The initiative by Barnet Council will apply to all of its car parks and pay-to-park bays but does not cover permit bays or private car parks. Valid permits will still be required at these locations.
The framework for the council’s Sustainability Strategy has been published today (Wednesday 1 December). The plan includes targets for Barnet to be net zero as an organisation by 2030, and as a borough as soon as possible after that - and by 2050 at the latest.
Leader of Barnet Council, Cllr Dan Thomas, said: “It is imperative that we set bold sustainability targets and take action to ensure we meet them while also building a thriving borough for the future, which supports our environment, our residents, and our economy.
Barnet has more high streets and town centres than any other London borough, with more than 23,000 businesses, the majority being micro-businesses operating with a few employees. Purchasing locally really can make a difference to small business owners. By helping them you are not only saving local jobs but also supporting your community. Our high streets can only thrive if we continue to support their diversity and help businesses grow.
The sapling was presented to her by Her Majesty the Queen’s representative, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, in a special ceremony on Wednesday 17 November. She joined her fellow Mayors from all the capital’s 32 boroughs, who each received a sapling in Hyde Park as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
Our strategy sets out how we plan to involve children, young people and families in giving us feedback; helping us think about problems and new opportunities; and taking an active part in changing how we do things at every level in our service. We plan to do this in three ways:
Barnet Council, committed to recruiting and retaining the very best the country has to offer, has launched a high-profile digital campaign to attract new talent and build on its team of committed social workers. Barnet Council is focused on creating a Family Friendly Barnet, enabling opportunities for our children and young people to achieve their best.
The aim of the competition was to encourage independent businesses across the borough to refresh their window displays, to welcome shoppers back to the high street. As part of the competition, businesses were also asked to come up with a business plan to show how the £3,000 prize would be invested.
Our new Memorial Woodland, which is due to open to the public in Spring 2022, will offer a space of reflection and healing to all residents.
Barnet Council and faith partner Barnet Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) have renewed the Barnet Covenant for Engagement between Faith Communities and Local Authorities.
Barnet was the first London Borough to adopt the All Parliamentary Party Covenant for Engagement between Faith Communities and Local Authorities in 2015. This week, the covenant was signed again at a short ceremony in Hendon Town Hall.
Recommendations for the future delivery of some services currently outsourced by Barnet Council to Capita are expected to be confirmed by the council’s Financial Performance and Contracts Committee, which will meet on 23 November. These proposals will then be decided by the Policy and Resources (P&R) Committee on 9 December.