The Cabinet of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 08 October 2024 to discuss a range of important issues, including proposed increases to fees and charges, the adoption of a new Religious Education syllabus, and updates on the Brent Cross regeneration project. Key decisions made included the approval of the Barnet Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and the conditional sale of a property in West Hendon.

Fees and Charges

Cabinet considered proposed increases to fees and charges for 2025/26, acknowledging the financial pressures these would place on residents. Councillor Ammar Naqvi, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability and Reducing Poverty, introduced the report, noting that the proposed increases were necessary to reflect the current financial climate and the pressures faced by the local authority. An amendment was made to the recommendations, clarifying the delegation of decision-making authority. Cabinet agreed to note the proposed executive and non-executive fees and charges for 2025/26. Authority was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability and Reducing Poverty, subject to consultation responses and relevant EQIA, for the approval of executive fees and charges for 2025/26. Cabinet recommended non-executive fees and charges to Full Council and delegated authority to the Chief Finance Officer to consider them for approval with the benefit of consultation responses and the equality impact assessment. Officers were authorised to consult on proposals for executive fees and charges, parking charges, and certain Adult Social Care fees and charges.

Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education

Cabinet approved the Barnet Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (RE) 2025-2030 for submission to the Department for Education for formal agreement. Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, introduced the report, highlighting that the new syllabus represented a significant departure from previous versions, establishing RE as a religion and worldviews evolutionary subject. The syllabus is based on the work of Professor Ann Taves and focuses on six Big Questions designed to encourage pupils to explore what it means to be human and their place in a diverse world. The syllabus will be submitted to the Department for Education for formal agreement before being shared with schools for trialling and full implementation in September 2025.

Brent Cross Update Report

Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, presented an update on the Brent Cross Cricklewood Regeneration Programme. Key highlights included residents moving into the first new homes on Plots 53 and 54, the commencement of demolition of the Whitefield Estate low-rise buildings, and the exchange of contracts for student housing and co-living developments. Brent Cross West Station continues to see increasing passenger numbers. Cabinet noted the contents of the report and delegated authority to the Director for Housing, Economy and Placemaking to negotiate terms for the acquisition of Transport for London (TfL) and Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd (NRIL) land needed for the scheme and enter into the contracts, transfers and other ancillary documents required.

Disposal of 213 West Hendon Broadway

Cabinet approved the conditional sale of 213 West Hendon Broadway to Barratt Metropolitan Limited Liability Partnership on the basis of agreed heads of terms. Authority was delegated to the Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to sign off the contract for sale, transfer, and any ancillary documents and any minor variations to the heads of terms. Councillor Ross Houston explained that this sale, along with the sale of the adjoining property at 215 West Hendon Broadway, would facilitate the delivery of Phase 5 of the West Hendon regeneration scheme. This phase will provide 112 affordable homes, including socially rented and shared ownership properties. As part of the deal, Barratt will also fund the construction of a new GP surgery for Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH), replacing the current outdated facility. The sale is conditional on Barratt exchanging contracts with CLCH for the adjoining property, which is anticipated to occur before March 2025.

Elective Home Education Task and Finish Group Report

Cabinet noted the referral from the Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee regarding the Elective Home Education Task and Finish Group report. Cabinet requested that officers prepare a report on the Task and Finish Group's recommendations, including full legal, financial, and other comments, to allow for full consideration at a future Cabinet meeting.

Youth Homelessness Task and Finish Group Report

Cabinet noted the referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee concerning the Youth Homelessness Task and Finish Group report. Similar to the Elective Home Education report, Cabinet requested that officers prepare a comprehensive report on the Task and Finish Group's recommendations for future consideration.

Corporate Parenting Annual Reports

Cabinet noted the contents of the Corporate Parenting Annual Reports and agreed that the reports be referred to Council for noting, to ensure understanding of the Council's statutory role as corporate parents and to be aware of progress and challenges in services for children in care and care-experienced young adults. The reports detailed progress against the Council's six corporate parenting pledges, including support for dreams, mental and physical health, and independence.