Ofsted has signalled a tougher stance on inclusion and SEND provision under its renewed inspection framework, warning that schools and education providers will now face closer scrutiny of how they meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In a detailed response to Harrow Monitoring Group’s publication, Rebuilding on Weak FoundationsContinue reading “Ofsted tightens focus on SEND: providers warned to raise inclusion standards”
Category Archives: News
How the London Mayor’s policies are helping Harrow thrive
In Harrow, right-wing voices and political opportunists invoking slogans about ‘restoring pride’ or ‘protecting character’ eagerly exploit nationalist sentiment to attack Sir Sadiq Khan, who is now serving his third term as London’s mayor. Such divisive approach obscures the reality that Harrow has, in fact, benefited significantly from mayoral investment and support in recent years.Continue reading “How the London Mayor’s policies are helping Harrow thrive”
Harrow urged to back Warm Home Discount extension as fuel poverty bites
Elected representatives in Harrow are being urged to support the continuation of the Warm Home Discount Scheme, a flagship government policy that helps low-income and vulnerable households cut energy costs and tackle fuel poverty. The government is currently consulting on the scheme’s future, with existing regulations set to expire on 31 March 2026. Campaigners sayContinue reading “Harrow urged to back Warm Home Discount extension as fuel poverty bites”
Council tax politics: Harrow Conservatives accused of misleading spin on funding fairness
Questions on social media about why council tax is lower in Brent than in Harrow have sparked a political row, with Harrow Conservatives accused of presenting a partial picture of the funding system. Responding to criticism, local Conservatives claimed that “Brent receives far more grant funding from central government and that Harrow has, for manyContinue reading “Council tax politics: Harrow Conservatives accused of misleading spin on funding fairness”
Harrow faces major new duties in domestic abuse response
Harrow Council’s struggling children’s services face fresh pressure after the government unveiled sweeping reforms to strengthen protection for children living with domestic abuse. In its official response this month to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report Victims in Their Own Right, ministers pledged more than £500 million for Family First Partnerships and promised funding until 2029.Continue reading “Harrow faces major new duties in domestic abuse response”
Harrow Conservatives push through symbolic motion on “Illegal Migrants” amid pressure to track right
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”
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”
Harrow Monitoring Group 