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, financial forecasts, and the Barnet Youth Strategy. Key decisions made included the approval of the Barnet Group's five-year business plan and the adoption of the Sustainable Design and Development Guidance SPD.

New Administration Priorities and Financial Matters

The Cabinet discussed the council's new administration priorities for 2026-2030, with a strong focus on achieving financial sustainability by March 2029. This overarching goal will inform the development of a refreshed Corporate Plan, which will be shaped through member engagement, officer input, and resident consultation. The council aims to move from strategy to visible delivery with transparent decision-making and robust governance.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Chief Finance Officer's report, which detailed the Q1 financial forecast and budget management for 2026/27. The report indicated an overspend of £2.621 million, after planned reserve drawdowns. The council remains reliant on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government, though the forecast requirement has been reduced by £6 million due to an improved 2025/26 outturn and additional parking income. The report also highlighted ongoing issues with temporary accommodation, adults and children's services, and a growing Dedicated Schools Grant deficit. Cabinet approved the proposed framework and process for developing the Corporate Plan, endorsed the focus on early delivery of member-led priorities, and agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Executive for further development and public consultation. They also approved the Chief Financial Officer's report, noting the Q1 forecast and approving budget virements and debt write-offs.

Housing and Regeneration

Several key decisions were made regarding housing and regeneration. Cabinet noted the deputation response concerning Dollis Valley Phases 4 and 5, addressing residents' concerns about tenure changes and the council's engagement process. They also approved the Full Business Case for Phases 4 and 5 of the Dollis Valley regeneration scheme and the acquisition of 208 affordable homes from Vistry. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Growth to finalise grant agreements with the GLA and other necessary legal documentation.

The Brent Cross Update Report was noted, highlighting ongoing progress on site, including the practical completion of Plot 1 and the commencement of works on Plot 43B. Cabinet also noted the proposal to deliver a new co-living building on Plot 42 and delegated authority for finalising heads of terms.

Regarding the Finchley Leisure Centre, Cabinet approved the revised Outline Business Case, including the design and facility mix. They also approved the issue of an FBC Notice to Regal GNLP Limited (trading as Arada) to progress the development, noting that the scheme remains conditional on Arada securing a final planning decision notice and financing. Additional council investment will be required for project management and contingency, funded by borrowing. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Communities, Adults and Health to approve the Full Business Case.

Youth Services and Community Safety

The Barnet Youth Strategy (2026-2036) was presented, outlining a collaborative approach to coordinating opportunities and enhancing the youth offer across the borough. The strategy aims to create an environment where young people feel they belong, have trusted adults to support them, safe places to go, and opportunities to build skills and have fun. Cabinet approved the draft strategy for formal consultation, with authority delegated to the Executive Director for Children and Family Services to revise and update it based on feedback.

The council also welcomed the government's proposed measures to protect victims of domestic abuse in social housing, resolving that the Leader of the Council would write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to welcome these measures and inquire about additional protections for sole-tenant perpetrators.

Parking and Other Services

The Cabinet discussed the Underhill South Experimental Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and noted the deputation response. They requested that officers conclude the analysis of consultation comments and engage with ward members and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change to determine the future options for the zone, including potential amendments, a new experimental period, making it permanent, or removing controls entirely.

An update on works to Oakleigh Depot was also provided, with Cabinet agreeing the recommendations contained in the exempt appendix.

Finally, the Cabinet noted the forward plan and confirmed there was no urgent business to discuss, concluding the meeting early.