The Council meeting on Tuesday 27 January 2026 saw the reintroduction of weekly separate food waste collections, a commitment from the Labour administration. The meeting also addressed the critical issue of substance misuse among care-experienced young people, with a motion passed to develop a dedicated strategy.

Food Waste Collections Reintroduced

Barnet Council has officially reintroduced weekly separate food waste collections, a move that was a manifesto commitment from the Labour administration in 2022. Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, presented the motion, highlighting that the service was scrapped by the previous Conservative administration in 2018. The new service will commence in April, with food caddies already being delivered to households. These caddies are designed with lockable lids to prevent interference from wildlife, including foxes. Councillor Schneiderman stated that separating food waste will not only benefit the environment by diverting waste from landfill and producing clean energy through anaerobic digestion, but also offers cost savings, as disposing of food waste is significantly cheaper than residual waste. The motion was referred to the Executive for further action.

Substance Misuse Strategy for Care-Experienced Young People

A motion was passed to develop a dedicated substance misuse strategy for care-experienced children and young people. Councillor Lucy Wakeley, who proposed the motion, highlighted the increased vulnerability of these young people to substance misuse due to factors such as trauma and instability. She noted that while Barnet commissions general substance misuse services, there is currently no specific strategy tailored to the unique needs of care-experienced individuals. Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, moved an amendment that was accepted by Councillor Wakeley. This amendment ensures that the strategy will be developed and published as part of the new Corporate Parenting Strategy by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. The strategy will focus on prevention, early intervention, trauma-informed support, and training for adults working with these young people. The motion, as amended, was carried.

Other Business

The Council also debated and voted on several other motions, including:

• Signing the 'My Things Matter' Pledge: A motion was carried to authorise the Lead Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet to sign the 'My Things Matter' Pledge, aimed at supporting young people in care to move with dignity and respect. This pledge addresses concerns about personal belongings being moved in bin bags and lost or damaged during moves.
• A Joined-up Approach to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Enhancing Resident Safety: An amendment proposed by Councillor Sarah Conway was agreed, and the motion as amended was carried. The motion calls for a Cabinet sub-committee to be established to create a joined-up approach to ending VAWG and Domestic Abuse, and to review and strengthen existing safety policies.
• Welcoming the Employment Rights Bill: A motion was carried welcoming the Employment Rights Act, described as the biggest upgrade in workers' rights in a generation, which introduces rights such as ending zero-hours contracts and introducing bereavement leave.
• Welcoming the Renters' Rights Act: A motion was carried welcoming the Renters' Rights Act, which will introduce new rights for private renters, including an end to no-fault evictions and a cap on rent increases.
• Congratulating Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet: A motion was carried congratulating Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, on being named State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence by the Sunday Times.
• Treasury Management Update: Council noted the Treasury Management Update for Quarter 2 of 2025/26, which confirmed that treasury management activities had been conducted in full compliance with the Treasury Management Strategy Statement.
• Approval of Salary Packages for New Posts: Council approved salary packages for two new Assistant Director posts within the Children and Family Services directorate.
• Constitution Review: Council approved amendments to the Constitution, aimed at clarifying wording, updating references, and ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice.
• Administrative Matters: Council noted and approved changes to committee meeting dates, outside bodies nominations, committee memberships, and the calendar of meetings for 2026/27.
• Results of the Hendon Ward By-Election: Council noted the results of the Hendon Ward by-election held on 30 October 2025, confirming Shimon Ryde as the newly elected councillor.
• Political Proportionality: Council noted the political balance of the Council and agreed that no change should be made to the allocation of seats on politically proportionate committees.
• Approval of Salary Package for New Post (Brent Cross Cricklewood): Council approved the salary package for a new Head of Performance and Programme Delivery post within the Brent Cross team.

The meeting concluded with a motion to exclude the press and public to discuss confidential information.