Barnet Council is set to establish a new task force aimed at tackling the persistent issue of waste and recycling challenges in flats above shops across the borough. The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed the formation of this group during their meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The task force, named the 'Flats Above Shops Waste and Recycling' Task and Finish Group, will focus on finding practical solutions for recycling in these often difficult locations and aims to improve the relationship between residents, managing agents, and the public realm.

Architectural sketch of a proposed housing development featuring courtyard homes, townhouses, and a communal green, with annotations indicating design features and site context.
Architectural sketch of a proposed housing developmentSource: Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee papers, 7 September 2026

Councillor Dean Cohen MBE, Chair of the committee, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that the scope for the task force had been included in the Public reports pack. Endorsing the proposed scope, as requested in the Agenda frontsheet, would allow the task force's activities to commence. The membership of the group includes Cllr Gill Sargeant, Cllr Charlotte Daus, and Cllr Dean Cohen.

The committee acknowledged that this is a thorny area with no single solution, as each block is probably different. The task force is expected to explore a suite of options that can be adapted to challenging locations. The aim is to make recommendations about a suite of options that we can then use in those site-by-site assessments and say, well, of all the options that are available, we need that one and that one and that one for this site, but for that site, we need that one and this one. And, you know, it's it's adaptable, it's dynamic, and we can get the best solution for, um, what are really quite some challenging locations.

Modern apartment building with wooden facade and balconies.
Modern apartment buildingSource: Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee papers, 7 September 2026

This initiative is connected to the delivery of recycling improvements and commitments as part of the joint waste strategy. The work of the task force will also assist in addressing comments raised by the Climate Change and Environmental Audit Committee (CCEA) in the waste sector, as well as considerations from CIPFA regarding waste management.

The formation of this task force signifies a proactive approach by Barnet Council to address a specific environmental challenge, aiming to improve waste management and recycling practices in a complex urban setting.