Councillor Samir Sumaria

Special Meeting - Draft Budget Report, Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday 22 January 2026 6.30 pm

The Performance and Finance Scrutiny Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss the draft revenue budget for the upcoming financial year and the medium-term financial strategy. The meeting's agenda focused on the significant financial planning required to address projected budget gaps and the implications of national funding changes.

Planning Committee - Wednesday 21 January 2026 6.30 pm

The Planning Committee of Harrow Council was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including proposals for residential developments and changes of use. A key item on the agenda was the potential introduction of an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for converting dwelling houses into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Licensing Panel - Thursday 15 January 2026 7.30 pm

The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Thursday 15 January 2026 and granted a new premises licence for Obi Express, located at 2 Handel Parade, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, Harrow, HA8 6LD. The decision followed a hearing to consider an application for the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption.

Licensing Panel - Thursday 15 January 2026 6.30 pm

The Licensing Panel of Harrow Council met on Thursday 15 January 2026 and rejected an application for a new premises licence for Rileys Sports Limited at 399 Northolt Road, Harrow. The applicant failed to attend the hearing, and the panel decided to proceed with the rejection based on the objections raised by the police and the Licensing Authority.

(Special), Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 13 January 2026 6.30 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Harrow Council held a question and answer session with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Osborn, and the Managing Director, Alex, to discuss the council's financial position, budget, and ongoing service delivery. Key topics included the council's financial health, plans to bridge a budget gap, the provision of special educational needs transport, the cost and use of the new council chamber, the effectiveness of the Red Route on Rayners Lane, and concerns regarding agency staff expenditure. Significant discussion also focused on the challenges and strategies related to housing, particularly temporary accommodation and the regeneration programme, as well as the ongoing improvements in children's services following an Ofsted inspection.