Subscribe to updates

You'll receive weekly summaries like the ones below about this council every week.

If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.

Please note, emails for this council have been paused whilst we secure funding for it. We hope to begin delivering them again in the next couple of weeks. If you subscribe, you'll be notified when they resume. If you represent a council or business, or would be willing to donate a small amount to support this service, please get in touch at community@opencouncil.network.

AI Generated

Weekly updates

Harrow Council Boosts RE Support and Green Transport Initiatives

This week, the Harrow Council held several meetings, including the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and two sessions of the Chief Officers' Employment Panel on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and Thursday, 27 June 2024. Additionally, there was a brief meeting led by Councillor Paul Osborn on Thursday, 27 June 2024. The Planning Committee and Cabinet meetings scheduled for this week were cancelled.

Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education

The Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) meeting focused on the support provided to Religious Education (RE) teachers in Harrow's schools. The council officers provided updates on the training courses available and the recent funding secured from the Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC).

Support for Religious Education in Harrow

The Learning and Development team currently offers two training courses: 'Understanding Christianity' and 'World Religions'. These courses were last run in the Autumn term of 2023 and the Spring term of 2024, both of which were oversubscribed. Teachers from various faith backgrounds, including Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, and no faith, attended the sessions. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% finding the training useful or very useful for preparing and delivering RE lessons.

The training...provided very useful advice on how to teach about religions and beliefs in an objective, impartial way...it also allowed me to develop my own subject knowledge, which in turn, will enable me to teach RE more effectively.

The 'Understanding Christianity' course is next scheduled for November 2024, and the 'World Religions' course will be offered in June 2025.

The council officers also announced that the Learning and Development team had successfully applied for funding from the REC to support additional training for RE teachers. This funding will allow teachers to participate in the REC's 'RE Quality Mark' programme, a national quality mark for RE teaching that will enable Harrow schools to demonstrate the quality of their RE provision.

Chief Officers' Employment Panel

The Chief Officers' Employment Panel met twice this week to discuss important employment matters.

Salaries in the Place Department

During the meeting on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the Panel discussed and approved new salaries for senior staff in the Place1 department. The salaries were reviewed as part of a departmental restructuring following a review by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Panel was satisfied that the process for determining the salaries had been properly followed.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton raised concerns about the number of senior managers in the Place department. Sarah Robinson, the council's Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, clarified that there are approximately fifteen senior roles at the assistant director level and above.

Salary of the Director of Digital, Data and Customer Experience

The Panel also approved the salary for the new Director of Digital, Data and Customer Experience, a position created to lead the council's digital transformation programme.

Meeting Led by Councillor Paul Osborn

On Thursday, 27 June 2024, Councillor Paul Osborn, the Leader of Harrow Council, made two key decisions regarding the procurement of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The existing procurement exercise, using a framework agreement from Oxford City Council, was abandoned due to its inability to deliver the required number of charging points. A new open tender process was initiated to install 272 charging points across the borough.

This report seeks approval to award contracts for the provision of approximately 272 electric vehicle charge points in Harrow. Due to the limited number of suppliers on the Oxford City Council Dynamic Purchasing System, it is not possible to procure the required number of charge points on this DPS.

The urgency of the decision was highlighted by the need to meet the terms of a grant funding agreement with the Department for Transport. The usual call-in period for scrutinizing the decision was waived to expedite the process.

This decision aligns with the council's commitment to promoting sustainable transport, as outlined in the Harrow Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and the Climate Change Strategy, which aims to reduce the borough's carbon emissions.

Summary

This week's meetings highlighted the council's ongoing efforts to support Religious Education in schools, address employment matters within the council, and promote sustainable transport through the installation of electric vehicle charging points. The decisions made reflect the council's commitment to enhancing educational resources, ensuring fair compensation for senior staff, and advancing environmental sustainability initiatives.


  1. In UK local government, 'Place' is a common name for the council department responsible for services relating to the built and natural environment, including planning, housing, and waste management. 

Harrow Council Approves Youth Justice Plan Amidst Key Challenges

This week, the Harrow Council held three meetings: the Pension Fund Committee on Monday, 10 June 2024, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, and the Planning Policy Advisory Panel on Thursday, 13 June 2024. The most impactful discussions took place during the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting focused on several key issues, including the Youth Justice Plan and the challenges faced by the Youth Justice Service.

Youth Justice Plan

The meeting began with the approval of minutes from previous meetings and a discussion on the Youth Justice Plan. The plan, which outlines the local authority's strategy for delivering and financing youth justice services, was presented by the Interim Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Youth Justice Service.

The key points discussed included:

  • Late Submission of the Report: The report was submitted late due to staffing changes and delays in information gathering. The Interim Assistant Director apologized for the delay and explained the mitigating factors.
  • Youth Justice Partnership Vision: The vision is for a youth justice system that treats children as children, emphasizing a systemic response to the challenges facing young people through partnership working.
  • Local Offending Profile: The report provided a snapshot of the youth offending profile in Harrow, highlighting the types of offenses and the demographics of the young people involved.
  • Key Areas of Focus: The discussion covered key areas such as knife crime, mental toughness programs, and the importance of early intervention and restorative work.

The committee expressed concerns about the delay in the report and the need for more detailed outcome data on the programs. They also discussed the importance of engaging with parents and the community to support young people and prevent escalation into the criminal justice system.

Challenges Faced by the Youth Justice Service

The meeting also highlighted several challenges faced by the Youth Justice Service, including:

  • Staffing and Resources: The need for adequate staffing and resources to support the delivery of youth justice services.
  • Data Sharing and Collaboration: The importance of data sharing and collaboration with other agencies, such as the police and health services, to provide a holistic approach to youth justice.
  • Transition to Adulthood: The challenges of supporting young people as they transition to adulthood and the need for continued support from probation services and other agencies.

The committee acknowledged the complexity of the issues and the importance of a multifaceted approach to addressing youth offending. They emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Youth Justice Plan to ensure its effectiveness.

Summary

This week's Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting underscored the importance of a comprehensive and collaborative approach to youth justice. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by the Youth Justice Service and the need for adequate resources, data sharing, and community engagement to support young people and prevent escalation into the criminal justice system. The committee's focus on detailed outcome data and ongoing monitoring reflects their commitment to ensuring the effectiveness of the Youth Justice Plan and improving outcomes for young people in Harrow.

Harrow Council Balances Business Growth and Community Concerns in Latest Licensing Decision

This week, the Harrow Council held a Licensing Panel meeting on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.

Licensing Panel Meeting

The Licensing Panel meeting was primarily focused on an application for a new premises license for a McDonald's restaurant and drive-through in South Harrow. The application sought to extend the operating hours for the drive-through and delivery services to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Key Participants

  • Councillor Moshinson (Chair)
  • Councillor Henson
  • Councillor Gooden-Freeman
  • Alastair Cryan (Legal Advisor)
  • Sreetal Rajani (Licensing Team Leader)
  • Ari Mavani (Applicant, Owner of McDonald's in Harrow)
  • Tom Russell (Area Manager)
  • Lee Brand (Restaurant Manager)

Application Details

The application requested the following:

  • Extend the drive-through service hours from the current 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Maintain the restaurant area service hours from 11 p.m. to midnight.
  • The premises already had a license for late-night refreshment until 2 a.m. for the drive-through.

Objections and Concerns

Two objections were raised by local residents, Mr. Daniel O'Riden and Ms. Artie Halligan, who cited concerns about:

  • Antisocial Behavior: Potential increase due to extended hours.
  • Noise Nuisance: Especially from the drive-through.
  • Litter: Increased littering in the area.
  • Traffic and Safety: Concerns about traffic congestion and safety of staff and residents.

Applicant's Response

Ari Mavani, the applicant, addressed these concerns by highlighting several measures:

  • Litter Management: McDonald's conducts three daily litter picks and participates in weekly community litter picks.
  • Noise Control: Installation of artistic fencing and night mode for the COD box to reduce noise.
  • Safety Measures: Implementation of CCTV and ANPR systems to monitor and manage the premises.
  • Community Engagement: Regular communication with residents and participation in local community events.

Mavani emphasized the importance of being a good neighbor and the efforts made to mitigate any negative impact on the community. He also mentioned that the extended hours would create 22 new jobs, contributing to local employment and economic growth.

Panel's Decision

After considering the application and the objections, the panel decided to grant the license with the following conditions:

  • Drive-Through Service: Extended to 5 a.m.
  • Restaurant Area Service: Maintained until midnight.
  • Additional Conditions: Amendments to conditions related to litter management, noise control, and safety measures.

The decision reflects the council's commitment to balancing business interests with community concerns, ensuring that any potential negative impacts are mitigated through stringent conditions and ongoing community engagement.

Summary

This week's Licensing Panel meeting highlighted the ongoing theme of balancing commercial development with community well-being. The council's decision to grant the extended license for McDonald's, with specific conditions, underscores their approach to fostering economic growth while addressing residents' concerns. The measures put in place for litter management, noise control, and safety are crucial steps in maintaining a harmonious relationship between businesses and the local community.

Harrow Council Tackles EV Charging, Parking Fees, and Public Space Protection

This week, the Harrow Council held two meetings: the Cabinet on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, and the Planning Committee on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. The most impactful discussions took place during the Cabinet meeting.

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet meeting covered a range of topics, including electric vehicle (EV) charging, parking charges, street cleaning, and public space protection orders (PSPOs).

Electric Vehicle Charging

Dr. Parvinder Fool raised a public question about the installation of home EV charging points for properties without off-street parking. He asked who at Harrow Council is responsible for providing cross-pavement permission and what the process is for obtaining it. Councillor David Ashton responded that the council currently does not permit cross-pavement EV charging cables due to safety concerns. However, the council is investigating how other boroughs have managed this issue and will consider introducing a similar option if successful. Dr. Fool also highlighted a UK government grant offering £350 for households to install EV charge points, which requires council permission. Councillor Ashton acknowledged the issue and stated that the council would look into it and respond as soon as possible.

Parking Charges

Hugh Brown questioned the introduction of Saturday parking charges in North Harrow's Cambridge Road car park, arguing that the charges would negatively impact local businesses and community groups. Councillor Ashton responded that the charges were part of the usual fees and charges report and had been approved by the cabinet and council. He stated that the changes were advertised in accordance with statutory processes and that the council believes the charges will not adversely affect visitors to North Harrow.

Street Cleaning and Cemetery Maintenance

Councillor Assad raised concerns about street cleaning and the maintenance of cemeteries. He questioned why it took two years for the administration to prioritize street cleaning. The leader responded by highlighting budget cuts made by the previous administration and the current administration's efforts to invest in street cleaning. Councillor Assad also raised concerns about the neglect of cemeteries, and Councillor Pritish Patel explained that staffing shortages and weather conditions had impacted maintenance but assured that efforts were being made to address the issues.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The council discussed the introduction of PSPOs for Bentley Priory and the Viewpoint at Old Reading. Councillor British Patel presented the report, which included enhanced consultation results and proposed amendments to the PSPO controls. The council approved the recommendations, which included specific measures for dog control in designated areas.

Administrative Matters

The council approved procurement arrangements for temporary staffing services, the review of the procurement program, and the re-procurement of social care IT systems. They also approved the allocation of the Household Support Fund to provide assistance to residents facing cost-of-living pressures, with a focus on providing free school meals during holidays and supporting low-income households.

Planning Committee Meeting

The Planning Committee meeting focused on planning applications for various developments in Harrow.

40A Summerville Road and 1 Carlisle Avenue

The committee reviewed a proposal for the redevelopment of two bungalows into a two-storey building with six self-contained flats. Despite objections from local residents and councillors regarding privacy, traffic, and consultation issues, the committee approved the application with an additional condition to reconsider the placement of commercial bins.

ANPR Camera at Morrison's Car Park

The committee discussed a retrospective application for an ANPR camera mounted on a four-meter-high pole at Morrison's car park. The application was approved, emphasizing that it had no bearing on the ongoing negotiations regarding car park usage for Harrow Arts Centre visitors.

70 Axbridge Road

The committee reviewed a proposal to demolish an existing building and construct a two-storey building with habitable roof space containing eight flats. The committee approved the application, noting that it complied with planning policies and previous appeal decisions.

18 Wealdor Drive

The committee considered an application for a two-storey semi-detached property involving a rear extension, a first-floor addition, and an outbuilding. The application was made by a council staff member and was approved, noting that it met all relevant planning policies.

72 Elm Grove

The committee reviewed a prior approval application for a large single-storey rear extension under permitted development. The application was made by a council staff member and was granted prior approval, noting that no objections were received from neighbors.

Chestnut Cottage, Tanglewood Close

The committee discussed an application for 1.9-meter-high wrought iron gates at Chestnut Cottage. The property is located in the metropolitan greenbelt and adjacent to Bentley Priory. The committee approved the application, noting that the gates would not impact the openness of the greenbelt and were in keeping with the character of the area.

Summary

The discussions this week have highlighted several ongoing themes: the challenges of implementing EV charging infrastructure, the impact of parking charges on local communities, and the importance of maintaining public spaces. The council's commitment to addressing these issues through consultation and strategic planning is evident. The introduction of PSPOs and the approval of various planning applications indicate a focus on both public safety and development within the borough.

Harrow Council Tackles Road Safety, Active Transport, and Parking Challenges

This week, the Harrow Council held four meetings: the Council, the Licensing and General Purposes Committee, the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The most impactful discussions took place during the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel meeting on Monday, 13 May 2024.

Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel

The Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel meeting covered several significant issues, including the Heritage Pinner Cycle Way project, public safety concerns, and parking management schemes.

Heritage Pinner Cycle Way Project

David Summers raised concerns about the Heritage Pinner Cycle Way project, particularly its lack of support from traders on Marsh Road and Pinner Synagogue. He requested a site meeting to address safety concerns, especially regarding cyclists sharing the pavement with pedestrians near the synagogue. The council agreed to facilitate a site visit and continue working on consultation responses and amendments to the proposals.

Active Transport Motion

Paul Vichard questioned the absence of a cycle route along Station Road and Sheepcoat Road in Harrow's draft long-term transport strategy. The council clarified that the long-term strategy is a high-level policy document and that specific projects are detailed in the transport local implementation plan. They mentioned that two parallel routes along quieter residential streets are in design and will be consulted on later this financial year.

Road Safety Concerns

Mr. D Pat raised a serious issue about a motorcyclist who was run over at the junction of Whitmore Road and Drury Road. He emphasized the need for a pedestrian island to prevent such accidents. The council acknowledged the severity of the incident and stated that the police investigation is ongoing. They committed to chasing up the investigation and considering measures to improve safety at the junction.

Petitions

Councillor Parrik presented a petition from residents of Camrose Avenue, highlighting issues of congestion, speeding, and parking problems due to local school traffic. The petition requested the council to address these issues and improve safety at the junction with Edgware Road. The council acknowledged the petition and noted the need for faster action.

Parking Management Schemes

The council discussed the annual parking program, including the prioritization and implementation of parking management schemes. They highlighted the need for a strategic approach to address parking issues and ensure that schemes are suitable for local areas. Specific areas mentioned included Stanmore College and Northolt Road.

Road Fatalities Report

The council reviewed a report on road fatalities over the past 18 months, detailing incidents at various locations, including Pinner Road Station Road Junction, Mollison Avenue, Uxbridge Road Waxwell Lane Junction, George V Avenue, and College Hill Road Kenton Lane Mountside. They discussed ongoing investigations and measures being taken to improve safety at these locations.

Harrow's Long-Term Transport Strategy

The council presented a draft of Harrow's long-term transport strategy, which aims to align with the mayor's transport strategy and create a sustainable road user hierarchy. The strategy focuses on promoting active travel, improving public transport, and supporting the local economy. The council invited feedback on the draft strategy, which will go to consultation in mid to late May.

Reappointment of Advisors

The council reappointed the current advisors, including Anthony Wood, acknowledging their contributions to the panel's work.

The next meeting of the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel is scheduled for the 10th of July.

Summary

The discussions this week have highlighted several ongoing themes: the need for improved road safety measures, the importance of active transport, and the challenges of parking management. The council's commitment to addressing these issues through consultation and strategic planning is evident. The upcoming consultation on Harrow's long-term transport strategy will be crucial for shaping the future of transport in the area.

Recent meetings
Council

Council - Thursday 26 September 2024 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 26, 2024
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Wednesday 25 September 2024 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 25, 2024
Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee

Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee - Tuesday 24 September 2024 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 24, 2024
Committee

West London Waste Authority - Friday 20 September 2024 10.00 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 20, 2024
Employees' Consultative Forum POSTPONED

, Employees' Consultative Forum - Thursday 19 September 2024 6.30 pm

This meeting has been postponed.

September 19, 2024
Licensing Panel

Licensing Panel - Thursday 19 September 2024 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 19, 2024
Licensing Panel

Licensing Panel - Wednesday 18 September 2024 7.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 18, 2024
Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education POSTPONED

, Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education - Wednesday 18 September 2024 7.30 pm

This meeting has been postponed.

September 18, 2024
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday 17 September 2024 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 17, 2024
Licensing Panel

Licensing Panel - Tuesday 17 September 2024 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 17, 2024
Upcoming meetings

No meetings found.