We asked, you said, we did

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Find out more about the results of consultation and engagement activities and how we have used your views to help influence our decision-making process.

Find out more about the results of consultation and engagement activities and how we have used your views to help influence our decision-making process.

  • Adult Social Care Charges - Debt Recovery and Management Policy

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation

    We asked

    We asked for your views on Barnet’s approach to managing adult social care debt that arises due to non-payments of care contributions. Like other councils, Barnet charges customers for a range of adult social care services in accordance with statutory requirements and local charging policies.

    We asked for views on an overarching debt management policy for adult social care in the borough, to ensure a consistent, transparent and fair approach to recovery of monies owed to the council.


    You said

    We received a total of 104 questionnaires, 89 were online and the remaining 15 were written responses. The responses included:

    • the majority of respondents were in favour of the key principles set out in the policy, though many respondents asked that we make every effort to help prevent debt by engaging early and giving opportunity to pay, before the council started any legal proceedings
    • the majority agreed that Direct Debit was the best way to avoid debt
    • one-third of respondents strongly agreed that nominated persons’ failure to make regular payments should be chased by the council
    • about a quarter strongly agreed that the council should ask for Power of Attorney documentation before allowing a nominated person to manage someone’s financial affairs.

    You can read the full consultation report here.


    We did

    All the feedback from the consultation was given due consideration. The final policy has been approved and published on the council’s website along with other Adult Social Care policies. Officers have proceeded with appropriate debt management and recovery actions following the Adult Social Care Debt Recovery and Management Policy.

  • A1000 Cycle Lane engagement and consultation - Phase 2

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation

    We asked

    At the end of 2022, following the conclusion of Phase 1 of the A1000 Cycle Lane Engagement, which consisted of a series of informal face to face engagement workshops, we set up Phase 2, a formal consultation.

    Phase 2 consisted of an online questionnaire that asked you, and the wider community, your views on the options of removing, or keeping and improving the A1000 Cycle Lane between Tally Ho Corner and the boundary with LB Haringey. The suggested improvements for the A1000 Cycle Lane that were put forward during Phase 1 of the workshops were also used to help inform the online consultation.

    Phase 2 also asked you for information on the usage of the Cycle Lane; your views on the scheme as it currently was and how it could look in the future, if it was kept; and demographic questions to understand how opinions on the lane may vary between different groups.

    The final question asked for your views on the future of the A1000 Cycle Lane which simply asked for a choice of response between:

    1. ‘I want the A1000 Cycle Lane to be made permanent but the design to be amended’ or,
    2. ‘I want the A1000 Cycle Lane to be removed’.


    You said

    We received a total of 747 responses to the online consultation. There was a mix of opinions expressed in the responses. These reflected such factors as your preferred or usual mode of travel, how close you live or worked to the A1000, whether you were a resident or business owner.

    A high-level summary of the findings is provided below:

    • those whose preferred mode of travel is walking or cycling were more in favour of keeping and improving the Cycle Lane, as were those not directly impacted by the current infrastructure and that is understandable
    • the questions also reflected the views of people with protected characteristics. As with mode and location, we shall cover the diversity of responses below
    • there were a broad range of views and comments on how you use the A1000 and its cycle lane and what improvements you would like if it remained
    • in terms of whether the cycle should be made permanent or removed, the majority of respondents wanted the A1000 Cycle Lane made permanent:


    • a majority of 62% wanted to see the A1000 Cycle Lane made permanent but the design to be enhanced - that is, bring it in line with design standards for a permanent piece of cycling infrastructure
    • a minority of 33% wanted to see the Cycle Lane removed and 5% of respondents provided no response to this question.

    You can read more information in the full consultation findings report.

    We did

    Following conclusion and review of the online consultation we carried out the following:

    • a report was presented to the Environment and Climate Change Committee on 25 January 2023, recommending retention of the Cycle Lane and to improve it so that it meets standards for a permanent piece of infrastructure. This recommendation was agreed
    • with regard to the experimental measures on the A1000 Cycle Lane that were introduced and became operational in March 2022, the mandatory objection period has now expired. We would like to thank everyone who presented their views. The council has considered all the comments and assessments regarding these experimental measures. Reflecting these, and also the findings from the subsequent face-to-face engagement and online consultation, the experimental measures were formally made permanent on the 22 June 2023
    • we are now preparing to undertake investigations and design studies to improve the Cycle Lane to a standard in common with relevant national standards.

    In developing the design, we will ensure that the views of both those who provided feedback for the experimental measures and contributed to the face-to-face engagement and online consultation are taken into account. Where it is possible to address specific concerns, we will do so. Our aspiration is to address the A1000 as a transport corridor, a destination and a place to live that works for all people and modes of transport, but that acknowledges the needs of sustainable transport as a current and increasing future necessity.

  • West Hendon (WH3) - Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) Review

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation

    We asked

    To address the concerns raised by several residents about increased parking pressure in some of the roads, we asked for your views on a review of West Hendon ‘WH3’ Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), including operation hours and days. We also asked for your views on the introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in Edgeworth Close, Neeld Crescent, and Rundell Crescent.

    The results have been separated below to highlight the responses for both the existing CPZ and proposed introduction of CPZ in the surrounding areas.

    You said

    West Hendon ‘WH3’ Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) operations hours and days.

    We received 188 responses from approximately 1700 properties, which equates to an overall response rate of 11%.

    5 out of 17 roads that were consulted indicated they would like changes to the CPZ operational hours:

    • Audley Road 55.5%
    • Bertram Road 53.3%
    • Dartmouth Road 80%
    • Montagu Road 100%
    • Park Road 80%

    20% of those that responded said they would like parking issues to be investigated further to increase parking opportunities for residents and improve traffic flow.

    Edgeworth Close, Neeld Crescent, and Rundell Crescent

    We received 56 responses out of a total of 253 properties that were consulted, representing a 22% overall response rate.

    71% of those that responded from the three roads were in favour of a Controlled Parking Zone being implemented. The road-by-road response was as follows:

    • Edgeworth Close 53%
    • Neeld Crescent 83%
    • Rundell Crescent 70%


    We did

    Based on the feedback received, we are developing proposals for to adapt the existing WH3 CPZ in some of the roads to address the parking pressures. We will also develop proposals for the introduction of a CPZ in Edgeworth Close, Neeld Crescent, and Rundell Crescent.

    The proposals will be discussed and agreed with your Ward Members and subject to funding availability, will be progressed to statutory consultation and implementation.

  • Oakleigh Road South, N11 and neighbouring streets - Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) consultation

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation

    We asked

    We asked for your views on the implementation of parking controls, including the introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in Oakleigh Road South and neighbouring streets N11, in order to address the local parking concerns and demand.

    You said

    We received 278 responses from approximately 1350 properties, which equates to an overall response rate of 21%.

    64% of respondents told us they, their family or visitors experience parking problems near their property. They stated that parking problems are mainly caused by multiple car households, schools, and local businesses.

    Of those properties consulted, 15% objected to the introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone.

    19% of those that responded said they would like traffic issues investigated further to improve road safety and accessibility, monitor the impact of the planned closure of Arnos Grove Station Car Park and the upcoming and ongoing developments in the neighbourhood.

    We did

    Based on the feedback received, we are developing proposals to improve traffic flow, safety, and accessibility at the road junctions and on road bends. We will keep the parking situation under review to assess the impact of ongoing changes in the area.

    The proposals will be discussed and agreed with your Ward Members and subject to funding availability, will be progressed to statutory consultation and implementation.

  • Hendon Park additional play equipment consultation

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation


    We asked

    We asked for your views on the additional play equipment proposed for Hendon Park.


    You said

    We received 108 responses to the online questionnaire; we received one direct email and we spoke to 54 people at the event we ran in the park. The key themes from the public consultation were:

    • the majority of respondents would like the new equipment located as close to the existing equipment as possible
    • the majority of respondents liked the equipment proposed
    • we received some comments about the poor paths and surfacing in the existing playground.

    We did

    The order has been placed for the new equipment, and this will be installed in Autumn 2023. The equipment will be located near to the existing playground.

    The two pieces of equipment will be connected with surfacing, and we will be looking at how we can connect them to existing surfacing in the park.

    This project and the agreed funding is for the new equipment only. Any surfacing work in the existing playground would be a separate project, which would require funding.


  • Fair Play Barnet consultation

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation

    We asked

    We asked for your views on the equipment and layout proposed for the new accessible and inclusive playground at Victoria Recreation Ground.

    You said

    The consultation consisted of three online questionnaires. We received 24 responses to the professional questionnaire, 71 responses to the family and friends’ questionnaire and 16 responses to the potential user’s questionnaire. We also received seven direct emails.

    The key themes from the public consultation were:

    • respondents asked if the equipment can be used by children and adults, and those in wheelchairs
    • over 80% of respondents said they would visit an inclusive playground
    • concern that the existing playground at Victoria Recreation Ground will be removed
    • request for more swinging items
    • request for more sound and sensory items
    • request for climbing equipment
    • concern that the new equipment will be vandalised
    • request for toilets including Changing Places toilet nearby
    • respondents asked what the parking arrangements would be.

    We did

    Following the feedback, we are working on a revised design including some different equipment.

    The equipment that will be included in the final design can be used by a wide age range and physical abilities. The intention is that there will be something for everyone. Most of the equipment can be used by children and adults. Some equipment can only be used by children, as we have been unable to source an adult version. There is equipment that can be used by those in wheelchairs, such as the swing, the roundabout and the seesaw. We are unable to have a hoist in the playground.

    The existing playground at Victoria Recreation Ground will remain; this is an additional playground which aims to be accessible and inclusive.

    There are several swinging items in the design including a wheelchair swing, two mirage swing seats and a nest swing. We are not planning on adding more swinging items to the design.

    We have added more sound and sensory items into the revised design, with items that can be banged, spun and pushed, that create sound and/or patterns.

    We are working to see if we can install a climbing net or similar into the revised design.

    All the equipment has a lifetime guarantee. Vandalism can occur and we have tried to design the playground with this in mind.

    New Barnet Leisure Centre is very close to the proposed playground. It has one Changing Places toilet and two accessible toilets.

    In the local area there are the following parking options: the car park for the New Barnet Leisure Centre, the small car park on Park Road which is part of the park, and on street parking. Once the Fair Play Barnet playground has been constructed, we plan to undertake a user survey to understand if there are any specific challenges or barriers that require action. We will also listen to the comments from local residents.

  • Proposal to stop accepting cheques consultation

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation


    We asked

    We asked for your views on our proposal to stop accepting cheques as a payment method. We wrote to 638 residents who had paid the council by cheque since April 2022, to ask them for their views, as well as carrying out an online questionnaire.

    You said

    The percentage of cheque users who responded saying they strongly opposed the proposal was around 15%, with a further 1% tending to oppose it. This consultation also captured reasons why people preferred to pay by cheque, with all cheque users since April 2022 subsequently sent guidance on how to switch their payment method based on these responses.

    We did

    The council has made the decision to stop accepting cheques as a payment method.

    If you need support moving to an alternative payment method, please get in touch with the relevant team. Contact details will be on the bill or invoice you are paying.

  • Culture Strategy 2023 – 2028

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation

    We asked

    We asked you to apply to be part of the Culture Strategy Steering Group. This group will oversee the development of the Culture Strategy to ensure it sets out a programme for cultural development that reflects the needs of our borough and that the whole community can feel ownership of.

    We asked you to answer some questions that focused on:

    • why you thought you were a suitable to be on the steering group
    • your knowledge and experience
    • your connection to Barnet and how engaged you are with our local communities.

    You said

    We received a high volume of responses, with 55 individuals applying. The standard of these applications was extremely high and provided us with a broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise.


    We did

    We put in place fair and transparent methods to select members of the steering group. This assessment of applications was conducted by two individuals who work for the council and an independent non-council representative. 16 individuals were selected to be a member of the Culture Strategy Steering Group.

  • Early Help Strategy 2023 - 2027 consultation

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation

    We asked

    We asked for for your views on the draft Children and Families Early Help Strategy, through a public consultation, consultation with children and young people during the Christmas BACE play provision, focus groups with parents and members and feedback from partners and internal staff. We asked if the strategy was easy to read and understand, if the strategy set out what children and families wanted to see, if it covered what was important to them, we asked about the design and layout to see if the strategy would be of interest to anyone who could access or deliver Early Help

    We received feedback from 90 children and young people between 11-16 years, to the survey questions that specifically looked at whether the outcomes for their age groups resonated with them, their opinions on the design of the document and how easy it was to understand.

    We received 83 responses to the online questionnaire.

    You said

    Children and Young people gave entirely positive responses on the children-friendly survey with no requests to change anything.

    Generally positive feedback from parents/adults who said they particularly enjoyed the ordering of the document and viewed it as a guide of sorts on what to expect with their children as they grow.

    You said you felt that it would be of benefit to parents for the document to be slightly more operational and to explain how a parent would go about accessing the support spoken about in the document, and what the criteria are for accessing the non-universal services. You agreed with the vision for each age group but would appreciate if the text was justified. You wanted the Early Help Hub details included next to the map, instead of separated. You wanted the priorities and outcomes to stand out and to have more specific detail on how children and families with SEND needs can access the support. You said you wanted a clear action plan to support the strategy.

    We did

    We updated the strategy to include more information on where to access support and what support is available through links to the Children and Family EARLY Help hubs. We added specific detail on the Local offer to support children with SEND needs. We made the outcomes and priorities stand out and be clearer in the document. We included the hub details with the maps showing the hub localities. The strategy is not an operational document however we ensured clear links in the document to our webpages and hub contacts where the operational delivery is set out. We did include how we will work together across the partnership in the strategy.We made changes to the graphics and layout following the feedback. You can view the final Early Help Strategy 2023 – 2027 here.

  • Play improvements consultation - Basing Hill Park

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Read more about this consultation.

    We asked

    We asked for your views on the proposed relocated playground at Basing Hill Park.


    You said

    We received 56 responses to the online questionnaire, we received three direct emails and we spoke to 28 people at the two events we ran in the park. The key themes from the public consultation were:

    • 78% of respondents liked the proposed location by Wayside
    • 81% of respondents liked what was proposed for the new playground
    • there was a request to include litter bins and benches in the design
    • there was a request for a sand pit and/or water feature
    • some people would like all of the playground fenced while others would like only parts of the playground fenced
    • some people asked how the new playground will fit with the recently formally installed baseball pitch.


    We did

    Following the feedback received we have worked with the Herts Baseball Club, who are based in Basing Hill Park, and the national development agency for baseball, to understand the baseball pitch dimensions and the likelihood of balls travelling outside of the pitch. We have arranged for a map of the park to be drawn to scale, to include the baseball pitch, the existing backstop fencing and the soon to be installed lower fencing, as well as other key features of the park. We will use this map to have an informed discussion with our insurance team.

    We have met with our play contractor and have discussed potential revisions to the playground, this will include providing litter bins and benches within the playground. The playground will all be fenced. Once the exact location of the playground has been agreed, we can finalise the design and place the order for the equipment. We will publish the final designs on this webpage.

Page last updated: 27 Mar 2024, 12:21 PM