The Council of the London Borough of Barnet was scheduled to convene on Thursday 5th March 2026 to discuss significant financial and policy matters, including the budget for the upcoming year and the medium-term financial strategy. The meeting agenda also included proposed updates to the council's constitution and the members' allowances scheme.

Business Planning and Budget

A key item on the agenda was the Business Planning 2026-2031 (Medium Term Financial Strategy) and 2026/27 Budget & Opposition Illustrative Model to Accompany a Budget Amendment. This comprehensive report, available in the Business Planning 2026-2031 Medium Term Financial Strategy March 26 Council document, would have outlined the council's financial plans for the next five years, including the specific budget for the 2026/27 financial year. Accompanying appendices provided detailed breakdowns of revenue budgets, savings, income generation proposals, and service pressures, as well as a council tax resolution. The agenda also indicated that an opposition's illustrative model for the budget amendment was to be considered.

Pay Policy Statement

The meeting was scheduled to consider the Report of the Employment Sub Committee - Pay Policy Statement 2026/27. This statement, detailed in the Pay Policy Statement Cover Report, would have set out the council's policies regarding the remuneration of its employees, particularly senior staff, for the upcoming financial year. The agenda indicated that an appendix containing the full Pay Policy Statement for 2026-27 was available.

Constitution Updates

The council was also set to review proposed updates to its constitution. The Report of the Monitoring Officer - Constitution Updates was to be presented, with supporting documents including proposed changes to the Access to Information Procedure Rules and the Petition Scheme. Further appendices detailed regulations for Land and Property Transactions Authorisation and Delegated Powers and HR Regulations for Council.

Members Allowances Scheme

A report from the Head of Governance concerning the Members Allowances Scheme 2026/27 was scheduled for discussion. This report, found in the Report of the HoG - LBB Barnet Members Allowances Scheme 2026-27, would have detailed the proposed allowances for councillors for the next municipal year. The agenda also referenced an appendix containing a report on the remuneration of councillors in London from December 2023.

Deputations

The agenda included a section for Deputations, where members of the public could present their concerns to the council. Specifically, deputations were scheduled regarding the Underhill CPZ and the Dollis Valley Regeneration. Supporting statements for these deputations were made available.

Other Business

Other items scheduled for discussion included official announcements, apologies for absence, the election of a member to preside if the Mayor was absent, prayer, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous meeting. The agenda also listed public questions to the Leader and Portfolio Holders, a resolution of appreciation, and a vote of thanks. Finally, the Mayoralty for the Municipal Year 2026-2027 was to be addressed.