The Council meeting on 26 February 2026 saw the approval of the borough's budget for the upcoming financial year, alongside the Corporate Plan and Housing Revenue Account. Significant debate occurred regarding council tax increases and the allocation of funds, with the budget ultimately being passed.

Budget and Financial Strategy Approved

The council approved the Revenue Budget for 2026-27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2028-29, along with the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and strategy, the HRA Capital Programme, and the 30-year HRA Business Plan. The Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy for 2026-27, and Capital Strategy for 2026-27 were also approved. These financial decisions were passed with a majority vote, despite considerable debate and opposition from the Labour group.

The approval of the budget was a central theme of the meeting, with numerous councillors from both the Conservative and Labour parties speaking at length. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, presented the budget, highlighting achievements over the past four years and outlining future priorities. He emphasised the council's improved financial standing since 2022, contrasting it with the situation inherited from the previous Labour administration. Councillor Osborn stated that the council had a much healthier level of reserves and was not in need of emergency financial support, unlike other councils. He detailed flagship actions within the Corporate Plan, including continued investment in roads, a crackdown on dangerous parking near schools, the introduction of a lane rental scheme to reduce roadworks disruption, and the upgrade of council-owned car parks. Plans for increasing social housing, extending selective licensing, and improving waste management services were also outlined.

Councillor David Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Highways, elaborated on the budget, noting that the council had faced a £32 million budget gap in December 2025, which was reduced to £10.2 million over three years following the government's fair funding review. He stressed that Harrow was in a more stable financial position than many other councils, avoiding the need for emergency financial support. Ashton also highlighted the challenges posed by temporary homelessness costs, which have seen a significant increase in burden on the council due to frozen central government funding.

The Labour group, led by Councillor David Perry, strongly opposed the budget, criticising the council tax increases and what they described as a fudge in balancing the budget. Councillor Perry argued that the budget was extremely light on the cost of living flagship actions and that residents were paying more, and getting less. He pointed to the council's debt levels, which had risen by £70 million over four years, and criticised the third highest council tax in London. Councillor Natasha Proctor, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, echoed these concerns, stating that the budget was a great escape and that the council was kicking the can down the road with its financial planning. She also raised concerns about the downgrade of children's services to inadequate by Ofsted under the current administration.

Several other councillors spoke on the budget, with differing views on its merits. Councillor Janet Mote highlighted flagship actions related to putting residents first, including the resurfacing of a leisure centre car park and bringing disused buildings in parks back into use. Councillor Stephen Hickman expressed disappointment that the budget did not sufficiently address the concerns of residents in Harrow-on-the-Hill, particularly regarding road safety and fly-tipping. Councillor Simon Brown raised concerns about the allocation of road repair funding, suggesting that areas like Headstone were not receiving adequate attention. Councillor Kuha Kumaran defended the budget as a responsible and realistic plan, crediting disciplined leadership for Harrow's financial stability despite a £10 million gap. Councillor Dr Antonio Weiss, in what he indicated might be his last council speech after 12 years, offered a stark assessment of public trust in politicians and criticised the embarrassing petty squabbling and broken promises of the current administration, particularly regarding council tax increases. Councillor Norman Stevenson highlighted the council's support for pensioners with winter fuel payments and the provision of skills training, citing positive resident survey results. Councillor Onitin Parekh challenged the council's financial record and council tax increases, presenting evidence from previous council papers and election leaflets. Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman engaged in a spirited defence of the Conservative administration's record, contrasting it with Labour's perceived failures. Councillor Mina Parmar spoke in support of the HRA budget, emphasising its role in protecting housing services and ensuring safe, well-maintained homes. Councillor Payman Asad criticised the council's narrative, comparing Councillor Osborne to Gru from Despicable Me and accusing the administration of short-term fixes and long-term risks. Councillor Marilyn Ashton defended the administration's record, highlighting improvements in IT, planning, and the local plan, and criticising Labour's lack of alternative proposals. Councillor Asif Hussain strongly condemned the council tax increases and the perceived decline in services, labelling the administration's record as failure, incompetence, and wastage. Councillor Jeanne Naunemann spoke about the concept of agency in adult and children's social care, highlighting improvements and a focus on prevention.

The budget and associated financial strategies were ultimately approved by a vote of 29 in favour, with 4 against and 18 abstentions.

Petitions Received

Several petitions were presented to the council. Kumaraswamy Indrajit presented a petition on behalf of Somerville Road residents regarding the need for footpath improvements, citing difficulties for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and parents with pushchairs. Jonathan McDonnell presented a petition concerning road safety outside Vaughan Primary School, detailing incidents of children being hit by cars and requesting a formal safety review, including consideration of a school street. Councillor Parikh presented a petition from residents of Matthew and Road, Matthew and Close, and O Group Walk concerning the impact of parking restrictions. Councillor Anika Shah-Levy presented a petition regarding the need to repair the road and pavements on Fairhome Road in Greenhill Ward. All received petitions were referred to the relevant strategic directors.

Public Questions

During the public question session, several residents raised concerns with councillors. Kosh Mutukumar questioned Councillor Paul Osborn about the impact of the one-hour free parking policy on local independent shops. Osborn stated that the policy had increased car park usage by 33% and on-street parking by 11.1%, and confirmed it would be permanently included in the budget. Adrian Avasalkai asked Councillor Merlin Ashton about the administration's authority to amend the policy relating to the old Lyonian site. Ashton clarified that the designation of the site as open space in the new local plan would be maintained and could only be reconsidered during the preparation of the next local plan. Holly Awasalkai inquired about arranging a meeting to discuss a permanent site for their academy, with Councillor Osborne committing to a meeting by the end of March. Holly also asked for confirmation of a previously identified site, which Osborne confirmed existed but could not be discussed in detail due to a legal dispute. Deepak Bhat raised concerns about the lack of red traffic light enforcement across Harrow, with Portfolio Holders for Highways and Pedestrian Safety stating that enforcement is the responsibility of Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police, though the council works with them to raise concerns. Mike Williams questioned Councillor Paul Osborne about the discrepancy between government funding figures for pothole repairs, with Osborne explaining the difference between funding for the current and next financial year. James Bond asked if the council would continue to lobby the Mayor of London to keep Pinner Police Station's volunteer-run front counter open, to which Councillor Osborne confirmed they would. James Woodkins asked about new road safety measures outside the building on The Ridgeway by the Cattle Bridge, with the Cabinet Member for Highways offering to meet with residents to discuss potential changes.

Leader's Announcements

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, reflected on the council's achievements over the past four years, focusing on three priorities: a council that puts residents first, a borough that is clean and safe, and a place that supports those most in need. He highlighted the reopening of a general inquiries phone line, the upcoming reopening of a face-to-face contact centre, the introduction of one-hour free parking, the expansion of conversation cafes, and the replacement of street signs. He also noted improvements in waste collection, a reduction in fly-tipping, and a significant increase in pothole repairs. Councillor Osborn also spoke about the council's efforts to support those in need, including free school meals and winter fuel payments for pensioners.

Constitution Update and Other Matters

The council also discussed and voted on several other items, including a Constitution Update, the Calendar of Meetings for 2026/27, and a change in membership for the Pension Fund Committee. An information report on the use of the Urgency Procedure by the Executive was noted. Several motions were debated and voted upon, including motions condemning the Labour government's budget and the proposed Mansion Tax, opposing the closure of Pinner Police Station's front desk, condemning the Mayor of London's planning powers, and opposing the deportation of legally settled migrants. The council also voted on non-executive fees and charges, and approved the appointment of a Director of Children's Services.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor thanking councillors and officers for their contributions.