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Barnet residents will have the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month (BHM) as never before, with Barnet Council funding community events for the first time. During October, more than 20 BHM public events and exhibitions will take place across the borough, with scores of schools also set to mark the month too. Now in its 35th year, BHM recognises and celebrates the contributions of Black people to the economic, cultural and political life in the UK.

Barnet Council set out its vision for the next four years at its Policy and Resources committee meeting in Hendon town hall last night (Thursday 29 September). The council’s corporate plan puts caring for people, our places and the planet at the heart of its vision and sees revitalised community engagement and participation as the way to achieve this.

Councillors voted through plans, including over £2million in targeted financial assistance, to help residents tackle the cost-of-living crisis at the Policy and Resources Committee at Hendon Town Hall last Thursday 29 September. The additional £2million is part of a wider £9million financial support package, which includes the household support fund, discretionary housing payment and school uniform fund.

Barnet Council Leader, Cllr Barry Rawlings visited Sunnyfields primary school in Hendon this week (Wednesday 5 October) as year 4s received level 1 cycle training as part of Cycle to School Week.

Deaths due to COVID-19 in Barnet have now reached 1,000, following the passing of another resident today, Friday 7 October. COVID-19 vaccinations are taking place all across the borough and are free to attend. Leader of the Council, Cllr Barry Rawlings, has released a statement of reflection:

Barnet council consults on new powers to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour Barnet Council has launched a consultation that would give council and police officers powers to enforce against a range of anti-social behaviours – from problem street drinking to dog fouling. The consultation, now underway, is asking residents to have their say on the introduction of the borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

Barnet Council has released some simple energy-saving tips as part of a series of measures to help people struggling to heat their homes, cook and stay warm this winter. The tips include reducing thermostats by a degree Celsius to take 10 per cent off bills, and cooking using a slow cooker which compared to a gas hob or oven can make significant savings. Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Chair of Barnet Council’s Environmental Committee said

During planned general utility upgrade works at the junction of the A5 and Station Road, Edgware, a void under the road was discovered. Due to the nature of the void, we have had to shut the Southbound carriageway after the junction for safety reasons – introducing a contraflow system on the Northbound carriageway to minimise disruption in the area. A Barnet Council spokesperson said:

Barnet Council has decided that the historic Hendon Library will remain in its original location and be refurbished, preserving the library’s heritage and traditional features. The council listened to hundreds of residents who expressed how important the building is to the local community and the history of the area. Chair of the Community Leadership & Libraries Committee, Cllr Sara Conway said:

Barnet Council will reinvest £974K to help fund crucial services for residents, thanks to increased earnings from the publicly owned energy-from-waste facility at Edmonton EcoPark. Barnet is one of seven North London councils to receive part of £4.75million, which will go to support residents dealing with the cost of living crisis.