News from Harrow Labour

Harrow’s Arts and Leisure services to be outsourced?

Arising from a Cabinet question asked by Harrow Labour’s Councillor Bill Stephenson, it is clear that the Conservative controlled administration is seriously considering outsourcing many of the Borough’s arts and leisure facilities. Currently the Council out sources some of its sport facilities to Leisure Connection, namely, Bannister Stadium, the Hatch End swimming pool, and the Leisure Centre. However, it has now become clear that serious consideration is being given to go much further than this and to possibly outsource the Library Service, Harrow Arts Centre, and even parks and open spaces. A proposal will be coming to the January Cabinet.

Cllr Bill Stephenson, Leader of Harrow’s Labour Group, said:

“This is a very serious matter indeed. Many residents will be appalled at the idea of libraries, for example, being outsourced. Councillors, local residents, and arts and sports organisations will want to be fully consulted before any decision is made. In my view, no final decision on such an important matter should be made until after the local elections in May. So far I have not been able to get any reassurance on this.”

Other news from Harrow Labour

• Harrow Labour and Lib Dems join forces to slam Tory scrutiny failure - 26 February 2010
• MPs, anti-poverty groups, and churches unite against vulture funds - 15 February 2010
• Poll shows Harrow residents still very unhappy with Council - 12 February 2010