News – Page 2 – Harrow Monitoring Group

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”

Commons report warns children’s residential care system is “not working” – implications for Harrow

A new report by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), published on 16 January 2026, has raised serious concerns about the state of children’s residential care in England, warning that the system is “not working” and is placing vulnerable children at risk.The report Financial Sustainability of Children’s Care Homes found that in SeptemberContinue reading “Commons report warns children’s residential care system is “not working” – implications for Harrow”

Harrow Tamil community marks 16 years of Thai Pongal with vibrant cultural celebration

The Harrow Tamil Community marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 16th Annual Thai Pongal Festival, held on January 11, 2026, at the Harrow Arts Centre. The vibrant and well-attended event was organised by respected community leaders, including former Mayor of Harrow Cllr Suresh Krishna together with former Deputy Mayor Cllr Sasikala Suresh.ReflectingContinue reading “Harrow Tamil community marks 16 years of Thai Pongal with vibrant cultural celebration”

Freedom Pass review sparks fear for 40,000 Harrow pensioners

Harrow’s older residents are facing mounting uncertainty as the London Freedom Pass scheme is placed under formal review amid sharply rising costs to borough councils. The scheme, which currently provides free public transport across London for people of state pension age, is funded collectively by councils through payments to Transport for London and rail operators,Continue reading “Freedom Pass review sparks fear for 40,000 Harrow pensioners”

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”

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”

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’s apparent rightward shift leaves vulnerable children exposed as poverty crisis deepens

The government’s new child poverty strategy risks having limited impact in Harrow, where rising child poverty, increasing numbers of children living in B&Bs and mounting failures across children’s services continue to place vulnerable families at risk. The borough’s recent political direction – giving an ever-stronger sense of a council shifting to the right with inadequateContinue reading “Harrow’s apparent rightward shift leaves vulnerable children exposed as poverty crisis deepens”

From ULEZ to police stations: Harrow Tories revive costly anti-Khan warfare

Harrow Council’s 27 November meeting became the latest stage for a familiar political drama, as the borough’s Conservatives once again used local issues to fuel an anti–Sadiq Khan campaign – likely under growing pressure from Reform UK. During debate on their motion opposing the closure of Pinner Police Station’s volunteer-run front desk, Tory leader CllrContinue reading “From ULEZ to police stations: Harrow Tories revive costly anti-Khan warfare”

Harrow children’s services plunged back into instability as another director departs

Harrow Council is facing renewed turmoil in its children’s services following the departure of the Director of Children’s Services, prompting the emergency appointment of Managing Director Alex Dewsnap as interim DCS. The statutory role, required under the Children Act 2004, is now being filled on an interim basis “to ensure continuity of leadership” while theContinue reading “Harrow children’s services plunged back into instability as another director departs”