The Cabinet meeting of Barnet Council on Tuesday 16 January 2024 was scheduled to discuss a range of important issues, including the annual review of rents and service charges, the Serious Violence Strategy, and the adoption of Barnet's Sustainable Drainage Strategy. The meeting also included updates on the Barnet Community Participation Strategy and the Annual Procurement Forward Plan.

Annual Review of Rents and Service Charges and Temporary Accommodation Rents for 2024/5

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the annual review of rents and service charges for social rented homes, affordable rented homes, and temporary accommodation for the upcoming financial year. The report outlined the current rules governing rent setting, including the proposed rent increase of 7.7% for existing tenants of social and affordable rented homes. It also detailed proposed increases to service charges, with the exception of heating and hot water, which were also set to see an average increase of £8.22 per week. For temporary accommodation, rents were proposed to be increased to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) limits. The report also detailed measures to mitigate the impact of these increases on tenants, including benefit advice and support services.

Serious Violence Strategy 2024-27

A key item on the agenda was the proposed Serious Violence Strategy for 2024-27. This strategy is being developed in response to the Serious Violence Duty 2023, which requires local authorities to work collaboratively to prevent and reduce serious violence. The meeting was scheduled to consider the Serious Violence Strategic Needs Assessment 2023, which analyses the local profile, causes, and contributing factors of serious violence in Barnet. The proposed strategy itself, along with an outline Violence & Vulnerability Action Plan 2023, were also presented for approval. The strategy outlines seven key objectives, including strengthening partnership working, engaging local communities in co-produced solutions, raising public awareness, and supporting victim support services.

Barnet Community Participation Strategy: Year 1 Progress Report

The Cabinet was set to receive a progress report on the first year of delivering the Barnet Community Participation Strategy (CPS). Approved in October 2022, the CPS aims to change how the Council relates to its residents and involves communities in the Council's work. The report detailed achievements made in embedding the strategy's principles and approaches, highlighting progress in areas such as the Citizens Assembly on Climate Change and Biodiversity, the Leader Listens programme, and the co-production of the Barnet Culture Strategy. The report also covered the development of a Community Participation Toolkit and the Barnet Citizens Panel.

Approval and Adoption of Barnet's Sustainable Drainage Strategy (SuDS) and Long-term Highways SuDS Programme

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the approval and adoption of Barnet's Sustainable Drainage Strategy (SuDS) and a long-term Highways SuDS programme. This follows the Government's announcement regarding the enactment of Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which will introduce SuDS Approval Bodies (SABs) within local authorities. The proposed strategy aims to encourage the delivery of SuDS throughout the borough, aligning with the Council's Corporate Plan, Sustainability Strategy, and Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. The report also outlined a long-term programme for implementing SuDS on Barnet's highway network, prioritised into seven bands over more than ten years.

Annual Procurement Forward Plan (APFP) 2024-25 Update

The Cabinet was to consider an update to the Annual Procurement Forward Plan (APFP) for 2024-25, outlining envisaged procurement requirements for the upcoming years. The APFP provides oversight and enables better planning of procurement activity, ensuring transparency and adherence to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules. The report sought authorisation to commence procurement activity, subject to confirmation of continued requirement, budget availability, and any additional approvals required under the Council's Constitution.

Amendment to The Barnet Group Articles

The meeting was scheduled to discuss proposed amendments to The Barnet Group's Articles of Association. The report explained that the current articles are closely aligned with the Terms of Reference, necessitating amendments each time the Terms of Reference are altered. The proposal was to adopt relevant Companies House model articles, excluding those not permitted by the shareholder agreement, to streamline governance and ensure compliance.

Oak Hill Bowls Club - Lease Renewal

The Cabinet was to consider the renewal of the lease for Oak Hill Bowls Club. Following a 2017 committee resolution to divest the Council from the responsibility of maintaining bowls clubs while recognising their social and health benefits, new leases were intended to be granted at nominal rents. This report aimed to clarify the terms for Oak Hill Bowls Club, proposing a 25-year lease at a peppercorn rent, with the club taking full responsibility for maintenance and repairs.

Proposed Barnet Land Drainage Byelaws for Flood Risk Management

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the proposal to implement local land drainage byelaws under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. These byelaws are intended to assist in reducing flood risk within the borough and neighbouring areas. The report outlined the process for making byelaws, including informal consultation with the Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Natural England, and any local navigation authorities. The primary purpose of these byelaws is to ensure efficient drainage and manage flood risk.

School Funding Report

A report on school funding was listed on the agenda, though details were marked as To Follow .

Annual Procurement Forward Plan (APFP) 2024-25 Update

The Cabinet was to consider an update to the Annual Procurement Forward Plan (APFP) for 2024-25, outlining envisaged procurement requirements for the upcoming years. The APFP provides oversight and enables better planning of procurement activity, ensuring transparency and adherence to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules. The report sought authorisation to commence procurement activity, subject to confirmation of continued requirement, budget availability, and any additional approvals required under the Council's Constitution.

Approval and Adoption of Barnet's Sustainable Drainage Strategy (SuDS) and Long-term Highways SuDS Programme

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the approval and adoption of Barnet's Sustainable Drainage Strategy (SuDS) and a long-term Highways SuDS programme. This follows the Government's announcement regarding the enactment of Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which will introduce SuDS Approval Bodies (SABs) within local authorities. The proposed strategy aims to encourage the delivery of SuDS throughout the borough, aligning with the Council's Corporate Plan, Sustainability Strategy, and Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. The report also outlined a long-term programme for implementing SuDS on Barnet's highway network, prioritised into seven bands over more than ten years.

Integrated Community Equipment - Direct Award Service Provision to the London Consortium via a Waiver of the Contract Procedure Rules

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report on the direct award of the Integrated Community Equipment contract to the London Consortium via a waiver of the Contract Procedure Rules. This decision was taken under delegated powers to agree the waiver, authorising the direct award of the contract at an annual value of £3.2m, effective from 1 August 2023.

Burnt Oak Residential and Retail Freehold Sales

This item was withdrawn from the agenda and a report was to be brought to a future meeting following further work on the Council's assets.

Selective Licensing Phase 2 Consultation Feedback

The Cabinet was set to consider feedback from the consultation on Selective Licensing Phase 2. The report detailed proposed changes to the original proposals following the consultation, conditions for licensed properties, indicative fees, objectives, targets, and reporting timetable, and a communications plan. It also sought approval for the designation of a selective licensing scheme in ten proposed wards and requested a submission to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

Additional Licensing Performance Against Preset Objectives, and Targets

This item was scheduled to provide an update on the performance of the Additional Licensing Scheme 2022-2027, including findings from its Year One Review and the strategy for addressing identified challenges.

Cabinet Forward Plan - Key Decision Schedule

The Cabinet was to note the Forward Plan – Key Decision Schedule, which outlines upcoming key decisions.

Urgent Business (if any)

There were no urgent business items scheduled for discussion.

Motion to Exclude the Press and Public

A motion was scheduled to be moved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the discussion of exempt items, which were expected to involve confidential information.

Plot 1 Brent Cross Town Regeneration (Exempt)

This item was scheduled for discussion in an exempt session, following the exclusion of the press and public.