The Cabinet meeting of Barnet Council on 2nd February 2026 discussed the Annual Equalities Report, the Q3 financial forecast, and proposals for council housing performance. Key decisions included the approval of the Annual Equalities Report, noting a balanced financial forecast for the year-end, and noting the Q2 council housing performance report.

Annual Equalities Report

The Cabinet approved the Annual Equalities Report 2025 for publication on the Council's website. Councillor Zahra Beg, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Poverty Reduction and the Voluntary & Community Sector, highlighted the report's focus on the Towards a Fair Barnet Roadmap (2024-2030) and the progress made in embedding equality objectives into service delivery. The report detailed successes in workforce equality, diversity, and inclusion, including increased representation of Black staff in senior leadership and improved disability representation. It also outlined initiatives to tackle inequalities from the earliest stages of life, such as reforms in children's social care and the implementation of the national Child Poverty Strategy. The report emphasised the importance of community engagement and partnership working, with examples including roundtable discussions with various communities and the Connecting Communities campaign. Councillor Beg also stressed the council's commitment to an anti-racist approach, evidenced by the signing of the Anti-Racism Charter and the embedding of these principles into directorate-specific action plans. Several councillors spoke in support of the report, commending the work done and highlighting the importance of a dedicated equalities focus within the cabinet.

Chief Finance Officer Report: Q3 Financial Forecast and Budget Management

Councillor Simon Radford, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, presented the Q3 financial forecast, reporting a balanced position for the year-end. This was achieved after utilising £4.8 million from contingency and topping up reserves by £1.98 million. The report noted an improvement in contingency use from the Q2 forecast by over £2 million, driven by a reduction in parking contingency forecasts following the bedding in of new contracts and a budget environment that negated unachievable savings. The council achieved a 96.5% saving rate, exceeding the historical 85% target, primarily through progression reviews supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast indicated a deficit of £4.7 million, resulting in a carry-forward reserve of £6.586 million. The capital programme was underspent by £15 million, with analysis of the reprofiling ongoing. The report also detailed the council's major debtor as the NHS ICBs, with a dedicated debt recovery team working to retrieve outstanding adult social care debt. An agreement had been reached with the ICB regarding outstanding debt and non-payments. The council's investment portfolio yielded an average of 4.19%, outperforming the SONIA benchmark by 0.05%. Cabinet noted the forecast and approved the write-offs for council tax, business rates, and housing benefit overpayment debt.

Barnet Council's Discretionary Council Tax Discretionary Relief (CTDR) and Housing Payment (HP) Scheme (April 2026) and LB Barnet Discretionary Rate Relief and Hardship Relief Policy Amendments in Business Rates

Councillor Simon Radford also introduced a report on discretionary relief policies. Cabinet approved the revised Council Tax Discretionary Relief and Housing Payment Policy 2026, which includes the introduction of council tax relief for terminally ill residents. They also approved the revised Business Rates Discretionary Relief and Hardship Policy 2026-2029, which incorporates the Supporting Small Business Relief 2026. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Finance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, to make amendments to the Business Rates Discretionary Relief and Hardship Policy to include pub relief once full government guidance is issued.

Council Housing Performance Q2 2025/26

Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, presented the Q2 performance report for council housing. Barnet Homes had achieved a C1 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing, the highest possible result. The report highlighted an increase in overall tenant satisfaction by 1.8%, with satisfaction increasing in all but one of the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs). Significant work had been done in prioritising repairs, particularly urgent ones, and addressing damp and mould issues, with performance improving to 95.9%. Fire safety actions had also seen a significant decrease in outstanding P1 (highest risk) actions, from 528 in September last year to six in early January. The report also detailed progress on understanding residents' needs, including those with disabilities, and preparations for Awaab's Law. Cabinet noted the contents of the report.

Private Sector Housing Licensing Scheme

Councillor Ross Houston also presented a report on the Private Sector Housing Licensing Scheme. The scheme proposes to introduce licensing in ten wards: Burnt Oak, West Hendon, Golders Green, Hendon, Cricklewood, Colindale North, Childs Hill, Friern Barnet, Finchley Church End, and Colindale South. These wards were chosen based on evidence of poor housing conditions, deprivation, and crime. Cabinet approved the commencement of a 12-week public consultation on the proposal, including the procurement of an independent party to assist with the consultation. A future report will be brought to Cabinet detailing the results of the consultation and seeking further approvals for implementation.

Outline Business Case for the acquisition of up to 600 new affordable homes through Opendoor Homes (TBG Open Door Limited)

Councillor Ross Houston presented the Outline Business Case for the acquisition of up to 600 new affordable homes through Opendoor Homes (ODH). The programme aims to increase the supply of affordable housing and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. Cabinet approved the ODH 600 Acquisitions Programme Outline Business Case, and delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to determine preferred institutional funding partners and enter into detailed dialogue regarding financing. Officers were also instructed to continue dialogue with potential grant funding partners to secure sufficient funding for the first tranche of the scheme. A Full Business Case will be prepared for Cabinet consideration.

Stanhope House and Holmsdale House, Coppies Grove and Moss Hall Grove Updated Outline Business Case

Councillor Ross Houston presented an updated Outline Business Case for the redevelopment of Stanhope House and Holmsdale House on the Coppies Grove Estate and the disposal of a site at Moss Hall Grove. Cabinet approved the updated Outline Business Case and site plans for Stanhope House and Holmsdale House, and granted approval for the finalisation of contractual arrangements and a capital budget of £27,348,601 for the redevelopment. They also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, to approve the Full Business Case and manage the project. Authority was also delegated to the Executive Director of Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, to approve the disposal of Moss Hall Grove as part of the Full Business Case.

Brent Cross Update Report [Public]

Councillor Ross Houston presented an update report on the Brent Cross Cricklewood Regeneration Programme. The report highlighted major milestones achieved, including the completion of Plot 14, marking the delivery of 979 new homes and 662 student rooms. Demolition works on the Whitefield Estate and Hendon Waste Transfer Station were complete. Construction was progressing on Plot 1, with Sheffield Hallam University expected to open in September 2026, and Plot 15 was also progressing well. Cabinet delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to approve various legal documentation related to leases, land sales, and agreements for Plot 1, Plot 11, and Plot 24a and b. They also approved an increase in spend of £1.8m to the existing contract with Gowling WLG and extended the BPA end date. Authority was delegated for the leasing of Claremont Park and the Pavilion. Cabinet also noted that further matters arising before the next Cabinet meeting would be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader.

Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station - Deed of Variation to Settlement Agreement [Public]

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, presented a report on the Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station. Cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth, in consultation with the Executive Director of Resources and the Leader, to negotiate and agree changes to the existing form of Replacement Lease and related matters, and to enter into a Deed of Variation to the Settlement Agreement.

Cabinet Forward Plan - Key Decision Schedule

Cabinet noted the Forward Plan – Key Decision Schedule.

Urgent Business (if any)

None.

Motion to Exclude the Press and Public

Cabinet agreed to exclude the press and public for the discussion of exempt items.

Brent Cross Update Report [Exempt]

Cabinet noted the exempt information.

Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station - Deed of Variation to Settlement Agreement [Exempt]

Cabinet noted the exempt information.

The meeting concluded with the Leader thanking everyone for their attendance.