Barnet Council aims for efficiency by replacing committees managing community project funding.
These committees handled the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL). The NCIL comes from fees on new buildings and is meant for local projects. The council plans to get rid of these committees.
The council says this saves money on councillor allowances and that they want a more efficient system overall. Most NCIL funding is already allocated for 2024/25, and the remaining March meetings got canceled.
They are developing a new system for allocating NCIL funds. They also need a way to handle other tasks these committees did, and the council will consult on the new system. They hope to agree on it before summer.
NCIL has funded park upgrades, solar panels, community safety, and well-being. This funding supported engagement projects, too.
Northfield School got £50,000 for a pond area that kids use for learning about nature; after school, the community can use it. The Finchley Pollinator project helped plant it.
Hatzola Northwest got £45,000 for a vehicle. They respond to medical emergencies constantly, and they have trained volunteers who help for free.
Whetstone got bike repair stands for £16,874, and people can fix their bikes easily. It helps the environment, saves money, promotes exercise, and encourages active travel.