The Council meeting on Thursday 1 October 2026 addressed significant constitutional updates, including changes to planning procedures and the code of conduct, and debated the future of Harrow's Green Belt in light of the draft London Plan. Councillors also discussed support for residents facing terminal illness and the proposed closure of the Harrow Town Centre Post Office.

Constitution Update

The council approved a series of amendments to its constitution, primarily driven by new government planning reforms introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. These changes, detailed in Appendix 1 of the reports pack¹, will alter the terms of reference for the Planning Committee, introduce a national scheme of delegation for planning functions, and mandate training for councillors serving on the Planning Committee. The committee size for planning matters has been capped at 13 members.

Further amendments were made to the Code of Corporate Governance (Appendix 2), the Social Media Protocol (Appendix 3), and the Council Procedure Rules (Appendix 5). A new Education and Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee was established (Appendix 4), following recommendations from the Local Government Association after an inadequate judgment on children's services. The Members' Allowance Scheme was updated to reflect payments for the Independent Person and the new Independent Member role on the Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS). A protocol on the use of council resources was also adopted as an appendix to the Members' Code of Conduct (Appendix 7), and the procedure for dealing with member complaints was amended to include a Standards Sub-Committee (Appendix 8).

Councillor Paul Osborne, Leader of the Council, moved the recommendations, assuring members that the Cabinet had due regard for its Equalities Duty under the Equality Act 2010. Councillor David Perry, Leader of the Labour Group, raised concerns about the process, particularly regarding the deferral of certain appendices, and questioned the Leader's change of mind on this matter. Councillor Graham Henson raised a point of order regarding the lack of an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the Council Tax Support Scheme report, arguing it violated Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 and Harrow Council's own corporate governance framework. The Mayor ruled that this was a matter for debate during the item itself, not a point of order.

Motion opposing the draft London Plan and its effect on Harrow's Green Belt

The council resolved to oppose the draft London Plan¹ due to its potential negative impact on Harrow's Green Belt. The motion, moved by Councillor Marilyn Ashton (Deputy Leader of the Council) and seconded by Councillor Stephen Greek (Performance, Communications and Customer Experience Portfolio Holder), highlighted that the draft plan significantly increases Harrow's housing target by nearly 50%, imposing a specific target of 3,150 homes on 'greenfield' land. The plan designates 'Broad Locations for Growth' (BLG), including areas in Harrow that contain almost all of the borough's Green Belt, which the motion argues will see reduced protection.

Councillors expressed strong opposition to the draft plan, with Councillor Philip Benjamin stating it represented an existential threat to our suburbs and an assault on our local democracy. Councillor Zak Wagman described the plan as not worth the paper it is written on and argued that the moment for raising concerns had passed, necessitating outright opposition. Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman criticised the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, for failing to meet housing targets and for targeting outer London boroughs like Harrow with Green Belt development. Councillor Rees Benjamin highlighted the Outer London Paradox, noting that the draft plan treats outer London the same as inner London regarding Green Belt land, despite differing transport infrastructure and needs.

An amendment proposed by Councillor David Perry (Leader of the Labour Group) and seconded by Councillor David Ashton (Finance and Highways Portfolio Holder) was debated. Councillor Perry's amendment sought to involve both the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition in raising concerns and inviting the Mayor of London to Harrow. However, this amendment was ultimately lost. The substantive motion to oppose the draft London Plan was carried.

Motion Supporting Harrow Residents Facing Terminal Illness and Financial Hardship

The council resolved to commission a review into the support available for Harrow households affected by terminal illness. The motion, moved by Councillor Yusuf Yusuf and seconded by Councillor David Perry (Leader of the Labour Group), noted the significant financial pressures faced by individuals and families dealing with terminal illness, referencing research by Marie Curie¹ on end-of-life poverty. It highlighted that Harrow's current Council Tax Support Scheme does not offer specific additional assistance for terminal illness, although applications can be prioritised.

Councillor Paul Osborne (Leader of the Council) moved an amendment to clarify that the review would be internal rather than external, and acknowledged that the 2027/28 budget timeline might be tight for implementing changes. Councillor Norman Stevenson spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of financial advice for those in later life and supporting the review. Councillor Chetna Halai (Business and Property Portfolio Holder) also supported the motion, calling it compassionate and practical. The amended motion was carried.

Motion: Save Harrow Town Centre Post Office

The council passed a motion to support the campaign to save the Harrow Town Centre Post Office¹ from closure and to explore the establishment of a Banking Hub. The motion, moved by Councillor David Perry (Leader of the Labour Group) and seconded by Councillor Rashmi Kalu (Community and Culture Portfolio Holder), noted the proposed closure of the TG Jones Post Office in St Ann's Shopping Centre in early 2027 and the wider trend of bank branch closures in Harrow.

An amendment, moved by Councillor Paul Osborne (Leader of the Council) and seconded by Councillor Susan Hall, was accepted. This amendment expanded the motion to include support for the Pinner Post Office, which is also facing closure. Councillor Osborne argued that it was important to support both post offices and that expressions of interest had been received for a replacement in Harrow Town Centre due to its high footfall. Councillor Ashish Halai (Business and Property Portfolio Holder) spoke about the importance of face-to-face services for vulnerable residents and the need for innovative models, such as banking hubs. Councillor Graham Henson, who declared a union interest, commended Gareth Thomas MP¹ for his campaign and supported the amended motion, emphasizing the borough-wide importance of post offices.

The amended motion was carried, resolving that the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition, and Managing Director would write to Post Office Ltd expressing concerns, seek a meeting with Post Office Ltd and Gareth Thomas MP, urge a commitment to securing a replacement Post Office in central Harrow, and formally urge Post Office Ltd to work towards establishing a temporary or permanent Banking Hub.

Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements

Councillor Paul Osborne, Leader of the Council, provided an update on the council's pledges and achievements. He highlighted the uptake of one-hour free parking sessions, the resurfacing of 79 roads, and over 25,000 free bulky waste collections. He also noted the success of drop-and-go events and the introduction of a small electrical items recycling service in libraries. Harrow now has 10 Green Flag parks, with plans for two more. Cabinet had made Article 4 directions for HMOs permanent, requiring planning permission for all Houses in Multiple Occupation, and made the Red Route in Rainers Lane permanent, which had seen an 80% reduction in double parking. In housing, he reported the completion of 36 affordable homes at Milton Road, the launch of Phase 2A of Grange Farm with 45 homes, and the commencement of the Byron Quarter development, which will deliver 149 units, including 44 council houses.

Councillor David Perry questioned the Leader about the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP), noting a confidential discussion and review four months prior with no public update. Councillor Osborne stated the matter remained commercially confidential but offered a briefing. He also thanked officers for their work in securing GLA grant funding for the HSDP. Councillor Perry also raised concerns about the site at Poets Corner within the HSDP, asking for confirmation that it would remain under council control. Councillor Osborne explained that the current scheme at Poets Corner was struggling with viability and that they were seeking Homes England funding for the Civic Centre site demolition.

Councillor Peymana Assad raised concerns about the proportion of council housing being built, describing affordable housing as a discount for people who actually can afford to buy things or to rent. Councillor Osborne agreed on the need for more council homes and clarified that Grange Farm's non-council homes were London Living Rent accommodation, a better scheme than shared ownership. He also noted Harrow's HRA was not in deficit, providing headroom for building more houses. Councillor Yusuf Yusuf raised concerns about officers struggling to provide timely responses to councillor enquiries, which the Leader stated he was happy to look into, mentioning that response rates were monitored.

Questions with Notice

Councillor Yusuf Yusuf questioned Councillor David Ashton (Finance and Highways Portfolio Holder) regarding the future of Peel House Car Park¹ in Wealdstone¹, following the abandonment of the Civic Centre relocation plan. Councillor Ashton corrected misconceptions in the question, stating Labour's plan for Peel Road Car Park was unviable and that the council had spent £43 million on the hub in Forward Drive¹. He confirmed that redevelopment of Peel Road remained financially challenging and the site would continue to operate as a car park until a viable scheme could be developed. Work was underway to upgrade the car park lighting. Councillor Ashton committed to engaging with traders and residents regarding any future development of the site.

Councillor Rashmi Kalu questioned Councillor Pritesh Patel (Cleaner Streets and Public Safety Portfolio Holder) regarding the suspension and reinstatement of Kingdom's enforcement contract, following concerns raised by traders, residents, and police about antisocial behaviour. Councillor Patel categorically stated the council had listened to residents and upheld its commitment to putting residents first. He detailed strengthened safeguards, including greater scrutiny of recruitment and training, mandatory body-worn cameras, increased auditing of footage, and enhanced management oversight. He rejected the assertion that no one was available to deal with ASB and enforcement issues during the suspension period.

Councillor Peymana Assad questioned Councillor David Ashton regarding the poor condition of pavements on Somerville Road¹. Councillor Ashton stated that 69 localised footway repairs had taken place on Somerville Road this year, but the road did not meet the threshold for inclusion in the 2026-27 resurfacing programme. He noted that the review for the 2027-28 programme would commence in Autumn 2026. Councillor Assad presented a photograph of a resident who had fallen on the pavement, highlighting the danger and the repeated petitions for repaving. Councillor Ashton defended the council's investment in roads, stating they spent £14 million last year compared to Labour's £2 million, and sympathised with the resident's injury but argued it did not prove the council's overall road maintenance was inadequate.

Pension Board Annual Report 2025/26

The Pension Board's annual report for 2025/26 was presented. Board members expressed disappointment that only two meetings had been held, with two others being inquorate. It was noted that a vacancy for an employer representative had been filled, bringing the board to full complement for 2026/27. The board welcomed the ability to review confidential Pension Fund Committee material from 2026/27 and noted the requirement for members to undertake training. Concerns were raised about the report referencing Barnet Council, which officers agreed to review. The board also queried outstanding governance activities due to the limited number of meetings. The report was endorsed for recommendation to the Council.

Information Report - Use of the Urgency Procedure - Executive

This report detailed one decision taken under the Urgency Procedure by the Leader of the Council on 3 September 2026 regarding the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP). The decision was made to meet obligations with the HSDP and enable a start on site for Byron Quarter before 30 September 2026, thereby securing Greater London Authority (GLA) Grant Funding. The report also noted three decisions taken under the General Exception procedure: Harrow Strategic Development Partnership (HSDP) – Next Steps, Award of Contract for Fleet Vehicle Replacement Parts, and Acquisition and refurbishment of a property for children and young adult transition support. The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had waived call-in for the HSDP decision due to urgency.

Procedural Motions

Councillor Osborne moved a procedural motion to suspend Rule 17.6.2 for Item 12, Motion 3, to allow for an amendment to be introduced concerning post offices under threat in Harrow. This was seconded and carried after some debate regarding the circulation of the amendment. Councillor Hanson also raised a procedural motion challenging the Council Tax Support Scheme report for lacking a mandatory Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA). The Mayor ruled this point of order would be addressed during the debate on the item.

Petitions

Two petitions were received:

• One from residents of Peel Road, Wealdstone, requesting a review and improvement of road signage relating to the closure and no through vehicular access towards George Gange Way.
• Another on behalf of residents of Boniface Estate and surrounding roads, calling for urgent resurfacing of roads including Boniface Walk, Boniface Gardens, Ufford Road, Ufford Close, and Tillotson Road.

Both petitions were referred to the relevant strategic directors.

Public Questions

No public questions were asked.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Kanti Rabadia declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 (Harrow Strategic Development Partnership) as a council-appointed representative to the HSTP, with a dispensation to speak. Councillor David Perry declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 as a council-appointed member of the Harrow Strategic Development Partnership, with a dispensation to speak but not vote. He also declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 12, Motion 1 (London Plan), as a member of the London Assembly. Councillor Susan Hall declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 12, Motion 1 (London Plan), as a London Assembly Member. Councillor Graham Henson declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to a motion on post office services due to previous employment leading campaigns on post office services.