The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a report from the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, an update on community equipment and technology, and a review of the Food Security Task and Finish Group's recommendations. The committee will also discuss the Cabinet Forward Plan and its own work programmes.

Report from the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

A report from the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health is scheduled for discussion. This report is expected to provide an update on the portfolio, which encompasses services for adults requiring care and support, as well as broader health-related matters within the borough.

Update on Community Equipment and Technology

The sub-committee is scheduled to receive an update on community equipment and technology. This topic is likely to cover advancements and current provisions related to equipment and technological solutions designed to support individuals in their homes and communities, potentially aiding independence and well-being.

Food Security Task and Finish Group Recommendations Tracking

The meeting will include a discussion on the tracking of recommendations from the Food Security Task and Finish Group. This group has been examining issues related to food security within Barnet, and the sub-committee will review the progress made in implementing their recommendations. The report pack indicates that the group has met with representatives from the Barnet Food Partnership, the Public Health Team, and visited the Sufra Affordable Food Hub in Brent. The group's report was presented to the Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee on 5 November 2025, with a response from Cabinet published on 18 November 2025.

The report pack details the progress on specific recommendations:

• Recommendation 1: To support the development of different food aid models in Barnet, such as cooperatives, community pantries, and affordable food shops, including identifying and potentially subsidising rent for council-owned properties and the use of community freezers. The Cabinet response was Partially accepted, and work has progressed with the establishment of the Acorn Pantry in Burnt Oak, supported by funding from Feeding Britain and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
• Recommendation 2: To bring work on food security more closely with work on cost-of-living and poverty reduction, and to identify a corporate strategic lead for food security. The Cabinet response was Not accepted, stating that tackling poverty and inequalities is a key priority within Our Plan for Barnet and that work on food security will be led through the existing performance framework.
• Recommendation 3: To review and map which Council services could provide drop-in sessions for residents at food banks, recognising co-location as best practice. The Cabinet response was Accepted, and progress has been made through the Barnet Food Action Plan, with a borough-wide survey being analysed to map existing wraparound services and understand organisational capacity.
• Recommendation 4: To identify possible sources of funding to contribute to the core operating costs of Volunteers on Wheels. The Cabinet response was Partially accepted, noting a pending Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) application and encouraging the organisation to seek additional funding sources.
• Recommendation 5: To explore opportunities for using the Household Support Fund. The Cabinet response was Not accepted, as the Household Support Fund was not continuing beyond the current financial year.
• Recommendation 6: To ask the Public Health Team to monitor live data on residents' access to benefits and uptake of benefits. The Cabinet response was Not accepted, stating that monitoring benefits uptake is carried out by a different team, the Council's Income Maximisation team.
• Recommendation 7: To ask Cabinet to review the recommendations from the Food Partnership Food Security Summit Report 2024 and provide a formal response. The Cabinet response was Accepted, and the Barnet Food Action Plan 2026-2028 has incorporated many of the themes identified through the summit.
• Recommendation 8: To introduce the role of a Councillor Food Champion. The Cabinet response was Accepted, confirming that Councillor Alison Moore will take on this role.

Cabinet Forward Plan

The sub-committee is scheduled to review the Cabinet Forward Plan, which outlines upcoming key decisions. This will allow members to identify any items they may wish to request for pre-decision scrutiny during the 2026-27 period.

Work Programmes

The meeting will also involve a review of the Adults & Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee's work programme for 2026-27. The work programme for the Barnet Health and Wellbeing Board for the same period will also be presented, and the sub-committee will consider if any items from this programme warrant pre-decision scrutiny.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at Hendon Town Hall, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BQ.