The Council of the London Borough of Barnet convened for an extraordinary meeting to confer the honorary freedom of the borough upon five organisations in recognition of their exceptional service. In the subsequent ordinary meeting, councillors discussed a range of administrative matters, including proposed changes to committee meeting dates and memberships, and debated motions on domestic abuse in social housing and the defence of local democracy in planning decisions.

Conferral of Honorary Freedom of the Borough

The council unanimously agreed to confer the honorary freedom of the London Borough of Barnet upon Hatsola Northwest, Hatsola Edgware, Hatsola HBS, the Community Security Trust (CST), and Shomrim North West London. This honour recognises the organisations' extraordinary contributions to the borough.

Hatsola was commended for its free 24-hour volunteer emergency medical response service, which has assisted countless residents and worked alongside statutory emergency services. The council also acknowledged Hatsola's resilience in continuing its vital work following an attack on its ambulances in March 2026.

Shomrim North West London was recognised as a volunteer-led community safety organisation providing an invaluable service to the Jewish community and the wider public. Their 24-hour patrols deter crime, offer reassurance, and respond to emergencies, including anti-Semitic and violent attacks. Volunteers were praised for running towards danger to support victims and assist emergency services, notably during a terrorist attack on Golders Green Road in April 2026.

The Community Security Trust (CST) was acknowledged as Britain's leading expert on anti-Semitism, providing security advice and equipment to Jewish schools, organisations, and community buildings across the UK. Their research informs public policy and safeguards wider British society. CST also administers the Home Office's protective security grant.

Councillor Barry Rawlings and Councillor Dean Cohen MBE spoke in support of the motion, highlighting the organisations' dedication, resilience, and invaluable contributions to the safety and well-being of Barnet residents, particularly in the face of recent anti-Semitic incidents.

Administrative Matters and Motions

The council addressed several administrative items, including approving changes to committee meeting dates and memberships, and noting appointments to outside bodies and area committees.

Two significant motions were debated and passed:

• Welcoming Government Measures to Protect Victims of Domestic Abuse in Social Housing: Proposed by Councillor Sara Conway, this motion welcomed new government powers for landlords and courts to evict domestic abusers from social housing while allowing victims to remain in their homes. The council resolved 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 to express support and inquire about additional measures for sole-tenant abusers. Officers were also tasked with exploring how these powers can be exercised in Barnet.

• Defending Local Democracy in Planning Decisions: Proposed by Councillor Shimon Ryde, this motion expressed regret over decisions by the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State that disregarded local resident and council concerns regarding developments such as High Barnet and Finchley Lido. The council resolved to oppose further centralisation of planning powers and asked the Leader to write to the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London expressing these concerns. Amendments were accepted to strengthen the principle that housing targets should reflect local housing need and to acknowledge the importance of delivering social and affordable homes.

Reports and Plans

The council received and noted several reports:

• Code of Corporate Governance 2026/27: Approved for inclusion in the Constitution.
• Annual Report of the GARMS Committee 2025/26: Noted as an accurate record of the committee's activity and effectiveness.
• Constitution Amendments: Approved, including the reinstatement of Area Committees, changes to the handling of deputations and petitions, and modifications to the Health and Wellbeing Board's membership and quorum.
• Administrative Matters: Approved changes to committee meeting dates, outside body nominations, committee memberships, and appointments to Area Committees.
• Progress on the Youth Justice Plan 2025-27: Noted, with councillors acknowledging the service's strong performance in reducing reoffending and maintaining a zero-custody rate, while also highlighting ongoing challenges related to complex needs and disproportionality.

Official Announcements and Tributes

The Mayor, Councillor Zahra Beg, announced the birth of Councillor James Esses' baby boy, Oscar. The council also paid tribute to the late former Councillor Alan Turner, remembering his significant contributions to housing and his impactful presence in council meetings. Alderman Alistair John Nesbitt King, KSTJ, and Philip Jordan Esquire QPMSTJ were congratulated on their commissions to the Greater London Lieutenancy. The council also acknowledged several residents and community figures who were recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list 2026.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor's ceremony, where the new Mayor, Councillor Zahra Beg, was invested with the chain of office, and tributes were paid to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Danny Rich, and his Mayoress, Laura Lussman. The Mayor also announced her mayoral charities: Cherry Lodge Cancer Care and Give Local Barnet.