Harrow Council met to discuss a range of issues, including the adoption of an urgent motion condemning the Labour government's budget, petitions relating to road safety and resurfacing, and a motion opposing the planned closure of the volunteer-led front desk at Pinner Police Station. The council also endorsed the Pension Board Annual Report for 2024/25 and approved a constitution update.

• Labour budget
• Petitions
• Pinner Police Station front desk
• Mayor of London's planning powers
• Deportation of legally settled migrants
• Pension Board Annual Report
• Constitution update
• Other business

Labour budget

The council adopted an urgent motion condemning the Labour government's budget. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, criticised the budget for what he described as a disastrous process and an attack on Londoners through the 'mansion tax'. He raised concerns about the impact on pensioners and the potential need for residents to sell their homes. Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, echoed these sentiments, accusing the government of lies and deceit regarding income tax and its impact on hard-working people.

Councillor David Perry, Leader of the Labour Group, acknowledged some positives in the budget, such as measures to alleviate child poverty and raise the minimum wage. However, he challenged the Conservative councillors, suggesting they should resign, given their promise to freeze council tax, and he questioned whether they would support the mansion tax if the revenue went to local authorities.

Councillor Stephen Hickman defended the budget as progressive and accused the Conservatives of misrepresenting its impact. He highlighted benefits such as cutting energy bills, raising the minimum wage, and expanding free school meals. Councillor Norman Stevenson criticised the budget for creating division between public and private sector employees and for its impact on private sector pensions.

The debate included discussion of the impact of the budget on families, public services, and the local economy, with councillors on both sides presenting differing perspectives and analyses.

Petitions

The council received several petitions from residents concerning local issues:

• Eastcote Lane road safety: A petition with over 100 signatures called for urgent measures to reduce speeding and protect pedestrians on Eastcote Lane, following an increase in accidents near the Eastcote Arms roundabout. Residents requested speed cameras, speed indicators, and chevrons near the crossing.
• Wellesley Road pavement resurfacing: Residents of Wellesley Road in Marlborough ward petitioned for resurfacing works on the pavements, citing their deteriorated condition and impact on daily travel safety.
• Waverly Road resurfacing: Residents of Waverly Road in Rayners Lane ward requested resurfacing works on the road, highlighting its poor condition and impact on travel safety and quality of life.
• St Jerome's School road safety: A petition called for improved road safety measures around St Jerome's Bilingual School, following two serious accidents. The requested measures included increased enforcement of speed and parking regulations, installation of a designated pedestrian crossing, and renewal of the existing footpath on Elmgrove Road. Councillor Kakasha Alivi declared a non-pecuniary interest as her daughter attends the school.
• Easley Avenue parking restrictions: Residents of Easley Avenue objected to proposed parking restrictions, contesting claims of widespread resident concern and access issues. They argued that existing weekday restrictions had already reduced congestion and requested reconsideration of the proposals.

The petitions were referred to the relevant strategic director for consideration.

Pinner Police Station front desk

The council debated a motion opposing the Mayor of London's plan to close the volunteer-led front desk at Pinner Police Station. Councillor Osborn expressed disappointment, highlighting the lack of consultation with the council and volunteers. He emphasised the importance of community policing and criticised the Mayor of London for a lack of responsibility. Councillor Ashton echoed these concerns, stating that the closure would increase fear of crime and represented a betrayal of trust.

Councillor Perry proposed an amendment to unite the council in opposing front desk closures across the borough, but this was not accepted. Councillor Peymana Assad criticised the administration for prioritising a Conservative stronghold and neglecting more vulnerable communities in South Harrow. Councillor Pritesh Patel defended the motion, emphasising the value of the Pinner front desk as a point of reassurance for local people.

The council voted to support the original motion, opposing the closure of the Pinner Police Station front desk.

Mayor of London's planning powers

The council considered a motion to condemn the Mayor of London's planning power grab. Councillor Ashton argued that the government was reinforcing the Mayor's failures by granting further powers, despite his shortcomings in meeting housing targets. She expressed concern that cuts to infrastructure funding would hinder local authorities' ability to cope with new developments and that the Mayor's call-in powers would threaten green spaces.

The council resolved to formally oppose the Mayor of London's power grab and reaffirm its commitment to protecting Harrow's green belt¹. It also called on the Mayor to utilise existing powers and resources to deliver affordable housing at the Byron Quarter and Poet's Corner developments.

Deportation of legally settled migrants

The council considered a motion to condemn the deportation of legally settled migrants. A Conservative amendment was made to the motion, and the amended motion was carried.

Pension Board Annual Report

The council endorsed the Pension Board Annual Report 2024/25. Councillor Pritesh Patel presented the report, outlining the activities of the Pension Board and its role in ensuring the local government pension scheme is well governed, compliant, and transparent. The report highlighted the board's scrutiny of the fund's accounts, employee contributions, actuarial assumptions, investment performance, and risk management.

Constitution update

The council approved a constitution update, including amendments to the terms of reference for the West London Economic Prosperity Board, executive procedure rules, and points of clarification in Articles 2 and 4 regarding the Mayor's term of office.

The update to the Executive Procedure Rules clarified that the Leader, or in their absence the Deputy Leader, can make urgent decisions and decisions where it would be prejudicial to the best interests of the council to wait.

Other business

• The council approved the reason for absence of a councillor.
• The council noted an information report on the use of urgency procedure by the executive.
• Public questions were asked and answered on topics including road safety, parking, and the deportation of legally settled migrants.
• Councillor Osborn announced that the council hoped to build a special educational needs and disability school on the site of the meeting, and thanked the team who put the meeting in place.
• Councillor Osborn announced that the council had resurfaced 67 roads this year, and would resurface a further 22 roads before the end of the financial year.
• Councillor Osborn announced that the council had filled over 7,000 potholes this year, compared to 800 a year under the previous Labour administration.
• Councillor Osborn announced that the council had launched a new graffiti team called the Grindbusters, and would be adding a second team to that.
• Councillor Osborn announced that the council had acquired a new pavement cleaning machine.
• Councillor Osborn announced that the council had introduced a general inquiries phone line that is taking 1500 calls every week.
• Councillor Osborn announced that the council had introduced a vehicle removal or towing service to deal with people who don't pay penalty charges or foreign vehicles.
• Councillor Osborn announced that the fair funding review was not a particularly fair system and that Harrow would not benefit from it.