Council & Politics
Barnet Council decisions, planning committees, councillors and local democracy.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council's SEND plan gets government approval
Barnet Council's plan to reform services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been approved by the government. The plan aims to create a more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable system for the borough's 8,300 SEND pupils.
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Council & Politics · EdgwareEdgware resident criticises Barnet Council's consultation timing
Barnet Council is facing criticism from Edgware resident Philip Clayton over its consultation process for upcoming financial decisions. Clayton argues that holding a 'Question Time' event after plans have been presented to the council undermines democratic engagement.
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Council & Politics · BarnetReleased offender re-offends within a day, costing police £1,887
A high-risk prolific offender released under the government's Early Release Scheme was caught re-offending within 24 hours. The case cost the Metropolitan Police £1,887 and consumed 27 officer hours, highlighting wider concerns about the scheme's impact on frontline policing.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Commander Raises Alarm Over Prison Release Scheme
Barnet's Borough Commander Luke Williams has voiced serious concerns about the government's early prison release scheme. A prolific shoplifter and registered sex offender, released from HMP Wandsworth, committed further offences within 24 hours of his release.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council Tax Hike Fuels £70m Annual Income Target
Barnet Council's Financial Sustainability Plan anticipates an additional £70 million annually from council tax over three years. This forms the largest part of the strategy to close a £200 million financial gap by 2029/30, though the plan lacks specific details on service reductions or increased charges.
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Council & Politics · BarnetAndrew Boff launches seventh bid for London Mayor
Andrew Boff, a London Assembly veteran, has announced his intention to run for Mayor of London for the seventh time. He is seeking the Conservative Party's nomination for the 2028 election, having declared his interest on the day Sir Sadiq Khan secured his third term.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Green councillor backs 'Zionism is Racism' motion
Barnet's sole Green councillor, Charli Thompson, has supported a national Green Party conference motion labelling 'Zionism is Racism'. The decision has drawn strong condemnation from local Labour and Conservative leaders, who have labelled the motion an act of antisemitism.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council to Pilot Potty Training Scheme
Barnet Council is set to launch a new pilot scheme aimed at improving children's toilet training before they start school. The initiative follows a successful programme in York and aims to increase the number of pupils ready for reception class.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council to hire two assistant directors for £200k annually
Barnet Council plans to spend at least £200,000 each year on two new assistant director positions. These roles are intended to help manage the council's significant projected budget deficit and improve financial sustainability.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet depot workers reject 18‑month backpay offer, council faces strike
Barnet Council’s second offer of 18 months’ backpay for depot staff was turned down in a September ballot with more than 90% turnout. Unison says the council must improve the offer by 9 October or risk a strike ballot in November and possible action in December.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Conservatives Criticise Labour's Budget Gap Claims
Barnet Conservatives have challenged Labour's narrative on the council's £200 million budget gap, arguing that no progress has been made in closing it. They also dispute claims regarding council tax increases and the rationale behind bringing services in-house.
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Council & Politics · FinchleyFinchley hospital pharmacy closure decision upheld
Barnet Council's health and wellbeing board has decided not to reverse the closure of Fairview Pharmacy at Finchley Memorial Hospital. The decision follows a review of the latest pharmaceutical needs assessment.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council Investigates 22 Homes for Licensing Breaches
Barnet Council has launched targeted evening enforcement operations inspecting 76 properties and placing 22 under legal investigation for suspected licensing breaches. Fines totalling £187,000 have already been issued this year for HMO management failures.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet health boss highlights NHS service gap compared to Camden
Barnet residents receive fewer local NHS services than those in Camden due to historical underinvestment, a council health boss has stated. The borough's large elderly population contributes to high A&E attendance, with calls for the new integrated care board to address these disparities.
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Council & Politics · HendonHendon action targets fly-tipping and Blue Badge fraud
A joint operation by Barnet Council and the Metropolitan Police in Hendon has led to the seizure of two Blue Badges and the investigation of ten fly-tips. The day of action also resulted in 18 penalty charge notices and one arrest.
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Council & Politics · BarnetThink-tank: London should share income and corporation tax
A think-tank has recommended that central government grants to mayoral authorities, including the Greater London Authority, be replaced by a system of income and corporation tax sharing. The proposals aim to give City Hall greater control over its budget and provide a direct source of revenue for development projects.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council faces £113.5m deficit by 2028
Barnet Council is projected to have London's largest budget deficit by 2028, nearing £113.5 million. An external review by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government identified 18 recommendations, many with high-risk ratings, following the council's significant borrowing.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet homes face new 'mansion tax' if threshold lowered
A potential reduction in the 'mansion tax' threshold to £1.5 million could impact nearly 3,300 homes in Barnet. Experts estimate this change could generate significant additional revenue for the Treasury, with London as a whole facing substantial increases in property charges.
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Council & Politics · HendonHendon residents lose fight as council renews parklet licence
On 15 September Barnet Council approved the renewal of a parklet licence at 134 Brent Street, Hendon, to run until January 2027. Over 500 residents had signed a petition for its removal, but the council said dismantling would cost up to £5,000 and noted no recorded antisocial incidents.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council borrows £79.3m amid financial sustainability concerns
Barnet Council borrowed £79.3 million in exceptional financial support during the 2026/27 financial year. An external review by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government made 18 recommendations for the authority, which is projected to have a £113.5 million budget deficit by 2027/28.
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