Currently, 2,834 households in Barnet are living in temporary accommodation secured by Barnet Homes—a rise of 531 since January 2024.
Barnet Council has been awarded more than £300,000 from the government to help tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, providing crucial support amid rising housing challenges.
The £301,101 grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will help ease the financial burden on the council as it struggles with increased demand for temporary accommodation. It is set to arrive on 28 March and will be used to prevent residents from becoming homeless.
Currently, 2,834 households in Barnet are living in temporary accommodation secured by Barnet Homes—a rise of 531 since January 2024. Temporary accommodation is allocated to individuals and families facing housing insecurity, but the rising numbers highlight the severity of the crisis.
Councillor Ross Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, welcomed the funding, acknowledging the ongoing challenges:
“We’re facing an unprecedented housing crisis across London, with soaring demand for affordable homes and low supply. This money will go a long way towards securing accommodation for our poorest residents, and we are very grateful for it.
“We will use this funding to boost our residents’ prospects in life, so they can escape the poverty trap and feel grounded in the place they call home.”
“We’re facing an unprecedented housing crisis across London, with soaring demand for affordable homes, and low supply of them. This money will go a long way towards securing accommodation for our poorest residents, and we are very grateful for it.”
Ross Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration
Homelessness in Barnet is often caused by rental agreements ending, individuals being asked to leave by family or friends, and domestic abuse. The council will use the funding to tackle these issues before they lead to residents losing their homes.
Residents at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact Barnet Homes as soon as possible on 020 8610 3539. More information can be found at www.barnet.gov.uk/housing/homelessness.
New Local Plan 2036
Barnet Council has officially adopted its new Local Plan, setting a blueprint for development across the borough until 2036. Approved at a Full Council meeting on 4 March, the plan replaces the 2012 version and lays out a long-term vision for housing, infrastructure, and sustainability.
With a target of nearly 44,000 new homes, the plan focuses on sustainable growth in key areas, including town centres, major transport hubs, and estate renewal projects. It also paves the way for up to 67,000 square metres of new office space and the creation of a metropolitan town centre at Brent Cross. A new regional park with dedicated sports and recreational hubs is also included in the strategy.
Sustainability is a core principle of the plan, with improvements for walking and cycling through a “healthy streets” approach, alongside measures to support 27,000 jobs and revitalise town centres. The council aims to balance growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring new developments contribute to a greener and more adaptable urban landscape.
Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, said the Local Plan reflects the council’s commitment to caring for people, places, and the planet. “Our plan ensures we retain Barnet’s best qualities while tackling climate change and future housing and infrastructure needs. This strategy is about building a brighter, more sustainable future for all residents.”
The Local Plan has been shaped by extensive consultation with residents and community groups since 2016 and includes 51 policies and 58 site proposals. Its adoption follows a thorough regulatory process, including a detailed examination by an independent Planning Inspector.
A key focus is ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with growth, with planned improvements to transport links such as the West London Orbital Railway and new stations at Colindale and Brent Cross West. The plan aims to create a resilient and environmentally sustainable Barnet, balancing development with the needs of the community.
