Agenda

(1)            Tamil Heritage Month Motion

To be moved by Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar and seconded by Councillor Kuha Kumaran:

“This Council notes:

·       that January 2024 will be Tamil Heritage Month.

·       The tremendous contributions that Tamils make to Harrow’s diverse community.

·       The richness of Tamil culture and the positive difference it has made to our society locally.

·       January is an important month for Tamils as it marks Thai Pongal, the Tamil Harvest Festival.

·       The importance of increasing awareness about the accomplishments of the Tamil diaspora.

This Council resolves to:

·       Reaffirm our strong commitment to support Tamil Heritage Month events in Harrow.

·       Continue to work with and support the local Tamil community.”

(2)            Supporting Voter ID Motion

To be moved by Councillor Paul Osborn and seconded by Councillor Marilyn Ashton:

“The London Borough of Harrow recognises the importance of public trust in the security of the electoral process.

This Council notes: 

·       The threats to the democratic process must be combated to protect the integrity of our democracy.

·       That the independent electoral Commission has called for a resolution to issues relating to voter ID in the UK.

·       The recent law change allows for the provision of free voter ID cards (Voter Authority Certificates) which are issued by local authorities.  This means financial hardship will not be a barrier to a voter’s ability to get an ID and cast their ballot.

This Council believes:

·       Considering how frequently residents now require ID in their day-to-day lives, the new requirement for voters to have ID to vote is a reasonable approach to reducing the threat of voter fraud and ensures that there are still not significant barriers to voting.

·       That the system for applying for voter ID for those without a valid voter ID is simple and has ensured that all can access the electoral process.

This Council resolves:

·       To fulfil its duty to properly inform residents about the latest change in voting requirements.

·       To commit to continuing to use its communication channels to notify residents about the need for voter ID in next year’s Mayoral, GLA and parliamentary elections.”

(3)            Motion – Mortgages and Rent in Harrow

To be moved by Councillor Antonio Weiss and seconded by Councillor David Perry:

Council recognises that people across our borough are struggling to make ends meet and are in urgent need of support.

·       One in five adults in the UK has less than £100 in savings.

·       Nearly four million children in Britain live in poverty.

·       Areas of Harrow are the most deprived in the country, with many residents living in overcrowded accommodation.

High inflation and borrowing rates have hit lower-income households hardest, mostly because of the sharp increases in mortgage rates and rent.

Council notes that:-

·       The Resolution Foundation estimate that about 21% of the 7.586m households with mortgages or loans (around 1.6 million households) will see their fixed-rate mortgage deal expire  ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.