The Barnet Council Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including highways, community participation, kinship care, parking enforcement and housing. Decisions were made on the highway network, community participation, the kinship care offer, and the parking enforcement contract. Consideration of the draft Statement of Community Involvement and the 20 mph zone policy were deferred.

Here's a summary of the key topics discussed:

Barnet Highway Network Task and Finish Group Report

The Cabinet agreed to the proposed responses to the recommendations of the Barnet Highway Network Task and Finish Group. Councillor David Longstaff, Chair of the Barnet Highway Network Task & Finish Group, was thanked for his work. The recommendations included:

• Reviewing the council's Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan to align with best practices.
• Promoting the Local Council’s Roads Innovation Group document, Maintaining a Vital Asset .
• Better utilising data from annual highway network condition reports.
• Using borough-wide network hierarchy information to consult with ward councillors on prioritising schemes.
• Reviewing the carbon footprint of highway operations.
• Reviewing and making recommendations on possible changes and additions to the Highways Materials Palette.
• Producing a Highways Communication Strategy.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, noted that the recommendations had all been accepted and the report set out how they would be taken forward.

Community Participation Strategy Progress Report and Consultation Policy

The Cabinet noted the progress in delivering the Community Participation Strategy and approved the draft Consultation Policy. Councillor Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resident Participation, introduced the reports, highlighting the change in how the council listens and works with residents.

Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, raised concerns about the absence of ward councillors in the policies and the lack of explanation for ignoring suggestions from consultations. He questioned whether the council had really listened to the public, particularly in relation to the budget consultation.

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Partnerships, Economy, and Effective Council, defended the council's approach, stating that they had a statutory duty to have a balanced budget and that suggestions from a consultation with a very low response rate could not necessarily be followed.

Kinship Care Policy

The Cabinet agreed to implement the Barnet Kinship Care Offer (2025-2029) from April 2025. They also delegated authority to the Executive Director for Family and Children Services, in consultation with Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, to make changes to the offer if required due to updated legislation or government guidance during the period 2025-2029.

Councillor Coakley Webb welcomed the policy, noting that it would help ensure that kinship carers receive the support they need and that fewer young people need to come into care.

Award of Parking Enforcement Contract

The Cabinet approved the award of the Civil Parking & Traffic Enforcement Services contract to APCOA Parking (UK) Limited for five years from 1 November 2025, with an option to extend for a further two years. The total contract value is £28,577,855.

Councillor Schneiderman noted that APCOA Parking (UK) Limited's bid came top for both quality and price and that their social value proposal included apprenticeships and the provision of an electric vehicle fleet to reduce carbon emissions.

Barnet Homes Annual Delivery Plan 2025/26

The Cabinet noted and approved the Barnet Homes’ 2025/26 Delivery Plan. They also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth to approve change control notices within set budgets, provided they do not amount to a Key Decision and meet the objectives of the Delivery Plan.

Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, introduced the report, highlighting the challenges faced by Barnet Homes in terms of repairs and long-term voids, but also their success in delivering new homes.

Amendments to the Private Sector Housing Financial Assistance Policy

The Cabinet noted and approved the amendments to the Private Sector Housing Financial Assistance Policy 2017, relating to Empty Property Grants. They also delegated approval of any further policy amendments in relation to the maximum assistance levels to the Executive Director-Growth in consultation with Councillor Ross Houston.

Care Contribution Policies

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Community Care Contributions Policy and the Residential and Nursing Care Contributions Policy. They also delegated authority to the Executive Director for Communities, Adults and Health, in consultation with Councillor Paul Edwards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, to update the policies every two years or as required, and to make minor amendments to the policies.

Councillor Edwards explained that the policies were being updated to improve clarity and transparency and to reflect the outcome of a recent consultation. He noted that Barnet charges its residents less for adult social care than the London and England averages.

Brent Cross Homes England Loans

The Cabinet gave authority for the Deed of Amendment and any associated legal documentation relating to the amendment to the Homes Building Fund loan facility between the Council, BXS LP, Homes England and others to have the Council’s seal affixed to the documents. They also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth in consultation with the S151 Officer to agree any further amendments to the HE Loan that are of benefit to and do not have any adverse impact on the Council.

The Cabinet delegated the Shareholder Representative role to Councillor Barry Rawlings.

Deferred Items

The Draft Statement of Community Involvement and the 20 MPH Zone Policy were deferred to the next Cabinet meeting in May.