Transcript
Good evening. Welcome to this Council meeting. Thank you for attending this evening. Please note that the meeting will be recorded and broadcast. By attending, you may be picked up on the recordings. Council recordings are covered by a privacy notice which can be found online. Recorded meetings may be retained and made of the recording.
available online. One other thing. Please note that we are currently in a pre-election period in advance of the Burnt Oak by-election which is going to be held on the 13th of February 2025. During this time, ordinary council business can continue but members are reminded not to refer to candidates in this relation to be coming in relation
to the upcoming election. Thank you for your support in ensuring that these principles are respected at all times. Thank you. One other thing members. May I ask you to note that there is a water station outside the council chamber and for everyone to please be mindful when putting glasses or bottles on the desk by the microphone units. We have had things go crap.
Things go crap, pop and break. I would like to begin with some extremely sad news of the passing of our fellow Councillor Eva Greenspan.
She was elected in 1990. Councillor Greenspan gave nearly four decades of her public service including serving as mayor sitting in this chair between 2006 and 7 June which time she raised £250,000 for Barnet Charities.
In July 2024 it was my privilege to award Councillor Greenspan with a long service award.
Councillor Greenspan served in roles including chair of planning and was a governor for five schools during her time contributing to the strategic direction of education and striving to provide quality education for all students.
Her governorship role spanned more than 30 years. She was a trustee of multiple housing associations and worked to ensure affordable and quality housing was available to all those in need.
Recently, she started the charity Kosher School Meals. If you remember, that was debated. She was chairman of Barnet Ramat Khan, strengthening ties and fostering collaboration between Barnet and its twin city in Israel.
Eva is survived by her children, Natalie, Stephanie and Jason, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
I now welcome some tributes, please, that have been offered on her behalf. May I first invite Councillor Caroline Stock, please.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor.
I think we were all very privileged to have been able to work and know Eva Greenspan, but I honestly don't think people really knew who she was.
We've all watched Eva stand up sitting in front of us in this chamber and argue for something that she was passionate about.
But she did this because of her immense knowledge. Eva had an insatiable appetite for learning, but I only recently realized when I heard the chief rabbi at her funeral tell us about not only was she trained as an architect, she then went on and did a philosophy degree before doing her law degree, which of course led to a very successful career as a property lawyer.
While her children, who I know two of them are sitting in the gallery, were growing up, Eva undertook the gruelling process of doing piano grades, unbelievably reaching concert level proficiency.
Eva had recently embarked upon a PhD, which I'm sure many of you didn't know, at Cambridge.
And when I asked her why, she laughed and she said, well, it's just another degree.
And she said, it's going to further my understanding of landlords sitting on barnet planning.
Eva adored art and music and recently composed a most beautiful piece for the piano for the Israeli hostages.
And I know was writing another piece before recently breaking her collarbone in numerous places together with breaking three ribs.
These breakages caused her immense pain in the last weeks of her life.
But this wasn't going to stop her holding a concert to raise money for the charity we've just heard to help subsidize children's kosher school meals.
There are so many words that describe this wonderful, dynamic, petite lady that had a jaunt of a personality.
She was thoughtful, kind, stoical and spiritual.
But none of these for me captures the essence of this incredible lady.
It was her kindness that stands out for me.
This year, or the year rather when Eva was mayor, I'm very busy raising funds as the mayor has just said.
She knew my mother was extremely ill in hospital and a magnificent flower arrangement appeared.
And it really made a difference and touched her.
It's these small things that make such a difference to people.
Then last year, two weeks before my daughter was to get married,
ridiculously I didn't have a dress and I was speaking to her and Eva said,
don't worry, leave it to me.
An hour later, she booked appointments for me at two shops and they had exactly what I needed.
Eva, I have lost a good friend and I hope you carry on helping everyone wherever you have gone.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I first met Eva 20 years ago when I was first selected as a candidate for Church End.
And I remember Eva invited me over to her house to talk about ward issues.
And when I arrived, I noticed a huge table covered with pastries and flans and tarts and all sorts of delicious food.
And so I asked if the ward committee was coming to join us, too.
And she said, no, it's just just us.
And then she spent the rest of the afternoon encouraging me to try every single plate dish that was on there.
And of course, as I was brought up properly, I resisted politely.
But being a younger man with a big appetite and hollow legs, I did actually manage to eat everything off of every plate.
And I think she was more impressed with that than anything I had to say about politics or campaigning.
But that was my first experience of what was what was her very generous nature and actually her nature of being a first class host.
And I think there is still quite a few of us who remember her civic service when she was mayor at Kin Loss.
Her reception after that was was a completely different level.
Normally, those kinds of receptions are held in drafty church halls with, you know, with average catering.
And so it made a nice change to be to arrive at Eva's reception to be greeted by trays of cocktails.
And the venue was decked out as if it was a grand wedding.
I will never forget that.
And I know that Eva took great pride from hosting a fine event for Barnet's Great and Good.
And of course, that that reception took place at Kin Loss, where Eva was a very active, prominent and well-respected member of the community.
And whenever I accompanied her to Kin Loss on a Saturday, I was always struck by how revered she was.
It was it was just a reflection of Eva's deep connection with the community and her wide networks, not just at Kin Loss, but in the wider ward and indeed the borough and beyond.
And it was those connections that Eva utilized when she set up the charity to to help deliver kosher school meals that was just just mentioned by by Caroline.
That was one of her very recent contributions to a serious issue across this borough.
And as we all know, Eva really enjoyed planning.
And of course, it was it was a field in which she she practiced and was involved in as an accomplished accomplished lawyer.
And as a council, I feel that we greatly benefited from her planning expertise over the years.
And at one point during my tenure as council leader, I needed to quickly find a new lead member for planning and Eva willingly stepped up as a chairman.
She wasn't faced by a long agenda or complicated items.
And as a planning lead, she was successful in toning down some of the larger planning applications.
Believe it or not, they were actually worse than what came to committee.
And Eva could really drive a hard negotiation.
And I don't think many councillor colleagues were aware of that or necessarily saw that side of Eva.
Eva was a loyal ward colleague, a loyal member of our group and a good friend.
May her memory be a blessing.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Councillor Richard Cornelius, please.
Eva was a very special councillor.
And as Dan said, I can't pretend to have been a young councillor 20 years ago when I came here,
but Eva took me in hand and was very kind to me as well.
And I, too, am impressed by the catering and the volume of food that she expected all of us to eat.
And I have to say, as leader, when we did the freedom of the borough for the chief rabbi,
when the bill came for the catering, I was absolutely horrified.
It was a really good do, and we did enjoy it.
But Eva, as a new councillor, I had an issue in my ward,
and some of the more senior members of the council will remember the planning committee when it had 21 members.
And it was an absolute nightmare to chair.
And as a youngish chap, I said, well, can I speak on this issue?
It's really important in my ward.
And I got the reply, if you really have to, but you'll have to be quick.
And that principle of speed actually marked all her chairing of planning committees.
And I know Nigel Young, her successor, appreciated the encouragement to be fast
and stop windbaggery from some people.
And as her neighbour in that committee, I promised Nigel I will follow on in that.
Eva was a very special person.
I used to meet her in town occasionally for a chat, and you'd walk along the street.
Oh, I'm a member of this club.
I'm a member of that club.
We can go in there and speak.
She was a serial networker.
She was very quiet about it.
But I don't suppose there were many areas of London life that she wasn't involved in.
You'd walk up St. James's and find she'd been or was a member of the Carlton Club.
You'd walk along Wigmore Street and find she was a member of a musical organisation.
She was a very impressive person, and we will all miss her.
I also discovered something else that hasn't hit the agenda, the discussion.
I met her in one of the jeweller's safe deposits in town.
And I wondered why.
Why?
Eva, it's a surprise to see you.
Oh, I've got my father's stock here.
And her father had been a diamond merchant in Frankfurt just after the war.
It must have been an incredibly difficult time to work.
And then we started talking, and she knew I had a little bit of German, only food, trains, and jewellery.
But we had a conversation in German, and it turned out that her father and I shared a customer in Frankfurt.
All these amazing coincidences, but she was a very hospitable person.
I remember a dinner party where she wanted me to meet something, and we were invited round to her house.
And it was, of course, a spectacular feast and a really special evening.
And Eva, I'm sure that when we have planning meetings, you will be there in spirit.
And as Dan said, she really did tone down some of the most awful things that were planned.
And we will have to all step up across the parties to do that in the future.
So, Eva, thank you so much for all that you did for me when I was leader,
and all that you did for Barnet Council and the residents of our borough.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Councillor Mike Meyer.
I still find it weird that Eva's gone.
The warm, smiling, welcome face who I used to sit next to is no longer here.
I only had the privilege of knowing Eva since 2022.
When I first came into this room in 2022 with a face mask on, I found Eva sat next to me.
And I vividly remember coughing once, Eva turning away politely.
Obviously, I cough again.
Just another turn away politely.
Then I have an awkward fit of coughing.
And then, if you're unwell, just go home.
But that was Eva, blunt and to the point.
Neither mincing her words.
But that was the beginning of our friendship.
Eva was really the highlight of these meetings for me.
We always hear the same line when a councillor's no longer with us,
that, oh, they weren't a fan of the other political party.
But 110% Eva shared no love for Labour.
And each meeting, her insults and grumbles would be louder and more extreme than the previous.
I was going to say, maybe it was her hearing, but most likely she just didn't care.
Me and her would also share a morbid joke that whenever a councillor's no longer here
and we'd remember them in this chamber, how one day it would be our turn
and what the other person, what would be said about us.
And Eva would always turn to me and smile and say, you'll be there for mine.
I just never expected it to be now.
Eva was really an example to us all.
If there was a problem in life, why wait?
Just jump straight in to solve it.
Eva didn't have the word no in her dictionary.
My interactions with her were always, Mike, I've signed you up for this,
or Mike, you're involved in that, or you're coming to this event.
Eva was really a giant.
She was the ultimate Jewish grandma.
She lived her life to the full and always had so much pride in her family,
who I know are here.
And each meeting, I would be shown photos of you all and hear updates on all of your...
I mean, we'd be listening and telling to these meetings,
but I'd hear updates on all your lives, see photos of you all,
and I'm really going to miss that.
I'll miss Eva's phone calls.
I'll miss her name just popping up on my phone at random points
and just finding out whatever charity she'd involve me next with.
But I'll just really miss her for being her.
Councillor Grokop.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Eva Greenspan has been a constant presence for many years,
not just in this chamber, but as a lead member for the Tory group
on all things planning and a font of all knowledge to all members
and, of course, many officers.
She was a dedicated board councillor and gave good counsel to all.
She was also the mother of this chamber.
Out campaigning with Eva was a time-consuming task.
Whichever street or road we were in, whichever door we knocked on,
everyone took the time to either cross the road or come to the door,
even some calling out,
Eva!
And Eva was always gracious and gave them the time to chat.
Time limits never mattered to Eva.
We were all here...
We are all here tonight...
Sorry.
We were all here tonight from many people speaking about Eva,
recalling their interactions with her over the years.
So I will keep my words short.
Eva didn't like a fuss,
which makes it even more important that we do so tonight.
She was a remarkable lady.
I will definitely look to pursue the items that we spoke on
over the last few months to honour those discussions.
It was a great shock and very sad day, indeed, to learn of her passing.
Eva will be sorely missed.
I will miss her dearly.
My thoughts and prayers are with her loving children and grandchildren,
and I wish you all a long life.
Shalom.
Have air.
Goodbye, my friend.
Councillor Alison Moore, please.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Thank you for allowing me to say just a few words in tribute to Eva Greenspan.
As befits such a long-standing councillor,
there's been a huge amount said.
There is a lot to say in paying tribute.
And we've had a number of speakers,
and I certainly can't compete with Richard Cornelius' stories about diamond markets.
However, I'd like to touch just on three particular facets of Eva's time as a councillor,
where our lives touched.
Eva has been a key presence in the council for all the time that I've been a councillor.
Inevitably, we, as political beings, have done political battle on many occasions.
But whether it was in planning site visits, in myriad committee meetings, or in council,
I was always struck by her forceful arguments and conscious of her range of experience and her formidable intellect.
And Caroline Stark has laid some of that out, so I won't go into any more detail.
But certainly, if you talk to her for any time, you've certainly got that sense.
Eva was deeply committed to the community she represented.
We represented neighbouring wards and had occasion to discuss issues that crossed our common border.
She was practical and determined in resolving issues, and of course determined, as I was,
to ensure that she got what she saw as the very best deal for her residents out of it.
As a new councillor more than 25 years ago, I know that I learned a lot from Eva
and her then-fellow ward councillors, Barbara Langstone and Leslie Sussman,
about how to operate in that kind of environment as neighbouring ward councillors of different parties.
I have two particular memories of Eva as mayor, aside from the energy she brought to the role.
The first is the very evident pride that Kinloss Synagogue community had in having Eva as mayor,
and particularly her hosting, as has been commented on, her civic service.
And of course that Eva was very, very proud to represent the synagogue.
She was immensely generous.
Long-standing councillors will remember that wonderful reception held at the civic service.
I don't so much remember the cocktails, but I do remember the amazing array of smoked fish,
because it's a particular liking of mine, and it was hugely impressive.
And she was generous and had genuine pleasure in entertaining that year as mayor,
and actually right the way through the time I've known her.
That generosity extended well beyond the formal, though,
and I have warm memories of her generous hospitality during the Ramat-Gann Twin Town visit back in 2006.
It was not just about entertaining, it was about introductions,
about an afternoon spent in the youth theatre that she championed,
and a lovely personal dinner up in the Old Town,
where she clearly enjoyed sharing her favourite food and wine,
and the place that she loved.
It was a great deal to Eva,
and she had a long and a full life as a councillor and beyond this chamber.
So I was so very pleased that we were able last year to honour her with that long service award
as a Finchley Church End councillor and the service she had as mayor.
I know that that presentation meant a great deal to Eva.
My sense of her growing frailty actually was when she hugged me to thank us for that.
And I hope that her family will cherish that certificate as a mark of esteem
in which she was held by this chamber, right across this chamber.
Eva will be sadly missed and well remembered by the community
and by everyone in this council, officer and member alike,
for her generosity, her tenacity and her passion,
and for the mark she leaves on all of us.
May she rest in peace, and thank you, Mr Mayor.
Councillor Sargent, please.
Thank you very much, Mr Mayor.
I want to just add my thoughts.
And can I say, I think this is a very special occasion,
because we have a chamber absolutely united
in our thanks for Eva's life.
I think that's a very special moment.
There's not many people who can achieve that.
And what was also special about Eva, she always told you when she disagreed with you.
Eva and I politically disagreed about everything.
There was absolutely nothing we agreed on.
And I remember one planning meeting being absolutely furious.
There was an issue coming up that I was really concerned about,
and she'd organised the agenda so it came late,
and she had that twinkle in her eye.
But at the end of it, she came up with her usual Eva smile.
And I think that's what we shall all miss,
that very, very special quality that very few people have
in being able to unite at a time when there's not much unity around,
a whole chamber.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Councillor Young.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I didn't know Councillor Greenspan for as long as many in this chamber,
so we'll not be able to share as many memories
as we have heard and will hear tonight.
Nor will I be able to speak as movingly as Eva's children did
at her funeral a couple of weeks ago.
But I hope, as the current chair of the Strategic Planning Committee,
to share the thoughts and condolences of many planning officers
who have expressed sadness at the loss of a councillor
who dedicated much of her life to serving on planning committees.
Eva was held in high regard and with affection by planning officers.
Now, this may have something to do with,
and there's a recurring theme here,
something to do with the pastries and filled bagels
provided by the lorry road, as officers put it,
to fuel the briefing sessions,
which used to be held in person prior to the committee meetings.
These certainly kept everyone going through the evening
and there was often much left over for staff the next day.
I think officers also appreciated,
building on Councillor Cornelius's point,
Eva's efficient chairing of meetings.
Efficient is certainly a word that pops up a lot
in conversations about her.
But my goodness, back when Councillor Greenspan was chair
of Finchley and Golda's Green Planning Committee,
agendas regularly had over 30 items on them
and finishing before 10pm was a real challenge.
I'm reliably informed that she always did.
Councillor Greenspan began chairing
the Finchley and Golda's Green Planning Committee in 2002
and in over 20 years since then went on to either chair
or be a prominent member of planning committees
as they have gone through changing configurations.
She brought a huge insight and experience
to her role on planning committees
and I'm grateful to have had the chance to learn from that.
I haven't yet got the level of efficiency
that Eva would have liked,
something she regularly reminded me of in committee meetings,
which we will sadly miss,
although as Councillor Cornelius said,
he has offered to keep Councillor Greenspan's memory alive
in that regard.
One of the things planning officers mentioned
is that they felt respected by Councillor Greenspan
and valuing and respecting officers,
particularly planning officers, I know I'm biased,
whose every decision will both please and displease
in equal and often unequal measure
is something I think we should all practice.
There are many building projects around us,
either completed or just beginning,
that Eva will have approved
and many not around us that were not.
We had a shared love of architecture.
We both studied it
and had a great concern for the built environment.
We may not have agreed on everything,
but mostly we did
and we both understood
that whether you are the designer,
the bricklayer, the carpenter,
the planner, the lawyer,
or even the chair of the planning committee,
all of those involved in development
can see their legacy
in the buildings and spaces that we create.
So Eva's legacy is therefore around us
and rather like the huge Eryth
that she championed in the south of the borough,
although she may not be visible,
I'm sure that her legacy will be ever present.
Thank you.
Councillor McCurk.
I'm going to show my age now.
I've probably long known,
looking around the chamber,
I've known Eva longer than,
apart from Councillor Edwards, I think,
I've come across Eva longer than anyone else.
When she won in 1990,
I was the Labour candidate for Finchley
and the one thing we did have in common,
and we were very good at getting our photos in papers.
I actually made page three of the Sunday Times
getting on a bus.
Can't see Eva making page three of the Sunday Times
getting on a bus,
but I do remember the comments she said to me.
The one thing about Eva and I,
we did have had spats,
as many of you would have been in the chamber,
will have seen over the years.
We've had one or two.
It now seems now that Jill Sargent
will now be the mother of the chamber,
because I do believe that Collindale
would probably have been selected in 1994
before St. Paul's was announced.
But the 1994 election was quite an interesting one.
Obviously historical for us,
you know,
the class of 94,
when we took control.
But the one thing was,
is that our only one member remembers Max Caller,
a very efficient chief executive.
Unfortunately,
that evening of 1994,
we were all squeezed into a tiny hall
at Ashman School,
right on the edge of the borough.
No catering facilities whatsoever.
We did have an Asda across the road
that was open until 12 o'clock.
Unfortunately,
there wasn't a waitress open
late that time in 1994.
And I'm squeezing to the Finchley corner.
Fortunately,
the Finchley Labour team
did a whip round
and went to Asda.
And the other blessing was,
we had Eva.
She came in with crates and crates of food
that you'll never seen of your like.
As Maureen Lipman said,
all mothers are Jewish.
And she was the ultimate mother.
The one thing we did have in common,
myself and Eva,
is the love of our children
and our grandchildren.
I've yet to have great-grandchildren.
Hope for some time,
yes, I hope.
But that was the love of our family.
But it's also about
feeding and watering people.
Whether or not,
whatever cut or cloth they are,
whatever faith they are,
whatever they are,
if someone needed feeding and watering,
myself and Eva
were completely on the same page.
Like Councillor Moore said,
I was a neighbouring councillor.
There were boundary changes
in West Finchley and Finchley
and still continuing.
And I remember working
with the control parking zone,
bringing them to Finchley Central
and Church End,
where a group of roads
was actually in
the Church End ward,
which has gone back to Church End ward.
and working collaboratively
with Barbara,
Leslie and Eva,
just shows that there are things
that are beyond party politics.
And it is about
doing the best for the borough.
And I think I've worked,
I know I've worked with,
you know,
with the Totwich councillors
over some of the stuff
around North Finchley.
And I hope we can continue
as a council
to work with each other
where there are border issues
and where we want to do
the best for everybody.
I will never remember Eva.
I remember her shouting at me
and I probably shouted back
at many times.
But I think there's that one thing
is that she was one
hell of a woman
and nobody will forget her.
OK.
Councillor Mitra.
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
What on earth can one say
about someone like Eva Green?
She's almost indescribable, really.
In a sense,
I think the presentations
that we made to her
and other colleagues
a few months ago
to celebrate her 35 years
as a councillor
was at least some recognition
of what we could give to her.
But I know that there are
many others here
who knew Eva better
and for longer.
So if I may very briefly speak
about my own friendship
with Eva,
I hope members will understand
why I'm so keen to pay
a small tribute to her tonight.
I sat on planning
with Eva
and Eva's chairing
was quite something
to behold
and exchanges
could get a little robust.
The thing I admired, though,
was she was brilliant
at timekeeping.
I don't think anyone
has ever beat her record
of hearing two planning applications
in three minutes
and completing
a whole meeting in four.
That was quite a day.
The personal side of it
is one day
at the end
of one of those meetings
which as usual
had its exchanges.
As she was leaving
I said to her
goodnight.
And at that point
I'd served on the council
for a few years
but I didn't
know her very well.
I hadn't really
had many conversations
with her.
But as she left
she smiled at me
and said,
you know,
you have such a beautiful smile.
It cheers me up
that when the rest
of the committee
are scowling at me
you're still smiling.
I said,
Mr Mayor,
I was just utterly
blown away.
As you can imagine
I don't get many
positive comments
about my looks.
But with one comment
of kindness
Eva made my day,
my week
and possibly
my whole year.
After that,
as you can imagine
Eva and I
became very firm friends
and I was delighted
that later that year
I was able to invite her
to the Mayor of London's
Hanukkah reception
which I know
she thoroughly enjoyed.
Although as everybody
else has mentioned
I think she could have
catered it better.
I'll never forget
the look on her face
as well
when I finally told her
I was coming off planning.
It's like disappointing
your own grandmother.
And to tell you the truth
the only thing
I missed about planning
was the time
I spent with Eva.
I think that goes
to the heart
of Eva Greenspan.
She just knew
how to make people
better,
make people feel
comfortable
and make people
feel valued.
I think every
contributor tonight
has spoken warmly
and with humour
about their memories
of her
and I think that's
really remarkable.
I think to all of us
she was a very much
beloved member
of the council family
and we will all
miss her greatly.
God bless you Eva
and may your memory
indeed be a blessing.
Thank you.
Councillor Schueter.
Thank you very much.
There's been some
incredible tributes
tonight for Eva.
I just wanted to add
mine because I was
very fond of Eva
and I even named
my daughter after her
believe it or not
but my wife is
very good friends
with Stephanie
so am I
her daughter
like a godfather
to her grandchildren
David and Sammy.
So what I wanted
to say really
was that
she was amazingly
kind and generous
to everyone
that knew her.
When I went to the
Shiva I saw
the house
the way it had been
the flat
the way it had been
designed
purely for entertaining.
she was a person
that really wanted
to get people
together
to unite people
and find joy
in togetherness.
She had an
unbelievable
positive attitude
she never took
no for an answer
and one of the
phrases she always
used as Natalie
mentioned in the
funeral was
you can achieve
anything
and it's all
in the mind.
So everything
for her
was about
mindset
and manifesting
something positive
out of any situation
and that's why
she appeared
so radiantly
confident
with boundless
energy
and inspiring
all of those
around her.
She always won
her wars
every election
she stood in
obviously
she was the most
popular candidate
probably in the
whole of Barnet
to be honest
which showed
how well known
she was
all of this
has been said
but I just wanted
to also mention
about council meetings
I mean she was
the first to
call time
on any of the
Labour members
that went
over the limit
and it was
absolutely incredible
as you say
her timekeeping
it was meticulous
when she was
on planning
whether she was
chairing it
or whether she
was sitting
next to me
on a committee
and she would
always yell
at the top of
her voice
move to the vote
move to the vote
in fact there was
actually
there was actually
one instance
when an officer
hadn't even
presented the report
and she moved
to the vote already
so
it really was
quite incredible
every meeting
finished on time
and she held
the record
of the shortest
ever planning
meeting
and then she
had her mayoralty
in 2007
2006-2007
she was described
as the people's mayor
rightly so
because of her
tireless work
and deep connection
with the whole
of the Barnet community
Eva's now
reunited
with her
late husband
Bernard
and we can
be certain
that her
planning permission
for a special
place in heaven
was swiftly
approved
under delegated
powers
by God
himself
she is in
a sacred
place now
reserved for
people that
help their
community
that go out
of their way
to help
people in
this world
her name
and her soul
lives on
and the beautiful
picture from her
mayoral year
will remain
proudly displayed
outside of this
room
it will serve
as an everlasting
tribute
a reminder
of the style
grace and dedication
with which she graced
this chamber
for so many years
thank you
Chancellor Zinkin
please
an awful lot
has been said
about Eva
I mean
as has been said
we all remember
when she got
her long service
medal
and that was
a happy occasion
and I hope
her family
those in the
gallery
and those
who were
here
on that
occasion
have been
able to see
how much
she was
appreciated
by the
members of
this council
many of
Eva's
qualities
have been
discussed
by those
who have
spoken
but I'd
like to
add one
more
which most
of you
are probably
unaware
of
which is
Eva
was an
incredibly
brave
person
and the
way this
bravery
recently
manifested
probably
foolishly
to be
honest
is that
as has
been said
she embraced
the concept
of kosher
meals
for schools
she was
and you've
heard about
her love
of hospitality
and her
love of
food
she just
could not
contemplate
that children
in school
were not
getting a
hot meal
and when
she realised
there was
a problem
when the
kosher
caterers
went
bankrupt
because they
just couldn't
afford within
the budget
to provide
hot meals
she got
straight on
the case
she campaigned
she got
lots of us
involved
she got
lots of
other people
involved
Barry will
remember the
debates that
we had about
getting the
message to
the mayor
to get the
amount of
money
increased
which was
no less
from her
efforts
but she
also set
up the
charity
and in
her inimitable
style
she put
together a
fundraising
evening for
the charity
she organised
someone to
come and
provide music
and singing
and she even
composed something
for that
evening
but what
most of you
don't know
is that very
tragically
she had a
fall in her
kitchen
a few days
before the
event
and on the
evening of the
event
she was bruised
literally from
here to
here
and
any
normal person
would regretfully
have cancelled
the event
but Eva
even though
she was in
huge pain
decided that
the event
was important
and she
wanted it
to go
ahead
and so
it did
but honestly
she probably
shouldn't
but that
was Eva
and so
we all
I think
need to
reflect on
everything
that is
being said
and realise
that her
name really
was a
blessing
thank you
everyone
unfortunately
I also
have to
inform
council
of the
side
passing
of the
former
mayor
of
Barnet
and
councillor
Usha
Kopra
she was
born
in
British
India
in
1935
her
father
worked
for the
Indian
railways
and in
1947
following
Indian
independence
which became
two countries
India and
Pakistan
were formed
her family
were part
of the
million people
who had to
move countries
and lost
everything
so as
hinders their
families fled
Pakistan
and lived
in the time
in the
refugee camp
in India
she would
often tell
of the brutal
horror of
partition
and how it
defined her
life
and politics
education
was always
important to
her family
and her
parents
encouraged her
to attend
university
and become
a teacher
in 1959
she married
Chan
Kupra
and she
immigrated
with him
to London
in 1965
their only
child
Danish
was born
in 1971
they moved
from
Haringate
to New
Barnet
she
retrained
as a
nursery
teacher
studying
at
Barnet
College
and worked
in that
role
for several
London
boroughs
before
eventually
retiring
in the
year
2000
as an
inspector
for
children's
social
services
in Hackney
Usha
had always
been a
member of
the Labour
Party
and was a
proud
Barnet
resident
in 1978
she supported
Chad who
stood for
Woodhouse
Ward
and in
1982
for
Arkley
Ward
she
worked
within
the
community
and was
a school
governor
a member
of New
Barnet
Resident
Association
and Barnet
Friends
in Need
she first
stood in
East
Barnet
Ward
in 1986
finally winning
that award
for Labour
and becoming
its councillor
in 1994
until she
retired
in 2002
she served
on so many
committees
including
social services
and planning
in 1996
she was made
deputy mayor
and she was
joined by her
son Danish
as a councillor
for Collingdale
Ward
who became
the cabinet
member for
finance and
deputy leader
of the Labour
group
following the
council elections
in 1998
she become
the mayor
the first woman
of Indian
heritage to
hold that
office
and had
fantastic
support from
councillors
had fantastic
support from
councillor Jill
Sargent
as her deputy
Boucher had
a passion
for children
and her
charity
was the
North London
Deaf Children
Society
she was a
genuine
people person
and spent
her time
as mayor
visiting many
different people
and places
in Barnet
instead of
having exclusive
marital rent
she opened
the town hall
to all
sections of
the wider
Barnet community
especially focusing
on schools
her gala
event in
April 1999
was held
at Middlesex
University
down the
road
and was
a celebration
of multicultural
Barnet
with all
communities
attending
and showcasing
everything from
one music
and dancing
to arts
she was a
keen advocate
of twinning
and represented
the borough
in France
and in Cyprus
in 2002
Usha retired
from the council
mainly to give
her and Chad
time to have
time to travel
all over the
world
while they were
still in good
health
and to spend
more time
with their
grandchildren
unfortunately
in 2006
Chad passed
away
and they had
been married
for 47
years
Usha is
survived by
her son
Danish
who lives
in Barnet
her three
grandchildren
Lak and
Neil
who immigrated
to the USA
and Alita
who moved
to Dubai
she was
always a
great
grandmother
to
Uriah
details
of the
date of
the funeral
will follow
so please
watch this
space
I now
welcome
some
tributes
from the
chamber
firstly
may I
ask
Councillor
Alison
Moore
please
thank you
thank you
Mr
Mayor
and welcome
Danish
and family
to the
public
gallery
this
evening
I'm
sorry
it's
on such
a sad
occasion
but I
hope you
will
value
the
comments
and
tributes
we make
tonight
it's
genuinely
with great
sadness
that I
rise
to pay
tribute
to
former
Councillor
indeed
former
Mayor
Usha
Chopra
and as
I said
it's
particularly
special
to see
my
former
colleague
Danish
and his
wife and
children
in the
public
gallery
we were
saying
earlier
probably the
last time
I saw
some of
his
children
was
small
people
dressed up
at the
mayor making
and that
was quite
a long
time
ago
Usha
was
elected
to
East
Barnet
Ward
as
the
mayor
said
in
1994
and was
immensely
proud
to do
so
and to
be part
of what
was then
the first
labour-led
administration
in Barnet
under the
leadership
of Alan
Williams
she
talked
of never
having
dreamed
when she
came to
the UK
in the
1970s
that two
decades
on
she'd
be
sitting
in
Barnet
Council
she
perceived
councillors
as many
did
then
as
predominantly
male
and rarely
certainly
in Barnet
to be
from the
then
growing
Indian
Asian
community
thus
Usha
was
proud
to be
elected
and
immensely
proud
of what
it
meant
for
her
community
and
she
took
that
sense
of
responsibility
and
representation
very
seriously
and the
opportunities
that it
offered
her
by the
time
Usha
was
re-elected
in
East
Barnet
in
1998
the year
quite a
number of
us in
this
chamber
actually
came to
the
council
Usha
had
already
acted
as
deputy
mayor
to
former
councillor
Pam
Coleman
for
the
municipal
year
95
96
seen
Danish
elected
to
the
council
and
brought
to
bear
on
the
council
her
expertise
and
interest
in
the
education
and
welfare
of
children
her
history
of
volunteering
and
her
passion
for
celebrating
a
wide
range
of
religious
and
cultural
festivals
I
remember
Usha
in
the
run
up
to
the
1998
elections
as a
passionate
figure
with
strong
opinions
and a
real
commitment
to
Barnet
to
the
borough
and
to
the
Indian
Asian
community
and
I
learnt
a lot
from her
during
that
period
indeed
the
last
time
I
saw
Usha
was
at
an
event
held
by
Barnet
Asian
Women's
Association
not so
long
ago
an
organisation
that we
both
hold dear
and we
had an
opportunity
to catch
up on
some
of
that
history
in
1998
Usha
became
mayor
of
the
borough
she
brought
that
same
commitment
and
enthusiasm
to
the
mayoralty
that
she
had
brought
to
being
a
councillor
she
took
the
honour
and
responsibility
of being
the
first
female
Indian
Asian
mayor
of
Barnet
very
seriously
Usha
cut an
impressive
figure in
her robe
and regalia
and she
has reported
to have
made
some
600
visits
in that
mayoral
year
and having
been mayor
I know
that that
is a
heck of a
schedule
she
was
often
accompanied
by
husband
Chan
but
occasionally
by
Danish
or
other
members
of the
family
she
said
to have
visited
every
primary
school
in
Barnet
during
that
year
and I
can
believe
that
I
was
vice
chair
of
education
and
then
cabinet
member
during
that
year
and I
didn't
and I
know
I
didn't
visit
as
many
schools
as
she
did
but
I
heard
lots
about
her
visits
when I
did
and the
impact
that
they
had
had
as
the
mayor
said
Usha
raised
£30,000
for the
North London
Deaf
Children's
Association
she picked
that
deliberately
and proudly
to focus
on
children
in need
she
championed
communities
right across
the borough
but she
had a
very
particular
pride
in
championing
the
Indian
Asian
community
from which
she
came
and she
knew
so well
I
don't
think
anyone
in the
council
at the
time
will
forget
Usha
wonderful
civic
service
in the
town
hall
with
the
committee
room
spread
with
white
sheets
shoes
left
at
the
door
she
brought
her
community
and her
faith
right
into the
heart
of the
council
that
day
in a
way
it
had
never
been
done
before
and I
don't
believe
it's
been
done
since
Usha
Chopra
left
an
enduring
mark
on
the
council
making
those
who
knew
her
proud
but
also
breaking
boundaries
and
setting
new
ground
for
all
of
us
I
smile
every
time
I
pass
her
mayoral
portrait
in the
corridor
when I
think of
that
civic
service
and the
impact
it
had
so
thank
you
Mr
Mayor
for
giving
us
the
opportunity
this
evening
to pay
tribute
to
Usha
and my
condolences
to Danish
and the
family
you've
lost a
very
special
person
thank you
very much
Mr
Mayor
councillor
Phil
Cohen
please
councillor
mccurk
there does
seem to
be a
theme
here
this
evening
that
we're
paying
respect
to
two
very
strong
women
who
represented
the
London
Borough
Barnet
and also
held the
role
as
first
citizens
and
lovely
to see
Danish
again
and the
family
you know
pities
under these
circumstances
I hope
to see
you
at the
cemetery
in a
few
weeks
time
10
days
time
Alex
Ferguson
had the
class
of
1992
Alan
Williams
had the
class
of
1994
and there's
a reason
I'm doing
that
because
Alan
Williams
being a
city fan
might wind
him up
a bit
myself
and
Jill
were part
of the
class
of
1994
along
with
Usha
I've
already
mentioned
the
evening
with
Eva
feeding us
that
evening
but that
was an
amazing
evening
I think
we're still
pinching
ourselves
from it
I know
people
who've
long
since
gone
still
think
that
was
the
most
amazing
achievement
that the
Labour Party
did
because they've
actually seen
people they know
suddenly running
the London
borough of
Barnet
something
I probably
never
dreamt of
Barnet
born and
bred
61 years
ago
and probably
done Usha
the same
we were
literally
absolutely
astounded
at what
happened
but Usha
was part
of that
team
she was part
of that
team
that for
up until
2002
we ran
this council
and despite
the hardships
and everything
that was going
against us
we did it
well
we built
an art
centre
we created
a new
East
Barnet
community
festival
in Oak
Hill
Park
which I
know
our former
colleague
Richard
Sober
was
absolutely
passionate
about
and so was
Usha
it was
a massive
and still
is amazing
event
which reflects
the whole
of the
Barnet
community
and it's
something that
I'm proud
of
and Usha
was proud
of
and which
every single
councillor in this
chamber should be
proud of
and continue
to support
her passion
for children
was also
recognised
by the fact
the charity
she chose
the fact
she actually
visited
every single
primary school
in the borough
as mayor
that's a
gauntlet
set down
to the
next mayor
I'll put
that down
if anyone
is wanting
to do
that job
600 visits
another gauntlet
to put down
an amazing
woman
an amazing
family
and in
1998
it was
her son
became
a Collindale
councillor
next to
Councillor
Sargent
they worked
together
in Collindale
so that
team
that class
of 94
continued
through Usha
through myself
and Jill
and through
Danish
and I think
still continues
in the
thoughts
and the
blood
of everyone
in this
chamber
Usha
will always
be remembered
another woman
strong woman
and it's
right
the colour
of this
chamber
has changed
the gender
of this
chamber
has changed
over the
last 30
to 40
years
and may
it continue
to do so
but God
bless you
Usha
and God
bless the
family
thank you
Councillor
Naranthira
I'm very
thank you
Mr Mayor
I'm saddened
to hear the
death of
late
Councillor
Usha
Chopra
the family
is here
and I
pay my
condolences
to them
she was
the first
Asian
mayor
for Barnet
which we
are all
so proud
of
she was
as great
as inspiration
for all
women
and particularly
women
of Asian
heritage
like me
the very
special thing
about late
Usha
was she
always wore
the cultural
dress
the sari
and served
all her
residents
equally well
I was so
proud to
follow her
footsteps
when I
became
deputy
mayor
and then
mayor
in the
last two
years
she was
so dedicated
to her
duties
and carried
them out
with
diligence
I like
to remember
one special
occasion
I experienced
with Usha
she knocked
on my door
campaigning
for her son
Danish
this was
well before
I got involved
in politics
she asked
whether I
would be able
to vote
for her son
with so
much passion
she never
mentioned
any political
party
but will you
be able
to vote
for my son
that shows
that she
has encouraged
her son
to be involved
in public
service
and that
then Danish
became the
councillor
and did
what he did
to the public
which is really
good
Danish served
as my
councillor
for a while
I like
to pay
tribute
to Usha's
life
let us
all remember
her service
to mankind
let us
all rest
in peace
and may
God
give the
strength
to the
family
to bear
this
great loss
thank you
councillor
coakley
web
thank you
mr
mayor
you will
see
I don't
have
notes
I'm not
reading
from
anything
when it
comes
to
someone
that
you
knew
it's
like
you
have
to
speak
from
the
heart
I
was
she
was
my
councillor
in
94
I
came
in
98
and
what
she
did
to
actually
influence
people
and
encourage
them
to
stand
for
council
I
will
never
forget
there's
probably
not
many
left
in
this
chamber
that
were
part
of
that
group
of
councillors
that
came
in
at
that
time
who
will
remember
as
has
been
said
how
it
was
predominantly
male
dominated
and
how
women
were
not
really
thought
or
women
didn't
even
think
we
could
do
this
job
that
we
could
stand
for
council
that
we
could
make
a
difference
that
we
could
have
our
voices
heard
but
there
was
councillors
at
that
time
that
made
sure
that
we
had
the
courage
to
stand
and
get
elected
and
I
came
in
in
98
and
I
would
often
bump
into
Usha
various
times
because
we
lived
locally
it
would
often
be
when
I
was
shopping
it
would
actually
what we
did
at
that
time
and
what
Labour
did
in
kicking
off
the
start
of
one
of
the
largest
festivals
at
East
Barnet
was
momentous
how
people
then
responded
to
think
hang
on
this
is
something
that
can
be
done
for
the
area
and
this
is
something
where
we
can
involve
everyone
and
young
people
to
make
sure
that
there's
something
there
that
we
can
all
get
involved
in
and
that
we
can
do
and
then
as
is
maybe
the
case
with
a lot
of
other
councillors
one
of the
things
that
seems
to be
and
it
seems
to be
a
trait
among
either
various
groups
or
with
female
councillors
that
whenever
you
meet
them
you
get
fed
and
I
can
remember
when
we
had
events
in
Usha's
garden
when
Alan
was
there
and
we
had
all
the
group
there
where
the
food
just
kept
coming
and
coming
and
coming
and
then
when
there
was
elections
and
when
we
had
our
office
at
104
which
is
still
there
more
food
would
get
brought
up
from
Margaret
Road
more
and
more
and
more
because
you
couldn't
have
people
working
on
election
day
unless
they
were
well
fed
and
then
it
comes
to
the
point
then
when
obviously
Usha
had
stood
down
and
then
there
was
the
gap
between
us
coming
back
into
power
and
I'm
so
happy
that
she
lived
long
enough
to
see
both
the
return
of
a
Labour
council
and
the
return
of
a
Labour
government
I'm
sure
that
really
would
have
pleased
her
and
the
rest
of
the
family
to
know
that
we
still
pursue
the
values
and ideals
that
we
hold
dear
both
for
all
of
us
and
for
her
memory
I
think
the
last
time
I
saw
her
something
she
didn't
want
to
miss
she
wants
to
keep
in
touch
with
everyone
that
she
knew
and
keep
in
touch
with
what
was
going
on
and
as
has
been
said
you
never
saw her
without
a
smile
on
her
face
she'd
always
ask
how
you
were
doing
how's
the
family
and
we
returned
the
same
questions
and
then
with
Danish
you
know
we
knew
Danish
for
ages
his
kids
were
sort
of
in
the
same
year
as
my
child
or
just
below
so
there's
always
that
close
connection
from
where
we
live
not
only
what
they
did
together
but
the
families
in
that
area
that
all
tend
to
know
one
way
or
another
who
they
are
who
their
grandchildren
are
and
so
really
just
my
sincere
condolences
to
Danish
and
all
the
family
and
to
remember
that
we
will
remember
the
value
that
she
gave
Councillor
Sargent
please
thank
you
very
much
Mr
Mayor
it
is
a
very
sad
occasion
today
we
had
two
very
special
women
who
made
great
achievements
and
Usha
was
very
special
to
me
I
was
her
deputy
in
1998
I
hadn't
been
a
councillor
very
long
as
neither
had
Usha
but
what
was
very
special
about
it
was
that
she
was
so
encouraging
and
supportive
of
everybody
in
what
they
were
doing
she
had
she
could
have
chosen
any
charity
but
she
chose
the
deaf
children
society
because
she
supported
children
and
she
wanted
to
see
them
grow
and
I
remember
with
great
fondness
having
deaf
people
in
the
chamber
who
had not
ever
been
there
before
and she
made
such
huge
huge
efforts
to do
that
can I
also
say
how
please
I am
at such
sad
occasion
to see
my fellow
councillor
sitting there
looking younger
because he
hasn't
been in
this
chamber
now you
know what
you have
to do
there's
no magic
potion
and it's
lovely that
the whole
family are
there
I have
great fond
memories
because in
fact Usha
was part of
the dynasty
there was
there was
Usha
and there
was also
Chand
who very
quietly
was in
the background
but he
was a
very important
part of
that and
Danish
obviously
followed in
this very
important
footsteps
I won't
speak longer
because I
can see we're
now at
eight o'clock
but it's
and I can
see the rest
of everybody
wanting to
say something
else but I
do want to
say this
was a very
special person
she was as
the first
Asian woman
councillor
for Barnett
she made a
very quiet
impression at
a very important
time and she
laid the
foundations for
all the
councillors who
followed after
her so thank
you very much
Usha we shall
miss you
and thank you
applause
councillor
Zinken
please
the irony
of this
evening is
that in
our group
Eva was
the only
person who
would have
known Usha
so we've
had tonight
stories about
two very
formidable
women
on our
side as
we didn't
know her
we can only
offer our
thoughts and
condolences to
the family
and recognise
as the Labour
speakers have
the formidable
nature of
both Eva
and Usha
two very
formidable
ladies
they gave
a lot to
the London
borough
Barnett
so now
for both
Usha
and Eva
may I
ask everybody
to stand
for a
minute
silent
please
I also
have to
inform
also have
to inform
council
the
silent
passing
of
homeless
action
in
Barnett
chief
executive
Joe Lee
on the
6th
November
9th
2024
Joe Lee
had been
as much
a part
of what
Hab is
as what
has achieved
that he
leaves a
great void
their success
and forecast
at Hab's
focus at Hab's
on helping
so many people
in distress
is Joe Lee's
legacy
Joe was a
man of faith
who lived
out his
mission
through
the compassion
and love
for those
in need
I'm
delighted
to inform
council
that
Laurie
Williams
memorial
bench
has now
been
installed
last
December
in East
Barnett
village
the
ceremony
of the
installation
of the
bench
was on
the
13th
of
December
and it
is
located
outside
the
Brad
Russell
pharmacy
in East
Barnett
village
I
offer
my
sincere
congratulations
and have
written to
the following
to congratulate
them on
their recognition
the King's
New Year's
Honours
list
an OBE
for James
Masters
chair of
Grange Big
local and
co-founder of
Amazing
Communities
Together
for services
to the
community
in East
Finchley
a
knighthood
for Jeremy
Isaacs
honorary
life
chair
Noah's
Ark
Children's
Hospice
for services
to philanthropy
and children's
hospice
care
also
Evelyn
Blumenthal
who was
awarded a
British Empire
medal for
her outstanding
contributions to
hospital volunteering
and dementia
care
Luciana
Burgess
who has
been made
a life
peer
and finally
a very
successful
and well
attended
Holocaust
Memorial
last Sunday
took place
on the 26th of
January at
Middlesex
University
and I would
like to thank
everybody involved
in organising
this important
event for the
council
we heard
we heard from
the Holocaust
survivors
and also
heard stories
from students
who had
visited
Auschwitz
so thank you
very much
for those
who paid
a part
in that
okay
after one
hour and ten
minutes
well deserved
let's start
some council
business
group
secretaries
are there any
other apologies
for abstinence
thank you
thank you
mr. mayor
as group
secretary
I'd like on
behalf of the
group to
associate all
of us
all of the
remarks for
both
councillor
Greenspan
and councillor
Chopra
apologies
from councillor
cook
councillor
Bilbo
and councillor
Monasterio
thank you
we have none
mr. mayor
we have none
either
thanks
okay
I'm delighted
to welcome
Alexa
Alina
Zahra
and Shama
from
Kotul
Girls School
to the
council
chamber
this evening
thank you
for joining
us
I'd now
like to
invite you
to start
our
meeting
this
evening
esteemed
members
of the
council
and
fellow
residents
alongside
the
mayor
I am
Sabah
Popal
and it
is
an
immense
honour
to
stand
before
you
today
as
we
celebrate
the
60th
anniversary
of the
London
Borough
of
Barnet
our
borough
over the
past
six
decades
has
blossomed
into
a
thriving
community
one
full
of
life
and
ever
growing
it
is
not
simply
the
buildings
businesses
and
infrastructure
that
makes
Barnet
a
borough
it
is
the
people
their
spirit
and
our
unity
that
binds
us
together
Barnet
has
grown
into
a
place
that
people
from
all
walks
of
life
are
proud
to
call
home
and
thus
our
borough
stands
as
a
testament
to
what
hard
work
and
dedication
can
achieve
while
we
acknowledge
and
celebrate
all
that
Barnet
has
achieved
we
must
not
forget
to
gaze
ahead
to
the
future
to
the
next
60
years
and
to
the
countless
opportunities
still
waiting
to be
explored
for
the
youth
of
Barnet
our
future
looks
very
promising
yet
it is
filled
with
challenges
as well
being
raised
in
Barnet
allows
me
to
witness
first
hand
how
deeply
we
as
the
youth
want
an
opportunity
to
help
shape
our
borough's
future
never
nevertheless
one
of
our
greatest
challenges
as
young
people
is
finding
job
opportunities
that
welcome
individuals
with
no
prior
experiences
too
often
we
encounter
substantial
obstacles
in our
search
for
employment
whether
it
be
insufficient
experience
the
scarcity
of
opportunities
or the
financial
pressures
we
face
however
Barnet
has
always
been
a
place
born
of
opportunity
and
a
borough
that
rises
to
the
occasion
thus
if
we
are
to
continue
to
thrive
we
must
ensure
that
the
next
generation
has
the
tools
and
the
opportunities
to
succeed
by
fostering
more
employment
opportunities
for
our
young
people
through
apprenticeships
or
supporting
local
businesses
to
hire
more
youth
we
can
build
a
future
where
young
people
not
only
survive
but
thrive
so
today
I
ask
of
all
of
us
to
stand
together
in
making
this
vision
a
reality
this
vision
is
not
just
about
creating
more
jobs
it
is
about
empowering
the
next
generation
it
is
about
giving
them
the
tools
the
opportunities
and
the
confidence
to
succeed
as
when
we
invest
in
our
youth
we
are
investing
in
the
future
of
Barnet
as
a
whole
so
thank
you
once
again
for
your
attention
and
your
dedication
to
making
Barnet
an
even
better
place
for
all
of
us
good
good
evening
my
name
is
Shema
Abu
and
it
is
an
honour
to
discuss
an
important
topic
that
affects
many
of
us
mental
health
of
the
older
youth
especially
those
in
their
late
teens
and
early
twenties
this
period
is
often
marked
by
significant
changes
and
challenges
that
can
deeply
affect
mental
well-being
for
young
adults
the
weight
of
expectations
can
be
overwhelming
they
grapple
with
academic
demands
uncertainties
about
their
future
careers
relationship
issues
and
constant
comparisons
fueled
by
social
media
as a
result
many
experience
intense
feelings
of
anxiety
depression
and
isolation
and
sadly
these
challenges
are often
overlooked
leaving
young
people
unsure
of
where
to
seek
help
and
reluctant
to reach
out
due
to the
stigma
surrounding
mental
health
statistics
show
a
troubling
rise
in
suicide
rates
among
young
adults
year
after
year
in
2023
the
office
for
national
statistics
reported
that
there
were
5,656
reported
deaths
with
more
than
200
teenagers
tragically
lost
to
suicide
each
year
youth
centres
are
vital
in
tackling
these
concerns
these
have
not
just
as
social
spaces
but
as
supportive
environments
where
young
individuals
can
access
professional
mental
health
services
and
connect
with
peers
who
understand
their
struggles
they
offer
resources
such as
counselling
and peer
support
groups
focused on
stress
management
and
emotional
health
empowering
young
adults
and making
them
more
resilient
and
what
what
sets
youth
centres
apart
is
the
ability
to
foster
a
sense
of
community
many
young
people
feel
disconnected
and
uncertain
about
their
place
in
a
rapidly
changing
world
these
centres
offer
a
welcoming
space
for them
to express
those
feelings
alleviating
loneliness
and
nurturing
a sense
of
belonging
by
emphasising
mental
health
in
these
centres
we
convey
a
strong
message
seeking
help
is a
sign
of
strength
not
weakness
we
must
strive
to
ensure
that
every
young
person
in
Barnett
has
the
support
and
resources
they
need
to
thrive
both
emotionally
and
mentally
in an
increasingly
complex
world
thank
you
good
evening
my name
is
Lena
Jamil
60
years
ago
women
and
girls
all
over
the
UK
faced
several
inequalities
regarding
marital
laws
employment
injustices
and
restrictions
within
the
educational
system
they
were
deprived
of
their
rights
as
educational
opportunities
were narrowed
down
by
societal
norms
by
the
1960s
only
women
only
made
25%
of
university
students
within
the
UK
however
the
world
has
tremendously
transformed
Barnett
has
progressed
through
campaigns
support
services
and
organisations
for
victims
of
misogyny
Barnett
has
educated
and
empowered
girls
however
we
want
to
see
more
of
this
encouragement
for
girls
from
a
young
age
through
seminars
focused
on
teaching
girls
about
their
rights
as well
as
workshops
addressing
issues
and
educating
both
boys
and
girls
about
gender
inequality
we
we
we
also
need
programs
teaching
critical
skills
for
leadership
roles
youth
activities
to
bring
together
students
and
career
based
workshops
empowering
girls
to be
able
to
flourish
as
leaders
it
is
reported
that
only
23%
of
leadership
roles
are
taken
by
women
unfortunately
we
still
see
women
being
paid
significantly
less
in the
workforce
and
being
steered
away
from
positions
of
power
due
to
stereotypes
and
misogyny
these
programs
will
prevent
the
normalization
of
prejudice
I am
content
to be
able
to
say
that
I am
a
student
at
Copfield
school
an
all-girls
school
where we
are
given
the
resources
and
taught
the
skills
we
need
to
be
able
to
prosper
as
leaders
by
taking
this
step
in
progressing
girls
education
we will
be
able
to
see
our
young
girls
from
Barnett
succeeding
in
leading
top
organizations
by
uniting
Barnett
community
we will
be
creating
a
safer
and
more
driven
environment
for
our
youth
therefore
in
the
next
60
years
for
Barnett
I
want
to
be
able
to
see
today's
youth
becoming
tomorrow's
leaders
but for
this
we need
change
that
our
Barnett
council
can
provide
for
us
change
that
starts
in
Barnett
thank
you
hello
my name
is
Alexa
area
and I'm
a year
seven
student
at
Copter
girls
school
and I
am
truly
honoured
to be
speaking
here
in
this
beautiful
building
not
too
long
ago
I
was
choosing
secondary
schools
and you
can
apply
to
anywhere
across
London
which
is
great
if
you
prefer
concrete
to
green
spaces
I
ended
up
choosing
Copter
girls
mainly
because
of
the
open
space
trees
and
greenery
that
I
found
I
care
a
lot
about
our
planet
and
wildlife
so
I
love
to
see
areas
for
nature
to
grow
and
flourish
but there
is
too
little
space
in
London
one
thing
that
makes
my
school
so
special
is
our
massive
field
we
still
have
real
grass
and
real
soil
we
can
still
run
jump
and
cartwheel
across
it
it
is
the
one
place
that
we
can
really
be
free
that
has
not
been
built
over
like
most
city
schools
pupils
come
from
many
cultural
backgrounds
we
all
share
in
the
opportunity
and
experiences
of
school
life
it
is
dreadful
that
there
are
still
some
children
not
attending
school
in
Barnet
considering
that
they
will
grow
up
into
a
world
demanding
more
and
more
qualifications
to
succeed
many
families
are
bringing
up
children
in
unsafe
or
temporary
accommodation
never
knowing
what
the
future
will
hold
this
makes
it
incredibly
hard
to
succeed
in
school
it
is
our
duty
to
ensure
all
children
get
an
equal
start
in
life
I
hope
that
every
child
will
be
able
to
get
the
medical
assistance
shelter
and
education
that
they
need
to
thrive
in
the
Barnet
of
the
future
when
I
picture
Barnet
in
60
years
time
I
want
to
see
unity
green
spaces
trees
and
equality
for
all
we
have
fought
for
our
green
spaces
so
we
still
have
them
and
we
must
keep
fighting
till
we
have
our
perfect
borough
till
everything
is
equal
and
fair
till
our
planet
can
thrive
and
most
importantly
till
our
community
can
thrive
thank
you
thank
you so
much
for
representing
your
school
representing
young
adults
in our
borough
I
mean
from
year
seven
to
year
twelve
a good
cross
section
so
thank
you
very
much
for
coming
thank
you
for
those
thoughtful
words
I
invite
you
now
to
take
a seat
in the
public
gallery
if you
still
want to
hear
our
discussion
I'm
not
sure
it would
be up
to
your
standard
you're
welcome
to
stay
or
decide
what
you
want
to
do
thank
you
very
much
right
if
members
have
any
interest
to
declare
please
give
you
advice
and
also
declare
which
agenda
items
the
interest
relates
to
yes
Mr.
Mayor
15
council
lemon
15.1
motion
re
Sadiq
Khan
and
transport
I'm a
TFL
employee
so I
have an
interest
so I'll
recuse
myself
thank
thank you
council
lemon
council
edwards
yes
yes
chair
I just
want to
declare
an
interest
to
item
8
on
the
pension
scheme
as I
am
receipt
of
a
pension
from
the
London
borough
bond
thank
you
I would
also like
to declare
that I
am
receipt
of a
barnet
pension
also on
item
15.1
I am
an
employee
of the
Greater
London
Authority
which is
a
non
pecuniary
interest
thank
you
have I
missed
anyone
oh
yeah
as a
local
head
teacher
of an
independent
school
and I'm
relevant to
the point
in regards
to
independent
schools
thank
you
all
noted
thank
you
does
council
agree
the
accuracy
of the
minutes
of the
council
meeting
held on
the
15th
of
October
2024
agreed
there is
no business
from the
last
meeting
agenda
item
8
is the
joint
report
of the
monitoring
officer
and the
chief
finance
officer
thank
you
Mr.
mayor
in making
this
report
the
monitoring
officer
and chief
finance
officer
have
consulted
the
head
of paid
service
and the
external
auditors
full
council
is
recommended
to do
the
following
one
agree
to accept
the
joint
report
issued
by
myself
as
monitoring
officer
under
section
5
2
a
of the
local
government
and
housing
act
1989
and by
the
section
151
chief
finance
officer
issued
under
section
1142
a
of the
local
government
finance
act
1988
this can
be found
at
appendix
a
2
to note
the action
taken by
officers
so far
of
informing
the
external
auditors
reporting
the matter
to the
governance
audit
risk
management
and
standards
committee
and to
the
pension
fund
committee
and in
commissioning
external
legal
actuarial
and tax
advice
3
to
note
the
pension
fund
committee
has
considered
some
of the
next
steps
for
the
council
as
fund
administrator
at
its
meeting
on
the
14th
of
January
and
that
there
will
be
a
further
report
in
due
course
to
the
pension
fund
committee
4
to
agree
remedial
action
for
the
council
as
employer
recommended
in
paragraphs
7
and
8
of
the
joint
report
and
to
delegate
authority
to
the
chief
executive
in
consultation
and
chief
finance
officer
to
ensure
that
these
actions
are
carried
out
5
consider
the
three
options
at
paragraph
6
of
the
joint
report
and
delegate
where
relevant
to
the
pension
fund
the
governance
audit
risk
management
standards
committees
to
consider
and
approve
recommendations
for
rectification
and
to
refer
the
matter
back
to
council
as
required
once
all
advice
has
been
received
and
fully
considered
council
is
to
respond
to
this
report
and
the
response
will
be
minuted
thank
you
Mr.
Mayor
thank
you
very
much
we have
the
following
speakers
on
this
item
first
councillor
Rudford
you have
three
minutes
thank
you
Mr.
Mayor
it's
just
my
luck
I
get
to
go
after
the
best
speech
is
this
the
young
ladies
who
spoke
before
I
like
to
just
say
I'm
sure
they'd
be
great
future
councillors
although
I
noticed
they
had
the
good
sense
not
to
stay
for
my
speech
so
definitely
good
judgment
this
of course
though
is a
very
serious
issue
item
eight
and so
the
first
thing
to
say
is
you
know
it's
not
every
day
that
you
move
a
motion
calling
to
take
these
actions
and so
I
just
wanted
to
say
a
few
things
about
it
first
is
that
I'd
like
to
thank
the
pension
committee
which
I chair
and
all the
members
of
it
who
have
been
considering
these
issues
raised
I
think
with
great
diligence
and
the
officers
including
the
section
151
officer
and
others
who
have
been
working
with
us
to
try
and
start
resolving
these
issues
a
future
pension
committee
will
make
a
decision
about
how
it's
best
to
unwind
some
of
these
problems
but
I
think
it's
also
important
to
say
that
we
need
to
learn
the
lessons
of
potentially
what
got
us
here
in
the
first
place
I
haven't
been
pensions
chair
for
all
that
long
but
I
know
that
we
have
gone
through
quite
a
journey
even
previous
to
me
about
the
role
of
capita
in
terms
of
data
on
the
administration
side
West
Yorkshire
have
made
a
great
deal
of
improvement
on
that
driving
up
the
role
that
we're
successfully
getting
the
right
data
on
getting
the
right
pensions
to
the
right
people
but
equally
I
think
what
this
has
also
thrown
up
is
that
we
have
had
to
put
in
place
much
more
robust
governance
and
processes
that
we
take
a
properly
belt
and
braces
approach
to
running
the
pension
fund
because
it
has
its
own
distinct
duties
and
we
owe
it
to
the
beneficiaries
of
the
pension
fund
not
to
confuse
those
duties
with
our
role
as
a
councillor
and
our
wider
councillors
I
would
like
to
just
finish
by
repeating
the
point
about
thank
you
to
officers
and
the
committee
who
have
been
living
and
breathing
this
probably
rather
unexpectedly
I
know
that
I
was
a bit
shocked
when I
was
made
aware
of
it
as
pension
share
and
immediately
you
know
I
think
we
sort
of
sprung
into
action
to
make
sure
that
we
showed
that
governance
those
robust
processes
making
sure
we
went
above
and
beyond
so
that
no
one
could
call
into
disrepute
the
steps
we've
taken
to
at
least
address
this
problem
which
I
think
shows
a
commitment
to
making
sure
that
something
like
this
doesn't
happen
again
and
so
let
me
just
end
by
saying
this
is
an
important
step
but
it's
not
the
only
step
that
needs
to
take
place
we
need
to
learn
those
lessons
but
in
place
those
governance
and
processes
and
make
sure
that
we
get
to
a
place
where
we
have
a
pension
fund
committee
and
a
council
series
of
governance
and
processes
that
really
does
take
roles
and
responsibilities
safeguards
challenge
and
governance
incredibly
seriously
thank you
councillor
zinkin
i agree
with
everything
that
councillor
radford
just
said
i'd
just
like
to
add
a
couple
of
things
the
first
is
that
everyone
should
understand
that
paying
extra
money
into
pension
funds
is
the
dream
of
most
pension
funds
and
it
normally
benefits
the
pension
fund
it
doesn't
cause
it
damage
and
therefore
although
this
clearly
showed
failures
of
various
different
sorts
it's
very
important
that
people
should
understand
that
neither
the
pension
funds
nor
most
important
the
benefits
which
the
pension
fund
is
going
to
pay
were
in
any
way
affected
or
damaged
at
all
and
that
is
an
absolutely
fundamental
point
however
one of
the
things
which
the
report
identifies
was
that
the
scheme
of
delegation
which
we
had
in
the
council
did
not
properly
distinguish
between
the
two
roles
the
council
has
the
first
the
scheme
employer
and
the
second
scheme
administrator
the
one
as
scheme
employer
which
officers
carry out
in the
ordinary
course
and the
one
as
scheme
administrator
which
the
pension
fund
committee
carries
out
and
the
report
identifies
quite
correctly
that
this
needs
to be
sorted
out
and
the
scheme
of
delegation
needs
to
reflect
that
and
it's
possible
that
if
it
had
this
problem
would
never
have
arisen
but
the
question
that
arises
is
whether
any
other
dual
roles
which
the
council
has
have
similarly
not
been
properly
reflected
in the
scheme
of
delegation
so
the
one
thing
that
I
would
ask
officers
to
do
in
addition
to
the
recommendations
that
are
in
the
report
is
to
consider
just
reviewing
the
whole
scheme
delegation
to
ensure
there
are
no
other
places
where
such
a
conflict
arises
which
has
not
been
properly
delegated
in
the
scheme
thank
you
councillor
ruling
that's
a
surprise
okay
very
quickly
and I
thank
councillor
zinkin
for his
support
there
are
lessons
to be
learned
and they
do
seem
to
have
been
learned
the
most
important
thing
is
that
the
pensions
are
protected
and I
agree
with
that
that's
a
fundamental
this
is a
very
public
thing
issuing
orders
and so
on
and it
has to
be
done
while
there is
no
financial
harm
anyway
there is
a bit
of
reputational
harm
which is
why
it's
important
to
learn
the
lessons
so
as
Councillor
Radford
said
this
is
a
step
this
isn't
the
end
of
a
story
this
is
the
beginning
of
ensuring
that
proper
monitoring
proper
separation
happen
all the
way
along
so
I
do
commend
this
report
not
just
for
the
legal
necessity
of
delivering
it
but
for
the
background
information
the
options
and
how
it's
going
to
be
dealt
with
and
I'd
like
to
thank
the
officers
for
their
work
on
this
applause
just
before
I move
on
to
the
next
speaker
I
believe
the
councillor
Houston
want to
declare
an
interest
yes
I
I
popped
out of
the
chamber
because I
was
very sore
throat
I should
have
declared
I was
very briefly
as a
newly elected
councillor
member
and
also
councillor
McCur
no
okay
thank
you
yeah
thank
you
councillor
Schuter
thank
you
very
much
for
allowing
me
to
speak
on
this
as
the
former
chairman
of
the
pension
fund
for
a
number
of
years
and
I
mean
the
way
I
see
it
there's
no
barnet
gate
here
it's
just
obviously
there's
been
some
breakdowns
in
due
process
and
it
seems
that
more
money
was
paid
into
the
pension
fund
than
should
have
been
the
net
result
is
that
Barnet
has
benefited
to
the
tune
of
about
a
million
pounds
which
has
been
in
the
pension
fund
for
these
last
three
years
extra
profit
which
is
quite
the
lessons
need
to
be
learned
what
was
quite
interesting
was
that
in
the
financial
performance
and
contracts
committee
in
January
2020
of
which
I
think
Councillor
Zinckin
and
Councillor
Rawlings
were
there
it
was
actually
mentioned
in
the
forward
works
program
that
this
was
actually
happening
and
they
were
doing
a
prepayment
to
the
pension
so
I
really
quite
disappointed
a
little
bit
disappointed
that
this
is
the
first
time
I
none
of
the
pension
committee
had
any
knowledge
of
these
payments
that
were
being
made
obviously
it
was
done
in
the
best
interest
of
the
council
in
order
to
try
and
save
money
but
I
just
don't
think
this
would
ever
happen
if
reform
were in
charge
thank
no
I
think
all
that
needs
to
be
said
and
some
more
besides
thank
you
okay
we'll
now
move
to
the
vote
on
the
recommendations
on
page
24
of
the
agenda
councillors
will be
asked to
show
by
show
of
hands
those
in
favour
of
the
recommendations
please
show
all
Mr.
Mayor
all
so
there's
nobody
against
the
recommendations
have
been
agreed
thank
you
there's
no
public
questions
this
evening
there's
no
deputations
this
evening
and
there's
no
petitions
this
evening
announcements
from
leaders
there are
none
we'll
now
move
on to
the
questions
to
the
leaders
cabinet
members
and
committee
chairs
can I
remind
members
that
supplementary
questions
should
be
questions
not
statements
Mr.
Mayor
could I
raise a
point of
order on
the papers
please
on this
item
on this
item
on the
papers
it's just
that for
the last
three months
the answers
to the
questions
have come
without
any name
on them
which is
fine for
most of
us we
can work
out who's
answering
but if
you're on
the internet
and you're
just looking
up to
see who
you want
to write
to
and such
like
I'd
like to
if
possible
get these
names
reinstated
I was
told they
would at
the last
meeting
after making
inquiries as
to why they
were not
here but
they're not
here tonight
and it
would be
very useful
okay we
we're sure
you would
that be
dealt with
for the
next time
thank you
so um
yeah should
not be
questions
and please
keep both
questions and
answers concise
that way we'll
get through as
many as
possible in
that time
so
question one
thank you
mr.
mayor
the answer
to the
question here
is of course
very helpful
I was
tormenting
former
councillor
knackby
or disgraced
former
councillor
knackby
about this
for some
time
it is
very important
that we
get this
money in
from the
health service
which has
for many
years
been
slow
delivering
it
I would
like an
assurance
that we
will be
resolute
in collecting
this money
promptly
not just
invoicing
it but
chasing it
and getting
it
and there
is a
discrepancy
in the
answer
in that
I clicked
on the
little bit
of blue
here
and went
to the
cabinet
report
and that's
36 billion
rather than
just under
10 million
I mean
10 million
is enough
36 million
is a lot
more
and I
think that's
perhaps something
that could be
made clearer
could have been
made clearer
to me in the
answer
but please
will you
assure me
that you
will be
resolute in
collecting
this money
well I
think you
partly gave
the answer
yourself
Richard
that since
the first
report was
written to
the question
we have
collected
over 26
million
from the
National
Health
Service
we will
be resolute
there are
some arguments
about them
the continuing
care
I think
needs to be
looked at
children's
has not
been sorted
out
I'll be
honest with
you about
how payments
are done
but we
will continue
to pursue
it
but as I
say we
have brought
in quite a
bit of the
money
thank you
thank you
Councillor
Longstaff
thank you
Mr Mayor
I did look
at Barnet
first electronic
edition for the
18th of
December as
the answer
suggested
and the
refuse
collection
changes were
the 11th
item down
on the
18th of
December
so I
don't know
how many
residents
received
Barnet
first
but the
answer
implies
that if
you don't
receive
Barnet
first
if you're
not
subscribing
to Barnet
first
then
it doesn't
matter
you just
don't matter
to Barnet
council
so could
I ask
will
whoever wrote
the answer
to this
question
do the
decent
thing
next
year
and leave
a leaflet
on the
bins
of those
having
their
dates
moved
forward
thank you
Mr Mayor
okay
thank you
Councillor
Zincon
oh sorry
yeah
respond
I didn't
see you
there
thank you
I was going
to say
thank you
Mr Mayor
not so
sure
but
Councillor
Zincon
is welcome
to answer
he might
remember
the last
time
leaflets
were put
on bins
which was
several
years
probably
predates
Councillor
Zincon
we are
very proud
of the
bin
collections
here in
Barnet
over
Christmas
period
that was
mentioned
not just
in that
edition
of Barnet
first
as
Councillor
Longstaff
says
but
two
previous
editions
and I
think
was
much
higher
up in
that
there
were
two
days
where
bin
collections
were
put
forward
but
the
following
week
all
of
those
bins
were
collected
and
that
included
any
additional
rubbish
that
was
left
alongside
that
and
we
will
look
to
see
what
we
can
do
better
next
year
to
make
sure
even
more
people
are
informed
and
indeed
encouraging
ward
members
to
notify
their
residents
associations
and
on
social
media
as
I
and I
know
other
members
did
so
all
the
rubbish
was
collected
but
we
will
see
what
can
be
done
differently
next
year
thank you
thank you
councillor
zincid
mr.
mayor
the
council
will be
closely
feeding
into
that
process
in
due
course
what
does
that
mean
what
consultation
is
going
to
take
place
with
residents
given
the
extreme
importance
of
green
belt
to
the
residents
of
this
borough
and
the
scale
of
green
belt
within
it
thank
you
councillor
zinc
and
i
it is
important
that we
engage
with the
mayor of
london's
carrying out a
strategic
review of
green
belt
i as
two
previous
conservative
secretary of
states
have mentioned
that we have
had a
housing
crisis
and as
i'm sure
councillor
zinc
will
agree
not every
local authority
has pulled
its weight
when it comes
to delivering
new housing
so
one of the
things that i
can assure
councillor
zinc
about
is that
we
in this
administration
want to
preserve
and enhance
our
much valued
green space
in barnet
there is
obviously
a sensible
case for
looking at
grey belt
land
i don't think
we've got
loads of
grey belt
land
in barnet
we will
engage
because
engaging
means you
can influence
the outcome
and we
will
as part
of that
engagement
obviously
we will
engage
with the
public
in relation
to this
but the
review has
been carried
up to the
mayor of
london
so we
will step
up and
we will
be certainly
putting
barnet's
case in
relation
to that
thank you
councillor
richard
cornelius
thank you
mr mayor
and thank
you to
the leader
for his
response
here
the leader
has offered
at meetings
cited
the openness
of cabinet
decisions
versus
the committee
decisions
and he's
been very
proud of
that
yet
at cabinet
one sees
no disagreement
in public
at the committee
when we had
the committee
system
the opposition
had a chance
to speak
and things
were changed
on the hoof
at those
meetings
and i'm very
concerned as to
the quality
of decision
making
if it appears
that cabinet
members
just go along
with the
advice
it's not
a good
look
leader
could you
comment on
that please
well if you
read the answer
that's not what
the answer
says but
your idea
that it is
better to
change policy
on the hoof
says a lot
what happens
it's possible
I try not to
make it a
habit
but no
what happens
is you get
draft reports
every report
goes to the
cabinet members
can make changes
can alter it
so what comes
out
has often
been
changed
I can't give you
the whole list
because probably
most of them
have been
altered
because of
input from
the cabinet
members
so when it
comes to
cabinet
yes there's
a consensus
on the
report
we do try
and ensure
that there is
a debate
we allow
people to
ask questions
about anything
on the agenda
and perhaps
if the questions
were a bit
more
astute
it might
have an
effect on
our decision
making
but as
yet
it's a
whole
process
the
cabinet
is
the
end
of the
process
of
deciding
the
policy
of which
cabinet
members
as
councillors
are fully
involved
thank you
councillor
rudford
yes i'd
like to
thank the
leader for
his reply
one thing
as well as
david
speckley
who gave
great service
to the
pension fund
would you
also thank
adam
mcfailor
mark fox
who have
also done
a lot
of great
work
over time
with david
for the
pension fund
and i know
adam is
moving on
to a new
role soon
so i thought
it'd be a
good chance
to us to
extend our
thanks there
and secondly
there has been
a new
appointment
for the
chief investment
officer of the
london civ
which
members might
know we pull
a lot of our
pension fund
money through
jenny buck
has just been
appointed
could the
leader welcome
her appointment
and invite her
to visit
barnet and
potentially the
pension fund
committee
to talk about
what her
hopes are to
partner with
barnet so we
can continue to
make progress
and better
funding our
pensions
thank you
well i'm
always happy
to thank
people and
invite people
to see what
we're doing
in barnet of
which we're
immensely proud
of but the
mention of the
civ is an
important one
because i think
there are
changes afoot
as to how
local government
pensions will
be combined in
bigger units and
so on so i think
it would be a good
time to have an
input not only
about barnet as
a place that has
pension people on
the local government
pension scheme but
barnet as a place
for investment
investment and i'm
proud to speak to
anybody about those
possibilities including
the civ thank you
councillor shooter
thank you so much
mr mayor i was
actually really quite
surprised that i was
so high up on the
order i thought i was
trying to be silenced
but it shows that you
still like me so thank
you very much and
you're always welcome
to join obviously
everyone's welcome to
join join when you
can not when you have
to not when you have
to thank you very
much anyway i've got
a serious serious
question okay elon
asked me to ask it to
you so here goes
can the leader give
me assurances that he
will ensure that the
group room is kept
neat and tidy when we
take over the council
reform uk in 2026
thank you
um i think it was meant
to be you're meant to
have a chance of a
supplementary question
rather than go down
onto a fantasy unit
unit
our rooms are always
neat and tidy but as
the answer said it is
going to the
constitution review
committee we will have
a protocol um whether
uh the uk reform party
will admit that you are
a member or not we'll
wait and see but when
that point comes we'll
we'll work with it
they have sent about
three emails so far
councillor longstaff
thank you thank you
mr mayor um occasionally
we do ask astute
questions at cabinet and
the usual response is
well you've got a chance
to win the election in a
couple of years time um
but thank you for the
answer to the question
leader um but basically
you've been in charge now
nearly three years you've
made it clear you're not
interested in listening to
conservatives you've spent
all the reserves and
you're now begging for
59 million from the
government um when do you
think you're actually going
to start taking
responsibility for the
decisions that you've
taken thank you
right there's a few
questions there i'll try
and go through them
quickly um a we're
proud of what we've
done and we take
responsibility for what
we've done we took over
at a time when i don't
know where this hundred
million even in your own
figures it says 78 then
we found out that there
were a lot of uh
commitments that you
made that were using up
this money and then the
big you always forget and
you always groan but you
can't get away with it
after a couple of months
have taken over we found
mortgages going up
insurance going up
interest rates going up
because of the delightful
list trust
right okay no no
oh no
you've had your pantomime
moment but it is
important the actual
destruction of of
confidence in the british
economy on the guilt
market amongst foreign
investors meant that
there was a lot of
insurance and so on
now you can report it
back and so you can try
a cease and desist
letter with me i would
not cease i would not
desist that that was a
tory taking an axe to
the economy it needs
rebuilding you did the
same we're rebuilding we're
holding we take responsibility
for what we're doing we're
proud of what we're doing
we're making a barn a better
place and we will continue
to do so
thank you
councillor naranthira
councillor naranthira
what has been the long term
impact on why and how
likely are we to recover
councillor roving
thank you i wouldn't let the
whole train but no you can
ask questions to other
people but here we here we go
yeah that hollowing out of
those government that austerity
what happened is that there
was a need for belt
tightening after the 2008
that belt tightening became a
straitjacket it made the
economy anorexic and it's
going to take a long time to
rebuild it it was 14 years of
hollowing out local government
and public services we have
begun to change that
nationally we have begun to
change it locally we are going
to be proud of the public
services we have a role and a
role that will make a better
life for the people of barnet
and so we're fighting against a
tide that's gone against us over
many years that tide has turned
and it will continue to turn
councillor dean cohen thank you
mr mayor um councillor shinen what
work have officers done to support
this proposed policy change to
prove that parking income on the
high streets um would affect
businesses will not be negatively
impacted
um thank you um as you know
councillor cohen it's not about
the income now that the
consultation is closed the
responses are being analysed to
inform what our parking policy
proposals are going to be going
forward once that's been done
then there'll be an impact
assessment of how we expect those
proposals to impact on on town
centres that's when that that's
when that will happen thank you
councillor mitra thank you mr
mayor does the leader agree with
me that the ongoing capacity
issues with external auditors is a
serious risk to councils and will
he work with other council leaders
across london and the country to
raise this up the government's
agenda
happy to do so i do feel that um
like a lot of local government have
been let down by some of the
auditing firms um and especially the
big four you go back to carillion
that i think that there does need to
be a look at the role of audited
there's a temptation to look at a
national audit office not the same as
before i'm glad they got rid of off
log but i think there is an important
role that has yet to be fulfilled and
happy to lobby on providing a better
solution
councillor longstart
thank you mr mayor um in recent
figures sent to the children's
committee and we were discussing them
the other night uh the on online
um there was a 2.6 million gap
between savings and pressures still in
the budget
um so you one asked the question you
know what what's happening with
regarding that that gap and the answer
is well we're working on this and and
and we're close to finishing getting
getting a balance but but you'd never
find out exactly how or why and it
says here that the uh grant funding
and health funding are covering the
gap could you uh could you tell me
just how much have you received the
money on this grant funding is is the
um children's services covered is the
budget balanced thank you
all right there's a couple of things
there first of all some of the grant
funding has come through and has made a
difference and we've taken some out
there is still a gap so we still need
to make efficiency savings we are
determined we'll make those
efficiency savings um children's
service obviously plays a vital role
uh there's recognition in the budget
of putting extra money in because it's
been underfunded for so so long there
has been uh some extra grant funding we
weren't sure until recently has come
through for the children's funding i do
not know that the final figure offhand
um but i will let you know if there's
a further to go that's all i can say at
that from what i know at the moment
thank you all right
councillor hatton thank you mr mayor um we've
already touched on this but although we
think of the trust mini budget as a one
off event what are the long-term effects
of the on the cost to the council if the
leader has anything further to add
just briefly there's several costs one
was involved putting up interest rates
higher than they needed to go i think
there was going to be a rise in interest
rates we're all paying for that for that
the capital cost of borrowing and because
of some of the unfunded um issues we were
left with when we took over from the
conservative administration rather than
having a two percent interest they had an
eight percent interest bill bill on them
which has put extra pressure on which
has meant we've had to take decisive
action but there's also been a loss of
confidence on an international stage that
and that's not down to us but that the
government is trying to recover the fact
that somebody somebody could sack the
truth officer have unfunded uh tax cuts
has shown to be a complete failure and
like anything you have a big knock it
takes a long time to recover we are
recovering from the trust mini budget
um but it's but the history meant that
there are still millions more paid in
interest rates than they need to be
that is a bill on the residents of
barnet the residents of barnet either
through their mortgages or through the
council are still suffering from the
eccentric budgetary policies of the of the
tory i guess they're the last tory
administration there were so many you
can't keep up but you can't you may
grown as much as you want you know
date that destroyed the economy you went
you went
thank you how many years did you go on
about just there was a joking note in
the treasury you were still talking about
it fifteen years later we will not
cease we will not desist people have
suffered because of liz trust people
have suffered because of the
conservative government people have
suffered because of the conservative
austerity we are trying to make turn that
round and it will take time it will take
time to turn round and we're still
finding out things that unpaid bills
from under the conservative
administration that we have to deal
with thank you councillor grocock thank
you mr mayor i assume the answer has
come from councillor schneiderman thank
you for that i appreciate there are
weekly bin collections may i have your
reassurance tonight the administration
will not be moving to a fortnightly
bin collection or dare i suggest as has
been rumored will be happening in other
labor administrations a monthly
collection
um thank you councillor grocock um i
appreciate that moving away from
weekly bin collections might have been
in your budget before the last local
elections we made a manifesto
commitment to maintain weekly bin
collections and that's what we've been
doing
so is that a yes thank you councillor
chakrup party firstly i think it's um
important to acknowledge that our
overspend is not as great as many other
councils difficult though the
circumstances may be although our
overspend is not as great as many
other councils we do have fewer
reserves because the previous
conservative administration over
committed on capital please that we
don't have the revenue to honor and
given that lack of revenue we're in the
precarious vulnerable position of having
to draw down on our reserves allow him to
ask the question so my question is so my
question is how do we make sure that
that this never happens again
well you're quite right there and this is
what we said before the interest rates on
the capital programs promised or started
under the conservatives didn't take
account of the way the bills have gone
up and the money wasn't put aside we do it
we're doing a lot of things but on the
capital in particular we've taken a lot of
money out of the capital expenditure to
save money we're striving hard to find
better solutions we're applying for any
grant funding but we've still got to pay
if you like the Tories left a big bill for
Barnet residents to pay and we're still
paying for it once that's paid off we can
move forward and go for a better way of
handling the finances they were very
officer-led we're trying to be more
strategic-led and I think that will make
a big difference in the long run
Councillor Wakeley thank you mr. mayor
the advice on the council cost of living
web pages unfortunately seems to be out of
date in areas in particular there's
advice that refers to support that hasn't
been available since 2023 does the leader
agree with me when the council spends
23 and a half thousand pounds of taxpayers
money he should ensure the advice they're
promoting is up to date and will he ask
officers to check that the advice is up
to date I will certainly thank you for
that because I I be honest haven't
spotted that we will look at that we'll
ask officers for spending 23,000 to push
the benefits calculator that brought over
12 million back into Barnet into people's
pocket I think it's a good investment a good
investment thank you councillor mckirk okay
councillor longstar thank you mr. mayor
i'm the poster director of children's
services at statuary post and we are all
corporate parents so we all look to that
person as the central point for children's
services but for reasons and the question
whole point of this question is that we
did not get updated on the day the new
interim director took part took to took
his role up and I think it's important
that that short sort of thing should
happen bang on time so my question which
is kind of goes with this as well is
that whilst part of the management charts
have been updated will the cabinet member
please undertake to update the management
structure chart that still shows the wrong
DCS and the wrong director of family
services as working at Barnet council when
they left some six weeks ago thank you
mr. mayor
yeah I don't think I'll be personally
doing it but I can certainly request the
officers update the site
councillor lemon
thank you mr. mayor um yes thank you for
answer council uh leader of the council and
i'm sure he would agree with me that
barnet's 26,000 small businesses are the
lifeblood of our borough so given that
would you like to outline how we are
supporting them thank you um yes we take
uh the smes of small businesses in
barnet's very seriously indeed we have one
of the as a as a borough one of the best
records and that does go back quite a long
way i'm not knocking that what we have
changed is forming uh economic development
strategy we've had quarterly business
breakfasts that have always been over
subscribed at least a hundred subscribed
for for for each one one which i i go to to
give it let to show that the leadership is
fully behind what we can do for businesses
uh the last one was in the uh middlesex
university aimed at startup and uh new
entrepreneurs how you get enterprise
going and i think there's a e-newsletter
that has over 1200 businesses subscribed to
it that regularly goes out we've working
with middlesex university on awards for
uh for small businesses for startups and
so on and interesting what this is where
partnership work comes middlesex university
providing free accountancy from their
accounting department two new businesses
two charities to help help them set up
properly so we're doing a lot for small
businesses we need those small businesses
they they are the lifeblood uh the inner
the innovators within barnet and we will
continue to support them
we've heard the opinion of the the wrong
opinion of the leader so um we're 59 million
we're begging for that off the government
so the question which never got answered
here which was a very reasonable question
and didn't even come close to getting
answered um was and i'm going to repeat
the question i would like an answer
will the leader now insist that all
projects are fully budgeted expenditure
monitored and transparent about the
costs incurred in that project because
some of the answers that you're giving in
these answers are just frankly nonsense
and it's about time they took responsibility
and actually did the projects properly
and managed them properly
deal david
there's something else to be angry about
but again you know very well that we've
got a cultural impact award
a couple hundred thousand to put on
something you look on here and these
are a few thousand pounds and he's brought
a few hundred thousand pounds back into
the borough that is what you do when
you properly budget now on the budget and
the monitoring everything we have changed
it from under your administration so we
actually know what the budget is we do
have proper business cases and they are
fully monitored
well why didn't you write that in the
answer
because i because i enjoy because i enjoy
you i enjoy your supplementaries
your so you asking the same question time
and time again is a bit of a futile
experience you've got the answer we we do
fully monitor anything again like the last
one we're councillor wakely we're bringing
in a lot more by what we're invested in we're
bringing in a lot more money to the borough and
that is how you run a good council you've
got a lot to learn you can learn from us
okay can i uh councillor growcock no further
supplemental
councillor
councillor
i'm not here
councillor is it sorry yeah sorry
um um thank you mr mayor
um uh uh uh the uh the government's plan
rise in the minimum wage uh to 12 pounds 21
per hour which is still 39 p short of the
uh living which uh the shot of the shot of
living which uh gold standard
would help 8 million 8 000 working people
8 000 low pay workers in barnet how would this
benefit council staff and the council leader
thank you
it's a very welcome big rise in the minimum
wage uh that happened because we've got a
labour government that take these things
seriously uh it also makes living wage a lot
more uh attainable funny uh funny enough or by
coincidence i was talking to the worker in the
living wage foundation this morning uh to arrange a
visit with them to talk through how these things can
make a difference there are issues with some of
the contracts about how you get a living wage but
those were directly employed both already employed by
barnet council the cleaning contracts the security
contract the barnet homes contract all pay at least the
london living wage and it's called that for a reason
it's what people need to earn to have a decent sense of
life with it within barnet within anywhere in london
we will continue to support this is great news at the minimum
wages going up and we will continue to support low wage workers
wherever we find them and help through money like council tax
support and so on sorry i don't realize the time's up sorry
mr mayor okay thank you that concludes the question to
leader cabinet members and committee chairs and we'll now
move on to the remainder of the business members questions
about drawing arrangements there are none order please
mr mr mayor um a point of order in relation to the motions um there was an
informal agreement between the parties in relation to motions which is that we
would not amend each other's motions we recognize that it was an informal
agreement we recognize that the administration or the labor party have the
right to abrogate that agreement whenever they want but what they do not have the
right to do as they did this time is to abrogate the agreement without telling us so
that we had no opportunity to amend their motions and so as a result of that in the
motion debate we will debate the two motions that are going to be discussed but on all the
other motions we will abstain as a group
councillor zinc and it's
councillor zinc and it's noted there's no formal agreement
i'd rather not it's not really a point of order mr mayor it's not it's not really a point of order
just to leave it there yeah okay
um
i now call on the labor group to state which administration motion will be debated
thank you mr mayor we'll be debating motion 15.1 in the name of councillor schneiderman
welcoming the commitment of the mayor sir sadi khan to providing residents with transport choice and
improving air quality okay i now call on the conservative group secretary of state which
opposition motion will be debated thank you mr mayor we would like to debate the opposition
motion in the name of councillor longstaff faith schools are not a luxury 15.4 thank you
thank you i now call upon councillor schneiderman to move his motion welcoming the commitment
of the mayor sir sadi khan to providing residents with transport choice and improving air quality
you have three minutes thank you mr mayor um it's great pleasure to put this motion down because
we want barnet to be a great place to live work and study a place where residents can easily travel
in and out of the borough and importantly across it and we want barnet to be a great destination for
visitors to our amazing local businesses restaurants cafes cinemas museums parks open spaces and much
more so that's why we're working on a new transport strategy that's about improving choice improving
public health and air quality and helping to tackle climate change we want to increase the number of
trips by walking wheeling cycling and public transport and encourage people to use their car less where
possible particularly for shorter journeys or where you don't need to be carrying heavy shopping
and mr mayor we want to make our roads safer that's why we're working on a neighborhood-led 20 mile an hour
policy focusing on the areas where there is a problem and where residents are asking for their traffic to be
slowed down we're investing a record 97 million pounds in improving our roads and pavements which benefits bus
passengers pedestrians cyclists and car drivers alike that's the set and the second year of that program
will be coming to cabinet just next week and in addition we'll be investing over 1.4 million pounds
again next year to improve road safety installing hundreds more ev charge points working to upgrade the a1000
cycle lane the barnet loop more bike hangers and free of charge bike maintenance sessions
the tories may be obsessed with making this into an ideological battle we'll see in a moment
where if you're trying to improve bus services or make cycling safer your anti-car or anti-motorist
we're pro-resident and pro-giving residents the choice to have more sustainable transport options
although we are anti-winging tory councillors who don't have a vision for barnet
and when it comes to the mayor of london we want to continue to work closely with him because he shares our
commitment to improving transport and air quality that's why we want to thank him for improvements to bus services
including the 310 and the new super loop routes offering connections across our borough
and for the mayor the west london orbital line is a priority
it will link up stations in barnet across west london and we'll be continuing to campaign for that
we understand the importance of improving transport choices in barnet
and that's why we're getting on with the job of doing that and i hope we can all support this motion thank you
councillor dean cohen
thank you mr mayor the problem with the labour run barnet council is they are so infatuated with mayor khan
they have forgotten that they elected to represent the residents of barnet
these are not the residents of barnet
that mayor khan is focused on i.e the residents of inner london and that is being generous
councillor scheiderman and his fellow labour colleagues so much want to follow the ways of mayor khan
just look what they have just consulted on that is massively increasing parking charges across this borough
this motion talks about choice mr mayor the the only thing that mayor khan and this labour run administration
here in barnet is doing is restricting choice that's right they want to penalize anyone who has a car in this borough
mr mayor
hitting and surpassing targets is a sign of success income from on street parking is surpassing its target
income from residence parking is surpassing its target
that's not a good enough for this labour administration so what do they plan to do after the recent consultation
they've already done this a 94 percent increase that's right mr mayor and 94 percent increase in the cost of
prints of visitor permits from one pound 45 to a staggering three pounds a similar percentage on virtual permits
and the consultation is consulting on up to a 300 percent increase in on-street parking charges in barnet
to a minimum charge of three pound fifty more than doubling the cost of going by car to buy a loaf of bread
the small parades of shops such as mowbray parade in edgebury wards that rely on people parking to a shop
that used to be free for the first half an hour an hour now it will be three pound fifty
removal of the town centre jewel 15 minute parking loading bays
mr mayor just like rachel reeves is killing business barnet's labour administration wants to follow suit
mr
mr mayor the labour plan
is to price you out of your car and onto the bus
thank you
councillor sargent
thank you very much mr mayor and thank you very much for this motion i wanted to speak for the people of collindale
who as you know have had their station redeveloped throughout the time of the redevelopment
i think all my fellow councillors will know we've been we have been subjected to a barrage of complaints about what was going to happen
it was not going to be on time we wouldn't do it it would never happen there would be problems
and what happened in the end it opened on time exactly as we said it would in december 2024
and so far it has kept completely to time
i think because we live in barnet we don't appreciate just how special it is to have the sort of facilities that we do
i don't know if people remember seeing in the evening standard fairly recently when it was still operating
that there were residents coming from other countries saying one of the jewels in the crown of their visits
to london were visits on the london underground
in fact some of them even said that they wish that they had similar services in their own in their own areas
so i do think i would like to see some positivity about what we're trying to do
i have i have myself
a find that when i want to use the tube i can use it and when i want to use a car i can use it
and i think we need to have a little bit of understanding
of where we are going and what we need to do
in order to make our transport systems the systems that we want for the future
thank you council long staff
thank you mr mayor
if i had a pound for every time that
councillor schneiderman had announced he was spending 97 million
on the roads and pavements i'd have 97 million pounds by now
and i could probably plug that giant hole in the council finances
councillor schneiderman wants residents to have transport choices which sounds fantastic
but he's the one who with with highways submitted a seven page essay in support of the ulez expansion
12 pound 50 a day or a new car or change jobs
not much choice
tfl and barnet council are now imposing bus lanes
they're making decisions that go against what the residents want
all because tfl were looking to expand
its bus lane network in outer london
they wanted 25 kilometers
of extra bus lanes by the year 2025
and all that came out of a stupid alliteration to put bus lanes in
and so we've got a bus lane coming into high barnet without councillor engagement
being told to us the final decision just being announced
mr mayor you say that uh the councillor schneiderman says he wants residents to be able to augment their car journey
with a public transport element
and again that sounds perfectly good really good stuff
but the main car journey with public transport element interface
is a drive to a tube station car park
and then you get the tfl
never mind mcgurk
except tfl are planning to build on the tube station car park
and this is why we think
this is why we think that people like councillor mcgurk
and councillor mcshideman
don't want drivers in barnet
they want drivers banned from barnet
they're not interested in drivers
they tell you to take the bus
when in this thing it says use a car and public transport
and you still say take a bus
they have no interest whatsoever
in car drivers in barnet
thank you mr mayor
councillor mitra
dear god
thank you mr mayor
public transport
is the lifeblood of any city
in an old and ancient city such as ours
it's even more important
barnet residents live work and travel all over our city
and a well connected transport network
is the cornerstone of our economy
our society and our lives
in the years that i've served on this council
this is an issue that we've all agreed on
and in particular
the importance of orbital transport links
we have excellent radial transport
into and out of london
thanks to the northern line
but our orbital links have never quite been up to scratch
sir sadiq khan has been a champion of our public transport
and unlike his predecessor
who cut a billion pounds of funding to tfl
sir sadiq has delivered
he delivered the superloop services from harrow
to north finchley and on to walthamstow
and there's more planned as well
with new superloop services
from high barnet
with new links to harrow and stratford
he's extended bus routes such as the 112
providing new links to finchley
and he's finally delivered the 310 bus
which this council has been calling for for many years
but the most important next step that we can take is to progress with the west london orbital
in many ways
it's very sad councillor cook isn't with us today
this is very much his passion project
the western side of our borough is fast growing
and access to jobs for our residents and access to our businesses
in places like brent cross is not a wish it's a must
for this to happen we must work closely with the mayor of london
and on that point i want to congratulate sir sadiq on his well deserved honor
because it upsets all the right people
this borough thanks him for delivering for barnet
and we thoroughly repudiate the shameful motion passed in this chamber
several years ago
questioning whether he was an enemy of the people of barnet
thank you
you were very wrong
he's a close friend of this borough
you should be ashamed
thank you
councillor mitra please
thank you
councillor crocott
thank you mr mayor
i express my concerns regarding the proposed imposition of bus lanes in finchie church and ward
and across barnet
a decision made by barnet's labour administration that appears to disregard the wishes of residents
ironic then that they bring up as colleagues have said before me giving residents a choice
while the administration claims to promote transport choice
they have shown time and time again to ignore the wishes of residents and impose what they want to impose
this council is developing a reputation of having a tin ear
the proposed decision to implement bus lanes in finchie church and
reflects a glaring disconnect between the policy goals outlined
and the lived realities of our communities
the imposition of bus lanes might be seen as a means to enhance public transport
but in finchie church and it feels more like a one-size-fits-all approach
being forced upon us considering the negligible impact the imposition of these lanes
across london the introduction of bus lanes has resulted in congestion being shifted
rather than resolved creating frustration for residents and businesses alike
we have also seen strong opposition to the euless expansion across barnet in wards such as burnt oak
with such opposition being snubbed by labour in barnet we have seen multiple instances of top-down decision making
without genuine consultation
leaving residents feeling overlooked and ignored
what message does it say mr mayor there's a point of order
choices but then impose changes
changes that remove choice if you want to raise a point of order i'd like to raise the element
of somebody swearing when my colleague was speaking thank you
forcing people into an inconvenient and unworkable system we all want barnet to be a great place to live
work and enjoy but labour's approach as seen here risk dividing us rather than uniting us
around common goals i urge this administration to pause listen to the people of finchley church and
and recognize that meaningful change comes from working with residents not against them thank you
uh councillor snydom
um yeah thank you mr mayor um having heard speeches i'm not sure they're going to join us in thanking
sadiq khan um but but sadiq khan has been a good friend to barnet and that's definitely witnessed by
the uh extent the new 310 bus route and the other routes that are serving london it's a shame that as
expected the tories have decided to turn this into an ideological issue on bus lanes there was lots of
resident and member engagements i don't know if councillor grocock attended the meeting to discuss that bus lane
or not it's worth looking at the tory transport strategy from 2020 has some very interesting
things in it lobbying for the eulers extension page 88 that's on low traffic neighborhoods page 91
restricting town center parking page 92 and unbelievably they didn't even mention this earlier
lobbying for road user charging yes that's on page 92. we'll be working to improve transport choices
in barnet and not just make it into a pointless ideological argument thank you
all right we will now move to the vote on the motion in the name of councillor snydom
point of order um thank you mr mayor you might like to remind the chamber on that side of the
uh point you made at the beginning about by-election rules and mentions thank you
you mentioned two more already
all right noted okay
right let's move on to the motion the voting please yeah um all those in favor
that's 33 mr mayor all those against
that's one mr mayor okay the motion in the name of councillor snydom is therefore carried thank you
right now call upon councillor longstaff to move his motion faith schools are not
where
thank you
okay i now call council longstar to move his motion faith schools are not a luxury
thank you mr mayor um up until a few weeks ago education and vocational training were exempt from
vat on the government website and just recently they've added except private schools
bridget phillipson the education secretary says that tax breaks are a luxury luxury from the latin
meaning luxuria meaning great comfort extravagance or elegance and that does not describe the vast
majority of private schools it's not a tax break either it's an exemption that has always been in
place across all forms of education the imposed vat will raise approximately 1.6 billion but
approximately 3 000 pupils will be withdrawn from their schools this year nobody knows what the effects
will be in september phillipson phillipson intends to use all the money to drive up standards across
all state schools but come september how many private schools will be left what will be the uh
the burden on barnet nobody knows councilors please independent schools private schools are facing a
triple attack from labour the extra vat of 20 percent business rate relief ended in april and the
crippling rise in national insurance contributions phillipson has given no indication of how standards
will be improved except to say that phillipson has actually scrapped the latin excellence program
a move described by even the guardian as short-sighted and yet we do have the money to keep that all in
place after all starmer found an extra 310 million yesterday for the world health organization
they've always got money for people abroad the latin excellence program costs 4 million and you have to
question the modus operandi of someone who wants to scrap latin she's got an extra 1.6 billion but can't
find 4 million for latin how will the next generation be able to read the barnet motto unit as a fits
ministerium unity accomplishes service councillors please the young barnet residents who were tasked with
choosing the name of the youth zone in montrose park picked unit as it was on the barnet coat of arms and
that's why they chose it but phillipson hates luxury but then why wouldn't she after all you know two
parties for 14 000 pounds top range tickets for taylor swift you can't tickets you just can't buy but
parents who work hard and i mean work hard to send their kids to private school for them it doesn't matter
it's just not acceptable for them to go to a school with tony blair it was education education
education but with bridget phillipson it's all envy envy envy nothing but envy please support this
motion for barnet school children and i move the motion in my name mr mayor thank you very much
thank you councillor coakley webb please thank you mr mayor it has long been the case that state
schools have suffered from a lack of funding enough teachers and buildings long overdue for repair or
replacement it is also the case that independent fee paying schools which of course is the right for
parents to choose have an advantage in applying for many professions either by contacts or schooling
which provides much smaller class sizes and often a range of activities which state schools could only
dream of that's why this labor government is going to use the vat recruit from independent schools
to hire 6 500 teachers improve school standards and upgrade the sen system here in barnet we have one of
the most diverse communities in london with a whole host a variety of independent schools that is why
we have set up an independent schools forum to listen to their concerns and offer our traded services
either a full package which replicates the services that the state schools receive or a pay-as-you-go
package all relating to school improvement and professional support when schools apply to become
part of the state sector which does happen the two overarching conditions are that they have a
previous good or better ofsted and that there is no obligation for the council to pay rent on
their premises it should also be noted that in previous years 23 24 independent schools raised
their fees on average by eight percent and that only around seven percent of the pupil population
attends independent schools and when you look at the caveats to this scheme for those pursuing arts in
independent schools whose parents earn less than 45 000 there is financial assistance for pupils in
independent schools which have been placed by the local authority and have an ehcp the authority can
reclaim the vat on these fees and for military families for boarding there is also an increased
account for the private school increases and finally independent schools can now claim back the vat on
capital projects such as building and land acquisition over the past 10 years which can be paid back
over a decade therefore mr mayor this motion fails to recognize all our independent schools all recognize
the financial difficulties of our state schools while the additional vat on independent schools will at
long last pursue our aim that a high quality and funded education thank you and not the few thanks
councillor wakely
thank you mr mayor i urge my colleagues across this chamber to consider the unintended consequences
this government's tax measure could have on independent faith schools and schools for children
with special educational needs and disabilities in barnet these schools are pillars of our community we have
at least 57 faith schools including 18 that are independent supporting over 3 300 pupils
these are lifelines for families who prioritize religious education as part of their lifestyle
however these schools operate on tight budgets relying heavily on charitable donations and affordable
tuition fees these are not the harrows or eaton of the world but local community schools founded by
our residents for our residents providing services and education that are tailored to some in our borough
the introduction of vat could make these essential services unaffordable for many families who already
make financial sacrifices this policy risks undermining diversity in education here in barnet and will
put pressure on local services when those children have to return back to barnet maintained schools
therefore we call on the leader to write to the secretary of state to highlight barnet's unique challenge
and seek some redress for our critical local schools thank you
thank you councillor young
it doesn't matter thank you mr mayor uh when i saw the title of this motion i wanted to speak in it
because i and all of us believe that faith schools are not a luxury i'm committed to faith schools my
children went to church school i'm on the council of a church with a faith school and i am a governor of a
church school all saints in charles hill it welcomes high numbers of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds
six out of ten pupils have english as an additional language many come from war-torn countries with no
english at all pupils are welcomed throughout the academic year all are accepted unconditionally to learn
with faith but of course this twisted tory motion is not about access to faith schools it's about
private education and vat on school fees there is no mention of state schools in the motion not one
despite there being 16 000 pupils in voluntary aided schools in barnet the vast majority being in faith
schools they are ignored and undervalued in this motion as they have been by the tories for 13 years
i believe that state-funded faith schools which make up the vast majority of faith schools do a
fantastic job and i am proud of their achievements in barnet of course we recognize the challenges facing
independent faith schools particularly many jewish schools in barnet and our cabinet member for
education is working tirelessly to support those schools including joining the voluntary aided sector if
they wish but but to have the best quality faith schools with more teachers over a billion pounds to fix
crumbling neglected buildings and access to mental health professionals in every school
thing things we all agree on the funding needs to be raised and our labor government
is committed to giving every pupil free access to the best education possible faith schools are not
a luxury but it is only through providing the funding they need that our pupils will have unconditional
access to the high quality education they all deserve i urge you to vote against this motion
thank you mr mayor the imposition of vat on independent faith schools is a short-sighted policy that
threatens the fabric of our diverse and thriving community particularly in my award edgeware this is
not merely a financial issue it's an attack on parental choice and faith-based education and like the
rollout of free school meals shows the impact of on certain faith schools is mere afterthoughts by the
labor party edgeware is a vibrant and diverse ward home to nearly 20 000 residents with significant
jewish and christian populations independent faith schools are an integral part of our community offering
families and education and education aligned with their values and beliefs schools such as minora grammar
school and touch bar of edward based in a primary school and a host of others serve many families in my
ward these are shining examples of institutions that nurture well-rounded value driven in young people
these schools are not just for the elite they serve families from all walks of life who make significant
sacrifices to give their children the best start furthermore many independent faith schools in edward
like elsewhere operate on extremely tight budgets and shortfalls often providing bursaries to
support lower income families vat will strip away these opportunities shutting doors for many
and eroding the ability for these schools to deliver the quality of education that these schools have
currently been providing but for the vast majority of private schools up and down the country this
disastrous policy really risks devastating these schools imposing vat on fees will force many families to
withdraw their children as the financial burden becomes too great these pupils will then have to move
into already overstretched state system placing huge pressure on class sizes resources and teacher
workloads any revenue generated from this tax will be offset by the cost of accommodating these students
in state schools it doesn't take a professor to work that out this is not about raising revenue this is an
ideological attack on parents choice and religious freedoms we all must stand together to defend these
schools and the vital role that they play in our community thank you councillor gordon
thank you mr mayor i'd like to start with a positive there is one part of this motion i absolutely
support barnet is home to our diverse community it's part of our greatest strength and it's integral to who we
are as the borough i'm proud to be part of that diverse community as someone in faith and many of
us in this chamber are however what this motion completely fails to reference is the hugely important
role of faith state schools which are open to all and they're not a luxury faith-based state schools are
both here and in the private in the independent and state sector and i'm proud to be a governor of our
primary which is a jewish school and i became a governor after i visited for mitzvah day and i saw how my
jewish values were being replicated in the school and whilst i'm here quick shout out to alma for
being invited to sing to the prime minister at downing street and being introduced to the queen
talk about a social contribution to the community i also went to a private school i know you know
better than most that it's a choice that some parents do choose but it's up to all of us to
build a society that works for us all not just the privileged few the labour government has been
handed an appalling inheritance it's like being left debt by a family member you didn't even like
government is about choices and i in this labor group stand by the choices government has made
and that residents voted for in the labor manifesto this year last year even government has ended tax
breaks on private schools to improve standards and opportunities for the nine out of ten kids
who attend those state schools i know that not all independent schools faith are otherwise the same
some don't have a typical fee structure and i'm glad that the leader is meeting faith-based
independent schools on monday as part of the independent schools partnerships board
and just to reiterate faith schools are ortho state schools many suffer from underfunding this
motion acts as if a faith-based education is solely the luxury of a private sector it's not and it's
dishonest to suggest that there is religious diversity and choice in barnet in the state sector
in weststone alone we have jewish catholic and church of england state schools all thriving and
delivering for the kids who go there i urge my colleagues those of us of faith and those of us
others of none to vote against this motion thank you council long staff
we have one minute thank you mr mayor um
it's disappointing to hear that people are not interested the slightest that parents should have
choice really it's people refer to tax breaks but they're not tax breaks they were never there in the
first place to break this is just a pure attack to try and start it'll start and it will continue
and once it's finished every the aim will be to close down all state school all private schools as far
as i'm concerned it's interesting as well the faith schools are just not a luxury they're not some
one they're not all got astroturf and swimming pools they've just got a few rooms and a small yard to
play in that's it they care about their religion and they want to be brought up in a way that that
respects that religion and i don't know why these people laugh and joke as if it's not a serious subject
but it makes a big difference to their lives please allow him to speak the children that are about to be
removed will have a great upheaval in their life and yet i'm out of time and i appreciate that that they
just don't care and i appreciate that thank you thank you okay we're now moved to the vote on the
motion in the name of councillor longstaff all in favor
that's 19 mr mayor all against
that's 33 mr mayor the motion in the name of council longstaff is therefore lost
an administration amendment to the opposition motion has been proposed by councillor rulings we will
now vote on the amendment to the motion in the name of councillor rulings supporting small
businesses and the charity sector in barnet all in favor
that's 33 mr mayor that's 33 mr mayor that's 33 mr mayor all against
that's none mr mayor sorry the amendment in the name of council long is therefore agreed
we'll now move on to the vote on the motion as amended by councillor rulings all in favor
that's 33 mr mayor that's 33 mr mayor all against that's none mr mayor that's 33 mr mayor
all against that's none mr mayor all right the motion in the name of council of radford is therefore
carried we're now quiet please quiet we'll now vote on the motion in the name of councillor jill sergeant
congratulating barnet council staff on a good cqc report all in favor
that's 33 that's 33 mr mayor all against that's none mr mayor the motion in the name of councillor
sergeant therefore carried sorry mr mayor amendment to the opposition to interrupt could you actually
identify the numbers when you're calling them out rather than just referring to the item itself please
okay okay yeah all right so 15.6 now an administrative amendment to the opposition motion has been
proposed by councillor sarah conway we will now vote on the amendment to the motion in the name of
councillor conway tackling the epidemic of violence against women and girls all in favor
that's 33 mr mayor all against that's none mr mayor the amendment in the name of councillor conway
is therefore agreed we'll now move to the vote on the motion amended by councillor conway all in favor
that's 33 mr mayor all against that's none mr mayor the motion is as amended in the name
councillor conway is therefore carried uh 15.7 of councillor conway is therefore carried uh 15.7
we will now move to the vote on the motion in the name of councillor nigel young
saving high barnet and golden screen post offices all in favor
that's 35 mr mayor all against that's none mr mayor the motion in the name of councillor
the motion is therefore carried 16.1 the agenda item 16.1 is a report of the leader amendment to the
cabinet members responsibilities and noting cabinet member appointments council is asked to approve the
amendments of the constitution as set out in appendices one and two and council is asked to note the
members of the executive as detailed in appendix three thank you mr mayor and i call on councillor
owns to move uh reception adoption of this item councillor roland you have three minutes
all right we will now move to the vote on recommendation one on page 55 of the agenda
councillors will be asked to vote by show of hands those in favor of the recommendations please show
that's none mr mayor recommendation two is to note is that noted 16.2 agenda item 16.2 is a report on the
chair of governance audit and risk management and standards committee treasury management mid-year
performance update uh q2 24 stroke 25 council is asked to note the treasury management performance
update for quarter two of 24 25 as outlined in the report appendix one thank you mr mayor and i call
on councillor mitra to move reception adoption of this item councillor mitra you have three minutes
so moved okay 17.1 agenda item 17.1 is a report on the head of governance oh sorry yeah sorry i forgot
that council are asked to note the recommendation on page 112 of the agenda of this is that noted
right agenda item 17.1 is a report on the head of governance administrative matters
council council is asked to note and approve the changes to meeting days as set out in appendix a
note and approve the nominations to outside bodies as detailed in appendix b
note and approve the changes to committee membership as detailed in appendices c and e
and approve the extension to the term of office of the chair of the barnet group board as outlined in
appendix d council is also asked to agree the following changes to committee memberships
as notified by the labour group on the pension fund committee replace councillor radford with a
vacancy with the replacement to be appointed at council on the 4th of march and on the garms committee
councillor radford to be replaced by councillor mcgurk thank you mr mayor thank you we'll now move to vote
on the recommendations on page 135 as set out in the agenda and supplementary papers councillors will be
asked to vote by show of hands those in favour of the recommendations please show
that's all mr mayor those against the recommendations please show
none the recommendations has been agreed agenda item 17.2 is a report on the head of governance
political proportionality council council is asked to note the political balance of the council
and the allocations of seats on committees as detailed in appendix a we're now moved to vote on
the recommendations on page five of the supplementary report pack those in favour of the recommendations
please show that's all mr mayor none against none against okay uh the recommendation has been agreed
agenda item 17.3 is a report on the head of governance of proving the designation of director of children's
services councillor asked to designate chris spencer interim executive director for children and families as the
director of children's services we will now move to the vote on the recommendation on page 145 of the agenda
to designate chris spencer as the director of children's services do you agree
sorry sorry mr mayor point of order is he actually the director of children's services or the interim director
of children's services because you said director i should say that if i can so he his post title is the
interim executive director of uh children and families and the statutory post designation is the director of children's services
so that it's a it's a chief officer post and a statutory post the statutory yeah it's an interim appointment
that's the statutory designation thank you so that is agreed
agreed agenda item 17.4 is the report on the executive director of assurance of public protection licensing policy
council is requested to approve the revised licensing policy 2025 to 2030 following its referral from the
licensing and general purposes committee in november 2024 thank you we will now move to the vote on the
recommendations page 149 of the agenda pack those in favor of the recommendations please show
that's all mr mayor none against none against the recommendation has been agreed
agenda item 17.5 report of the monitoring offices exception to the call in decision taken as a matter of urgency
councilor council is asked to note the exemption from call in detailed within the report
council are asked to note the recommendation page 223 of the agenda to note the exemption from all
in as detailed within the report is that noted
well glad to say with respect to the uh to pass the council of present council and past councillors
and mayors that passed away and we gave them due respect we have now concluded the business
and i declare the meeting close thank you