Street scene services are to remain in house following a council vote on Thursday.

The environment committee deemed keeping street cleaning, recycling and other street scene services in house as "most efficient, effective and economic option" in their meeting on Thursday.

The committee decided to take more time to consider the options after their meeting in March, including fully outsourcing the services or sharing them between in house and a contractor.

Jamie Blake, Commissioning Director for Environment, said: “After looking at all available options we believe an improved in-house model provides the option.

“This option will allow us to make savings and improve our approach through new technology.”

The council's "improved" in-house model means the service will be "transformed" over the next 12 to 18 months, retaining staff employed by the council.

Barnet Labour celebrated the decision, which they say will save up to £5.5m over the next three years compared to the other options.

Labour's Environment Spokesperson, Cllr Alan Schneiderman said: "The Council's report makes it clear that the in-house option can commence sooner, has the greatest savings and is the option preferred by the public.

"It's good to see that the Barnet Tories have on this occasion put aside their ideological drive to outsource or privatise in favour of providing the best, most efficient services for residents."