A memorial bench has been installed to honour the life and work of much-loved former Barnet Labour councillor Laurie Williams.

Laurie represented East Barnet between 2014 and 2022.

The plaque on the bench reads: ‘In memory of Councillor Laurie Williams (1937-2022) who loved and served his local East Barnet community.’

The Barnet Quality Review Panel enhances the quality of development and public space in Barnet.

Barnet Council has signed up to a national charter enshrining its commitment to opposing racism throughout its organisation.

The Anti-Racism Charter, drawn up by trade union UNISON, addresses the nationwide issues of racial disparities in recruitment, promotions, training opportunities, disciplinary procedures and pay.

It sets out 20 commitments for the council to implement throughout its organisation, from senior leadership to recruitment.

The recent reported antisemitic incidents that have taken place in our borough and elsewhere in the capital are unacceptable. This week, hateful leaflets were spread around the streets of Hendon and Jewish schoolchildren have been targeted in two separate incidents. These cases are the latest in a surge of vile abuse and shocking violence experienced by Jewish communities.

Barnet’s Cabinet will discuss options to plot a course to financial sustainability in the face of a ‘perfect storm’ that has unleashed a projected £29 million funding gap when it meets next week (5 December 2024).

Cabinet Members and council officers have been working to address and contain the unprecedented pressures on the council’s finances, driven by conditions beyond the council’s control. These include:

Loving Life is an exciting creative health project for older adults running in Chipping Barnet and Colindale Libraries throughout 2025.

The project provides a range of free creative events and activities and is designed to maintain and improve health and wellbeing and provide essential social interaction.

We particularly welcome those living with dementia and their carers to our Loving Life activities.

Loving Life is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

For updates on Loving Life and information about events and activities across Barnet Libraries sign up to receive our regular newsletter for adultsExternal link or pick up a Creative Communities booklet, including Loving Life events from your local library.

The Mayor of Barnet helped switch on the Christmas lights in Whetstone High Street yesterday as lights were turned on around the borough.

The event, arranged by Love Whetstone, was well attended with over a hundred people there to see the tree and high street lit up.

An award-winning film is spearheading a campaign by Barnet Council to encourage thousands of young carers to come forward and get support.

We Know What to Do stars young carers from Barnet and focuses on the skills, heart, resilience, and creativity they display during their everyday lives.