The meeting began with a discussion of Barnet Council's financial position, which is facing a projected budget gap of up to £79 million. Councillors noted a consistent shortfall in savings delivery, with the council consistently achieving only around 85% of its savings targets. They also expressed concerns about the increasing number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which is outstripping the overall pupil population growth and putting pressure on the council's budget. The council's low social housing stock was also highlighted as a contributing factor to the high costs of temporary accommodation. The impact of an ageing population on adult social care costs was also discussed.

The council then discussed its corporate plan, Our Plan for Barnet 2023-26, and its review, Our Plan for Barnet Review 2025-26. It was noted that the council had made significant progress in delivering on its commitments, including the creation of a new [CCTV hub], the building of 779 new affordable homes, and progress towards becoming a net zero council. The council also discussed the need to refocus its activity and delivery in light of the current financial climate. The updated plan prioritises tackling inequalities, reducing poverty, creating a family-friendly borough, making neighbourhoods safer, tackling the housing crisis, promoting digital inclusion, celebrating local culture, and making Barnet more sustainable.

The council then moved on to discuss the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025/26. The council agreed to reduce the maximum award for working-age residents from 72% to 70%, introduce a cap at Council Tax Liability Band C and reduce the number of income bands from 7 to 5. It was acknowledged that these changes would have a negative impact on residents receiving support, particularly those in vulnerable groups. However, the council argued that the changes were necessary to ensure that those who could afford to pay more towards council services were doing so, while still providing a safety net for those who could not. To mitigate the impact of the changes, the council also agreed to create a budget of £0.5 million for discretionary support to help the most vulnerable residents. The council also discussed the need to ensure that residents were aware of all the support available to them, including the council's [Benefits Calculator].

The final item on the agenda was the lease renewal for Bishopswood Bowls Club. The council agreed to grant the club a new 25-year lease at a peppercorn rent, in line with its policy for other bowls clubs in the borough. This decision was taken despite the fact that the proposed lease constituted a less-than-best disposal, as the council argued that it was justified due to the club's role in maintaining the physical condition of the buildings and bowling greens.