The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on Thursday 11 September 2025 to discuss a range of important issues, including the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, the Safer Communities Partnership Board's annual update, and proposed changes to household recycling and waste policies. The committee also reviewed the Capita contract and the council's work programme.

Review of the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy

The committee reviewed Barnet's refreshed Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy for 2025–2029. This strategy outlines a borough-wide commitment to preventing and responding to domestic abuse and VAWG, informed by survivor feedback, local data, and a strategic needs assessment. It focuses on four key partnership objectives: prevention and early intervention; support for victims and survivors; accountability for perpetrators; and creating safer environments. Councillors discussed the importance of addressing online harms and ensuring that the strategy is inclusive and culturally sensitive. The committee requested that an additional appendix be provided for the September meeting to offer more context on the work being undertaken regarding Priority Five, specifically concerning hate crime and Prevent initiatives. They also recommended that the Safer Communities Partnership Board review Priority Five in their strategy revision next year.

Safer Communities Partnership Board Annual Report 2024-25 Update

An update was provided on the work of the Safer Communities Partnership Board (SCPB) for 2024-25. The report highlighted a downward trajectory in crime figures, although the Board stressed that they remain vigilant. Discussions covered the police's new neighbourhood policing style, an increase in stop and search, and efforts to tackle retail theft. The committee also heard about the London Fire Brigade's busy year, with a focus on reducing road traffic collisions and accidental dwelling fires. A significant portion of the discussion focused on hate crime, with concerns raised that Priority Five of the SCPB Strategy did not adequately reflect current issues, particularly in light of events post-October 7th. The committee requested that the Cabinet Member for Community Safety report back with an additional appendix for the September meeting to provide further context on the work being undertaken on Priority Five, specifically concerning hate crime and Prevent.

Review of the Household Recycling and Waste Policies

The committee reviewed proposed updates to the Household Recycling and Waste Policies, primarily to incorporate the mandatory introduction of a food waste recycling collection service by March 2026, as required by the Environment Act 2021. The policy details the types, sizes, and number of collection containers for various property types, including houses, flats, and households in multiple occupation. An Equalities Impact Assessment was considered, highlighting potential negative impacts for disabled residents and those who are pregnant or on maternity leave due to the different container sizes and types compared to existing refuse and recycling bins. Mitigation measures include the continued offering of assisted collections.

Capita Contract Review

An update was provided on the ongoing transition planning and management of the remaining contractual elements under the Customer Service Group (CSG) Capita contract, which includes IT, Customer Services, and Revenues & Benefits. The committee was informed that the contracts for IT and Customer Services have been extended to September 2026, and the Revenues & Benefits contract to June 2026, with a potential three-month extension. The council is moving towards a hybrid delivery model, insourcing strategic functions while outsourcing operational services. The committee heard about the early market engagement process, which indicated a competitive market for IT and customer services, and a more limited market for Revenues and Benefits. The council is proceeding to the formal procurement phase for these services, with a timeline for contract awards in early 2026. The committee also discussed the importance of a holistic review of Digital, Data, and Technology functions to establish an optimal target operating model.

Task and Finish Group Updates

An update was provided on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups. The Elective Home Education, Youth Homelessness, Barnet Highway Network, Discharge to Assess, and Primary Care (GP) Access groups have all gathered evidence and presented reports or are in the process of doing so, with responses from Cabinet being received and progress reviews scheduled. New Task and Finish Groups have been commissioned for Allotment Management and Governance, Food Security, Fostering, and Sustainable Travel, with their progress and reporting timelines outlined.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The committee reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2025-26, which outlines upcoming key decisions. The committee was asked to identify any items they wished to request for pre-decision scrutiny. Specific items flagged for potential scrutiny included the Placemaking Framework adoption, Middlesex University leases, and the Capita Contract Review. It was agreed that a briefing would be provided to the committee on the draft Sustainable Design and Development Guidance Supplementary Planning Document.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed and agreed the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2025-26. It was noted that some items had been moved to the November meeting, making that agenda particularly full. To manage this, the committee agreed to move the Parks and Open Space Strategy, Empty Homes in Barnet, and Temporary Accommodation items to the January meeting to allow more time for the waste management strategy and other agenda items. The committee also discussed the possibility of receiving briefings on certain items rather than full scrutiny sessions to manage the workload.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on the timing of addenda being sent to committee members, with the Chair acknowledging the concerns raised about the adequacy of time for review.