The Cabinet of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 6 February 2024, approving significant financial plans for the upcoming year, including recommendations for council tax increases, and endorsing a new business plan for the council. The meeting also saw decisions made regarding housing acquisitions, the development of former council land, and the procurement of services to ensure the safety of residential premises.

Business Planning and Financial Matters

The Cabinet recommended a series of financial proposals to the full Council for the 2024/25 financial year and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2024-2030. Key among these is a recommended increase of 2.98% for the general element of Council Tax and a 2% increase for the Social Care Precept. The Cabinet also noted changes in legislation regarding council tax premiums on unoccupied dwellings and recommended their application from April 2025. Furthermore, they agreed not to amend the Barnet Council Tax Support Scheme and approved the delegation of further allocations from the transformation reserve to the Leader of the Council. A decision was also made to consult on an increased Garden Waste fee, with the Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change delegated authority to review consultation responses and make a final decision.

The Cabinet also recommended the approval of the Capital Strategy and the Capital Programme for 2024/25, along with the Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) for the same period. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan was also approved for recommendation to the Council. In addition, the Cabinet noted the Chief Finance Officer's Q3 financial forecast for 2023/24, including the Council's revenue budget, use of reserves, capital budget expenditure, and debt position.

Housing and Regeneration

Several decisions were made concerning housing and regeneration. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Brent Cross Programme Director to finalise agreements for the temporary use of land acquired for the Brent Cross Scheme. They also approved the grant of a new 25-year lease to Homeless Action in Barnet at 36B Woodhouse Road, London N12 0RG, at a peppercorn rent.

To ensure the safety of residential premises, the Cabinet agreed to an urgent accelerated procurement exercise to commission a contractor for housing regulatory services. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive to award and enter into a contract with the winning bidder.

Significant decisions were made regarding housing acquisitions. The Cabinet approved the creation of a £70 million loan facility with TBG Open Door Limited to acquire 300 homes, to be let at a combination of Local Housing Allowance and social rents, alongside a capital budget of £31.5 million to subsidise these purchases. They also approved the purchase of the Touchpoint Housing LBB portfolio by TBG Open Door Limited and the transfer of leases, with a £20.6 million loan facility established for this purpose. A review of activity after 100 homes have been acquired will determine if the programme should continue.

The Cabinet also approved development proposals for the former Nightingale Nursery Site, declaring it surplus to requirements and authorising the Deputy Chief Executive to take necessary actions to facilitate the delivery of new homes through the Small Sites Programme.

Other Matters

The Cabinet resolved to become a Member of the Pan London Vehicle for Children's Complex Commissioning Ltd, a company owned by London Boroughs. They noted that Full Council had previously approved the appointment of the Executive Director for Children and Families to the Company's Board of Directors. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive to make company member/shareholder decisions.

Additionally, the Cabinet noted the referred motions from the Full Council meeting on 30 January 2024. These included motions on the extension of the Universal Free School Meals Scheme, tackling climate change, the introduction of digital blue badges, and banning profiteering in children's social care and education placements. The Cabinet endorsed the resolutions made at the Council meeting.