We will be representing all of the people of East Barnet

It was a great victory, but we would like to assure you that we will be representing all of the people of East Barnet regardless of their political persuasion.

One of Labour’s commitments was to listen to what local people want rather than imposing our own prejudices, whether about needless privatisation or ill-thought out parking policies. Listening is what we want to do in finding out how you want to spend the £100,000 per year for four years that Barnet Borough Council has allocated to each of the area sub-committees.

The idea is that the Chipping Barnet sub-committee representing seven wards (and the Finchley and Golders Green sub-committee) will help to set up a steering group including local residents, ward councillors, and local voluntary and community groups, to consider any proposals which can ‘promote the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the local area’ and recommend which ones should be funded.

We are not talking about a massive amount of money but a small pot for projects, schemes or the purchase of goods and services to improve the quality of life for people who work in their local areas. Funding will be provided for 12 months and is not intended to cover a shortfall in services the council provides. Residents’ forums will be a key way to promote awareness of these neighbourhood budgets.

They are a practical way to give people more of a say in local democracy. We will be giving more details in the future about how this scheme will work, but we look forward to continuing the conversation we had with residents during the election about how to make East Barnet a better place to live.

Cllrs Rebecca Challice, Philip Cohen and Laurie Williams

Lab/East Barnet Barnet Borough Council