The London Borough of Harrow (LBH) has laid out an ambitious ‘corporate plan’ that promises to revitalise Harrow and elevate it to new heights over the next three years.
The plan, hailed as a blueprint for progress, aims to make Harrow a great place to live, learn, work, and visit.
Leader of Harrow Council, Cllr Paul Osborn, expressed his passion for the borough and desire to improve the quality of life for all residents. “I want to make Harrow a place once again where people are proud to call home, feel safe and supported, and where communities flourish,” Osborn stated, underlining the council’s commitment to putting residents at the heart of their initiatives.
Already making strides to respond to the community’s needs, Harrow Council introduced an hour’s free parking in all council spaces, resulting in more than half a million hours of free parking. “We have supported our residents and boosted local business,” Cllr Osborn noted, as the initiative is said to have successfully encouraged people to explore local high streets and support Harrow’s businesses.
In keeping with the promise to prioritise residents’ needs, LBH is launching ‘My Harrow Talk,’ a new consultation platform that will allow residents to be heard, ensuring their views are central to decision-making processes. The council aim to enhance the responsiveness of its services, by responding to 90% of complaints within 15 working days, providing residents with improved customer experiences.
The corporate plan will also tackle environmental issues and work towards making Harrow cleaner and greener. Measures include reducing waste dumping through heat maps and installing at least 15 mobile CCTV cameras to deter fly-tippers.
Preserving Harrow’s landscape is a key focus, and the council aims to introduce planning protections that restrict tall buildings in the suburbs, safeguarding the borough’s distinct charm. Additionally, LBH will work to provide more quality family homes by reviewing its regeneration program and limiting the height of new buildings in the suburbs.
Cllr Osborn announced the continuation of free school meals during school holidays and plans to double the number of Council Apprenticeships within the borough.
Residents are also set to see an increase in electric charging points for the public, supporting sustainable travel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The council’s dedication to delivering visible and tangible projects is evident through the introduction of full-fibre internet to council homes and community halls by March 2024, ensuring residents stay well-connected.
Cllr Paul Osborn assured that the council would ensure accountability and effective delivery through clear objectives and measurable actions.
While the outlined initiatives and promises demonstrate the council’s dedication to improving the lives of its residents, the actual outcomes and impacts will unfold over the next three years.
It is only through careful implementation and evaluation that the true effects of these plans will be realised. As the community eagerly looks forward to the transformations, it remains to be seen how the next three years will develop.
