The Council of the London Borough of Barnet met on Tuesday 27 January 2026, with the meeting being held at Hendon Town Hall. The meeting saw the successful passage of a motion to welcome the reintroduction of weekly separate food waste collections, a commitment made in the Barnet Labour manifesto. Councillors also debated and passed a motion to develop a dedicated substance misuse strategy for care-experienced children and young people, following tragic deaths suspected to be related to drug misuse.

Welcoming Weekly Separate Food Waste Collections

Barnet Council has officially welcomed the reintroduction of weekly separate food waste collections, a key commitment from the Barnet Labour manifesto of 2022. Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, presented the motion, highlighting that residents have waited eight years for the return of this service. The motion noted that food caddies, designed with lockable lids to deter wildlife, are being reintroduced, and the weekly service will commence in April. Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, opposed the motion, referencing past clashes with the Mayor of London over the withdrawal of the service in 2018 and arguing that the current administration's approach to saving money was flawed. He also raised concerns about the reintroduction of the same bins that previously led to issues with foxes. Councillor Rishikesh Chakraborty, speaking in favour, highlighted the environmental benefits, including the transformation of food waste into clean energy and fertiliser, and the cost savings compared to disposing of residual waste. He also reassured members that the new bins are impenetrable. Councillor David Longstaff, speaking against, criticised the motion as a love letter to your ego and highlighted other transport and parking issues in the borough. Councillor Phil Cohen spoke in favour, stating that the reintroduction of food waste collections was a clear example of Labour delivering on its promises. Councillor Shimon Ryde, making his maiden speech, spoke against the motion, questioning the council's investment in streets and pavements and stating that the only record the administration had created was the number of uneven paving stones and potholes. Councillor Schneiderman, in his right of reply, thanked officers for their work and criticised the opposition's historical stance on the issue. The motion was carried with 33 votes in favour and 17 against.

Substance Misuse Strategy for Care-Experienced Children and Young People

Councillor Lucy Wakeley moved a motion calling for the development of a dedicated substance misuse strategy for care-experienced children and young people. She highlighted the significantly higher risks of substance misuse among this vulnerable group due to factors such as trauma and instability. Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, moved an amendment, which was accepted by Councillor Wakeley. The amendment proposed that this strategy would be developed and published as a dedicated section of the new corporate parenting strategy by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. Councillor Jennifer Grocock spoke in favour, emphasising the need for expanded support and the risks of coercive control and exploitation faced by these young people. Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, welcomed the focus on care-experienced young people and highlighted the work of the Combating Drugs Partnership Board. Councillor Nick Mearing-Smith spoke in support, sharing a personal experience of losing a great-nephew to a drug overdose. Councillor Charlotte Daus also spoke in favour, strongly supporting the amendment and emphasising the need for prevention, early intervention, and support. The amended motion was carried.

Signing the My Things Matter Pledge to Support Young People in Care

Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb presented a motion for Barnet Council to sign the 'My Things Matter' pledge. The motion noted that a significant proportion of care-experienced children move homes, often with their belongings transported in bin bags, leading to loss or damage. The pledge aims to ensure children in care keep their belongings safely during moves, are provided with guidance, have their belongings respected, and are supported in making complaints if items are damaged. Councillor Coakley Webb believes signing the pledge aligns with the administration's principles and will help ensure young people in care move with dignity and respect. The motion was carried.

A Joined-up Approach to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Enhancing Resident Safety

Councillor Jennifer Grocock moved an opposition motion calling for a joined-up approach to ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and enhancing resident safety. The motion noted concerns about VAWG in the borough and the financial pressures faced by community and voluntary organisations providing support. Councillor Sara Conway moved an amendment, which was agreed. The amended motion calls for the creation of a Cabinet sub-committee to end VAWG and domestic abuse, consider enhanced street lighting and CCTV, and review existing safety policies. The motion was carried.

Welcoming the Employment Rights Bill

Councillor Tony Vourou presented an administration motion welcoming the Employment Rights Act, described by the TUC as the biggest upgrade in workers' rights in a generation. The motion highlighted new rights including an end to zero-hours contracts, protection against 'fire and rehire' practices, and the establishment of a Fair Work Agency. It also noted opposition from Conservative, Reform, and Green parties to some measures. The motion believes these changes will benefit workers and businesses in Barnet and that only the Labour Party truly supports working people. The motion was carried.

Welcoming the Renters' Rights Act

Councillor Matthew Perlberg presented an administration motion welcoming the Renters' Rights Act, which will introduce new rights for renters in Barnet from May 2026. These include an end to no-fault evictions, a ban on selling properties within 12 months of a new tenant moving in, an end to fixed-term contracts, a limit of one justified rent increase per year, the establishment of a private sector rental ombudsman, and the right to request to keep a pet. The motion believes these changes echo Barnet Labour's reforms for council tenants. The motion was carried.

Congratulating Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet

Councillor Emma Whysall moved an administration motion congratulating Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet on its recent accolades. The motion noted that the school was declared State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence, A-Levels, and in London by the Sunday Times. It also highlighted the school's fourth occasion winning the Sunday Times State School of the Year award and its first place in the Sunday Times' State School Parent Power rankings. The motion believes the school's success, including its co-curricular programme, complements its academic achievements and that the entire borough is proud of its schools. The motion was carried.

Referral from Cabinet - Addendum Report to the Corporate Parenting Annual Report, 2024-25

The Council received an addendum report to the Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2024-25. Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, presented the report, which provided an overview of the leadership and practice response to the deaths of three care-experienced young people. The report detailed the circumstances surrounding the deaths, ongoing learning and service development, and proposals for reporting protocols for significant events. An Ofsted letter regarding a focused visit on care leavers' arrangements was also included. The recommendations were for Cabinet to receive regular update reports on Corporate Parenting and for officers to write to the Department for Education to cascade Barnet's recommendations as good practice. The Council noted the contents of the report and agreed to refer it to Full Council.

Deputation Report - Building a More Democratic Planning System in Barnet

The Council received a deputation report on building a more democratic planning system in Barnet. The deputation, represented by George Tooley, argued that residents were experiencing a lack of meaningful community engagement in planning processes, with proposals often shaped behind closed doors. They requested a report on a new framework for community participation, including an independent borough-wide participation audit, a mandatory summary for public information for major schemes, and pre-application engagement guidance. Councillor Ross Houston, speaking for the administration, stated that the council supports inclusive engagement and has adopted a Statement of Community Involvement with strong expectations for applicants to consult the community. He noted that the council cannot force developers to consult but encourages engagement with local groups. Councillor Josh Mastin-Lee, speaking for the opposition, agreed with sending the response back to the deputation but argued that the council's response lacked vision and leadership. He questioned how the new Statement of Community Involvement would address the deputation's concerns. Councillor Ross Houston responded, stating that the council cannot go beyond statute and that the new Statement of Community Involvement, adopted in September 2025 after public consultation, is up-to-date and open. He accepted the need for review but rejected the imposition of restrictions not allowed by statute. Councillor Sarah Wardle also contributed, suggesting that the council should examine how planning officers and planning policy interact with community views. The Council resolved to ask officers to prepare a report for the next meeting on the deputation.

Referral from Governance, Audit, Risk Management & Standards (GARMS) Committee - Treasury Management Update – Q2 25/26

The Council noted the Treasury Management Performance Update for Quarter 2 of 2025/26. The report indicated that treasury management activities had been conducted in full compliance with the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, with no breaches reported. Investment balances had dropped, necessitating borrowing to maintain liquidity. The report also detailed the capital expenditure forecast, external borrowing, and reserve usage. The economic update from MUFG Corporate Markets highlighted a mixed economic picture with easing interest rates forecast, though upside risks remain. The Council noted the report.

Referral Report from the Employment Sub Committee - Approval of Salary Packages for New Posts

The Council approved the salary packages for two new Assistant Director posts within Children and Family Services: Assistant Director Prevention & Practice Improvement and Assistant Director Family Help & Adolescent Services. The salary for each post is within the range of £89,701 to £126,754. The report noted that these posts were initially interim arrangements but have been made permanent due to the need for strategic capacity following social care reforms and the appointment of a new Executive Director. The costs are contained within existing budgets.

Report of the Head of Governance - Political Proportionality

The Council noted the political balance of the Council, which is now composed of 40 Labour councillors, 19 Conservative councillors, 3 ungrouped members, and 1 vacancy. The Council agreed to the allocation of seats on committees as set out in Appendix A, ensuring proportionality in line with regulations.

Report of the Head of Governance - Administrative Matters

The Council noted and approved several administrative matters, including changes to committee meeting dates, outside bodies nominations, changes to committee appointments, and the calendar of meetings for 2026/27.

Report of the Monitoring Officer - Constitution Review

The Council approved amendments to the Constitution as set out in the attached appendices. These amendments included clarifications on the interpretation of the Constitution, the process for reviewing and amending it, the Mayor's term of office, members' rights to information and access, and the procedures for decision-making, including key decisions and urgent business. The Head of Governance was authorised to implement these revisions and publish a revised Constitution.

Approval of Salary Package for New Post (Brent Cross Cricklewood)

The Council approved the salary package for a new post of Head of Performance and Programme Delivery within the Brent Cross Cricklewood Regeneration team. The post is Grade 7, with a salary range of £89,701 to £100,459. The decision was made due to resource pressures and the need for senior oversight of the complex regeneration programme. The costs are to be absorbed within existing budgets, with a significant portion recharged to the Joint Venture.

The meeting concluded with a motion to exclude the press and public for the discussion of exempt items.