In my last column, I wrote at length about the universally unpopular decision to close Mount Vernon’s Urgent Care Centre. Regretfully we are moving closer to the date at which it will shut.
I have acted over recent months to avert the centre’s closure. Since my last update, I have received an extremely disappointing response from the Department of Health and Social Care in which it was made clear that the Secretary of State has no interest in preventing the closure. By declining to meet myself, other MPs and residents, Wes Streeting is not taking this matter seriously.
It has been reported that the centre is set for closure imminently. I am hopeful, however, that there is scope to reassess the closure. Please rest assured that I am raising the concerns of residents along with my colleagues: Gagan Mohindra, Joy Morrisey, Bob Blackman, Oliver Dowden and John McDonnell.
Removing this service comes at a time when, because of this Government’s policies, Hillingdon and Harrow are facing acute financial pressures.
Hillingdon and Harrow are diverse and tolerant boroughs that have opened their arms to the vulnerable. Regretfully, the Government has taken this generosity for granted and it is residents who are now paying the cost. Pressure placed on council services has left the borough of Hillingdon alone with a £5 million shortfall in funding.
Additionally, last year’s budget saw National Insurance Contributions rise to 15% leaving employers (including councils) out of pocket.
I am worried that the Government is not providing councils with sufficient funding to cover either the bill for supporting asylum seekers or the cost of employing staff to run vital services.
Pleas rest assured that I will use my place in Westminster to secure local services now and into the future.
First published: My Local News, September 2025
