This week in Barnet:

• The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss mental health pathways and review its work programme.
• The Local Pension Board was scheduled to discuss pension fund payments, compliance with regulations, and administration performance.
• The Employment Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to appoint a Director of Children's Services.

Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 28 April 2025

The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss mental health pathways in North Central London (NCL) and review its work programme for the upcoming year. The meeting was scheduled to focus on mental health services for adults and young people, information sharing between organisations, and future priorities for the committee. The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Mental Health Core Offer, which was developed in 2022 to address variations in service provision across boroughs. The committee was also scheduled to discuss its work programme for 2025-26, including usual standing items such as Estates Strategy Update, Workforce Update, Finance Update, and Winter Planning Update.

Local Pension Board - Tuesday 29 April 2025

The Local Pension Board was scheduled to discuss a range of issues related to the management and compliance of the pension fund. This included payments into and from the fund, administration performance, data improvement plans, risk registers, decisions made by the Pension Fund Committee, compliance with The Pensions Regulator's new code of practice, knowledge and understanding, and external audit and accounts.

The board was scheduled to receive a verbal update on historic prepayment of pension contributions by the council following the 2019 actuarial valuation, and the issues arising from subsequent repayments from the London Borough of Barnet Pension Fund back to the council. This follows similar discussions in previous meetings, such as the Pension Fund Committee meeting of 2 April 2025, where the committee received an update on the situation regarding prepayments and subsequent repayments between the council and the pension fund.

The Local Pension Board was also scheduled to discuss an action plan drafted by officers in the Barnet Pensions Teams, setting out the tasks required for the Barnet Pension Fund to comply with The Pension Regulator’s (TPR) General Code of Practice. This code sets out the standards of governance and administration that pension schemes must meet.

The board was also scheduled to discuss the West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) pensions administration performance report for March 2025, along with an update on other administration and legislative matters. The report pack noted that in February, WYPF processed 1,061 cases with just under 90% cases being completed within the agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) targets.

Employment Sub-Committee - Thursday 01 May 2025

The Employment Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to discuss the appointment of a Director of Children's Services (DCS) and review the minutes of the previous meeting. The role of Director of Children's Services is a statutory role¹ with responsibility for the council's duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

This week in Barnet:

• The Strategic Planning Committee approved an update to the Brownfield Land Register, granted planning permission for a 24-storey building on Hyde Estate Road, and voted to revoke the area of special advertisement control.
• The Barnet Children's Partnership Board met to discuss education standards, the culture strategy, feedback from Ofsted visits and engagement meetings with the Department for Education.

Strategic Planning Committee - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Strategic Planning Committee granted planning permission for the construction of a 24-storey building on Hyde Estate Road, despite concerns about parking and integration with the surrounding area. The committee also approved an update to the Brownfield Land Register and voted to revoke the area of special advertisement control.

Hyde Estate Road Development

The committee approved an application for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a 24-storey residential building with 174 units on Hyde Estate Road. The development will deliver 35% affordable housing, including family homes, and will feature shared residential facilities and enhanced public realm spaces. The application was recommended for approval, subject to a stage two referral to the Mayor of London and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

Councillor Naran Thira raised concerns about the adequacy of wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, while Councillor Richard Cornelius questioned the nomination rights for the affordable homes and the capacity of the Northern Line. Councillor Josh Mastin-Lee questioned whether the current connectivity of the site was sufficient to justify a car-free development. Councillor Nigel Young, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, raised concerns about how the development would integrate with the surrounding area.

The committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of the Section 106 agreement and conditions, and with the addition of wording to the Section 106 agreement regarding the staircasing of disabled parking spaces and the inclusion of an informative regarding a wider public realm master plan. This decision follows a pattern of approving large developments in the borough, as seen in previous emails, such as the Planning Committee (New) meeting of 1 April 2025.

Brownfield Land Register

The committee approved the 2024 Brownfield Land Register. Robert Sweeney, Senior Planning and Policy Officer, explained that the register is a statutory requirement under the Town and Country Planning Act and is a live document that is updated annually.

A member of the public, attending on behalf of the Residents Association, raised questions about the inclusion of the Graham Park Estate on the register, arguing that it includes existing non-available freehold and secure tenant houses. The planning officers responded that the Brownfield Land Register is a list of sites that are suitable for housing and meet certain size requirements, and that the availability of units is not a criterion for being on the register.

Councillor Cornelius questioned whether the Brownfield Land Register is simply a bureaucratic exercise. Fabian Godin, Director for Planning and Building Control, confirmed that the committee was simply approving the updates to the register.

The committee voted to approve the 2024 Brownfield Land Register.

Withdrawal of Area of Special Advertisement Control

The committee voted to revoke the area of special advertisement control. Joe Murray, Principal Policy Officer, explained that the historic designation was intended to provide the council with a greater degree of control over advertisements, but that the regulations require the council to review the area of control every five years, which has not occurred since 2007. He also stated that a review of planning application decisions between 2017 and 2024 showed that the area of control was not a material consideration in those applications.

Councillor Cornelius expressed concern that removing the area of special advertisement control would send a signal that the council no longer cares about inappropriate advertisements. Councillor Naran Thira questioned why only some wards are included in the area of special advertisement control. Councillor Claire Farrier stated that the designation of the area of special advertisement control seems random and makes no sense.

Following discussion, the committee voted to note the contents of the report and delegate authority to the Chief Planning Officer to follow the statutory process to revoke the direction for the area of special advertisement control.

Barnet Children's Partnership Board - Thursday 24 April 2025

The Barnet Children's Partnership Board met to discuss education standards, the culture strategy, feedback from Ofsted¹ visits and engagement meetings with the Department for Education. The board was also scheduled to receive verbal updates from young people and an update on appointments.

Education Standards

The board was scheduled to discuss a report on education standards in Barnet. The report provided a summary of educational performance across the borough, as well as identifying key strengths and areas for development.

The report identified several strengths, including improving Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) results, high rates of pupils achieving the expected standard at Key Stage 2², and strong performance of pupils with special educational needs³ at KS2 and KS4⁴. Areas for development identified in the report included raising attendance of pupils in Pupil Referral Units⁵ (PRUs), reducing suspensions and permanent exclusions, and addressing pupils' mental health.

Culture Strategy

The board was scheduled to discuss the council's culture strategy, which sets out the council's vision for culture in the borough.

Feedback from Ofsted Visits and Department for Education Engagement Meetings

Chris Spencer, in their role as Chair, was scheduled to provide verbal updates on feedback received from Ofsted visits and engagement meetings with the Department for Education.

My Say Matters

The board was scheduled to receive verbal input from young people, co-ordinated by Liz Shaw, Practice & Learning Manager.

Forward Work Programme

The board was scheduled to note the forward work programme, which outlines the topics planned for discussion at future meetings.

Action Tracker

The board was scheduled to note and update the action tracker, which lists outstanding actions from previous meetings.

This week in Barnet:

• The Cabinet agreed to a response to the Barnet Highway Network Task and Finish Group Report, a new consultation policy, and a kinship care policy.
• The Cabinet also approved the award of a parking enforcement contract and discussed Barnet Homes' annual delivery plan.

Cabinet - Monday 07 April 2025

The Cabinet met on 7 April 2025, and agreed to a number of measures including a response to the Barnet Highway Network Task and Finish Group Report, a new consultation policy, and a kinship care policy. They also approved the award of a parking enforcement contract and discussed Barnet Homes' annual delivery plan, amendments to the private sector housing financial assistance policy, and care contribution policies.

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Partnerships, Economy, and Effective Council, opened the meeting by noting that agenda items 13 and 15 had been deferred to the next Cabinet meeting in May.

• Barnet Highway Network Task and Finish Group Report

  The cabinet agreed with the group's recommendations for improving the borough's roads, including better data utilisation, ward member consultation, carbon footprint review, and a communication strategy. This follows similar discussions in previous meetings, such as the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of 26 March 2025, where the importance of resident communication was highlighted.

• Consultation Policy

  The cabinet approved the draft consultation policy outlined in Appendix A of the Public reports pack. This policy likely aims to improve how the council engages with residents, a topic that has been a recurring theme in previous meetings, such as the Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting of 18 March 2025, where the importance of consulting with residents was discussed.

• Kinship Care Policy

  The cabinet agreed to implement the Barnet Kinship Care Offer (2025-2029) from April 2025. This policy aims to provide support to kinship carers, who play a vital role in caring for children who cannot live with their parents. This follows similar discussions in previous meetings, such as the Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting of 18 March 2025, where the importance of supporting vulnerable children was highlighted.

• Award of Parking Enforcement Contract

  The cabinet approved the recommendation that the parking enforcement contract be awarded to APCOA Parking (UK) Limited for five years from November 2025, with a possible two-year extension. This contract is for the enforcement part of parking services, with other contracts like cashless parking to be considered separately.

• Barnet Homes Annual Delivery Plan

  The cabinet noted and approved Barnet Homes' annual delivery plan for 2025/26. This plan outlines Barnet Homes' objectives for the year, including building new homes and improving existing properties. This follows similar discussions in previous meetings, such as the Housing and Growth Committee meeting of 26 November 2024, where the importance of providing high-quality housing was highlighted.

• Amendments to the Private Sector Housing Financial Assistance Policy

  The cabinet approved amendments to the Private Sector Housing Financial Assistance Policy 2017, specifically regarding Empty Property Grants. This policy aims to bring empty properties back into use, providing much-needed housing for residents.

• Care Contribution Policies

  The cabinet approved the adoption of the Community Care Contributions Policy and the Residential and Nursing Care Contributions Policy. These policies set out how the council will charge for adult social care services.

• Brent Cross Homes England Loans

  The cabinet gave authority for the Deed of Amendment and associated legal documentation relating to the Homes Building Fund loan facility between the council, BXS LP, Homes England and others. They also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth, in consultation with the S151 Officer¹, to agree any further amendments to the HE Loan that are of benefit to and do not have any adverse impact on the council. Additionally, the cabinet delegated the Shareholder Representative role to the Leader of the Council, which will require amendments to the Constitution to be referred to the next Council meeting.

This week in Barnet:

• The Planning Committee (New) approved developments at Whiteways, Hoop Lane, Abbots Gardens and the David Lloyd Leisure Centre, but refused an application concerning Gloucester Gardens.
• The Pension Fund Committee agreed to transition the Barings High Yield Fund holdings to the London CIV Multi Asset Credit Fund, and to commit £80m to the London CIV Private Debt Fund II.
• The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting has been postponed.

Planning Committee (New) - Tuesday 01 April 2025

The Planning Committee (New) approved applications for developments at Whiteways, Hillview Gardens, 35 Hoop Lane and 1 Wentworth Road, 26 Abbots Gardens and the David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Leisure Way, but refused an application concerning 7 Gloucester Gardens.

Whiteways, Hillview Gardens

An application 24/3025/FUL to add two storeys to the building at Whiteways, Hillview Gardens to create nine self-contained flats, and to build a part single, part two-storey side extension for a staircase, was approved despite objections from local residents.

Objectors, including Ruben Brune and Shimon Simon, raised concerns about the impact on the character of the building, loss of light, privacy, noise, traffic and parking difficulties, bin collection, and fire safety. They also claimed that the planning report was inaccurate and that the freeholder was in breach of the lease.

Michael Koutra, agent for the applicant, stated that the site was unique and that the scheme had responded to concerns raised by the public and facilitated all planning policy requirements. He confirmed that the development would not impact existing on-street parking, that refuge storage was acceptable, and that each flat was compliant with policy.

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions. A key issue raised was the internal layout of the units, and whether they were appropriately 'stacked'. Stacking, according to the council's Sustainable Design and Construction SPD, is the practice of placing noise-generating rooms like living rooms and bathrooms away from neighbour's bedrooms. Officers noted that while they would prefer to have stacking, it was not always possible due to the housing mix requested, and that a condition was in place for pre-completion sound test certificates to ensure that there is no noise travelling between flats.

The application was approved with four councillors voting for and two against.

35 Hoop Lane and 1 Wentworth Road

An application 23/2757/FUL for the change of use of the existing buildings at 35 Hoop Lane and 1 Wentworth Road from a hotel to a Jewish girls secondary school was approved, despite concerns from local residents about traffic and road safety.

Jack Bamberger spoke in support of the application, stating that the existing hotel was underutilised and that the school would revitalise the area. He also committed to working with the community to address practical concerns like traffic and noise.

Councillor Matthew Perlberg raised concerns about highways and parking issues, particularly on Ravenscroft Avenue, Templars Avenue and Wentworth Road. He also sought assurance that the £7,000 contribution towards the junction feasibility study would take into account the progress in the work on the Hoop Plain and Finchley Road crossing.

Emily Benedict, agent for the applicant, stated that the application allowed a phenomenal opportunity to shape and improve the quality of education for 100 secondary school pupils. She also stated that the school was very conscious of the need to obtain a positive relationship with neighbours and safeguard them against unnecessary noise and disturbance.

Officers recommended approval subject to a section 106 agreement for various highway matters, including a travel plan and contributions toward a junction feasibility study. Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers, used to mitigate the impact of new developments on the community and infrastructure.

The application was approved with all six councillors voting in favour.

26 Abbots Gardens

An application 24/5627/HSE for roof extensions, side and rear extensions, a front porch, an outbuilding, and driveway alterations at 26 Abbots Gardens was approved, despite objections from neighbours.

Stephen Kersley, a neighbour, objected to the bulk and size of the proposed roof extension and the position of the outbuilding, stating that it would result in a loss of sunlight and daylight to their rear gardens.

Anthony Cohen, the applicant, stated that he had followed the planning guidelines to the letter and that the outbuilding would be lower than the current fence.

Officers recommended approval, stating that the roof and outbuildings had a permitted development fallback position. A 'fallback position' in planning law refers to development that could be carried out without requiring planning permission. It can be a material consideration in determining whether to grant permission for a more extensive scheme.

The application was approved with all six councillors voting in favour.

David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Leisure Way

An application 24/5256/FUL for the conversion of existing tennis courts to three paddle courts, a social area, associated flood lighting, and 32 additional car parking spaces at David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Leisure Way was approved.

Ollie Collins, agent for the applicant, stated that David Lloyd were investing heavily in paddle tennis and that the proposals would not create any adverse noise impacts.

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, including the submission of a noise report and details of electric vehicle charging points.

The application was approved with all six councillors voting in favour.

7 Gloucester Gardens

An application 24/5500/HSE for a roof extension at 7 Gloucester Gardens was refused, with Councillor Claire Farrier, Chair of the Planning Committee using her casting vote.

Councillor Matthew Perlberg spoke in favour of the application, stating that the proposed dormer seemed to be in keeping with the character of the area and had no adverse impact on neighbours or the streetscape.

David Gutwirth, agent for the application, stated that the application simply sought to make a modest but functional adjustment to infill the spaces between four previously approved dormers.

Officers recommended refusal, stating that the proposed roof extension, particularly the rear dormer, would result in an incongruous form of development and would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the host property and the surrounding area.

The vote was tied, with two councillors voting for refusal, two against, and two abstaining. Councillor Claire Farrier, Chair of the Planning Committee, used her casting vote to refuse the application.

Pension Fund Committee - Wednesday 02 April 2025

The Pension Fund Committee met to discuss the fund's investments, administration, and compliance, and agreed to transition the entire Barings High Yield Fund holdings to the London CIV Multi Asset Credit Fund, and to commit £80m to the London CIV Private Debt Fund II. The committee also noted progress on decisions approved in previous meetings, and proposed strategic asset allocation actions to align with asset pooling objectives.

Rectification of Prepayments

The committee received an update on the situation regarding prepayments and subsequent repayments between the council and the pension fund. Payments had been made from the pension fund to the council that have since been deemed unlawful. Kevin Bartle, finance consultant, explained that officers have been working with the actuary to rectify the situation, which involves two payments from the pension fund to the council and a third payment of £7.804 million that has not been paid back to the council.

The committee also discussed a prepayment made by the council of £20.5 million in advance of secondary contributions back in 2020. Although this has also been deemed unlawful, no action is recommended given the time that has passed and that it was potentially lawful.

Three options were considered for rectifying the situation:

1. Allow the fund to retain the third payment of £7.804 million, which would allow the fund to identify the effect of the additional payment on the contribution over a period of time, and the council would then pay lower employer contributions to balance the fund and the council.
2. Unwind the additional payments and repayments, meaning that the third repayment would not be necessary.
3. Make the third planned repayment via formal authorisation from the pension fund to the committee.

The committee agreed that option three was not viable, leaving options one and two on the table. However, a final recommendation could not be made as further information was needed from Stephen Lee, Actuary at Hymans Robertson, regarding the period of time over which adjustments could be made, and from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) regarding potential tax implications of option two.

The committee agreed to defer a decision until further information is received from the Government Actuary Department (GAD) and HMRC. They also agreed to a further update on procedures, delegation of functions, procedure notes, officer training protocols, and other documentation requirements to clarify the separation between the pension fund and the council as an employer.

Councillor Mitra, Chair of the GARMS Committee, thanked the officers involved in trying to sort out the situation, noting that it was unique for almost all of them. Councillor Mitra also expressed frustration that external audits had not been signed off for a number of years, and highlighted the need to ensure that external auditors get things back on track.

Annual Account and External Audit Update

Paris Williams from Grant Thornton provided an update on the audit findings report for the 2023/24 pension fund report and accounts. The audit had been challenged by the fact that the pension fund had not been audited for several years.

Grant Thornton anticipates issuing a disclaimed audit opinion due to some outstanding issues where they have not had time to complete the testing before the 28 February 2025 backstop date for financial statements.

The two outstanding issues preventing Grant Thornton from issuing an opinion are the need for previous audits to be signed off by the predecessor auditor, and the resolution of the contributions issue discussed earlier in the meeting.

Grant Thornton raised several control findings, and there are management responses to all of those. Since the draft report, declarations have been received for the officers in question, and there's nothing to report in relation to those.

Councillor Zinkin raised concerns about the disclosures which councillors are asked to make, stating that they have got further and further away from reality in the context of investment. Councillor Zinkin questioned whether there is actually a form of disclosure for those involved in the fund which may relate to the investments they actually hold.

Anissa, position not known, noted that since the council has moved to West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF), every committee receives a membership data improvement plan, and that the data has been improving with West Yorkshire.

The committee noted the content of the audit findings report for 2023-2024, and the management responses to the Grant Thornton's action plan recommendation.

Risk Management Review

Mark, position not known, presented a review of the administration and non-administration risk registers, which are reviewed quarterly. The last review took place on 14 March. Tim, position not known, from the CIV helped assist with the review for the non-administration risk register.

On both risk registers, the risk scores were reviewed and it was determined that there were no changes to any of the risk scores for any of the risks shown since the last review.

On the administration risk register, a new risk, ADM21, was added, relating to the prepayment and repayment issue. On the non-administration risk register, a new risk, GEN05, was added, detailing the potential risks for the fund should the proposals set out in the government's fit for fee consultation come into force.

The Pension Fund Committee noted the most recent administration and non-administration registers.

Knowledge and Understanding

Mark, position not known, reminded members that if anyone undertakes pensions-related training, they should let the pensions team know. Training has recently been organised on the pension regulator's new code of general code of practice for both board and committee members.

A training strategy has been drafted for both committee and board members, along with officers, which sets out what officers will do in terms of training and extending knowledge to all parties.

Councillor Zinkin stated a belief that there is mandatory training for the committee as well as for the board, and that the text should reflect that.

The Pension Fund Committee noted the contents report, the training options available, and that committee members complete the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) online learning academy (LOLA) training.

Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed the work programme for the next meeting in June.

Compliance with the Pensions Regulator's General Code of Practice

Mark, position not known, presented a report on the compliance of the Barnet Pension Fund with The Pensions Regulator's General Code of Practice.

In November, Aon was engaged to undertake an assessment of how the fund complies with the code, and their initial report is detailed in Appendix A of the report. There are five main areas of the code, with the results of Aon's assessment detailed in the report.

Attached as Appendix B of the report is the action plan devised by officers for the fund to achieve compliance with the code. Work will start on a module at a time over the next year and a half or so. The pensions regulator has set no time limit on compliance with the code, but as a matter of good practice, the council is aiming to complete all the actions that are required as soon as possible, hopefully within no more than a couple of years, hopefully sooner than that.

Councillor Zinkin stated that the report was a disgrace and that Aon needs to be told that. Councillor Zinkin added that the actions are themselves completely incomprehensible.

The Pension Fund Committee noted the summary assessment report and the action plan of the tasks required for the Barnet Pension Fund to comply with the TPR.

Update on the Local Government Pension Scheme (England and Wales): Fit for the Future Consultation

Mark, position not known, provided an update on the Local Government Pension Scheme (England and Wales): Fit for the Future Consultation that came about following the Manchin House speech last November.

The consultation closed in January, and the government's response and any expected legislation is still awaited. There are three main areas that the government was consulting on:

• The proposal for LGPS funds to transfer their investments into large investment pools.
• Local investment.
• Governance.

Tim, position not known, added that when the London CIV made its response to the consultation, it made sure it met with every single London borough, took their views on board, drafted its response, shared it with all the Section 151s in London, shared it with the boroughs, and got their approval, before making its submission.

The Pension Fund Committee noted the summary of the proposals in the Government’s recent consultation.

Administration Performance Report

Mark, position not known, provided an update on the current administration performance by West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF), stating that performance continues around 90%, and that the number of complaints they have received remains very low.

The 2024 annual benefit statement exercise has finished, and 99.6% of members received their 2024 annual benefit statement. WYPF are just starting on the 2025 process for annual benefit statements.

WYPF continue to work to get the data updated and any small number of historical leavers processed. There are currently c930 members in the Barnet Fund where there is either an incorrect or no address held.

The Pension Fund Committee noted the current performance levels by WYPF and updates on other administration and legislative matters.

Admissions, Cessations and Bond Status Update

Mark, position not known, provided a status update on the outstanding admissions, cessations and bond agreements.

There have been no new admissions advised since the last update to the Committee in October 2024. Three schools have recently converted to academy status.

There have been no new cessations since the last update to the Committee. One exiting employer (Alliance in Partnership at Osidge School) have recently paid the cessation deficit if full.

The LBB Pensions are working with employers where an indemnity still needs to be provided to get either a bond or parent company guarantee in place.

Following a private session, the recommendations were agreed.

Pension Fund Investment Performance Report

Tim, position not known, provided an update on investment valuations, transactions and performance to 31 December 2024.

The assets under management were £1.71 billion, which represented an increase of 0.6% over the quarter. Since then, there have been some investment decisions which were approved by committee that have been implemented, including the nature based solutions and the transfer to ELSA PEPA.

The Pension Fund Committee noted the pension fund's investment performance and activity for the quarter ending 31 December 2024.

Investment Strategy

Tim, position not known, provided an update to committee on the decisions that have been made since in previous meetings, and made recommendations, supported by the investment consultant, to transition the bearings high yield holdings into the London save mark, and to commit 80 million to the London private debt fund 2.

The committee agreed to commit £80m to the London safe private debt fund to maintain the long-term target private credit allocation, and to transition the entire bearings high yield fund in line with the asset pooling objectives.

Review of Contribution Rate for Barnet and Southgate College

Mark, position not known, explained that the Department for Education put a guarantee in place to provide assurance for LGPS funds that further education bodies such as Barnet and Southgate College should not be treated as high risk employers.

As a result of this guarantee, officers agreed with the fund actuary that they would review the employer contribution rate for the college to take effect from 1 April this year. Following the review by the actuary, they recommended a reduction in both the contribution rate and the lump sum payment due over the next year from the college.

The committee agreed the officer's recommendation for change of contribution rate.