Small Businesses
Councils are currently discussing parking policies and high street vitality to support small businesses.
Waltham Forest Council debated parking policies and business support in July 2026. During the Council meeting, Peter Heatherley, representing the Drysdale and District Residents Association and Chingford Residents Association, urged the reintroduction of free parking periods on Station Road and elsewhere in the north of the borough. He stated this was essential to keep small businesses active and promote inclusion.
Barnet Council committed to providing a written response addressing challenges and opportunities facing the borough's high streets in October 2025. This decision followed a deputation to the council highlighting difficulties such as vacant storefronts and struggling businesses in Chipping Barnet High Street. The deputation urged the council to build upon current initiatives and use government reforms.
Key facts
- Waltham Forest Council debated parking policies and business support in July 2026. Source
- Peter Heatherley urged reintroduction of free parking periods to support small businesses in July 2026. Source
- Barnet Council committed to a written response on high street challenges in October 2025. Source
- Ollie Gough led a deputation to Barnet Council highlighting struggling businesses in Chipping Barnet High Street in October 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.