A government minister said he was “delighted” with progress on housing in Barnet.

Housing minister Brandon Lewis visited Barnet House in High Road, Whetstone yesterday, to see the work being carried out by Barnet Homes, which provides housing for Barnet Borough Council.

During the visit, Mr Lewis heard about future plans for more housing in the borough, and how Barnet Homes had come 19th in 24 Housing’s Top 50 Landlords Awards 2014.

He said: "This government has given councils new financial freedoms. I am delighted that Barnet have kick-started that work by building the first council homes in the borough for 20 years."