The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 2 September 2026 to discuss a range of environmental issues. Key decisions included the development of a hybrid approach to managing dockless e-bikes, the adoption of new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and the endorsement of the scope for a Task and Finish Group on waste and recycling for flats above shops.

Dockless E-bikes

The committee discussed the growing issue of abandoned and inconsiderately parked dockless e-bikes across the borough. While Transport for London (TfL) is developing a pan-London licensing framework for e-bikes, expected to be implemented by mid-2028, Barnet Council currently has no formal arrangements with operators. Councillors expressed concern about the impact on pedestrians and the council's network management duties.

Following extensive debate, the committee agreed to recommend a hybrid approach to Cabinet. This includes:

• Immediate confiscation of abandoned dockless bikes: Using available statutory powers to confiscate abandoned bikes and hold them until their legal owners pay a retrieval fee. The term immediately was amended to as soon as practically possible to manage expectations regarding the establishment of necessary resources and infrastructure.
• Exploration of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): Concurrently, Cabinet will explore the use of MOUs with all dockless bike providers to establish acceptable behaviours and procedures.
• Trialing parking bases: Cabinet will explore locations for trial dockless parking bases, particularly around transport hubs and on wide pavements or adjacent to prohibitive parking areas.
• Revision of arrangements: The above measures will be revised when any pan-London arrangement is negotiated.
• Engagement in pan-London negotiations: The committee recommended ensuring Barnet Council has a strong voice in the development of the pan-London agreement by continuing to work with London Councils and relevant regulatory bodies.

Officers noted that while an MOU might offer flexibility, its success depends on operator willingness, especially with a pan-London agreement on the horizon. The potential for enforcement action was seen as a way to bring operators to the table. The committee also discussed the legal complexities of enforcement and the potential for judicial review if a complete ban were implemented.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

The committee reviewed a draft cabinet report concerning the adoption of new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), published by Defra in July 2025. As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Barnet Council is responsible for assessing sustainable drainage designs in new developments. The new standards aim to replace the previous 2015 technical standards and will strengthen the council's position in requiring new developments to adhere to best practices.

The report highlighted that Barnet has already been informally implementing many of these principles, meaning the adoption of the new standards will have minimal operational or financial impact. It was noted that this adoption will formalise the council's approach, strengthen its position with developers, and potentially improve its standing when seeking grant funding. The committee was asked to provide comments and recommendations for Cabinet's consideration.

Councillor Daus commended the council's existing work with groups like Action for Silkstream and Thames 21, and highlighted successful SuDS schemes in Watling Park, Rushgrove Park, Lindhurst, and The Mead. Rishi Sayal, Senior Flood Risk Manager, confirmed that updated guidance for developers would be published on the council's website following Cabinet's formal adoption of the new standards on 15 September. The committee agreed with the recommendations in the report.

Task and Finish Group Updates

The committee received an update on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups. A key development was the endorsement of the draft scope for the Flats and Flats Above Shops Waste and Recycling Task and Finish Group. This group will focus on improving recycling provisions in these types of properties, acknowledging the challenges posed by space limitations and the cooperation required from managing agents. The group's work is linked to the delivery of recycling improvements as part of the joint waste strategy and will consider feedback from the Statutory Instrument for Planning Applications (SIPFA).

The committee also noted that the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) Task and Finish Group would commence its work, with clarification sought on whether it would run concurrently with or after the Flats Above Shops group.

Cabinet Forward Plan

Members were asked to consider the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2026-27 and identify any items they wished to request for pre-decision scrutiny. This process allows the committee to review key decisions before they are made by Cabinet, ensuring greater transparency and public involvement. No specific items were raised for immediate scrutiny at this meeting, but the plan was noted.

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year. It was agreed that the item on dockless bikes would be considered in two stages: first, in relation to enforcement, and second, to establish a Task and Finish Group focused on collaboration between the council and providers. A detailed paper on street cleansing and potential improvements was requested for the November meeting. The Thames Water item was moved to March 2027, following the publication of the Highway Utilities Charter. The committee also noted that the Annual Sustainability Report would be discussed at Cabinet in September, and arrangements would be made for this committee to scrutinise it beforehand.