The Council meeting on Tuesday 21 October 2025 began with tributes to former councillors Vanessa Gearson and Agnes Slocum, followed by discussions on high streets and public engagement in major developments. Key items noted included the proposed making of new land drainage byelaws and amendments to the Council's constitution.

Tributes to Former Councillors

The meeting commenced with heartfelt tributes to former councillors Vanessa Gearson and Agnes Slocum. Councillor Gearson was remembered for her intelligence, political acumen, and clear vision as Cabinet Member for Education, despite political disagreements. Councillor Slocum, Barnet's first Black Mayor, was celebrated for her nearly four decades of service, her MBE for community contributions, and her instrumental role in establishing various community groups. A video of her daughter Paulette Slocum Smith accepting her MBE posthumously was shown.

High Streets and Public Engagement

Two deputations addressed the Council regarding issues of local significance. Susan Hoffman Waller, representing Barnet High Streets, spoke about the challenges facing Chipping Barnet High Street, including empty shop fronts and rising costs, while also highlighting positive steps taken by the Council and the potential of government reforms. Ollie Gough, answering questions from councillors, emphasized the importance of cultivating a unique sense of identity across the borough and supporting small businesses. The Council resolved to provide a written response to this deputation.

George Tooley, representing Arnold Finchley, presented a deputation on complete and open public engagement and information in major developments, building a more democratic planning system in Barnet. He argued that residents often have little influence over decisions shaping their neighbourhoods, with developers meeting officers behind closed doors. The deputation proposed a new framework for meaningful community participation, including a participation audit, summaries for planning applications, and pre-application engagement guidance for developers. They also suggested a people's planning forum to review findings and shape policy. Following debate, Councillor Ross Houston proposed submitting the deputation to the current consultation and bringing a report to the next appropriate meeting, which was seconded by Councillor Peter Zinkin. This motion was carried.

Motions Debated and Decided

Several motions were debated and voted upon during the meeting:

• Action for our High Streets: This administration motion, moved by Councillor Emma Whysall, was carried with 31 votes in favour and 16 against. It called for action to empower local communities to block the proliferation of gambling outlets on high streets and to support Barnet's high streets through CCTV, investment in roads and pavements, and by utilising government reforms. An amendment proposed by Councillor Richard Cornelius, which argued against council interference and for a belief in capitalism, was lost.
• Barnet Council Must Not Take Down Hostage Posters and Ribbons Until All Hostages Have Been Released: This opposition motion, moved by Councillor Josh Mastin-Lee, was amended and subsequently carried. The amended motion called for continued engagement with the community before removing hostage awareness materials and for intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the hostages' release. The original motion was lost, and an amendment by Councillor Barry Rawlings was carried.
• Supporting Terminally Ill Residents Facing Poverty in Barnet: This opposition motion, moved by Councillor Caroline Stock, was carried unanimously after an amendment by Councillor Alison Moore was accepted. The motion resolved to explore introducing a Council Tax exemption or discount for households with a terminally ill resident, prioritise them in discretionary support schemes, and develop a Cold Homes Strategy.
• We're Fixing Barnet's Roads and Pavements: This administration motion, moved by Councillor Alan Schneiderman, was carried. It noted the £97 million investment in roads and pavements and resolved that Cabinet should continue working to ensure Barnet's highways are fit for all users.
• Supporting and Defending Barnet's Communities: This administration motion, moved by Councillor Sara Conway and Councillor Zahra Beg, was carried. It affirmed Barnet's commitment to British traditions of embracing diverse backgrounds and common life, standing against hate, and reassuring residents. An amendment by Councillor Peter Zinkin was lost.
• Investigation into Legal Closure of Asylum Hotels in Barnet: This reform motion, moved by Councillor Mark Shooter, was lost. It sought to instruct officers to review the planning status of hotels used for asylum accommodation and assess options for enforcement or injunctive relief. An amendment by Councillor Jennifer Grocock was also lost.
• The Mayor of London's Success in Reducing Deadly Pollution: This administration motion, moved by Councillor Alan Schneiderman, was carried. It congratulated the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, on the success of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in reducing nitrogen dioxide pollution and urged him to continue his work.
• Joint motion on the Yom Kippur Terrorist Attack: This joint motion, in the names of Councillor Barry Rawlings, Councillor Peter Zinkin, and Councillor Mark Shooter, was carried unanimously.

Reports from Executive and Council Committees

• London Borough of Barnet Local Land Drainage Byelaws for Flood Risk Management: The Council noted the report.
• Local Pension Board Annual Report 2024/25: The Council noted the annual report.
• Treasury Management Outturn 2024/25: The Council noted the report.

Reports from Officers

• Non-Executive Fees & Charges 2026/27: The Council noted the proposed fees and charges and delegated authority for consultation on them to the Chief Finance Officer.
• Constitution Amendments: The Council approved the proposed amendments to the Constitution and authorised the Head of Governance to implement the revisions.
• Political Proportionality: The Council noted the political balance of the Council and agreed the allocation of seats.
• Administrative Matters: The Council approved changes to committee meeting dates, outside bodies nominations, committee memberships, and the calendar of meetings for 2026/27.
• Exception to the Call-in Decisions Taken as a Matter of Urgency: The Council noted the exemptions from call-in for the 'Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station' and 'Award of Parking Software Contract' decisions.

The meeting concluded at 9:50 pm.