The financial backdrop as we approach the Autumn Budget is bleak. The Governent has already borrowed just shy of £100bn this financial year, which has added to our national debt. The Chancellor will almost certainly have to raise taxes to make up for a shortfall in government finances, although the blame, of course, is being directed anywhere but at her own financial mismanagement and the failure to get basic welfare reform past her own backbenchers in the summer.
This has provoked widespread speculation and concern, particularly for businesses in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, who have already been on the receiving end of damaging tax hikes imposed by this Government. The hospitality sector, high streets, small businesses and family farms are on the long list of casualties we have seen inflicted over the past 15 months.
Despite these challenges, however, I am encouraged to see local enterprise triumph and continued investment in our high streets. Examples include the refurbishment of McDonalds on Ruislip High Street, as well as the repairing of damage caused by a car to the Prior Café in the summer. Additionally, new businesses have opened across the constituency, including Yako in Pinner, Spar in Harefield and Olimera in Northwood. I hope to see continued investment and support from our two excellent Conservative councils in Harrow and Hillingdon.
In other news, readers of my newsletter will be aware of plans to reduce the number of police front counters across London. The initial proposals would have seen the closure of Hayes and South Harrow police stations, leaving residents in both Harrow and Hillingdon without a walk-in service. With crime on the rise in London, this felt especially irresponsible.
I have welcomed the news that Hayes Police Station will remain open, following an excellent campaign led by local Conservatives. However, plans to close South Harrow are pressing ahead, and I am even more concerned to hear that the volunteer-run desk at Pinner Police Station will also be closing completely.
This is worrying, particularly for older and more vulnerable residents. For them, knowing they have somewhere accessible to report a crime or share evidence, without having to travel miles, is reassuring. This has been highlighted further in the wake of the horrific and tragic attack that took place in neighbouring Uxbridge, which has left residents understandably shaken and extremely worried.
I am supporting the campaign to save Pinner Police Station, which is being led by councillors across Pinner and undoubtedly backed by many residents. The petition can be signed here: https://tally.so/r/mK7RK8
First published: My Local News, November 2025
