By Simon Allin @SimonAllin3 Local Democracy Reporter, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey
Barnet Council could insource more services from Capita Four more services that were outsourced to Capita could be brought back under Barnet Council’s control in two years’ time. A review of the council’s two major contracts with the firm proposes insourcing highways, regeneration, procurement and regulatory services when the original ten-year deals end in 2023. Six services would stay with Capita, while a further four would be subject to a short extension before a decision is made on whether to bring them in house. The contracts review, which had been held up by the Covid-19 pandemic, was presented to a meeting of the financial performance and contracts committee on Tuesday.
By Simon Allin @SimonAllin3 Local Democracy Reporter, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey
Dental staff got parking tickets despite thinking they followed rules (Image: Google Maps) Staff at a dental practice were slapped with fines totalling nearly £500 despite believing they were following council guidelines on parking during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Laurence Baum, who runs Dental Care Centre in High Road, North Finchley, said seven penalty charge notices (PCNs) – six for £60 and one for £110 – had been issued to staff at his practice in recent weeks. Guidance on a Barnet Council web page told health and care workers they could leave their cars in council-run car parks without paying and on single yellow lines – providing they were not causing an obstruction. Brought in during the pandemic, the concessions do not expire until June 21.