The Council of Barnet convened on Tuesday 15 October 2024, addressing a range of significant issues including the outcome of an Ofsted inspection for children's services, the council's treasury management outturn for the previous financial year, and proposed amendments to the council's constitution. Key decisions included noting the Ofsted inspection findings, which rated children's services as 'Good' overall with 'Outstanding' for children in care, and approving the proposed amendments to the council's constitution.

Outcome of Ofsted Inspection of Children and Families

The council noted the findings of an Ofsted inspection of Barnet's Children and Families Service. The inspection, conducted under the Inspection of Local Authority Children's Social Care Services (ILACS) framework, resulted in an overall effectiveness grading of 'Good'. Notably, the experiences and progress of children in care were rated as 'Outstanding', while children in need of help and protection, care leavers, and the impact of leaders on social work practice were all graded as 'Good'. The report highlighted strengths in areas such as the multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH), the effectiveness of strategy meetings, and the quality of care plans for children in care. Areas identified for improvement included return home interviews, communication regarding living arrangements for care leavers, timeliness of early help support, and management oversight of the local authority designated officer (LADO). An action plan has been developed to address these areas.

Treasury Management Outturn 2023/2024

The council noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2023/24. The report detailed significant changes in the council's treasury position, including a substantial increase in external borrowing to £1,056.36 million by 31 March 2024, largely to support the capital programme and maintain liquidity. This increase in borrowing, coupled with a reduction in treasury cash balances and rising interest rates, has created a liquidity management risk for the council. The report also highlighted the heavy use of cash-backed reserves for capital expenditure prior to 2021, which has impacted the council's current liquidity position. The treasury team has identified strategic priorities for 2024/25, including improving data management for cashflow forecasting, developing a strategy for refinancing maturing debt, and modernising treasury processes.

Constitution Review

The council approved amendments to the council's constitution as set out in Appendices A, B, and C of the report. These amendments included changes to the authorisation levels for land and property transactions, adjustments to committee procedure rules regarding the deadline for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding bids, and a revision to the terms of reference for the Local Pension Board concerning the appointment of its chair and vice-chair. The Head of Governance was authorised to implement these revisions and publish the updated constitution.

Other Key Discussions and Decisions

The council also addressed several other matters:

• Administration Motion - Celebrating the Administration's Achievements: This motion, moved by Councillor Sue Baker, highlighted achievements since the Labour administration took office in May 2022, including improvements to the CCTV system, the return of the free community skips programme, regular street deep cleans, and a £97 million programme to fix roads and pavements. The motion was carried.
• Opposition Motion - This Council Regrets the Government's Decision to Punish Barnet's Pensioners: Moved by Councillor Richard Cornelius, this motion expressed regret over changes to winter fuel payments. The motion was lost.
• Administration Motion - Ofsted Inspections: Moved by Councillor Anne Hutton, this motion welcomed the government's decision to end one- and two-word Ofsted judgements for schools and proposed writing to the Secretary of State for Education to express thanks. The motion was carried.
• Opposition Motion - Residents Should Be Able to Park Outside Their Own Homes: Moved by Councillor Dean Cohen, this motion called for a review of parking policies to allow residents to park in front of their own driveways within controlled parking zones. The motion was lost.
• Administration Motion - Celebrating Barnet's Assets of Community Value: Moved by Councillor Emma Whysall, this motion noted the importance of local assets and the government's plans to strengthen community rights to buy. The motion was carried.
• Opposition Motion - Let's Help Barnet's Leaseholders: Moved by Councillor Richard Cornelius, this motion expressed regret over the financial burden on leaseholders due to ground rents and service charges. An administration amendment was proposed by Councillor Weisel and agreed, and the motion as amended was carried.
• Administration Motion - Welcoming the 310 Bus Route: Moved by Councillor Nigel Young, this motion welcomed the introduction of a new TfL bus route linking Golders Green and Stamford Hill. The motion was carried.
• Outcome of Ofsted's Inspection of Children and Families: Council noted the findings of the Ofsted inspection, which resulted in an overall effectiveness grading of 'Good'.
• Corporate Parenting Annual Reports: Council noted the annual reports on corporate parenting, fostering, the independent reviewing service, and Barnet on Point (children in care).
• Referral from Local Pension Board - Annual Report of the Local Pension Board 2023-2024: Council noted the annual report of the Local Pension Board.
• Referral from Governance, Audit, Risk Management & Standards Committee - Treasury Management Outturn 2023/2024: Council noted the treasury outturn report and strategic priorities.
• Noting Chief Officer Appointments and Approving the Designation of Director of Public Health: Council noted the appointment of Craig Miller as Executive Director Environment, designated Dr Janet Djomba as Director of Public Health, and noted the appointment of Naisha Polaine as Executive Director Growth.
• Administrative Matters: Council noted and approved changes to committee appointments, nominations to outside bodies, and the draft calendar of meetings for 2025/26.

The meeting concluded at 9:20 pm.