COUNCILLOR Russell Perrin (Conservative) has been appointed the new Leader of Harlow Council. 

Councillor Perrin’s election was confirmed at the Full Council meeting tonight (28 October 2021).

The leader has outlined some of the new council’s immediate priorities, which are:

·         Completing a review of Harlow Council’s share of council tax whilst protecting much-loved services such as Pets’ Corner and Harlow Playhouse.

·         Building new council homes and regenerating the town centre. 

·         Working with HTS to improve the green environment in estates and across the town. 

·         Communicating, consulting and engaging with residents and businesses more.

The Sumners & Kingsmoor Ward councillor replaces Councillor Andrew Johnson who stepped down as leader earlier this month. 

Councillor Russell Perrin, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “The vision and direction of this new council are unchanged and we remain focussed on delivering residents’ priorities and supporting the town as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“One of my first priorities will be to complete a review of Harlow Council’s share of council tax whilst protecting much-loved services such as Pets’ Corner and Harlow Playhouse. Following May’s election we have been reviewing every pound of council spending so we can build a new sound financial plan, which supports our residents’ priorities. Announcements on council tax and our budget will be made in January 2022. 

“Building council homes and transforming the town centre remain our main regeneration priorities. We are already building the foundations for the regeneration of the town centre and we are taking back control of how the town centre develops. 

“As well as securing Harlow’s tomorrow I know more needs to be done to look after the town of today. We will continue to work with HTS to improve the green environment in estates and across the town. 

“In everything we do the views and input of our residents, businesses, local faith groups and the voluntary sector is going to be vital. We will be bringing forward proposals next year on how we communicate, consult and engage with the community. This council will work with residents and businesses so that we can build the town that we all want to live and work in, and one which provides opportunity and prosperity for all.”