Like many of the residents over the summer, the Council has been very busy with many notable strides forward.

Michael Lockwood, our new Chief Executive, has been in his post for over 100 days and the difference is marked.

The problems and difficulties of not having a Chief Executive are only truly felt when you have one of his calibre at the helm.

A new vigour can be felt throughout the building and I am pleased to have him on board.

I look forward to working with him in the future, as we strive to improve the borough and make good our promise to stabilise Council Tax at three per cent next year and zero per cent the year after that.

I am pleased to announce that we have a new vision with a clear set of priorities and ambitious flagship actions.

This will make the Council more meaningful and accountable to residents, which we believe is vital as we move the borough forward.

Our recycling effort has improved phenomenally - we now recycle 38 per cent - taking us from the bottom five to the top five recycling boroughs in London.

Harrow is one of the highest recyclers in London and that is down to the outstanding efforts made by you, the residents - thank you!

As Harrow continues to grow and develop, our aim is to offer genuine value for money and keep all its communities as clean, green and safe as possible.