The Council of Barnet met on Thursday 5th March 2026 to discuss and approve the budget for the upcoming financial year, alongside a review of council rents and service charges. Key decisions included the approval of a 2.98% increase in general council tax and a 2% increase for the Adult Social Care precept, alongside the adoption of the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026-2031. The council also agreed to extend the appointment of Eamon McGoldrick as Chair of the Barnet Group Board.

The meeting began with official announcements, including the presentation of awards for the Laurency twin town photographic competition. Condolences were offered to Councillor Kath McGuirk and her family on the death of her mother, Mary, and to the Labour group and former councillor Jim Tierney on his passing. Apologies for absence were received from several councillors from both the Labour and Conservative groups.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the budget, with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Barry Rawlings, presenting the Labour administration's budget. This was met with strong opposition from the Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Peter Zinkin, who presented an illustrative model highlighting projected deficits. Councillor Rawlings defended the budget, emphasizing its focus on investment in prevention and efficiency, while Councillor Zinkin criticized it as financially unsustainable. Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, detailed the improvements and challenges within her portfolio, while Councillor Richard Cornelius of the Conservative group voiced concerns about borrowing and spending. Councillor David Longstaff also spoke, criticizing the budget's reliance on borrowing. Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, presented the budget's focus on prediction, prevention, and productivity. Councillor Mitra, a Green councillor, expressed concerns about the democratic deficit in the budget debate. Councillor Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, also spoke on the budget.

The council also heard deputations regarding the Underhill South CPZ and the Dollis Valley Regeneration phases four and five. Gina Theodoru and John Wolfson presented concerns about the Underhill South CPZ, citing overwhelming resident opposition and questioning its proportionality. Councillor Begg acknowledged these concerns and stated that the scheme was experimental and under review. Councillor Richard Cornelius also expressed opposition to the CPZ. Councillor Schneiderman proposed a course of action to ask officers to prepare a report for a future meeting, which was seconded and agreed.

Janeil Patel and Charlotte addressed the council regarding the Dollis Valley Regeneration phases four and five, expressing concerns about the proposed change from mixed tenure to 100% social rent, arguing it went against the regeneration agreement and would negatively impact residents. Councillor Begg questioned the impact on property values and mortgages. Councillor Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, explained that the proposal was a solution to allow the regeneration project to be completed, citing the need for grant funding. Options two and three were recommended, asking officers to prepare a report and provide a written response to the deputation.

The meeting also included a resolution of appreciation for the Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Danny Rich, and a vote of thanks for councillors not standing for re-election. Councillor Edith David was nominated and approved as the Mayor Designate for the municipal year 2026-27, with Councillor Humayune Khalick nominated as Deputy Mayor Designate.

Finally, the council approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27, and various administrative updates, including committee date changes and membership changes. The proposed capital programme and treasury management strategy were also presented and approved.