The Council of Barnet convened for an extraordinary meeting to confer the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Barnet upon five organisations in recognition of their exceptional service. Following this, the ordinary council meeting addressed a range of significant issues, including proposed changes to the Constitution, the adoption of a new Code of Corporate Governance, and a review of the Youth Justice Plan.

Conferring the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Barnet

The council agreed to bestow the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Barnet upon Hatzola Northwest, Hatzola Edgware, Hatzola HBS, the Community Security Trust (CST), and Shomrim North West London. This highest honour was granted in recognition of their extraordinary service to the borough. Hatzola was commended for its 24-hour volunteer emergency medical response service, its work alongside statutory emergency services, and its resilience following an attack on its ambulances. Shomrim was recognised for its volunteer-led community safety patrols, its role in deterring crime, and its swift response to emergencies, including a terrorist attack. CST was acknowledged for its expertise in combating antisemitism, providing security advice, and informing public policy. The council expressed its high esteem for these organisations and their invaluable contributions to the life of the borough.

Welcoming Government Measures to Protect Domestic Abuse Victims in Social Housing

The council noted and believed the government's proposed measures within the Social Housing Bill, which aim to provide landlords with new powers to evict domestic abuse perpetrators from social homes, are to be welcomed. The council noted that currently, landlords have limited options to support survivors, often forcing them to leave their homes. The bill seeks to close a loophole that allows abusers to serve a Notice to Quit, making survivors homeless. It also aims to enable joint tenancies to be transferred into the survivor's sole name or for landlords to provide suitable alternative accommodation. The council believes these measures will minimise consequences for victims. The council resolved for the Leader of the Council, Councillor Barry Rawlings, to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, welcoming these measures and inquiring about changes for cases where the abuser is the sole tenant. Furthermore, officers are to investigate how these powers can be exercised in Barnet once the legislation is passed.

Defending Local Democracy in Planning Decisions

A motion, as amended, was carried to defend local democracy in planning decisions, noting the government's proposed reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. The council noted that these reforms risk reducing the influence of locally elected councillors and communities over development decisions, particularly concerning centrally determined housing targets that may not reflect local needs. The motion expressed regret over decisions made by City Hall and the Secretary of State that have disregarded local residents' wishes and concerns regarding developments such as High Barnet and the Great North Leisure Park, as well as fire safety concerns at the Edgware development. The council believes that the delivery of new homes and infrastructure should not come at the expense of local democratic accountability and meaningful public participation. It resolves to oppose further attempts by national or regional authorities to centralise planning powers, weaken local Planning Committees, or diminish the ability of councillors to determine planning applications affecting their communities. The Leader of the Council is to write to the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London to express these concerns.

Corporate Parenting Responsibilities and Operation Beaconport

The council noted and believed that Barnet should cooperate fully with any national investigation into child sexual exploitation matters. The council acknowledged its responsibilities as a Corporate Parent to safeguard and support looked-after children and care-experienced young people, recognising them as among the most vulnerable in society. It believes that no area is unaffected by child sexual exploitation and that victims and survivors must be supported. The council resolves that if asked to participate in Operation Beaconport, it will commit to full cooperation. The council also requests a confidential briefing for the Corporate Parenting Panel on any historic or current concerns relating to looked-after children and care leavers. An anonymised report on allegations, complaints, and safeguarding concerns between January 2010 and March 2025 is also to be requested. Furthermore, the council will ensure current and former looked-after children are aware of how to report abuse and access support services, and will work with police and safeguarding partners to ensure victims and survivors receive appropriate support and protection.

Code of Corporate Governance 2026/27

Council approved the Code of Corporate Governance 2026/27 and adopted it for inclusion in the Constitution. This code outlines the principles and practices that ensure the council operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability, aiming to achieve economic, societal, and environmental outcomes while acting in the public interest.

Annual Report of the GARMS Committee

The council noted and approved the Annual Report of the Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards (GARMS) Committee for 2025/26 as an accurate record of the committee's activities, including its oversight of financial reporting, risk management, internal controls, and standards of conduct. It highlighted progress in strengthening the control environment, despite ongoing challenges with external audit timeliness. The report also detailed the work of the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team and the Treasury Management function.

Constitution Amendments

Council approved amendments to the Constitution, primarily concerning the reinstatement of Area Committees and changes to how petitions and deputations are handled. Deputations will now be reported to the relevant Area Committee, and petitions with 501-3,000 signatures will also be directed to Area Committees. Amendments were also made to the terms of reference for the Health and Wellbeing Board to reflect national and local health system changes, and to increase the number of independent members on the Local Pension Board.

Administrative Matters

Council noted and approved several administrative changes, including updates to committee meeting dates, nominations to outside bodies, changes to committee memberships, and appointments to Area Committees. Notably, Councillor Danny Rich was appointed as the Leader of the Council.

Progress on the Youth Justice Plan 2025-27

The council noted and considered the Youth Justice Plan 2025–2027 and acknowledged the progress made in 2025–2026. The report highlighted strong performance across all indicators, including a continued reduction in first-time entrants to the youth justice system, a reduced reoffending rate of 28.6%, and a sustained 0% custody rate. The service has focused on prevention and diversion, with increased use of Out of Court Resolutions and early intervention programmes. A child-centred approach is embedded, and feedback from children and families remains positive. Challenges include the increasing complexity of need, persistent disproportionality, and high NEET (not in education, employment or training) levels within the cohort. The plan prioritises strengthening prevention, reducing inequalities, improving education outcomes, and enhancing transition into adulthood.