The Council of the London Borough of Barnet met on Tuesday 27 February 2024 to discuss and approve the budget and council tax for the upcoming financial year, along with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2024-2030. Key decisions included approving a 2.98% increase for the general element of Council Tax and a 2% increase for the Social Care Precept, alongside approving the Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy Statement.

The meeting also addressed the review of the Council's Constitution, resulting in the merger of Planning Committees A and B and an increase in the objection threshold for planning applications. Additionally, the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2024/25 was approved, and various administrative matters, including appointments to outside bodies and changes to the calendar of meetings, were noted.

Budget and Council Tax for 2024/25 and MTFS 2024-30

The Council approved the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2024-2030 and the detailed revenue budgets for 2024/25. This includes proposed savings and funding for pressures. A key decision was the approval of a 2.98% increase for the general element of Council Tax for 2024/25, alongside a 2% increase for the Social Care Precept. The Council also approved resolutions relating to Council Tax contained within Appendix B, and agreed to apply Council Tax Premiums from April 2025. The Barnet Council Tax Support Scheme will remain unchanged.

The Council noted and had due regard to the opinion of the Chief Finance Officer regarding the robustness of the budget estimates and the adequacy of proposed reserves.

Capital Strategy and Proposed Capital Programme

The Council approved the Capital Strategy as set out in Appendix I1 and the Capital Programme detailed in Appendix I2. This programme outlines planned capital expenditure across various portfolios, including Adults and Social Care (£23.295m), Homes and Regeneration (Brent Cross) (£186.5m), Family Friendly Barnet (£37.091m), Culture, Leisure, Arts & Sports (£2.345m), Environment and Climate Change (£178.653m), Homes and Regeneration (£291.332m), and Resources and Effective Council (£26.799m). The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) also has a significant capital programme of £491.108m.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS)

The Council approved the TMSS for 2024/25. A key note was the increase in the upper limit for principal sums invested for longer than 365 days from £25m to £50m. This change is to allow the council to better manage interest rate risk around a proposed third-party loan related to the regeneration of Brent Cross.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

The HRA Business Plan was approved. This plan outlines the financial strategy for the council's housing stock, taking into account factors such as rent setting, major repairs, fire safety improvements, and the delivery of new affordable homes.

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG)

The Gross Schools Budget for 2024/25 was noted at £458.615m, as agreed by Cabinet in January 2024.

Annual Review of Rents and Service Charges and Temporary Accommodation Rents for 2024/25

Changes to rents for social rented homes, affordable rented homes, and temporary accommodation rents, as well as changes to service charges, were noted. These changes were agreed by Cabinet in January 2024.

Constitution Review

The Council approved amendments to the Constitution, including the merger of Planning Committees A and B into a single Planning Committee, effective from Annual Council on 21 May 2024. The objection threshold for planning applications was increased from 5 to 10 objectors. The Head of Governance was authorised to implement these revisions and publish a revised Constitution. An amendment was also agreed regarding DBS checks for Members, with an exception for substitutes on the Corporate Parenting Advisory Panel. Additionally, appointments to additional seats on the Employment Sub-Committee were agreed.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2024/25

The Council approved the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2024/25, which will take effect from 1 April 2024. This decision was made having regard to the recommendations of the Independent Panel on the Remuneration of Councillors in London. Following approval, a notice will be advertised pursuant to Regulation 16 of the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003.

Administrative Matters

The Council approved appointments to Outside Bodies, including Councillor Zahra Beg for Valentine Poole and Councillor Phil Cohen for Friend in Need. Changes to the calendar of meetings for 2024/25 were noted, including a change to the date of Planning Committee B. A correction to committee appointments was also noted.

Calculation of Political Balance (Proportionality)

The Council noted the political balance of the Council, which is 40 Members of the Labour Group, 21 Members of the Conservative Group, and 2 Independent Members. The allocation of seats on committees was agreed to comply with political balance regulations, with a reduction in the number of seats on the Strategic Planning Committee from 10 to 9 (6 Administration, 3 Opposition).

Mayoralty for 2024-2025

Councillor Tony Vourou was nominated as the Mayor designate for the municipal year 2024/25. Councillor Danny Rich was noted as the Deputy Mayor designate for the same period.

Resolution of Appreciation

A resolution of appreciation was moved and agreed, expressing gratitude to the Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Nagus Narenthira, for her service to the London Borough of Barnet during her Mayoralty from May 2023 to May 2024.

Words from Young People in Barnet

Dario Katani, Ava Johnson-Burgess, Akay Ozcan, and Sophia Parghalava, candidates for the Youth Parliament and Youth Ambassador elections, were invited to address the Council.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Rishikesh Chakraborty declared a non-pecuniary interest in the Business Planning 2024-2030 item due to his family being tenants of Barnet Homes. Councillor Emma Whysall declared a pecuniary interest in the same item due to having advised trade unions and would leave the chamber for its duration. Councillor Peter Zinkin declared a pecuniary interest as a Director of London Energy, but reported having received a dispensation from the Monitoring Officer and would remain and vote.

Official Announcements

The Mayor congratulated Eitan Okrent for organising a Tubeathon that raised over £8,000 for the Lives Over Knives charity. She also congratulated Gerald Shamash on becoming a life peer and the London Youth Concert Band on their joint concert with the Coldstream Guards.