The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 21 January 2026. The committee discussed empty homes in Barnet, the management of council estates for voluntary and community sector organisations, and task and finish group updates.

Empty Homes in Barnet

The committee discussed a report detailing the rise in empty homes in Barnet, with a 57% increase in long-term empty properties over the past year. Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, introduced the report, highlighting that Barnet had a significant number of empty homes. The committee noted that while a second homes premium had reduced the number of properties classified as second homes by 35%, the overall number of empty homes remained a concern.

Discussions focused on the reasons behind the increase, including regeneration activity, new build developments remaining unoccupied, and the complexities of the housing market. The report outlined current council actions, such as promoting empty property grants and exploring Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs). However, it was acknowledged that limited resources within Housing Regulatory Services and Planning Enforcement constrained the council's ability to tackle the issue more proactively.

Several recommendations were made, including noting the high level of empty dwellings and the increase in long-term empty properties, and welcoming the reduction in second homes. The committee also recommended that Cabinet identify resources for more direct action by the Planning Enforcement Team and that the Lead Member for Housing and Regeneration write to the Minister of State for Housing to request the reinstatement of funding for surveying empty properties and for grant funding to tackle the issue. Two additional recommendations were proposed: requesting officers to undertake further analysis to identify opportunities to bring empty properties into use, particularly for temporary accommodation and homelessness avoidance, and to review collection strategies for the empty properties premium.

Estates and the Voluntary and Community Sector

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Partnerships, Economy, and Effective Council, and Councillor Zahra Beg, The Mayor of Barnet, introduced a report on the management of council estates and their relationship with the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). The report detailed the formal landlord-tenant relationship, underpinned by governance and compliance processes, with lease negotiations led by Chartered Surveyors.

A key development highlighted was the introduction of a new approach to allocating community assets, approved by Cabinet in December 2024. This new approach replaces the previous Community Benefit Assessment Tool (CBAT) with a Community Asset Panel and a Social Value Matrix. The panel, comprising officers and elected members, will oversee lease allocations, rent discounts, and the Social Value Matrix, which assigns monetary values to social outcomes. A service charge has also been introduced on new leases to contribute to property maintenance.

Concerns were raised regarding transparency, particularly the reporting of decisions and the loss of area committees. Officers assured the committee that efforts were being made to improve transparency, including publishing decisions and potentially those where applications were unsuccessful. The Community Participation Team confirmed that they periodically review VCS groups' performance on social value and that an annual report would be provided to the committee. Recommendations were made to consider reporting arrangements for the Community Asset Panel to enhance transparency, conduct an annual review of VCS group performance on social value, and simplify the matrix used for lease applications.

Task and Finish Group Updates

Fiona Rae, Overview and Scrutiny Manager, provided an update on the progress of various Task and Finish Groups. It was noted that the Fast Food Task and Finish Group would be postponed to future years due to limited regulatory avenues and resources. The committee noted the progress of other groups, including the Primary Care (GP) Access, Allotment Management and Governance, and Food Security groups. The committee also agreed to allow Task and Finish Group reports to be circulated and agreed by email up to May 2026, with reports later presented to the next available committee meeting.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The committee reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan, noting upcoming key decisions. It was agreed that the Capita Contract Review would be considered at an informal online meeting in February 2026. The committee also noted that a briefing on the Sustainable Design and Development Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) had been circulated and that a report on the Council Tax Discretionary Relief Policy would be considered by Cabinet in February 2026.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for 2025-26. It was agreed that the final budget reports would be considered at an informal online meeting in February 2026. A suggestion to review the process for Tree Preservation Order (TPO) enforcements was added to the list of suggestions for the 2026-27 work programme.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all involved.