The Cabinet of Barnet Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues. Key topics include the findings of an external assurance review into the council's financial sustainability, an update on the delivery of the council's plan for the first quarter of the financial year, and proposed changes to the administration of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds.

MHCLG External Assurance Review

The Cabinet will consider the findings of an External Assurance Report commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This review, conducted by CIPFA, assessed the council's financial position and governance arrangements, identifying key financial sustainability risks and proposing an improvement roadmap. The report highlights significant long-term financial risks, including escalating deficits and reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS), and makes numerous recommendations across themes of financial management, sustainability, service reform, and governance. The council's response to the draft report is also scheduled for consideration.

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

An update on the Delivery and Outcomes Framework for Our Plan for Barnet for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year will be presented. This report will summarise key activities, performance information, and high-level risks across the council's corporate priorities, including Caring for People, Caring for Our Places, Caring for the Planet, and ensuring the council remains Engaged and Effective. While some areas show strong progress, such as housing delivery and children's services outcomes, others require attention, including temporary accommodation demand, discretionary support application processing times, and income collection performance.

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

A report detailing a proposed new process for administering and prioritising Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding by Area Committees (East, West, and North) is scheduled for discussion. This revised approach aims to replace previous advisory groups with a clearer committee-based model, enhancing transparency, Member accountability, and consistency in decision-making. The proposal includes an indicative annual allocation of £750,000, divided equally among the three Area Committees, with defined funding limits for community grants and council-delivered infrastructure projects. Strengthened eligibility criteria, including statutory requirements and local priorities, are also outlined.

Adoption of new national Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) standards

The Cabinet is asked to approve the adoption of new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in June 2025. As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), the council is responsible for ensuring new developments appropriately manage surface water runoff. The new standards replace the previous non-statutory technical standards and aim to provide a comprehensive framework for the design, delivery, and long-term management of SuDS. Adoption of these standards is expected to align the council's assessment processes with national policy, reflect best practice, and support the delivery of wider environmental and community benefits, contributing to the council's corporate plan and climate action objectives.

Brent Cross Update Report

An update on activities at Brent Cross Town since the last report in July 2026 will be presented. This report highlights progress on site development, including lease agreements for key plots and buildings, and demolition works. It also details upcoming workstreams, including the preparation of a new Business Plan for the Joint Venture, proposals for the Fourth and Fifth Phases of development (including a data centre), and potential plans for a Sixth Phase. The report will also cover the completion of leases for Claremont Park and the Pavilion, neighbourhood activities, and ongoing work on infrastructure projects.

Cabinet Forward Plan - Key Decision Schedule

The Cabinet Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions scheduled for future Cabinet meetings, is also listed for noting. This document provides an overview of upcoming significant decisions the Cabinet is expected to make.

The meeting will also address standard procedural items such as the minutes of the previous meeting, absence of members, and declarations of interest. A motion to exclude the press and public is also listed, indicating that an exempt item is scheduled for discussion.