The incident involving enforcement officers verbally abusing and threatening a resident, and knowingly turning off their body-worn cameras, is deeply concerning and reinforces concerns that many residents have been raising for some time about Harrow’s enforcement culture.
Labour councillors continue to receive complaints about the conduct and approach of enforcement officers, with many residents feeling they are being targeted rather than treated fairly and proportionately.
From the fining of a five year old child, to the arrest of a woman for feeding pigeons, and other widely reported cases covered in both local and national media, there is a growing perception that Harrow’s enforcement scheme has become focused on issuing fines rather than serving the public interest, and we are back in that position again today.
The Conservative administration must now review its contract with Kingdom and examine whether a fines-funded model is creating the wrong incentives. Enforcement should be about keeping Harrow clean and safe, not generating revenue at the expense of public trust.
Residents deserve an enforcement service that acts professionally, treats people with respect, and commands public confidence. This incident demands accountability and reform, not attempts to exploit community tensions or divide our borough.
Cllr Peymana Assad
Deputy Leader of the Harrow Council Labour Group
Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment
On behalf of the Harrow Council Labour Group
Media Enquires to be directed to Labour Group Office: (020) 8424 1897 and/or [email protected]