The Cabinet meeting on 8 October 2024 addressed the Barnet Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (RE) 2025-2030, proposed fees and charges for 2025/26, and the conditional sale of a property at 213 West Hendon Broadway. The meeting also received updates on Corporate Parenting Annual Reports, the Brent Cross regeneration programme, and reports from two Task and Finish Groups concerning elective home education and youth homelessness.

Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education

Cabinet approved the Barnet Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (RE) 2025-2030. This new syllabus, developed by Barnet's Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE), adopts a religion and worldviews approach. It is structured around six Big Questions derived from the academic work of Professor Ann Taves, aiming 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 and will be implemented from September 2025. Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, highlighted the syllabus's inclusive nature and its potential to foster constructive discussions.

Fees and Charges

Cabinet noted 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, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, to approve certain Adult Social Care fees and charges, subject to consultation responses and equality impact assessments. Cabinet also authorised officers to consult on proposals for future parking charges, aiming to contribute to the Mayor's Transport Strategy and Barnet's Air Quality Action Plan. Councillor Ammar Naqvi, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability and Reducing Poverty, acknowledged the financial pressure these increases might place on residents but stressed the necessity of reflecting the current economic climate.

Disposal of 213 West Hendon Broadway

Cabinet approved the conditional sale of 213 West Hendon Broadway to Barratt Metropolitan Limited Liability Partnership (BMLLP). This sale is contingent on Barratt exchanging contracts for the adjoining property, 215 West Hendon Broadway, from Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH). As part of the deal, Barratt will construct a new GP surgery for CLCH. This disposal will facilitate the delivery of 112 affordable homes as part of the wider West Hendon regeneration scheme. Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, noted the benefits of the scheme, including the provision of a new, modern GP surgery.

Corporate Parenting Annual Reports

Cabinet noted the contents of the Corporate Parenting Annual Reports for 2023/24. These reports detail the progress made in supporting children in care and care-experienced young adults, highlighting improvements in placement stability, educational outcomes, and the expansion of support services. The reports will be referred to Full Council for noting. Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, expressed pride in the work undertaken by staff and the positive outcomes for young people.

Brent Cross Update Report

An update on the Brent Cross regeneration programme was presented, highlighting key progress points. Residents have begun moving into new homes on Plots 53 and 54, and demolition of the Whitefield Estate low-rise buildings is underway. Contracts have been exchanged for student housing and a co-living development. Brent Cross West station continues to see increasing passenger numbers. Cabinet noted 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.

Task and Finish Group Reports

Cabinet noted the referral from the Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee regarding the Elective Home Education Task and Finish Group report and its recommendations. Cabinet requested officers to prepare a further report on the recommendations with full legal, financial, and other comments for future consideration. Councillor Lucy Wakeley, Chair of the group, presented the findings, which included recommendations for a national register for elective home-educated children and improved access to exam centres.

Cabinet also noted the referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the Youth Homelessness Task and Finish Group report and its recommendations. Cabinet requested officers to prepare a report on the recommendations, which focus on prevention, intervention, and support for young people at risk of homelessness. Councillor Jennifer Grocock, Chair of the group, highlighted the importance of early intervention and a more subjective, human approach from Barnet Homes.

Cabinet agreed to provide responses to the recommendations of both task and finish groups at a future Cabinet meeting.