The Cabinet of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 24 February 2026, discussing a range of significant issues including the disposal of council land, the annual budget, and the future of fostering services. Key decisions included the approval of the dissolution of Places for Barnet LLP and the disposal of land at Park House and Avion Crescent, subject to securing appropriate GLA grant funding, approval of the final business case, and further due diligence. Cabinet recommended the approval of the 2026/27 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy to the full Council.

Places for Barnet LLP Dissolution and Land Disposal

Cabinet approved the dissolution of Places for Barnet LLP. The freehold disposal of council land interests at Park House and Avion Crescent to London Placemaking was approved, subject to securing appropriate GLA grant funding, approval of the final business case, and further due diligence. This decision was made following an independent options assessment and due diligence, which indicated that further due diligence would be required if the partnership were to continue. The disposal is based on Red Book valuations, and leaseback arrangements for Avion Crescent will be completed. Additionally, officers were authorised to explore options with Mill Hill Golf Club for a new clubhouse. A break notice was also approved to terminate the lease on Avion Crescent, ensuring vacant possession prior to sale completion. This move aims to de-risk the council's financial position and secure the delivery of housing on these sites.

Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy

The Cabinet recommended the approval of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031 and the 2026/27 budget to the full Council. This includes a 2.98% increase in the general element of Council Tax and a 2% increase for the Social Care Precept. The strategy anticipates a movement in the budget gap primarily due to pay and non-pay inflation and increased demand for services, particularly in social care and temporary accommodation. This movement has been partially offset by an additional £16.5 million from the fair funding review, which updated deprivation measures to include housing costs, and £9.4 million from savings and income generation proposals. The MTFS was prepared on the assumption that the Council's request for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) would be approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), which was subsequently confirmed. Cabinet also approved the Reserves & Balances Policy and the Debt Management Policy. Changes to rents for social and affordable rented homes, temporary accommodation rents, service charges, and the gross schools budget were also approved.

Fostering and Young Carers Support

The Cabinet agreed to the proposed responses to the recommendations from the Fostering Task and Finish Group report. A key concern highlighted was that approximately 40% of current foster carers are over 60, necessitating ongoing recruitment efforts. While Barnet has met its target of recruiting 15 families per year, the process of approving foster carers is lengthy due to necessary checks. The Cabinet also agreed to the proposed responses to the Young Carers Task and Finish Group report. The review identified that an estimated 6,500 young carers aged 5 to 17 live in Barnet, with only 13% known to be receiving support. The report highlighted the hidden nature of caring responsibilities and their impact on education, social opportunities, and wellbeing. Recommendations aim to strengthen the identification of young carers, with particular focus on improving reporting from GPs and hospitals.

Other Key Decisions

• Places for Barnet LLP: Cabinet approved the dissolution of Places for Barnet LLP and the disposal of land at Park House and Avion Crescent to London Placemaking, subject to securing appropriate GLA grant funding, approval of the final business case, and further due diligence.
• Interim Special Educational Need Provision: Cabinet authorised the procurement of a contractor for modular build works for SEND provision at Queenswell Federation site and approved the submission of a planning application.
• Capita Contract Review: Delegated authority was granted for the award of contracts for Customer Services, Information Technology, and Revenues and Benefits, subject to due diligence.
• Annual Procurement Forward Plan: Cabinet approved the Annual Procurement Forward Plan (APFP) for 2026-27 to enable the commencement of procurement activity.
• Mortuary Services: An Inter-Authority Agreement with Brent and Harrow for a shared mortuary service at Northwick Park Hospital was approved, along with a new 99-year lease for the adjoining site.
• Annual Review of Rents and Service Charges: Cabinet agreed to proposed rent increases for council tenants and temporary accommodation, as well as increases to service charges and leasehold fees, in line with government policy.
• Build to Rent Lease Amendment: Variations to the Agreement for Lease were approved to increase lease terms to 125 years, enabling access to Greater London Authority grant funding for affordable homes.
• Temporary Accommodation Reduction Plan: The Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Policy was approved, and delegated authority was granted for entering into leases and freehold acquisitions up to £5 million.
• Barnet Homes Management Agreement: Cabinet noted the approach to Stage Two of the review of the management agreement with Barnet Homes.
• Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration: Cabinet approved the acquisition of 221 social and affordable rent homes from Vistry, subject to GLA grant funding and final business case approval.
• Fosters Estate & Chesir House: Cabinet noted the report and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to enter settlement discussions.