109 residential units, 103 co-living units, and 62 Build-to-Rent units, was refused by the Planning Committee on 25 September 2025, despite a professional recommendation for approval. The refusal, carefully drafted and formally proposed by the Chairman of Planning, Cllr MarilynContinue reading “Redevelopment of Travellers Rest refused – urban design in a suburban setting”
Keeping Rayners Lane moving – trial of red route restrictions
The Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel meeting on 29 September 2025, will consider recommending an Experimental Traffic Order to the Leader of the Council to introduce red route restrictions in Rayners Lane Town Centre. The emergency order positively responds to the long-standing problem of double-parking along the high street. The report presents strong evidenceContinue reading “Keeping Rayners Lane moving – trial of red route restrictions”
Deficient Harrow Planning Report: Travellers Rest Redevelopment
The officer report presented to Harrow’s Planning Committee on 25 September 2025 recommending approval of application PL/0378/25 – redevelopment of the Travellers Rest, 134 Kenton Road, into 109 residential units, 103 co-living units and 62 Build-to-Rent units – is marked by two striking ambiguities. Silence on Sociocultural Implications of Co-living The report records compliance withContinue reading “Deficient Harrow Planning Report: Travellers Rest Redevelopment”
Harrow complaint over Mandelson–Epstein links dismissed by Lords watchdog, fuelling scrutiny of political self-policing
The House of Lords Commissioner for Standards has dismissed a complaint against Lord Mandelson over an alleged 2009 stay at Jeffrey Epstein’s home.The complaint was lodged by Pamela Fitzpatrick, a long-time social justice campaigner, former Harrow councillor, and parliamentary candidate. She argued that Mandelson breached the Lords’ Code of Conduct by failing to declare hospitalityContinue reading “Harrow complaint over Mandelson–Epstein links dismissed by Lords watchdog, fuelling scrutiny of political self-policing”
Mayor’s conduct sparks fresh concerns over council standards in Harrow
The role of Harrow’s mayoralty, traditionally seen as a position of dignity, impartiality, and unity, is again under scrutiny following scenes at the full council meeting on 18 September 2025.Mayor Councillor Anjana Patel (Con), presiding over the meeting, clashed repeatedly with opposition leader Councillor David Perry (Lab), prompting growing unease over her handling of chamberContinue reading “Mayor’s conduct sparks fresh concerns over council standards in Harrow”
Harrow MP loses ministerial role in Starmer reshuffle
Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, has lost his post as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Business and Trade following the early September 2025 reshuffle triggered by Angela Rayner’s resignation.While reshuffles are routine in government, this one has drawn criticism from the Labour left, who argue it reflects Sir Keir Starmer’s determinationContinue reading “Harrow MP loses ministerial role in Starmer reshuffle”
Harrow SEND school politics
Harrow Council meets today (18 September 2025) to debate a motion from the ruling Conservative group demanding that the Labour Government honours the funding commitment for a new SEND school in the borough. With the Conservatives holding a majority, the motion is expected to pass. It is important to note that the Harrow project atContinue reading “Harrow SEND school politics”
Harrow council: leadership gaps, weak services
Harrow council’s performance is a story of contrasts. Where cabinet members provide strong and visible, vote-winning leadership – or push initiatives that resonate with Reform-leaning or nationalistic voters – progress is clear. In services affecting the most vulnerable, weak and undemanding leadership has left Harrow lagging behind more progressive London boroughs, for example where inadequateContinue reading “Harrow council: leadership gaps, weak services”
Harrow parking fines set to rise – but will it work?
Harrow Council is consulting residents on proposals to increase parking fines, raising the question whether higher penalties will actually deter rule-breaking. Currently, Harrow is classed as a Band B authority (higher £140, lower £90), but now considering moving to Band A (higher £160, lower £110) which would bring higher penalty charge notices (PCNs) for parkingContinue reading “Harrow parking fines set to rise – but will it work?”
Harrow Monitoring Group 
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