The Barnet Council meeting held on Thursday 5 March 2026 discussed and approved the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031 and the budget for 2026/27. This includes a 2.98% increase in the general element of Council Tax and a 2% increase in the Social Care Precept. The MTFS forecasts a budget gap of £79.3 million for 2026/27, projected to rise to £244 million by 2031. To address this, the council has applied for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government, which would allow it to borrow up to £79.6 million to cover revenue expenditure in the short term. Savings and income generation proposals amounting to £9.4 million have been identified for 2026/27.

The debate on the budget was contentious, with the Conservative group criticising the Labour administration's financial management, highlighting the projected deficits and the reliance on borrowing. Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, stated that the MTFS forecasts an annual deficit topping £200 million by the final year of the plan, with a cumulative deficit of £750 million over five years. He also pointed out that usable reserves had been depleted. Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, defended the budget, emphasizing the council's efforts to strengthen financial resilience and deliver on pledges, such as fixing potholes and improving playgrounds. He accused the Conservatives of having no vision, no real plan for the future and of proposing a council tax increase.

Mayoralty for 2026-2027

Councillor Edith David was elected as the Mayor Designate for the municipal year 2026-27. Councillor Lachhya Bahadur Gurung was nominated as the Conservative nomination for Mayor Designate. Councillor Khalin was nominated as the Deputy Mayor Designate.

Deputations

Two deputations were heard by the council:

• Underhill South CPZ: Gina Theodorou and John Woolfson presented concerns regarding the Underhill South Experimental Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). They argued that the scheme was disproportionate, lacked evidence for its restrictions, and faced overwhelming opposition from residents. Councillor Richard Cornelius echoed these concerns, suggesting further consultation. Councillor Anne Schneiderman proposed that officers prepare a report for a future meeting, which was agreed by the council.
• Dollis Valley Regeneration Phases Four and Five: Janeel Patel and Charlotte Willian spoke against the proposed changes to phases four and five of the Dollis Valley regeneration, which would alter the agreed mixed tenure from 60% private and 40% affordable to 100% social rent. They argued this was a financial bailout for the developer Vistry at the expense of residents and went against the regeneration agreement. Councillor Zahra Beg acknowledged the residents' concerns and noted that no final decision had yet been taken, with a further business report to come. Councillor Ross Houston proposed that officers prepare a report for the next meeting and provide a written response to the deputation, which was agreed by the council.

Other Business

• Resolution of Appreciation: The council expressed appreciation for the service rendered by the Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Danny Rich, during his term.
• Vote of Thanks: A motion was moved to thank councillors not standing for election. Several councillors gave speeches reflecting on their service.
• Constitution Updates: Amendments to the council's constitution were considered, and the Head of Governance was authorised to implement these revisions.
• Member Allowances Scheme 2026-27: The proposed Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026-27 was approved, with effect from 1st April 2026.
• Barnet Group Board Chair Extension: The extension of Eamon McGoldrick's appointment as Chair of the Barnet Group Board was noted and approved.
• Pay Policy Statement 2026/27: The draft Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was considered and referred to Full Council for approval.
• Annual Review of Council Dwelling Rents and Service Charges and Temporary Accommodation Rents: Recommendations in the supplementary report were approved.
• Report from Officers: The results of the Hendon Ward By-Election were noted, and the political proportionality of the council was agreed.
• Motions: Several motions were debated and carried, including welcoming weekly separate food waste collections, a substance misuse strategy for care-experienced children, signing the 'My Things Matter' pledge, a joined-up approach to ending violence against women and girls, welcoming the Employment Rights Act, and welcoming the Renters' Rights Act. A motion congratulating Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet was also carried.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the Capital Programme, Treasury Management Strategy Statement, and the HRA Business Plan.