Two neighbouring authorities in north London are using their ‘collective voice’ to call for urgent reform of the way councils are funded.

Leaders of Haringey and Barnet have today (11 June 2025) published a letter to the Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister ahead of the spending review to make the case for fairer funding after revealing they receive 15 per cent less per resident than the England average.

Barnet Council’s Trading Standards officers seized nearly £50,000 worth of illicit cigarettes, rolling tobacco, vapes and shisha during a single day’s worth of shop raids.

The team targeted seven stores, with a variety of ‘hides’ for their illicit produce – including one where a sophisticated hydraulic lift had been installed beneath the flooring. The device, operated by small remote control, contained a series of shelves, packed full of illicit cigarettes.

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Barnet Council has extended the Barnet Construction Supply Chain Support Programme for another year, funded through the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Since its launch in 2022, the programme has helped retain nearly £10m in the local economy by supporting Barnet-based businesses to win work from developers operating in the borough, as well as from the council and Barnet Homes.