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”

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”

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”

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 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 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?”

After ‘inadequate’ children’s services, Harrow offers red tape instead of reform

Harrow Council has set out an action plan of procedural and structural reforms in response to Ofsted’s inadequate judgement of its children’s services and a subsequent Department for Education improvement notice. But critics warn the council has failed to tackle the deeper cultural and ethos challenges at the heart of the services.Commentators argue that Harrow’sContinue reading “After ‘inadequate’ children’s services, Harrow offers red tape instead of reform”

Northwick Park staff praised by patients as NHS Trust rankings published

With the release of national rankings naming England’s best and worst-performing NHS Trusts, Harrow residents are sharing their own experiences of Northwick Park Hospital – and many say the picture on the ground is more encouraging than the headlines suggest. The new league tables, based on key metrics like A&E wait times, cancer care, electiveContinue reading “Northwick Park staff praised by patients as NHS Trust rankings published”

Harrow’s health prevention talk is cheap – Harrow needs action, not another paper exercise

Harrow’s Health and Wellbeing Board is to consider the report ‘The prevention approach for the Joint Health and Wellbeing Board’ –  but if residents were hoping for a bold action report, they’ll be left disappointed. The paper is full of warm words about “systematic approaches” and “joint engagement,” but light on specifics. It promises everythingContinue reading “Harrow’s health prevention talk is cheap – Harrow needs action, not another paper exercise”