Barnet Council Reviews Summary

Housing and Accommodation

Pros:

• "Had a problem with paying a fine which I received and very quickly got through on the phone and was put in touch with the correct department who helped me resolve the issue immediately."

Cons:

• "My family and I were placed in hotels for nearly 6 months with no care for our situation at all."
• "After the storm badly damaged our home, we were advised by the Fire Brigade to ask the council for some assistance. After lots of back and forth, the council eventually stepped in after weeks."
• "This council has no school… not a single month we have defaulted council tax but we have no rights to choose school for our kids."
• "They are incompetent, unhelpful, the worst borough i have ever had to deal with."

Council Tax Issues

Pros:

• "Eventually we received the letter saying we are exempt and a refund for payments that we had to make while they sorted themselves out."

Cons:

• "Tried contacting them multiple times about a student disregard application since my partner is a student and they refuse to accept him as a student."
• "Council Tax team continually insisting I am in arrears with Council Tax when I am in fact paying in advance."
• "Despite weather warnings, plenty of notice, the council has failed to grit our road leading to injuries and accidents."
• "I have received 2x PCN for riding in a bus lane on a motorbike as I didn't realise this bus lane did not allow motorbikes."

Customer Service and Communication

Pros:

• "Once you get through to someone they're usually very helpful."

Cons:

• "Impossible to get hold of and letters arrive 10 days after the date printed on them, saying you must respond to this letter within x number of days but I've received it after those days have passed!"
• "I was trying to contact the council regarding my council tax refund. Using the contact details sent with the council letter simply won't work."
• "This council has a 0 contact policy towards the local resident, tired to informing them that I am moving online, no response; emailed them, no reply; tried to call them, no body is picking up."
• "Very rude and difficult to talk to as someone who has worked for john lewis and understands what is required for customer service I am extremely shocked individuals here have a job."

Waste and Recycling Services

Pros:

• "The recycling crew are great and empty blue bin every week."

Cons:

• "No recycling collection for the second week in our road. Can't get hold of anyone, automatic phone system tells me to report it online."
• "Bins were missed for collection. Up to three working days for them to be collected. What are we meant to with the rubbish in the interim please Barnet as the bin is full?"
• "Pay in advance yearly for 2weekly collection of green refuse bin.never collected on the allocated day...contact council...still no collection."
• "Changed all the waste collection routines and now we have waited over 9 days for the black bins to be emptied. Unable to speak to anyone at the council and no response to my web complaints either."