The Council of the London Borough of Barnet is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 27 January 2026. The agenda includes discussions on a range of topics, from waste collection services and strategies to address violence against women and girls, to financial management and constitutional reviews.

Welcoming Weekly Separate Food Waste Collections

Councillor Alan Schneiderman is scheduled to present a motion welcoming the reintroduction of weekly separate food waste collections. The report pack notes that the council eliminated its separate food waste collection in 2018 under the previous Conservative administration, but that this service was popular with residents and supported increased recycling rates. Food caddies are currently being reintroduced to Barnet households, designed with lockable lids to withstand interference from wildlife. The report states that the weekly separate food waste recycling service will be reintroduced under the current Labour administration in April.

Substance Misuse Strategy for Care-Experienced Children and Young People

Councillor Lucy Wakeley is set to propose a motion calling for the development of a dedicated Substance Misuse Strategy for Care-Experienced Children and Young People. The report highlights that care-experienced children and young people face significantly higher risks of substance misuse due to factors such as trauma and instability. While Barnet commissions general substance misuse services, the report indicates there is currently no standalone strategy specifically addressing this vulnerable group. The motion proposes instructing the Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Public Health Team and other stakeholders, to develop and publish this strategy by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.

Signing the 'My Things Matter' Pledge

Councillor Pauline Coakley-Webb is scheduled to present a motion regarding the signing of the 'My Things Matter' pledge. This pledge aims to support young people in care to move with dignity and respect. The report highlights research indicating that a significant proportion of care-experienced children move home and that their belongings are often moved in bin bags, leading to loss or damage. The 'My Things Matter' pledges include commitments to not move or throw away belongings without consent, to provide written guidance for moves, and to support children in making complaints if their belongings are damaged. The motion proposes authorising the Lead Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet to sign this pledge.

A Joined-up Approach to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Enhancing Resident Safety

Councillor Jennifer Grocock is scheduled to present an opposition motion advocating for a joined-up approach to ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and enhancing resident safety. The report notes a concerning pattern of incidents involving women and girls in the borough and the broader issue of VAWG. It also acknowledges the council's renewed VAWG strategy and campaign, but highlights the acute financial crises faced by community and voluntary organisations, which could impact their ability to provide necessary resources for victims. The motion calls for the creation of a Cabinet sub-committee to develop a joined-up approach and for Cabinet to consider resource allocation for enhanced street lighting, CCTV, and safe walking routes.

Welcoming the Employment Rights Bill

Councillor Tony Vourou is set to present an administration motion welcoming the Employment Rights Bill. The report describes the Act as the biggest upgrade in workers' rights in a generation , introducing new rights such as ending exploitative zero-hours contracts, reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims, and introducing unpaid bereavement leave. The motion believes these changes will benefit workers and businesses in Barnet by increasing employment standards and providing security at work.

Welcoming the Renters' Rights Act

Councillor Matthew Perlberg is scheduled to present an administration motion welcoming the Renters' Rights Act. The report outlines new rights for Barnet's private renters coming into force in May 2026, including an end to no-fault evictions, a maximum of one rent increase per year, and the establishment of a private sector rental ombudsman. The motion believes these changes echo Barnet Labour's own reforms for council tenants and resolves to request that Cabinet examine ways to support private renters in being aware of and able to exercise these new rights.

Congratulating Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet

Councillor Emma Whysall is set to present an administration motion congratulating Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet. The report notes that the school was declared State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence, State Secondary School of the Year for A-Levels, State Secondary School of the Year in London, and State Secondary School of the Year in London for Academic Excellence in December 2025. This is the fourth occasion the school has received this accolade from the Sunday Times. The motion proposes that the Leader of the Council write to the Headteacher congratulating the school on its achievements.

Referral from Cabinet – Addendum Report to the Corporate Parenting Annual Report, 2024-25

This report, presented by Councillor Pauline Coakley-Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, provides an overview of the leadership and practice response to the deaths of three care-experienced young people. It reflects the council's commitment to improving outcomes and ensuring children in care are safe and supported. The report includes an Ofsted letter on a focused visit concerning care leavers' arrangements. Recommendations include regular update reports to Cabinet on Corporate Parenting and a letter to the Department for Education suggesting Barnet's recommendations be considered as good practice.

Deputation Report - Building a More Democratic Planning System in Barnet

This item relates to a deputation submitted by residents concerned about public engagement and information in major developments. The deputation argues that residents are experiencing the opposite of Barnet's own Participation Strategy, with proposals often shaped behind closed doors. The report outlines consequences such as a lack of affordable housing and the loss of local amenities. The deputation requests the council vote for officers to prepare a report on a new framework for meaningful community participation in planning, including an independent audit, a requirement for public information summaries, and 'Pre-application Engagement Guidance'.

Referral from Governance, Audit, Risk Management & Standards (GARMS) Committee - Treasury Management Update – Q2 25/26

This report, presented by Councillor Arjun Mittra, Chair of the GARMS Committee, provides an update on treasury management activities for the second quarter of 2025/26. It notes that activities have been conducted in full compliance with the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, with no breaches reported. The report details borrowing activities, investment balances, and projections for cash balances, alongside recommendations from financial advisors MUFG. Council is asked to note the Treasury Management Performance Update Report.

Referral Report from the Employment Sub Committee - Approval of Salary Packages for New Posts (Children & Family Services)

This report seeks Full Council approval for salary packages exceeding £100,000 per year for two new Assistant Director posts in Children and Family Services: Assistant Director Prevention & Practice Improvement and Assistant Director Family Help & Adolescent Services. The salary range for each post is £104,044 to £126,754. The report notes that these posts were approved by the Employment Sub-Committee on 3 December 2025, following a review of the senior management structure.

Report of the Head of Governance - Political Proportionality

This report, presented by the Head of Governance, notes the current political balance of the Council: 40 Members of the Labour Group, 18 Members of the Conservative Group, 2 Members of the Reform Group, and 2 Independent Members, with 1 vacancy. Council is asked to note the revised calculations and agree that no change should be made to the number of seats allocated to politically proportionate committees.

Report of the Head of Governance - Administrative Matters

The Head of Governance is scheduled to present this report, which outlines various constitutional and administrative matters for Council's agreement. This includes proposed changes to committee meeting dates, nominations for outside bodies, changes to committee memberships, and the calendar of meetings for 2026/27.

Report of the Monitoring Officer - Constitution Review

This report, presented by the Monitoring Officer, outlines proposed amendments to parts of the Council's Constitution. Following engagement with the Constitution Review Working Group, several amendments are proposed for Council's agreement, covering various articles and procedure rules to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice. Council is asked to approve these amendments and authorise the Head of Governance to implement the revisions and publish a revised Constitution.

Approval of Salary Package for New Post (Brent Cross Cricklewood)

This report seeks Full Council approval for the salary package for a new Head of Performance and Programme Delivery post within the Brent Cross team. The post is Grade 7, with a current salary range of £89,701 to £100,459. The report states that this role is necessary due to resource pressures arising from staff departures and additional work expected at Brent Cross North. The postholder will be accountable for strategic assurance and delivery oversight across the Brent Cross Cricklewood programme. The total salary with on-costs is up to £120,705, with a portion rechargeable to the Joint Venture and a portion covered by MHCLG grant.

Motion to Exclude the Press & Public

This item indicates that a motion may be moved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for specific parts of the agenda, likely due to the sensitive nature of the information to be discussed.

Severance Payment - Communities, Adults & Health

This item suggests that a severance payment within the Communities, Adults & Health directorate is scheduled for discussion. The details of the payment are contained within the report pack.