The Cabinet of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's financial sustainability, the future of parklets, and the adoption of new national standards for sustainable drainage. Key discussions and decisions included the MHCLG External Assurance Review, the Hendon Parklet Petition, and the adoption of new Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) standards.

MHCLG External Assurance Review

The Cabinet considered the External Assurance Report commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), which assessed the council's financial position and governance arrangements. The report identified significant long-term financial sustainability risks, including a widening structural deficit and reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). The Cabinet noted the council's response to the draft report and agreed to the submission of progress reports to MHCLG by the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability. A new recommendation was added for officers to work on an options appraisal for future waste management collection arrangements. The Cabinet also noted that a plan for financial sustainability would be presented in October.

Hendon Parklet Petition

A petition requesting the removal of a parklet outside 134 Brent Street in Hendon was discussed. The Cabinet considered the request to remove the parklet and noted that the current licence for the parklet expires on 31 January 2027. The Cabinet agreed that officers, including licensing, highway, and legal teams, would introduce a new form of licence for parklets across the borough, ensuring associated businesses maintain, plant, and utilise them, and contribute towards annual survey costs. Authority was delegated to Chief Officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, to approve the implementation of this new licence. The word keep clean was suggested to be added to the licence terms.

Adoption of new national Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) standards

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), released by Defra in June 2025. As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Barnet Council has a statutory responsibility to manage local flood risks. The new standards, which replace the previous 2015 standards, provide a more comprehensive framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining SuDS, with an emphasis on delivering multiple benefits. The adoption aligns with the council's Corporate Plan and Climate Action objectives. The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee noted good practice examples of SuDS already implemented and recommended that updated guidance be published on the Barnet website to assist developers and applicants.

Our Plan for Barnet - Delivery and Outcomes Framework, Quarter 1 (Q1) 2026-27

The Cabinet received an update on the Delivery and Outcomes Framework for Our Plan for Barnet for the first quarter of 2026-27. The report highlighted that financial sustainability remains the council's top priority, with a forecasted overspend managed through contingency provisions. The delivery of the savings programme was reported as strong, with several priority programmes showing positive progress, including housing delivery. However, areas requiring attention included rising temporary accommodation demand, increased processing times for discretionary support applications, and below-target income collection.

New Process for Administering Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Funds

The Cabinet approved a new governance framework for administering Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds through Area Committees. This revised approach replaces previous advisory groups with a clearer committee-based model. An indicative annual allocation of £750,000 will be divided among the three Area Committees (£250,000 each), with maximum grant limits of £25,000 for community projects and £75,000 for council-delivered infrastructure projects. The framework includes strengthened eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and exclusion criteria. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Capital Delivery, in consultation with the Leader, Legal, Finance, and Governance, to finalise the updated NCIL Policy, Terms and Conditions, and application guidance.

Brent Cross Update Report

The Cabinet received an update on the progress at Brent Cross Town. Key developments included the completion of the lease for Plot 1 to Sheffield Hallam University, the finalisation of leases for Claremont Park and the Pavilion, and demolition work on a parade of shops. Upcoming workstreams include an updated Business Plan for the Joint Venture and proposals for future phases. The Council is also working with Hammerson on a new vision for Brent Cross North. The report highlighted ongoing social value initiatives and noted the Brent Cross Town Wayfinding project's shortlisting for awards.

The meeting also included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and a motion to exclude the press and public for the discussion of exempt information related to the Brent Cross Update Report.