The Cabinet meeting of Barnet Council on 2 February 2026 addressed a range of significant issues, including the approval of an ambitious plan to acquire up to 600 new affordable homes through Opendoor Homes, and the commencement of a public consultation on a selective licensing scheme for private rented properties in ten wards across the borough. The meeting also saw the approval of updated financial forecasts, confirming a balanced position at year-end, and the adoption of revised policies for council tax and business rates discretionary relief.

Annual Equalities Report

The Cabinet reviewed and approved the Annual Equalities Report for 2025. Councillor Zahra Beg, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Poverty Reduction and the Voluntary & Community Sector, highlighted the council's progress against its Towards a Fair Barnet Roadmap objectives. The report detailed tangible impacts, including increased representation of Black staff in senior leadership, prevention of homelessness, improved childhood vaccination rates, progress on the Suicide Prevention Strategy, and initiatives to bridge the disability employment gap. The report also emphasised the council's commitment to embedding anti-racist practices across services and the workforce, with co-designed directorate-specific action plans. Councillor Beg stressed that equalities work is not an add-on but a vital core part of the council's operations, making it a good place to work and ensuring fair outcomes for residents.

Chief Finance Officer Report: Q3 Financial Forecast and Budget Management

Councillor Simon Radford, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, presented the Q3 financial forecast, announcing a projected balanced position at year-end. This is after utilising £4.8 million from contingency and topping up reserves by £1.98 million. The contingency use has improved by over £2 million from the Q2 forecast, driven by a reduction in parking contingency forecasts following the bedding-in of new contracts and a budget environment that negates unachievable savings. The report detailed underspends on the capital programme and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast, which is expected to be in deficit. The council is also working to recover outstanding adult social care debt from NHS ICBs, with an agreement reached regarding tripartite funding invoices. The investment portfolio delivered an average yield of 4.19%, outperforming the SONIA benchmark. The Cabinet noted and approved the report's recommendations, including the write-offs for council tax, business rates, and housing benefit overpayment debt.

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

Councillor Simon Radford also introduced a report on Barnet Council's Discretionary Council Tax Discretionary Relief (CTDR) and Housing Payment Scheme, and amendments to the Discretionary Rate Relief and Hardship Relief Policy for Business Rates. A key aspect of the report was the introduction of council tax relief for residents with terminal illnesses, a cause championed by Councillor Caroline Stock. The Cabinet approved the revised policies, which include the Supporting Small Business Relief 2026 and an amendment to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Finance to include pub relief once further 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 has 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 has been done in prioritising repairs and addressing damp and mould, with performance improving to 95.9%. Fire safety actions have also seen a significant decrease in outstanding P1 risks, from 528 in September last year to just six in early January. The report also noted progress in understanding residents' needs, particularly concerning fire safety for tenants with disabilities.

Private Sector Housing Licensing Scheme

Councillor Ross Houston also presented a report on the Private Sector Housing Licensing Scheme, seeking approval to commence a 12-week public consultation. The scheme aims to improve standards in the private rented sector across 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 selected based on evidence of poor housing conditions, deprivation, and crime. The Renters' Rights Act 2025, while introducing national reforms, does not replace the need for local enforcement tools like selective licensing, which allows for tailored conditions and proactive inspections. The Cabinet approved the commencement of the public consultation.

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 acquiring up to 600 new affordable homes through Opendoor Homes (ODH). This ambitious programme aims to increase the supply of affordable housing, reduce temporary accommodation pressures, and provide larger family homes. The scheme will be financed through a mix of public and private lending, with a target of 50% larger dwellings where viable. The Cabinet noted the review of the current ODH 300 Programme, approved the ODH 600 Acquisitions Programme Outline Business Case, and delegated authority for determining funding partners and finalising transaction documents. The report highlighted the significant benefits, including substantial annual cost avoidance towards the Temporary Accommodation Reduction Plan.

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

Councillor Ross Houston also 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. The project aims to deliver 57 new affordable homes, with a 100% affordable mix targeted, exceeding planning permission requirements. The scheme will include social rent and shared ownership properties, with a focus on wheelchair accessibility and larger family homes. The disposal of Moss Hall Grove will generate a land receipt to cross-subsidise the Stanhope and Holmsdale House project. Cabinet approved the updated Outline Business Case and delegated authority for the finalisation of contractual arrangements and the disposal of Moss Hall Grove.

Brent Cross Update Report

Councillor Ross Houston provided an update on the Brent Cross Cricklewood Regeneration Programme. Significant milestones have been achieved, including the completion of Plot 14, marking 979 new homes and 662 student rooms delivered. The report detailed progress on Plot 1, with Sheffield Hallam University set to open in September 2026, and construction commencing on Plot 15. Cabinet delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to approve lease agreements, finalise heads of terms for land sales, and manage matters arising from Vattenfall's divestment of the Master Concession Agreement. An increase in spend for legal services with Gowling WLG was also approved.

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

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.

The meeting concluded with no urgent business and the exclusion of the press and public for exempt items relating to Brent Cross and Geron Way.