The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, Temporary Accommodation, and the Chief Financial Officer's report on the Q2 Financial Forecast and Budget Management. Key discussions and recommendations included extending the consultation period for the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and a recommendation for increased lobbying of government regarding temporary accommodation.

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy

The committee discussed the draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2025-2035), which aims to guide the development and management of the borough's green spaces over the next decade. Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, presented the strategy, highlighting its focus on inclusivity, health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, partnerships, investment, and learning.

A public question was raised regarding the extension of the consultation period, as it overlapped with Christmas. Councillor Schneiderman explained that while the consultation period was intentionally kept short to expedite the strategy's adoption, there had already been significant engagement through workshops. He noted that the consultation would conclude before Christmas, allowing residents to contribute.

Councillors raised several points during the discussion. Councillor Charlotte Daus inquired about improving accessibility to park facilities, such as toilets, and whether cafes could be obliged to provide public access. Councillor Schneiderman responded that while more cafes are planned, vandalism and maintenance costs make public toilet provision difficult. He confirmed that where possible, cafe owners are encouraged to provide toilet facilities, and that the strategy includes actions around optimising income-generating opportunities in parks.

Councillor Paul Lemon questioned the delegation of authority for approving amendments following consultation, expressing concern that it might limit the scope of changes. Dawn Wakeling, Head of Housing Options, clarified that delegation is common practice to enable the council to take action and does not necessarily limit the extent of feedback considered. Councillor Lemon also asked about further communications regarding Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to reduce barriers to park use. Councillor Schneiderman stated that while Barnet's parks are generally safe, the strategy aims to promote and enforce PSPOs, with summer park patrols being one of the actions.

Councillor Nagus Narenthira asked about engaging with private sports clubs to open up their facilities to the wider public. Councillor Schneiderman acknowledged that the strategy considers private spaces and mentioned the creation of a new regional park to expand public access. Dawn Wakeling added that an adopted playing pitch strategy identifies a need for more 3G football pitches, and the council is in conversations with the football foundation about this.

Councillor Kath McGuirk highlighted the value of Barnet's open spaces, including Stephen's House (Avenue House), and the need to promote them for healthy living and as a destination. Councillor Ella Rose inquired about analysis of park distribution relative to population density. Councillor Schneiderman confirmed that this analysis is part of the strategy, with a focus on planting more trees in areas with lower canopy cover and higher deprivation.

Councillor Peter Zinkin questioned the cost of producing the strategy and its tangible differences from previous strategies, suggesting that the increased mention of biodiversity might imply reduced grass cutting. Councillor Schneiderman countered that the previous strategy was from 2015 and due for renewal, and that the new strategy builds on achievements, with a focus on a more defined action plan for delivery. He also clarified that the increased focus on biodiversity includes sustainable urban drainage schemes.

Councillor Jennifer Grocock requested an extension to the consultation period, citing the Regent's Park Road bus lane fiasco consultation as an example of issues arising from consultations during darker months. She also asked for a breakdown of respondents by ward and whether dog walkers had been consulted. Councillor Schneiderman stated that the ward breakdown would be available at the end of the consultation and that dog walkers are representative park users. He also confirmed that £100,000 had been generated from events in parks this year, which is reinvested back into parks. Regarding safety, he mentioned ongoing work with stakeholders on safer parks principles, including sight lines, and confirmed that a review carried out last year under the auspices of the safer communities partnership board had looked at crime and anti-social behaviour in parks.

Councillor Dean Cohen asked if it would be possible to consult with local members to ensure all open green spaces are identified on maps for protection, noting that some areas were missing. Councillor Schneiderman agreed to look into this, explaining that the technical analysis behind the strategy details every open space. Councillor Shimon Ryde inquired if the strategy would be shared with the Corporation of London, which manages Hampstead Heath Extension and Golders Hill Park, and if they would align their parks with Barnet's strategy. Councillor Schneiderman confirmed that discussions with the City of London Corporation occur, and they are aware of the strategy.

Councillor Zinkin reiterated his concern about the strategy's purpose given financial constraints, suggesting that the focus on biodiversity might lead to less grass cutting. Councillor Schneiderman explained that the strategy is guided by facts, analysis, and resident feedback, and that the action plan sets out what will change.

The committee discussed recommendations for the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy. The following recommendations were proposed: extending the consultation period for the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy by an additional month; circulating a link to the information on Barnet Open Data to ward members to check for missing green spaces; circulating the detail behind the points in the Year 1 Action Plan; and assessing current consultation responses for gaps in particular wards and engaging with ward councillors to encourage responses.

Temporary Accommodation

Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, presented a report on Temporary Accommodation (TA), highlighting the significant increase in demand and costs. He explained that since October 2022, the number of households in TA had risen by over 32%, with a significant increase in expensive emergency TA placements. This surge is attributed to the cost of living crisis, increased private rental sector evictions, and insufficient social housing supply. The net cost of TA to Barnet was projected at £15.55 million for the current year, with further pressures anticipated.

Mitigation efforts include new build programmes, private rental sector procurement, and targeted support teams. However, overall TA volumes continue to rise. Key challenges identified were insufficient supply of affordable homes, with waiting times for social housing exceeding 19 years for lower priority bands, and the increasing unaffordability and inaccessibility of the private rental sector. Applications for homeless assistance have risen by 83% since 2021/22, stretching staff capacity.

The report outlined a TA Reduction Plan structured around three themes: managing demand and prevention, increasing supply, and maximising income and minimising costs. Councillor Houston emphasised the need for government action, including continued Homeless Prevention Grant funding, removal of the cap on Local Housing Allowance for TA, increased LHA rates, and flexible grant funding for affordable housing.

Councillor Shimon Ryde asked about encouraging private renters to increase supply for TA. Councillor Houston explained the council's efforts to establish long-term relationships with private landlords, offering incentives and acting as a stable partner. He also mentioned the Renters' Rights Act, hoping it would bring stability to the private rental sector. Karen Lucas, Head of Housing Options for Barnet Homes, added that financial incentives are offered to landlords and that the council works with BOOST to help people into employment to ensure sustainability.

Councillor Peter Zinkin raised concerns about the report's lack of detail on the financial implications of insourcing services from Capita and the potential risks. Councillor Houston acknowledged that exact costs cannot be determined until formal procurement, but indicative costs are available. He assured that benchmarking across London has been undertaken and that procurement expertise is within budget, with external technical expertise available.

Councillor Kath McGuirk spoke about the impact of moving families and the need to work with health and education services. Councillor Houston agreed on the importance of a holistic approach and introduced Karen who could provide details on cross-agency working. Karen explained the temporary accommodation placement policy and close work with adult and children's social care.

Councillor Paul Lemon inquired about government funding for affordable homes and the impact of planning proposals. Councillor Houston stated that the plan is focused on housing supply and that government grants would be beneficial, but figures are based on realistic delivery within Barnet. He acknowledged the market is broken but Barnet has a good record of building affordable homes.

Councillor Zinkin raised concerns about the scale of the problem and the lack of government compensation, urging for serious lobbying efforts backed by data. Councillor Houston agreed on the need for lobbying and acknowledged the subsidy gap affecting the council. He also mentioned lobbying for funding for larger family units. Susan Curran, Head of Strategic Housing, added that Barnet contributed financial information to a report for boroughs to articulate the issue to government.

Councillor Dean Cohen appreciated the clarity of the report and welcomed the Temporary Accommodation Action Plan's focus on embedding consistent messaging to manage expectations and reduce crisis presentations. Karen explained the process of briefing partners and using the Barnet Homelessness Forum to disseminate information.

The committee discussed a recommendation for increased lobbying of government, specifically ensuring that resources match the scale of the problem.

Chief Finance Officer Report - 2025/26 Q2 Financial Forecast and 2025/26 Budget Management

Councillor Simon Radford, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, presented the Q2 Financial Forecast and Budget Management report. He congratulated the committee on their work and highlighted that the council is currently within its budget envelope, partly due to taking on board advice from the committee regarding savings and contingency. He thanked the finance department and all council staff for their discipline and governance processes.

Councillor Emma Whysall, Chair of the committee, raised a point of housekeeping regarding the timetable for reports, requesting that future reports be provided to scrutiny in a timely manner, not just 48 hours before the meeting. Councillor Radford acknowledged this and pledged better efforts.

Councillor Whysall also noted that forecast demand pressures information had been requested previously and was still outstanding. Councillor Radford confirmed this would be provided at the next meeting, along with the forecasting methodology.

Councillor Nagus Narenthira inquired about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation and potential cost savings. Councillor Radford explained that the council is working on several levers, including savings, shifting resources from inefficient tasks to prevention, and using data for better prediction. He referenced the Tony Blair Institute report on AI and local government and mentioned examples from Peterborough Council and Derbyshire Council.

Councillor Peter Zinkin expressed concern that despite cost savings, the forecast deficit remains the same as the beginning of the year. He noted that one-off adjustments and the depletion of the 'sill' budget (reserves) were concerning. He estimated the underlying deficit to be north of £70 million, exacerbated by unexpected expenditure in children's services. He questioned the prospect for the next budget year and suggested that the council should lobby the government to set council tax at £2,000, which would raise approximately £50 million.

Councillor Radford acknowledged the revenue problem and agreed that the council operates within its reality while trying to change it. He mentioned the need to look at local government financing generally and the specific circumstances of Barnet. He also agreed with Councillor Rose's point about structurally changing activities to focus on prevention. He highlighted the issue of lumpy, one-off, unpredictable costs in children's care and the council's efforts to find lower-cost options, such as more children's places within the borough.

Councillor Zinkin suggested that the council should consider allocating a budget to lobby the government more effectively, given the scale of the problem. Councillor Radford agreed that lobbying is part of the plan and that the council will continue to lobby government.

Councillor Jennifer Grocock asked if the report preparation involved external consultants and, if so, what the costs were. Councillor Radford confirmed that the report was produced in-house by the finance team and business partners, with no consultants involved. She also inquired about the source of funds for replenishing 'sill' reserves. Councillor Radford stated that the report shows a zero balance at the end of the financial year but expects some income, though it is difficult to predict.

Councillor Dean Cohen raised a point about the debtors section, noting that £17 million of the £18 million owed is from one entity, the NHS ICB, and is largely over 90 days old. He questioned the age of the debt and suggested writing it off if recovery is unlikely. Councillor Radford agreed to provide information on the age of the debt and acknowledged the point about prioritising resources for debt recovery.

The committee discussed two recommendations: to ask the Cabinet to look into the feasibility of chasing down NHS ICB debt, and to assess the likelihood of recoverability of older debt to determine whether to pursue or write it off.

Allotment Governance and Management Task and Finish Group Report

Councillor Gill Sargeant presented the report of the Allotment Governance and Management Task and Finish Group. The group reviewed current practices, focusing on the Colindale allotment site, and identified areas for improvement in governance, communication, and site management. Key recommendations included CAGA continuing to work with the National Allotment Society, implementing robust governance processes, improving site environment management, and reviewing lease arrangements. The report also recommended that Barnet Council review its leases with allotment associations and establish a framework for this, including shorter lease terms and generic break clauses.

The committee noted the report of the Task and Finish Group.

Cabinet Forward Plan and Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan and agreed that the Chair and Vice Chair would liaise with the scrutiny manager regarding any other items to be added to the work programme. They also noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme, with agreed amendments.

Task and Finish Group Updates

The committee noted the progress of the Task and Finish Groups. It was noted that the planned Task and Finish Group on Sustainable Travel would be deferred to the next term due to the proximity of local elections.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking everyone for their time.