This week in Harrow:

Licensing Panel Grants Alcohol Licence for Obi Express Amidst Resident Objections

The Licensing Panel convened on Thursday 15 January 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Obi Express, a convenience store located at 2 Handel Parade, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, Harrow, HA8 6LD. Despite objections from five local residents, the panel ultimately decided to grant the licence, subject to agreed conditions.

The applicant, Muhammad Yahya Chapra, sought permission to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week. Residents raised concerns about the potential for increased litter, noise, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on children and vulnerable individuals, particularly given the premises' proximity to a school and community facilities. One objector, who also owns a nearby off-licence, maintained their objection, arguing that the proposed measures were insufficient.

However, the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority consulted with the applicant and agreed on a comprehensive set of conditions designed to promote the licensing objectives. These included measures such as CCTV, a Challenge 25 age verification policy, staff training, and restrictions on the sale of certain alcohol products. The applicant's agent, Reba Danson of The Licensing Guys, highlighted that these conditions directly addressed the residents' concerns and that the applicant had invested significantly in refurbishing the premises to serve the local community responsibly.

The panel acknowledged that one objector's submission appeared to be AI-generated and that the objector was likely a competing business. Ultimately, the panel found the application to be reasonable and well-conditioned, working collaboratively with officers and the police. The decision to grant the licence means Obi Express can begin selling alcohol, provided all stipulated conditions are met.

• Why this matters: Decisions on alcohol licences directly impact the character of our neighbourhoods. While businesses bring economic benefits, it's crucial that they operate responsibly to prevent negative consequences like increased crime, noise, and litter, which can disproportionately affect vulnerable residents and the overall quality of life in an area. The process highlights the balance between supporting local businesses and addressing community concerns.

You can find more details about this decision in the Licensing Panel meeting papers.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Engages with Council Leadership on Budget and Services

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 for a question and answer session with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Osborn, and the Managing Director. The discussion provided insight into the council's financial position, its approach to service delivery, and its plans for the future.

Councillor Osborn highlighted that Harrow Council is in a strong financial position compared to many other London boroughs, with no immediate need for emergency financial support. However, he acknowledged a projected gap of approximately £9 million in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which he described as a deliverable stretch. The council is focusing on containing growth in areas like adults and children's services, and exploring options to manage temporary accommodation costs.

Discussions also touched upon the condition of roads, with the council being rated amber for its road maintenance. Councillor Osborn expressed disappointment, particularly regarding the use of technology and best practices, despite Harrow being one of the first London boroughs to adopt the Pothole Pro machine for more effective repairs.

Key concerns raised by committee members included:

• SEND Transport: The council currently has no plans to charge for transport for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) after the age of 16, unlike some other councils facing financial pressures.
• Bridging the Budget Gap: The council is looking at containing growth in service budgets, finding more cost-effective ways to provide temporary accommodation, and potentially developing a special needs school to save on transport costs.
• Temporary Accommodation and Adult Social Care: These are statutory services, meaning the council must provide them regardless of budget constraints. Rising rents in the private sector and outdated government funding rates for housing benefit are exacerbating pressures.
• Agency Staff Costs: The council is reviewing its significant expenditure on agency staff, aiming to reduce costs by managing sickness absence more effectively and scrutinising the necessity of temporary roles.
• Civic Centre Redevelopment: The council has no plans to build a new civic centre, focusing instead on making existing facilities more efficient. A new face-to-face contact centre is planned to open in Gaten Road mid-February.
• Children's Services and Ofsted Judgement: Following an inadequate judgement from Ofsted, the council is implementing a significant improvement plan, particularly focusing on care leavers. This includes restructuring the leaving care service and enhancing corporate parenting responsibilities. The council is working with a Department for Education (DfE) improvement advisor.

• Housing Development: The council faces challenges in delivering new housing due to viability issues in the current market, despite having identified potential sites. The focus is on increasing social housing stock as a solution to both housing need and council financial challenges.

• Why this matters: These discussions are fundamental to how Harrow Council operates and spends public money. Decisions on the budget directly impact the services residents receive, from social care for the most vulnerable to the maintenance of our roads. Understanding these financial pressures and the council's strategies for managing them is crucial for ensuring accountability and effective service delivery.

You can find more details about this discussion in the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting papers.

Licensing Panel Rejects Application for Rileys Sports Limited Amidst Concerns

The Licensing Panel met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Rileys Sports Limited, located at 399 Northolt Road, Harrow, HA2 8JE. However, the applicant failed to attend the hearing, leading the panel to reject the application.

The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, late-night refreshment, recorded music, and regulated entertainment. The Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority had raised representations due to concerns about the applicant's alleged links to previous management involved in criminal activity and unlicensed trading. Specifically, the sole director, Mr. Riley Gerard Boyd, was alleged to have allowed his name and training certificate to be used to deceive authorities. The premises also has a history of crime and disorder, with a closure order previously issued.

Despite multiple attempts by council officers to contact the applicant and confirm his attendance, he did not appear at the hearing. The panel, including Councillor June Baxter, Councillor Govind Bharadia, and Councillor Ramji Kanji Chauhan, deemed it unfair to proceed with the application without the applicant present to defend himself and address the serious concerns raised by the police and licensing authority. Consequently, the application was rejected.

• Why this matters: The rejection of this licence application underscores the importance of responsible licensing and due diligence. When premises have a history of issues or when there are concerns about the applicant's suitability, the council has a duty to protect the public and uphold licensing objectives. The failure of the applicant to attend the hearing prevented any opportunity to address these concerns, leading to the inevitable refusal.

You can find more details about this decision in the Licensing Panel meeting papers.

Other Matters

• The Personnel Appeals Panel met on Wednesday 14 January 2026 to consider a disciplinary appeal. Due to the confidential nature of the proceedings, the press and public were excluded from this part of the meeting. The meeting was held at the Harrow Arts Centre. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91366
• The Chief Officers' Employment Panel meeting scheduled for Thursday 15 January 2026 was moved. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91371

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
• The West London Waste Authority is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
• The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 22 January 2026.
• The Employees' Consultative Forum is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
• The Chief Officers' Employment Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026.
• Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday 29 January 2026.

This week in Harrow:

Winter Preparedness and Healthy Weight Strategies Take Centre Stage at Health and Wellbeing Board

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 8 January 2026 to tackle crucial public health issues, focusing on ensuring residents are prepared for winter and addressing the growing challenge of healthy weight across the borough. The Board also discussed vital support for residents facing severe and multiple disadvantages, highlighting the complex needs of some of our most vulnerable neighbours.

Bolstering Winter Resilience: A Coordinated Approach

The Board received a comprehensive update on Harrow's winter preparedness strategy, a vital plan designed to protect residents during the colder months. Laurence Gibson, Director of Public Health, outlined a multi-pronged approach built on three core principles: confirming surveillance mechanisms to understand health trends, controlling deployed mechanisms to support residents, and communicating effectively with partners and the public.

The strategy detailed existing surveillance systems, including cold-health alerts and syndromic surveillance, to monitor the spread of illnesses like flu and COVID-19. Crucially, the plan emphasised collaborative efforts to ensure smooth patient discharge from hospitals, preventing unnecessary delays and freeing up vital bed space.

For vulnerable residents, a range of initiatives are in place. These include the Neighbourhood Coordination Point for frail individuals, falls prevention classes, and community hubs offering warm spaces and activities. Digital inclusion initiatives aim to improve access to healthcare services, while primary care teams are working to enhance access and manage high-risk patients. Mental health support is being bolstered through services like the Harrow Coves.

The report acknowledged the critical role of the voluntary and community sector in disseminating information and providing support, working alongside council-funded initiatives like the Conversation Café for carers. Key communication topics will focus on immunisation protection, community offerings, mental health support, and guidance on when to seek medical help.

However, the strategy also identified potential risks, including funding uncertainties and a national gap in digital solutions for booking primary care appointments. The Board noted the report, with discussions highlighting the need for strengthened intelligence gathering from residents and staff, and a desire for more granular data on how winter pressures disproportionately affect specific communities. Councillor Hitesh Karia, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, stressed the importance of ensuring communication reaches all parts of the community effectively.

• Why this matters: A robust winter preparedness plan is essential for protecting the health and wellbeing of all Harrow residents, especially the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, and individuals experiencing poverty or isolation. Delays in hospital discharge or lack of access to timely care can have severe consequences, leading to prolonged illness and increased pressure on emergency services.

You can find more details about the winter preparedness strategy in the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting papers.

Tackling the Healthy Weight Crisis: A Whole Systems Approach

The Board also endorsed a vital proposal for a whole systems approach to healthy weight in Harrow. Mathilde Kerr and Vinaya Kulkarni, Health Improvement Officers, presented a compelling case for addressing the significant prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adults, which is closely linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes.

The report highlighted that obesity is a complex issue influenced by a multitude of factors, from individual behaviour to environmental and social determinants. While existing programmes like HENRY for families and Slimming World for adults offer targeted support, the Board recognised that these are insufficient without a broader strategy that addresses wider determinants of health such as education, employment, and the local environment.

The proposed approach involves mapping existing council policies, engaging with departments and partners, and co-producing a shared vision and delivery plan. This aligns with national guidance and the local Active Wellbeing Strategy. Discussions touched upon the importance of physical activity for children, with initiatives like the Daily Mile tracks and the smartphone-free childhood movement being highlighted.

• Why this matters: Addressing healthy weight is not just about individual choices; it's about creating an environment that supports healthier lifestyles for everyone. For children, this means ensuring they have safe spaces to play and opportunities to be active, which can prevent long-term health problems. For adults, particularly those in lower-income households, tackling obesity can reduce the risk of serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease, easing the burden on both individuals and the NHS.

You can read more about the healthy weight strategy in the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting papers.

Supporting Residents with Severe and Multiple Disadvantages

Sandy Miller, Principal Public Health Analyst, provided an initial briefing on severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD) in Harrow. SMD is defined as experiencing a combination of serious health or social problems, such as homelessness, substance misuse, domestic violence, contact with the criminal justice system, and mental ill health. Research indicates that individuals facing SMD often have long-term experiences of poverty, trauma, and discrimination.

It is estimated that over 1,000 Harrow residents experience at least two of these disadvantages. The report highlighted the significant cost to the system, estimated at £45,000 per person per year, equating to over £45 million annually for Harrow. The Board noted the need for further investigation into SMD and the exploration of a future partnership response, acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the potential financial implications. Councillor Pritesh Patel, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner Streets and Public Safety, expressed interest from a public safety perspective.

• Why this matters: Individuals experiencing severe and multiple disadvantages often fall through the cracks of traditional service provision. A coordinated approach is crucial to provide them with the holistic support they need, addressing their complex needs and helping them to rebuild their lives. This not only improves their quality of life but also reduces the significant costs associated with unaddressed issues across health, social care, and the justice system.

Further details on the SMD briefing can be found in the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting papers.

Other Matters

• Mick, representing the Harrow Safeguarding Children's Partnership, provided a verbal update on the strategic priorities for 2024/25, including early help, domestic abuse and child safeguarding, and contextual safeguarding. Key achievements mentioned include the rollout of the Team Around the Family framework and the transformation of children's centres into family hub network sites. The Board received the verbal report and expressed support for the ongoing work.
• The Harrow Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2025–2028 was presented and approved for publication. The assessment found that Harrow is well-served by its community pharmacies, with no identified gaps in access to essential services.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
• The Personnel Appeals Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
• The Licensing Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 15 January 2026.
• The Chief Officers' Employment Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 15 January 2026.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
• The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 22 January 2026.

This week in Harrow:

Council to Decide on Budget, Housing, and Public Health Amidst Financial Pressures

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet this week to discuss a range of critical issues, including the council's budget, housing projects, public health initiatives, and licensing policies [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89843]. With the council facing ongoing financial pressures, these decisions will have a significant impact on residents and services.

• The Cabinet will review the council's financial performance and consider future budget proposals, including fees and charges for various council services.
• Key decisions will be made on housing and regeneration projects, including the Mote Mews affordable housing development and early works at the Poets Corner development.
• The Cabinet will also discuss the commissioning of home care services and sexual and reproductive health services, which are vital for vulnerable residents.
• The implementation of additional licensing for Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) will be considered, which could affect landlords and tenants across the borough.

These decisions will shape the future of Harrow and determine the level of services available to residents. With the council facing tough choices, it is crucial that residents are aware of the issues being discussed and the potential impact on their lives.

Scrutiny Committee Examines Housing Crisis, Fly-Tipping, and Budget Shortfalls

The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to discuss temporary accommodation pressures, affordable housing delivery, fly-tipping, and the council's draft budget [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89833]. The committee's discussions highlight the challenges facing Harrow in addressing the housing crisis, tackling environmental crime, and managing its finances.

• The sub-committee heard that Harrow is experiencing significant Housing Needs pressures, with rising costs associated with temporary accommodation.
• Despite these pressures, the council has prevented over 350 households from becoming homeless during 2024/25, delivering an estimated net cost avoidance of over £1.4 million.
• The sub-committee also discussed actions underway to address these pressures, including strengthening landlord engagement, securing long-term leased accommodation, and increasing the supply of affordable housing.
• The sub-committee was informed that fly-tipping incidents per 1,000 people are improving, with performance better than target.

These discussions underscore the need for innovative solutions and effective partnerships to address the complex challenges facing Harrow. The committee's scrutiny of the council's performance and finances is essential for ensuring accountability and transparency.

Planning Committee to Decide on Major Developments Amidst Community Concerns

The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss several major planning applications, including developments on Station Road, Stonegrove, and Camrose Avenue [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89837]. These decisions will have a significant impact on the local environment, infrastructure, and community.

• The committee will consider a planning application for 368-372 Station Road, HA1 2DE, which has been recommended for approval subject to a legal agreement.
• A planning application for Gordan Court, Stonegrove, Edgware, Harrow is also scheduled to be discussed, with a recommendation for approval subject to a legal agreement.
• The committee will also discuss a planning application for The Hive Football Centre, Camrose Avenue, HA8 6AG, which has been recommended for approval.

These decisions will shape the future of Harrow and determine the type of development that takes place in the borough. It is crucial that residents are aware of these applications and have the opportunity to voice their concerns.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet will also consider the Key Decision Schedule December 2025 February 2026, which outlines the key decisions expected to be made by the Cabinet over the next few months.
• A Progress on Scrutiny Projects report will also be presented, providing an update on the progress of scrutiny projects.

This week in Harrow:

Health Committee to Scrutinise Suicide Prevention Strategy Amidst Rising Concerns

The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee met this week to discuss a range of critical issues, including adult safeguarding, the vaccination programme, suicide prevention, and adult social care complaints [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88957]. Of particular concern was the discussion surrounding the co-produced Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy, especially given the need for a clear, local, all-age strategy to combat the level of self-harm and suicide in our communities.

• The sub-committee heard that the strategy is intended to be jointly owned by all system partners, to help understand local needs and identify gaps in prevention efforts.
• The strategy is intended to be shaped by the voice of lived experience, ensuring that people with personal experience of suicide and self-harm are central to its design, delivery, and evaluation.
• The strategy will provide the framework for tangible actions to be delivered as a system over the next two years, and is an essential requirement from the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England.
• The themes of the local strategy will complement the national strategy, and a collaborative workshop was organised involving those with lived experience, staff from statutory agencies and the community and voluntary sector. Over 100 participants helped to develop local priorities and actions across four pillars: prevent, identify, equip and support.
• The sub-committee was asked to endorse the collaborative approach to the production of the strategy, and the four pillars within it.

The sub-committee's discussion highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to suicide prevention in Harrow. With the strategy set to launch in March, residents will be watching closely to see how the council and its partners will translate these plans into tangible actions that make a real difference in people's lives.

Adult Safeguarding Improvements Lag Despite Rising Demand, CQC Report Reveals

The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee also received an update on improvements to adult safeguarding in Harrow, following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in 2024. The report revealed a concerning surge in demand for Adult Social Care services, including those related to safeguarding, with a surge in demand of 65% over the last three years.

• The council has been working to improve safeguarding supervision practice standards, streamline the referral process, update the adult social care database functionality, embed pan-London guidance, strengthen timeliness of allocations, develop a whole-family approach to safeguarding, and ensure the right quality assurance framework is in place.
• The CQC's scoring of nine quality statements, safeguarding was given a score of 2 (out of 4), which corresponds to having some evidence but also significant shortcomings.
• The CQC report described a generally positive culture among staff, and recognised that the local authority needed to improve communication, information accessibility, and awareness of safeguarding support, especially among carers and harder-to-reach communities.
• The presentation also highlights positive progress across all areas, including demand, responsiveness, time to complete concerns and enquiries, making safeguarding personal, and risk reduction.
• The sub-committee was asked to note the report providing an update on improvements to adults safeguarding in Harrow.

The sub-committee's discussion underscores the challenges faced by Harrow Council in meeting the growing demand for adult safeguarding services. While progress has been made, the CQC's findings highlight the need for continued improvement, particularly in communication and support for carers and vulnerable communities.

Vaccination Rates Lag Behind WHO Targets, Sparking Concerns About Public Health

The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee received a report setting out the current vaccination coverage data for Harrow across winter and childhood immunisations. The report revealed that while Harrow has made notable strides, particularly in reducing measles cases and improving MMR uptake through targeted school and GP initiatives, coverage across most childhood vaccines remains below the World Health Organization's (WHO) 95% target and trails behind neighbouring boroughs, including Hillingdon and Hounslow.

• The report states that the council plays a vital role in bridging these gaps by enhancing local health promotion efforts, supporting outreach in underserved communities, and leveraging trusted relationships through schools, nurseries, and faith groups.
• The report also notes that this year's flu season has presented significant public health challenges, with activity levels exceeding previous years. UKHSA data indicates that flu deaths in England rose from 3,555 in 2023-2024 to 7,757 in 2024-2025.
• The sub-committee was asked to note the detail of the report as the statutory evidence required by the Director of Public Health to ensure adequate arrangements are in place to protect the health of the population.

The sub-committee's discussion highlights the importance of continued efforts to improve vaccination rates in Harrow, particularly among vulnerable populations. With flu activity on the rise, it is crucial that the council takes targeted actions to reduce health inequalities and protect residents from preventable diseases.

Other Matters

• The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee received a report providing an overview of the council's performance on Adult Social Care complaints and feedback activity between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
• The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss urgent and emergency care, primary care access, continuing healthcare criteria, and special educational needs (SEN) continence services [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89856].

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings:

• Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 December 2025.
• The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025 to discuss planning applications.