The Council of Barnet Council convened on Tuesday 15 October 2024, addressing a range of significant issues including the administration's achievements, the impact of government decisions on pensioners, and the outcomes of Ofsted inspections for children's services. Key decisions included the approval of the Local Pension Board's annual report and amendments to the Council's constitution.

Administration Achievements and Government Policy on Pensioners

Councillor Sue Baker's motion celebrating the administration's achievements was carried with 36 votes in favour to 16 against. The motion highlighted numerous initiatives undertaken since May 2022, including improvements to CCTV systems, the return of community skips, regular street deep cleans, a £97 million programme to fix roads and pavements, and the delivery of new council homes. It also noted the Outstanding Ofsted inspection for children in care and the first Barnet Pride celebration. The motion contrasted these achievements with what it described as wasted years under the previous Conservative administration, criticising outsourcing to Capita and the reinstatement of the committee system.

Conversely, the opposition motion, proposed by Councillor Richard Cornelius, regretting the government's decision to punish Barnet's pensioners, was lost. The motion expressed concern that cutting Winter Fuel Payments and linking them to Pension Credits, combined with rising energy prices, would push pensioners into fuel poverty. It highlighted that Barnet has a significant number of pensioners, including many nonagenarians, who are particularly susceptible to cold. The motion also referenced the Labour Party's previous stance against such cuts and cited Age UK's concerns about the policy's impact.

Ofsted Inspections and Children's Services

Councillor Anne Hutton's motion welcoming the government's decision to end one- and two-word Ofsted judgements for schools was carried unanimously. The motion argued that such judgements oversimplified school performance and could cause undue panic or complacency. The council resolved to write to the Secretary of State for Education to express thanks for this change.

The council also noted the outcome of Ofsted's inspection of Children and Families services, which found the overall effectiveness to be Good. While The experiences and progress of children in care was rated Outstanding, areas for improvement were identified, including return home interviews, communication about living arrangements for care leavers, the timeliness of early help support, and management oversight of the local authority designated officer (LADO). An action plan for 2024-2025 was noted to address these areas.

Further discussion focused on Corporate Parenting Annual Reports, with the council resolving to ensure understanding of their statutory role and awareness of progress and challenges for children in care and care-experienced young adults. Reports on the Fostering Service, Independent Reviewing Service, and Barnet on Point (Children in Care Council) were noted.

Financial Management and Treasury Operations

The council noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2023/24, which detailed significant changes in the council's treasury position. Borrowing increased substantially to £1,056.36 million by March 2024, while Treasury Cash reduced to approximately £45 million. This was attributed to increased capital expenditure, the use of cash-backed reserves for capital projects, and significant interest rate hikes. The report highlighted a liquidity management risk and the need for improved processes and strategic borrowing decisions. The council also noted the Treasury Strategic Priorities for 2024/25, focusing on data management, refinancing debt, and improving reporting.

Constitutional and Administrative Matters

Several administrative matters were agreed, including changes to committee memberships and nominations to outside bodies. The council approved the draft calendar of meetings for 2025/26. Amendments to the Council's Constitution were also approved, including changes to land and property transaction authorisations, committee procedure rules, and the terms of reference for the Local Pension Board.

Chief Officer Appointments

The council noted the appointment of Craig Miller as Executive Director Environment and Naisha Polaine as Executive Director Growth. Dr Janet Djomba was designated as the Director of Public Health.

Other Motions

Motions regarding residents' ability to park outside their own homes and celebrating Barnet's Assets of Community Value were carried. A motion concerning leaseholders was amended and carried, calling on the leader to write to the Secretary of State supporting leasehold reforms. The motion welcoming the new 310 bus route was also carried.

The meeting concluded with the noting of the Annual Report of the Local Pension Board for 2023-2024.