The meeting of the Council of the London Borough of Barnet on 8 July 2025 was scheduled to cover a range of topics, including motions on national gambling reform, housing, and climate change, as well as reports from various committees and officers. Councillors were also expected to discuss a deputation regarding EV charging points.

Here's a summary of the key items from the agenda:

Motions

Councillors were scheduled to discuss several motions:

• Councillor Emma Whysall was due to present an administration motion calling for support for national gambling reform. The motion notes the increasing issue of gambling addiction and its impact on families and communities. It calls for reforms to the 'Aim to Permit' policy within the Gambling Act 2005, giving councils greater power to refuse gambling premises, and for restrictions on gambling advertising.

• Councillor David Longstaff was expected to present an opposition motion on caring for residents, raising concerns about elderly residents being asked to pay top-up fees for care homes or being moved to cheaper accommodation, sometimes out of the borough. The motion calls for consideration of the trauma and danger of moving elderly and vulnerable residents.

• Councillor Ross Houston was scheduled to present an administration motion welcoming the government's determination to tackle the housing crisis, noting the number of households on the social housing waiting list and families in temporary accommodation. The motion welcomes the Labour Government's investment in housing and calls for consideration of how this can be harnessed in Barnet.

• Councillor Arjun Mittra was due to present an administration motion on continuing to tackle climate change in Barnet, recommitting the council to transforming Barnet into a Net Zero borough by 2042 and working with the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan.

• A joint motion from Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, concerned the Mayor's Cadet, and proposed developing relationships with cadet detachments in Barnet, and appointing a Mayor's Cadet annually from one of the detachments or organisations on a rotational basis from May 2026.

Amendments to Cabinet Member Responsibilities

The council was expected to consider a report from the Leader regarding amendments to Cabinet member responsibilities, specifically concerning the administration of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy¹ (NCIL) funds. These changes were scheduled to be detailed in the Council Constitution, Part 2E, Cabinet Members Appointment and Terms of Office.

Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards (GARMS) Committee

The Council was scheduled to review the Annual Report of the GARMS Committee 2024/25, providing an overview of the committee's activities and effectiveness in ensuring good corporate governance. The council was also expected to approve the Code of Corporate Governance 2025/26, which outlines the principles of good governance and how they are met by the council.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The council was scheduled to note the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme 2025-26, outlining the planned activities for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its sub-committees. The council was also expected to note the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25, summarising the activities undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny function in the previous year.

Rectification of Payments to the Barnet Pension Fund

The council was expected to discuss a report from the Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer regarding the rectification of payments made to the Barnet Pension Fund. The report provides an update following a previous report on unlawful payments into and out of the fund, and confirms the action agreed by the Pension Fund Committee.

Youth Justice Plan 2025-27

The council was scheduled to consider the Youth Justice Plan 2025-27, outlining the strategic priorities, performance framework, and partnership approach for preventing youth offending and supporting children in the justice system.

Waiver for Absence

The council was expected to consider agreeing a waiver for Councillor Ella Rose and Councillor Matthew Perlberg, excusing them from attending meetings for a specified period due to illness/maternity and caring responsibilities respectively.

Administrative Matters

The council was scheduled to discuss several administrative matters, including changes to committee meeting dates, outside bodies nominations, and changes to committee appointments.

Exception to Call-In

The council was expected to note that an exception from call-in was granted for a decision taken on 'Street Scene business continuity – lease agreement at North London Business Park' at Cabinet on 17 June 2025, due to the urgency of securing parking and welfare provision.

Deputations

The council was scheduled to receive a deputation on EV charging points. A deputation lead, named as Mr Michael Lieblich, submitted a request with supporting statements from five signatories. The deputation relates to the installation of two electric vehicle charging points, and a letter sent to residents about the installations.