Subject
Barnet Council
Barnet Press has published 144 stories involving Barnet Council, from September 2026 to October 2026. Each one is scored for how well the original reporting stood up, and lists the reports it was written from.
Council & Politics · High BarnetBarnet Council imposes £4,700 traffic fee for High Barnet Christmas Fayre
Barnet Council has confirmed that the High Barnet Christmas Fayre on 6 December will require a £4,700 traffic diversion charge. Organisers are seeking sponsorship from local businesses to meet the cost, with five packages ranging from £250 to £3,400. The High Street will be closed and traffic diverted.
High Barnet3 min readTrust 64 · Craft 80 · Hype 30- Council & Politics · Barnet
Barnet Council condemns Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' stance
Barnet Council has passed a motion condemning the Green Party's resolution that 'Zionism is racism'. The council's own motion, 'Antisemitism is racism', was approved by 58 votes to one, following debate at a full council meeting.
Barnet3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 65 · Hype 45 
Council & Politics · Mill HillMill Hill Residents Urge Council to Pause Bin Collection Changes
A survey of 1,387 Mill Hill residents found 89% believe their bins are already too full for weekly collections. The Mill Hill Residents’ Association is urging Barnet Council to pause any changes to bin collection frequency until resident feedback is properly considered.
Mill Hill3 min readTrust 64 · Craft 77 · Hype 30
Property & Planning · High BarnetHigh Barnet residents object to Queen Elizabeth's School sports hall plans
Residents in High Barnet have lodged objections with Barnet Council regarding plans for a new four-storey sports hall at Queen Elizabeth's School. Concerns centre on the building's scale, potential traffic increases, and the removal of protected trees.
High Barnet3 min readTrust 39 · Craft 77 · Hype 30
Local News · High BarnetResidents bid to buy back derelict High Barnet youth club
High Barnet residents are bidding to reclaim the former Quinta Youth Club, which has been derelict for two decades. The Quinta Village Green Residents’ Association has submitted a competitive offer to Barnet Council, aiming to restore the building for community use.
High Barnet4 min readTrust 40 · Craft 65 · Hype 20
Local News · BarnetBarnet Council votes to explore twinning with Israeli city Haifa
Barnet Council approved a motion to study a twinning partnership with Haifa, Israel’s third‑largest city. The proposal was put forward by Conservative councillors, with Labour members abstaining and the sole Green councillor voting against. The borough already twins with Ramat Gan.
Barnet3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Property & Planning · Golders GreenBarnet Council approves 130‑room Hotel Unique redevelopment in Golders Green
Barnet councillors gave unanimous backing on 14 October 2026 to a scheme that will add a four‑storey hotel with 114 rooms, refurbish the existing building for 16 more, and keep the locally‑listed Refectory Pub at 4 Golders Green Crescent. The plan was called in by Childs Hill councillor Cory Turner and submitted by Pressfield Limited.
Golders Green3 min readTrust 72 · Craft 87 · Hype 15
Property & Planning · CricklewoodCricklewood Co-op to close November 21 ahead of demolition
The Co-op store at 1-13 Cricklewood Lane will close on November 21, with the entire block set for demolition. Wittington Investments (Properties) Ltd plans to build 331 shared living units in two six-storey blocks and a nine-storey tower.
Cricklewood3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 65 · Hype 15
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council Approves £3.5m Extra for Drug and Alcohol Services
Barnet Council has allocated an additional £3.5 million to substance misuse services, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. This funding will bolster prevention, treatment, and recovery programmes delivered by Change Grow Live from the current financial year through to 2028/29.
Barnet3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council Objects to Khan's Green Belt Housing Plans
Barnet Council has formally expressed significant concerns regarding London Mayor Sadiq Khan's proposed London Plan, particularly its reliance on releasing Green Belt land for housing. The borough faces a target of building nearly 33,000 homes, with 7,000 earmarked for protected green spaces.
Barnet3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Local News · High BarnetCommunity orchard planned for Barnet Playing Fields
A new community orchard is planned for a section of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill. Planting is scheduled to start early next year, with local politicians expressing support for the initiative aimed at enhancing green space protection.
High Barnet3 min readTrust 44 · Craft 67 · Hype 15
Culture & Arts · EdgwareEdgware artist ends week at Queen Elizabeth’s School, delivers workshops
Simran Kumar, an Edgware artist, completed a week‑long residency at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, on 18 October 2026. He led workshops for year‑nine, GCSE and A‑Level pupils and delivered a lunchtime lecture, stressing that creativity is a habit and a transferable skill.
Edgware3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 87 · Hype 15
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council objects to Mayor's London Plan
Barnet Council has formally responded to the Mayor of London's draft London Plan, raising significant concerns about housing targets and Green Belt policies. The council argues the plan requires further refinement in its evidence base. The response was agreed by the council's cabinet and will be sent to the Greater London Authority by Friday, 23rd.
Barnet3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council in talks to raise council tax above 5% limit
Barnet Council is in discussions with the Government about permission to increase council tax beyond the usual 5% annual limit. The authority is facing a £200 million budget deficit over the next three years, largely due to rising costs for adult and children's social care and temporary accommodation for homeless families.
Barnet4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
Property & Planning · BarnetBarnet HMO plans to increase residents from six to 11
A planning application has been submitted to Barnet Council to increase the number of residents at a house in multiple occupation on Albert Road from six to 11. The proposals include a rear extension and roof alterations.
Barnet4 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 15
WorldBarnet records 422 personal injury claims, second highest in London
Barnet Council logged 422 personal injury claims between 2022 and 2025, placing it second among London boroughs. Croydon reported the most claims and paid £1.4 million, while Ealing settled over £2.08 million, the highest payout in the capital.
3 min readTrust 74 · Craft 95 · Hype 35
Council & Politics · BarnetMuswell Hill Cattery Owner Banned From Keeping Animals
A Muswell Hill cattery owner has been disqualified from keeping animals for three years after admitting to running an unlicensed cat boarding business. She was also fined a total of £1,368. Separately, a Finchley chicken shop and its director were fined for using an unlicensed A-board.
Barnet2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 20
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.
Barnet3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 20
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.
Edgware3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 20
Property & Planning · New BarnetBarnet Council launches estate agency to tackle empty homes
Barnet Council has opened a new estate agency, Bumblebee Property, in New Barnet. The service aims to bring long-term empty homes back into use by offering landlords grants of up to £40,000 if they let their properties through Bumblebee for five years.
New Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 72 · Hype 30
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.
Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 67 · Hype 41
Property & Planning · Brent CrossBrent Cross car park to host temporary ice rink
A temporary ice rink is planned for a section of the Brent Cross Shopping Centre car park. Barnet Council has validated the planning application for the seasonal attraction, which is proposed to operate until mid-January 2027.
Brent Cross2 min readTrust 40 · Craft 45 · Hype 20
Property & Planning · EdgwareEdgware Pub Plans Submitted for Alterations
Planning applications have been submitted for significant changes to The Change of Hart Public House in Edgware. The proposals include internal reordering and external fabric repairs as the building is set to be reused as a public house with ancillary accommodation.
Edgware2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 10
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.
Barnet3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 67 · Hype 41
Property & Planning · FinchleyNorth Finchley Home Plans Include Garage Conversion
Plans have been submitted for alterations to a property on Granville Road in North Finchley. The proposals include converting part of the garage into a habitable room and adding a first-floor side extension. Changes to windows are also part of the application.
Finchley2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 15
Property & Planning · BarnetNew travellers' site application lodged for Arkley Green Belt land
A new application for 12 travellers' caravans on a one-and-a-quarter-acre site off Rowley Lane, Arkley, has been submitted to Barnet Council. The proposal follows a recent High Court decision allowing a separate travellers' site on nearby Green Belt land.
Barnet4 min readTrust 48 · Craft 87 · Hype 48
Local News · High BarnetFirefighters replenish Hadley Green pond after fish deaths
Firefighters have pumped mains water into Hadley Green Brewery Pond to address critically low levels that led to the deaths of more than a dozen carp. Barnet Council and the Environment Agency are considering further aeration methods.
High Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 20
Local News · BarnetBarnet leader addresses antisemitism rise post-October 7th
Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings has marked the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks, highlighting a rise in antisemitic hate and abuse within the borough and reaffirming commitment to community safety.
Barnet2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 15
Local News · ColindaleColindale Fixathon joins world record attempt
Colindale will host a free Fixathon on October 10 as part of Barnet Climate Action Week. The event aims to contribute to a London-wide world record attempt for the most household items repaired in a single week.
Colindale3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 20
Local News · High BarnetBrewery Pond fish deaths prompt Environment Agency probe
At least a dozen large fish have been found dead in Brewery Pond on Hadley Green. Barnet Council has asked the Environment Agency to investigate the cause, believed to be lack of oxygen due to drought and unprecedented low water levels.
High Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 20
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.
Barnet3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 65 · Hype 20
Business · Brent CrossBusinesses must RSVP for Brent Cross Town hub breakfast on 15 October
A breakfast event at 4 Arbour Street, Brent Cross Town, on 15 October will showcase the first office building in the development. Barry Rawlings, leader of Barnet Council, will speak, and businesses must confirm attendance via Eventbrite by 9 October.
Brent Cross3 min readTrust 56 · Craft 60 · Hype 25
Local News · BarnetBarnet Joins North London Coalition to Tackle Gambling Harms
Barnet Council is collaborating with Haringey, Camden, Enfield, and Islington in the North London Tackling Gambling Harms Coalition. The initiative aims to engage communities to better understand residents' experiences with gambling-related harm.
Barnet4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
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.
Barnet3 min readTrust 70 · Craft 75 · Hype 20
Property & Planning · BarnetPlans submitted for 7-bedroom house in multiple occupation on Brent Street
Barnet Council is considering plans to convert a residential property at 6 Brent Mansions into a seven-bedroom house in multiple occupation. The proposal includes adding an additional storey to the building. Numerous other planning applications for extensions and property modifications have also been submitted across the borough.
Barnet3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 53 · Hype 15
Property & Planning · BarnetBarnet Housing Director Notes Shift from Leasehold to Build-to-Rent
Barnet Council's director for housing has observed a significant shift in development strategies, with traditional leasehold flats being replaced by build-to-rent, co-living, and student housing schemes. This change is attributed to market pressures including soaring property prices, rising service charges, and building safety concerns.
Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 67 · Hype 41
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.
Barnet3 min readTrust 56 · Craft 95 · Hype 30
Property & Planning · BarnetBarnet Developers Shift From Leasehold Flats Amid Market Collapse
Developers in London are increasingly avoiding leasehold flats due to high service charges and concerns over maintenance and cladding. Barnet Council's director for housing, economy and placemaking, Luke Ward, told the London Assembly that alternative models like build-to-rent and co-living are now preferred.
Barnet5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 77 · Hype 15
Property & Planning · BarnetBarnet residents face higher service charges as leasehold market shifts
More than a third of London’s homes are leasehold, forcing residents to pay an average £3,912 in annual service charges. Barnet Council reports developers are turning to Build‑to‑Rent, co‑living and student blocks, while the city falls short of affordable‑housing goals.
Barnet3 min readTrust 68 · Craft 87 · Hype 45
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.
Finchley3 min readTrust 64 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
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.
Barnet2 min readTrust 50 · Craft 80 · Hype 15
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.
Barnet4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 77 · Hype 20
Property & Planning · BarnetBarnet Council validates plans for house conversions and tree works
Barnet Council has validated new planning applications, including proposals to convert offices into residential dwellings in Station Road, Barnet, and a house on Cricklewood Lane into a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation. The council also validated several applications for tree works.
Barnet3 min readTrust 48 · Craft 44 · Hype 68
Culture & Arts · FinchleyFree Light + Flight Festival comes to Finchley and RAF Museum
The Light + Flight Festival will offer free public events, installations, and performances across north London. Barnet Council's festival will take place on the weekends of 14 to 15 November and 21 to 22 November 2026, with events at Finchley Lakeside and the RAF Museum.
Finchley3 min readTrust 56 · Craft 72 · Hype 25
Property & Planning · High BarnetHigh Barnet Post Office eyed for nine new flats
Barnet Council is reviewing a proposal to transform the former Crown Post Office in High Barnet into nine self-contained flats. The application highlights a growing trend of residential conversions in the town centre, which now features more homes than shops.
High Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 75 · Hype 20
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.
Hendon3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 20
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.
Barnet3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
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.
Hendon5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 95 · Hype 32
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.
Barnet3 min readTrust 74 · Craft 95 · Hype 25
Local News · BarnetBarnet Libraries Announce Autumn Events and Activities
Barnet libraries are preparing a programme of special events, crafts, and festive activities for autumn. The libraries are also participating in the National Year of Reading campaign throughout 2026, with specific events planned for various age groups and awareness months.
Barnet2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 15
Property & Planning · BarnetBrent Cross regeneration scheme advances with new plans
A significant regeneration project in north-west London has progressed with a new submission to Barnet Council. The application is part of the wider Brent Cross Cricklewood development. This week also saw numerous other planning applications submitted, including for residential extensions and tree works.
Barnet3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · HendonHendon parklet licence to be renewed despite opposition
Barnet Council has decided to allow the renewal of a licence for a parklet outside Pita Street restaurant in Hendon. The decision comes despite a petition with over 500 signatures opposing the structure, with concerns raised about parking and antisocial behaviour.
Hendon3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 20
Local News · New BarnetNew Barnet pub nominated as Asset of Community Value
Former customers have nominated the Builders Arms pub in New Barnet for Asset of Community Value status. The pub is currently for sale for £595,000, and the nomination aims to provide protection to allow time for a new owner to come forward. Barnet Council will now consider the application.
New Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 71 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council to bring IT systems in-house
Barnet Council will bring its IT systems in-house as its contract with Capita expires. A deal with Ultima Business Solutions fell through due to a merger and increased cost demands, prompting the council to insource services by October 2026.
Barnet3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · BarnetDan Thomas quits Reform UK Wales leadership after arrest
Former Barnet Council leader Dan Thomas has resigned as leader of Reform UK in Wales following his arrest on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. He denies any wrongdoing and will continue as a Member of the Senedd.
Barnet3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Council & Politics · BarnetEx-Barnet Council Leader Released Without Charge
Former Barnet Council leader Dan Thomas has resigned as leader of Reform UK in Wales after being arrested and subsequently released without charge. The arrest was on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Barnet2 min readTrust 50 · Craft 61 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet appoints former Grenfell housing chief despite survivor backlash
Barnet Council confirmed Laura Johnson, former housing director of Kensington and Chelsea, has been hired as group director of development and property by The Barnet Group. The council says the recruitment was legal and transparent, but Grenfell United and survivor Ed Daffarn have called for an immediate review.
Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Council & Politics · HendonHendon shop owner fined for selling knife to teenager
Barnet Council prosecuted Akif Durmaz, owner of Hendon International Food, for selling a knife set to a teenager. He pleaded guilty and was fined £3,080 with £1,500 costs. The prosecution followed an undercover test purchase operation.
Hendon3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 15
Property & Planning · EdgwareEdgware Railway Hotel development plans face local objections
Plans to redevelop the historic Railway Hotel in Edgware as part of a 523-home residential scheme are open for public consultation. The proposal by Edgware Limited has drawn significant local opposition, with 36 out of 40 comments on Barnet Council's planning portal objecting.
Edgware3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 61 · Hype 20
Local News · Burnt OakBurnt Oak Leisure Centre installs 220 solar panels
Burnt Oak Leisure Centre has installed 220 solar panels as part of a community-led project. The initiative is projected to save £36,000 in energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by 241 tonnes over its lifespan.
Burnt Oak3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 70 · Hype 20