Area Committees had been responsible for allocating community funding available via the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy writes David Floyd

Barnet councillor Ella Rose with a bike pump station — Cllr Ella Rose with bike repair equipment funded via NCIL

Barnet Council says it is “working on creating a new system” for distribution of a community funding pot after getting rid of the committees that had previously been responsible for allocating it.

Up until the end of the current financial year, decisions on how to spend the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) – part of a wider levy charged on new developments that is specifically allocated to community projects – have been taken by three ‘Area Committees’ made up of councillors from those areas.

In response to a query about the future of the committees, the council told Barnet Post that they were being abolished to save on allowance payments to councillors as part of the borough’s wider cost savings agenda.

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “Following the West Area Committee meeting on 24 February, the majority of NCIL funding across the three Area Committees has been allocated for 2024/25. Due to this, the remaining meetings in March have been cancelled.

“Across the council, we are looking at ways to improve efficiency and make financial savings. Proposals to make savings regarding Members’ Allowances include the removal of Area Committees.

“As such, we are working on creating a new system for allocating NCIL funding and reporting the other functions of Area Committees in the future. Once developed, this system will be consulted on, with the aim to agree on the new system at Cabinet before summer.”

Examples of the kinds of projects funded by the NCIL in recent years include:

Park playground improvements at seven parks
Solar panels for community centres
Community safety
Community engagement
Health and wellbeing projects

NCIL-funding case studies supplied by Barnet Council:

Northfield school – £50,000:

Northside Primary is situated in North Finchley town centre. The immediate area has very little green space. Many of the surrounding flats have no outdoor space. They have now created a sustainable enclosed pond and plant area that will be used by schools and nurseries for pond dipping, planting and forest school activities and open to the community after school hours until dusk.

The local community was involved in planning the space, planting was supported by the Finchley Pollinator project to ensure they achieve their goal of biodiversity. Any produce is available to the community.

Hatzola – £45,000:

Hatzola Northwest operates as a vital 24/7 community service, tirelessly responding to medical emergencies every single day of the year. Their dedicated team of 61 volunteer responders, all extensively trained, ensures a swift and proficient response to emergencies, entirely free of charge. The grant awarded was for a new Fast Response Vehicle.

Hatzola’s operational protocol differs from that of the London Ambulance Service: their responders initially deploy to the scene using their personal vehicles, while another team member brings an ambulance to the location. This expansion has been crucial to ensure that their responders consistently have access to the advanced equipment and resources essential for effective emergency medical care.

Whetstone Bike repairs stand – highways project approved June 2023 – £16,874

This scheme provided three bicycle repair and pump stands in the North Area of Barnet. These are located by Totteridge and Whetstone station, the police station near Barnet and Southgate College and New Barnet Station. The stands enable residents to do minor repairs to their bikes, pump and tires and ensure they are road usable. This encourages both active travel, exercise and is good for the planet. They save residents money on minor repair work and maintenance tools, which is particularly important for the students of Barnet and Southgate College.

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