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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
Local News · New BarnetNew Barnet Community Centre garden cleared by volunteers
Over 30 volunteers participated in a clean-up event at New Barnet Community Centre in early October 2026, removing approximately a quarter of a tonne of waste. The initiative, part of the CB:CAN network, aims to tackle local environmental issues and foster community pride.
New Barnet3 min readTrust 56 · Craft 62 · Hype 25
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
Local News · FinchleyNoah's Ark Hospice Raises £1.27m in Fundraising Drive
Noah's Ark Children's Hospice has successfully raised £1.27 million through its 'From That Moment' fundraising campaign. The initiative surpassed its £1 million goal, with the money designated to provide specialist care for seriously ill children in north and central London and Hertsmere.
Finchley3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · East BarnetNew Towns Programme Faces Building Material and Workforce Shortages
A parliamentary committee has warned that building material shortages, workforce gaps, and utility capacity could limit the government's new towns programme. The House of Lords' built environment committee identified five key challenges, including those affecting a proposed 21,000-home development in Enfield.
East Barnet3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 61 · Hype 20
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.
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Council & Politics · BarnetBarnet Council Faces £200m Deficit, Council Tax Hike Likely
Barnet Council is grappling with a £200 million budget deficit, prompting concerns from Conservative councillors about potential substantial council tax increases. Residents may face weekly hikes of £8 to £12 if the council secures government permission to exceed the 5% cap.
Barnet4 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Local News · FinchleyTollington Arms fire: Pub landlord warns of months-long closure
The Tollington Arms pub in Hornsey Road faces a lengthy closure after a fire damaged its basement in the early hours of Friday, October 9. Landlord Martin Whelan stated the venue could take months to reopen, with one person treated for smoke inhalation.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 65 · Hype 20
Council & Politics · HendonHendon MP welcomes departure of Grenfell-linked housing boss
Hendon MP David Pinto-Duschinsky has welcomed the departure of Laura Johnson from The Barnet Group. Johnson, who was director of housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea during the Grenfell Tower fire, had faced criticism from the public inquiry.
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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
Property & Planning · FinchleyO2 Centre Finchley Road begins £multi-million upgrade
The O2 Centre on Finchley Road is undergoing a multi-million pound upgrade to improve its public areas and retail mix. This work forms part of a long-term masterplan by developer Landsec to eventually redevelop the site with 1,800 new homes and other facilities.
Finchley3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
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
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.
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.
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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
Local News · East BarnetCCTV to tackle illegal parking outside East Barnet schools
CCTV cameras will be installed outside One Degree Academy and Wren Academy in East Barnet to address illegal parent parking. Enforcement firm PCM stated the cameras will support more consistent enforcement, issuing parking charge notices to drivers who breach restrictions.
East Barnet3 min readTrust 48 · Craft 63 · Hype 45