By Cllr Ammar Naqvi, Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability and Reducing Poverty
When we took office in 2022, we pledged that we would transform Barnet for the better making it a great place to live, work and study for all. We also committed to being open and accountable, giving people the chance to have a say in important decisions that affect them and to be informed of what the council is doing. That is why we have published our first Social Investment Impact Report.
Social investment is about going beyond the services the council is legally obliged to provide and is focused on enhancements that can improve health and wellbeing, education and employment prospects, and the local environment. Social investment helps people to flourish.
Our social investment programme responds to the challenging times in which we live. Many of our residents are grappling with the cost-of-living crisis, deepening inequalities, and the local impact of climate change. It is through these investments that we can offer real support to our community, helping to alleviate immediate pressures while also laying the foundation for long-term resilience and prosperity.
This report showcases some of the outcomes we've been able to achieve thanks to our collaborative approach working together with our partners and communities. For example, over the past year, this work has helped 845 residents secure employment, injecting £14.1 million in wages into our local economy. This isn’t just a statistic - it represents 845 stories of individuals and families gaining financial stability, self-confidence, and hope for the future. It is a clear example of how targeted social investment can drive economic growth and improve lives.
We also understand that being able to continue to improve opportunities like this and outcomes requires a comprehensive approach. That’s why we have invested £150,000 in apprenticeship training, providing local businesses and individuals with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive job market. By working with our residents to develop the tools they need, we are not only helping them secure better futures for themselves but also ensuring that Barnet remains an attractive place for businesses to grow and innovate.
Of course, community and our residents are central to every step we take as a council. Over the past year, our investment in community events and initiatives has given us the chance to further develop a sense of belonging and inclusivity in the borough. These events aren’t just about bringing people together, they are about building stronger, more resilient communities where everyone feels valued and can participate.
Our commitment to environmental sustainability is an essential part of our social investment strategy. When we came to power, we committed to become a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero borough by 2042, and, despite the backdrop of ongoing financial challenge that local councils face, we are making strides towards this goal. We have pushed forward with initiatives like the construction of new net zero carbon homes, retrofitting of existing housing stock and working with partners to install clean and green energy for their buildings and businesses.
These efforts are not just about reducing our carbon footprint; they are about ensuring that our residents have safe, comfortable, and affordable places to live. We also want to make Barnet a healthier place to live which is why we are investing in our parks and green spaces, installing thousands of electric vehicle charging points and planting over 1,200 trees.
As we take time to recognise these achievements, we must also recognise the challenges that lie ahead. The work we have done so far is just the beginning. The road ahead will require continued commitment, innovation, and collaboration. But I am confident that with the skills, resources, and partnerships we have cultivated, we can overcome these and continue building a brighter, more equitable future for all our residents.
It is through social investments that we can create a borough where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, where communities are strong and inclusive, and where our environment is protected for future generations.
Read the report: Social Investment Impact Report 2023-2024 | Barnet Council