The Cabinet of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's new administration priorities, the chief financial officer's report, and the Barnet Youth Strategy. Key decisions made included the approval of the Barnet Youth Strategy for formal consultation and the adoption of recommendations regarding the council's priorities and financial sustainability.

The meeting also addressed the financial outturn for 2025/26 and the 2026/27 budget management, noting an projected overspend of £2.621m after planned reserve drawdowns. Significant discussions also took place regarding the Dollis Valley Phases 4 and 5, with a decision to approve the full business case and the council's acquisition of 208 affordable homes. Furthermore, the Cabinet agreed to note the Brent Cross update report and approved recommendations concerning the Finchley Leisure Centre's revised outline business case. Finally, the meeting addressed the extension of the Pan-London Sexual Health and Contraceptive e-Service Contract and noted the update on works to Oakleigh Depot.

New Administration Priorities

The Cabinet discussed the council's new administration priorities for 2026-2030, which are framed around the twin goals of acting on issues that matter to residents and securing the council's financial future. A key focus is on prevention, innovation, and tackling inequality, with an aim to reach financial sustainability by March 2029. The report outlined a structured process for developing a new Corporate Plan, which will be shaped through member engagement, officer input, and resident and partner consultation. The Cabinet agreed to endorse the proposed framework and process for developing this plan, and to delegate authority to the Chief Executive to continue developing priorities and objectives, including undertaking a public consultation.

Chief Finance Officer Report - Financial Outturn 2025/26 and 2026/27 Budget Management

The Chief Finance Officer's report detailed the council's revenue and capital forecast for 2026/27 as at Quarter 1. The report indicated a projected revenue overspend of £2.621m, after accounting for planned reserve drawdowns. The council's reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government to balance its 2026/27 budget was noted, with an improved 2025/26 outturn and additional parking income reducing the forecast EFS requirement by £6m. The report also highlighted ongoing issues with temporary accommodation, adult social care, and children's services, although forecasting accuracy has improved. Savings of £8.685m (92%) are currently forecast to be delivered against a £9.419m savings programme for 2026/27. The Cabinet approved virements and write-offs for council tax, business rates, and housing benefit overpayments, as detailed in the report.

Barnet Youth Strategy (2026-2036)

The Cabinet discussed the draft Barnet Youth Strategy (2026-2036), a co-produced document aiming to coordinate access to improved opportunities and youth services across the borough. The strategy is guided by five priorities: Strengthening the Current Youth Offer, Shaping a Dynamic and Sustainable Youth Sector Future, Expanding Engagement for All Young People Through High-Quality Opportunities, Championing Inclusion and Opportunities for Young People with SEND, and Driving Action Through Evidence and Youth Voice. The Cabinet approved the draft strategy for formal consultation, with delegated authority given to the Executive Director for Children and Family Services to revise and update it based on feedback.

Dollis Valley Phases 4 & 5 - Deputation Response and Full Business Case

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Dollis Valley Phases 4 and 5 regeneration scheme. The Cabinet received a formal response to a deputation from residents raising concerns about the proposed tenure change and the council's engagement process. The response detailed the council's position, including advice from professional advisors that there is no evidence of systematic mortgage lending restrictions linked to tenure mix. The Cabinet also discussed and approved the Full Business Case for Phases 4 & 5, and the council's acquisition of 208 affordable homes from Vistry. This decision is subject to confirmation of GLA grant funding and the satisfaction of conditions within the Development Agreement. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Growth to agree and authorise entry into various legal documentation, including a grant agreement with the GLA and a supplementary development agreement with Countryside Properties (UK) Limited.

Underhill South Experimental Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) - Deputation Response

The Cabinet considered a deputation response regarding the Underhill South Experimental CPZ. The report detailed the council's current CPZ policy and governance arrangements, explaining that decisions are made under delegated officer authority within the approved policy framework. The report outlined the process for developing and implementing CPZs, including informal engagement and consultation. The Cabinet noted the deputation and approved a summary response. It was requested that officers conclude the analysis of comments received during the statutory consultation period and engage with Ward Members and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change to determine the future options for the Underhill South CPZ, including potential amendments, making it permanent, or removing the controls entirely.

Brent Cross Update Report

The Cabinet received an update on the Brent Cross Cricklewood Programme. Progress was highlighted, including the practical completion of Plot 1, the sale of Plot 11 to Whitbread, and the commencement of works on Plot 43B. The report also noted the conclusion of the Network Rail settlement for Brent Cross West station. The Cabinet was asked to note the ongoing work to bring forward third-party land sales and confirm support for a data centre at Brent Cross Town, with detailed proposals to follow. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to finalise heads of terms and complete documentation related to the sale of Plot 42. The Cabinet also authorised Chief Officers to take measures to resolve disputes arising from compulsory purchase orders.

Finchley Leisure Centre: Revised Outline Business Case

The Cabinet reviewed a revised Outline Business Case for a replacement Finchley Leisure Centre. The report detailed the latest design development, financial position, and proposed facility mix, which includes an expanded gym, additional studios, a learner pool, and a café. The design aims to meet community needs and projected demand within the available budget. The Cabinet approved the revised OBC and authorised the issue of the FBC Notice to the developer, Regal GNLP Limited (trading as Arada), confirming the council's commitment to the current design and construction cost of £29m. The development remains conditional on Arada securing final planning permission and financing.

Modification and Extension of the Pan-London Sexual Health and Contraceptive e-Service Contract (SHL.UK)

The Cabinet noted the City of London Corporation's decision to extend the current Pan-London Sexual Health and Contraceptive e-Service Contract by 12 months, from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027. This extension is necessary to allow sufficient time to conclude the ongoing re-procurement process. The Cabinet approved Barnet's continued participation in the collaborative commissioning arrangements and delegated authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, to confirm Barnet's acceptance of the extension and complete any required documentation.

The London Borough of Barnet update on works to Oakleigh Depot

The Cabinet noted the update on works to Oakleigh Depot, as detailed in the exempt appendix.

Barnet Group Business Plan

The Cabinet approved The Barnet Group's 5-year business plan, which outlines the financial performance and strategic direction for the Group and its subsidiaries. The plan includes budgets for Barnet Homes, Your Choice Barnet, Bumblebee Lettings, TBG Flex, and Open Door Homes. The report highlighted key risks and assumptions, and the Cabinet agreed to the proposed budget, noting that the Group aims to achieve financial sustainability.

Council Housing Performance Q4 2025/26

The Cabinet received an update on Barnet Homes' performance for Q4 2025/26, including Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs). The report indicated improvements in overall tenant satisfaction, repairs completion times, and building safety compliance. However, challenges remain in complaint handling timeliness and addressing damp and mould cases. The Cabinet noted the report, and the Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration was delegated authority to provide a formal governing body response to the Housing Ombudsman. The report also detailed progress on Awaab's Law implementation and the Disrepair Team's efforts to reduce case backlogs.

Cabinet Forward Plan - Key Decision Schedule

The Cabinet noted the Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions to be made in the coming months.

Urgent Business

There was no urgent business raised at this meeting.

The meeting concluded early.