The Council of the London Borough of Barnet convened for an extraordinary meeting, during which they conferred the Honorary Freedom of the Borough upon five organisations in recognition of their exceptional service. The meeting also addressed various council matters, including planning policy, housing, and the Youth Justice Plan.

Conferral of Honorary Freedom of the Borough

The council agreed to bestow the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Barnet upon Hatzola Northwest, Hatzola Edgware, Hatzola HBS, the Community Security Trust (CST), and Shomrim North West London. This prestigious award was granted in recognition of the organisations' significant contributions to the borough.

Hatzola was commended for its outstanding contribution to the health and well-being of Barnet residents through the provision of a free, 24-hour volunteer emergency medical response service. Councillors highlighted their volunteers' resilience in continuing their vital work following an attack on their ambulances in March 2026.

Shomrim was recognised for its role as a volunteer-led community safety organisation that provides patrols to deter crime, offer reassurance, and respond to emergencies, including antisemitic incidents. Their volunteers were praised for running towards danger to support victims and assist emergency services, notably during a terrorist attack on Golders Green Road in April 2026.

The Community Security Trust (CST) was acknowledged for its work in ensuring Jewish people can lead lives of their choice and for being Britain's leading expert on the data, detail, cause and impact of contemporary antisemitism. The council noted CST's provision of security advice and equipment to Jewish institutions and its role in informing public policy.

During the debate, Councillor Barry Rawlings stated, We simply could not have responded to these challenges we currently face without these two remarkable security organisations. Councillor Dean Cohen MBE added, By conferring the freedom of the borough, we show our gratitude and support for all the work they do and will continue to do.

Defence of Local Democracy and Planning Decisions

The council debated and passed a motion, as amended, concerning the defence of local democracy in planning decisions. The original motion, moved by Councillor Shimon Ryde, expressed concern over upcoming changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Act and the National Planning Policy Framework, which would reduce councillors' ability to call in applications and limit residents' objections to smaller schemes. The motion argued that these changes would lead to a more top-down decision-making process, diminishing transparency and public scrutiny.

Councillor Charli Thompson moved an amendment to strengthen the principle that local communities and elected councillors best understand local needs. The amendment emphasised that housing targets should reflect local housing needs and that the focus should be on genuinely affordable housing and more family homes.

Councillor Ross Houston moved a further amendment, expressing support for the motion's substance while clarifying points regarding the delivery of social and affordable homes and the role of the Deputy Mayor. The amendment also noted that the Secretary of State's decision on Edgware had upheld the local decision and that the Deputy Mayor is a civil servant, not an elected official.

The motion, as amended by Councillors Thompson and Houston, was carried.

Youth Justice Plan Progress

The council noted and approved the content of the Youth Justice Plan 2025-2027 and acknowledged the progress made in 2025-2026. Councillor David Longstaff highlighted the positive work in reducing reoffending and keeping children out of custody, emphasising that prevention is the key. He questioned the council's approach to supporting organisations like Raphael House, which provides counselling to vulnerable young people, noting an increase in their rent.

Councillor Sara Conway expressed pride in the Youth Justice team's achievements, including maintaining a zero custody rate, reducing first-time entrants to the youth justice system, and reoffending rates. She highlighted the service's child first approach, restorative justice initiatives, and high levels of satisfaction reported by children, young people, and families.

Code of Corporate Governance and Annual GARMS Report

The council approved the Code of Corporate Governance 2026-27 and adopted it for inclusion in the Constitution. They also noted and approved the annual Governance, Audit, Risk, Management and Standards (GARMS) report for 2025-26, reflecting on the committee's achievements and enhancements to the council's governance framework and internal controls. The report acknowledged the work carried out under the chairmanship of former Councillor Arjun Mitra.

Constitution Amendments

Amendments to the council's constitution were approved, including changes to committee meeting dates, appointments to outside bodies and area committees, and appointments to the local pension board. Councillor Charli Thompson raised concerns that removing deputations from full council and moving medium-sized petitions away from overview and scrutiny to area committees would weaken residents' ability to collectively bring borough-wide issues to the council. Councillor Peter Zinkin and Councillor Alison Moore spoke in favour of the reinstatement of area committees, viewing them as appropriate forums for residents to present local petitions.

Other Matters

The meeting also included the Mayor's official announcements, congratulations to residents and community figures on the King's Birthday Honours list, and updates on the council's twinning relationships with Berlin and France. There was also a public question regarding a judicial review against the Mayor of London concerning affordable homes targets. The council also discussed measures to combat the sale of illegal vapes and other goods, and the progress on the Regent's Park Road bus lane scheme. The council also noted the sad passing of former councillor Alan Turner, with tributes paid by Councillor Kath McGuirk.