Ella Rose

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 24 March 2026 - 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to review the effectiveness of the borough-wide Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and to discuss the Q3 financial forecast for 2025/26. The committee also received updates on Task and Finish Group activities, the Cabinet Forward Plan, and the committee's work programme.

Budget Council, Council - Thursday 5th March, 2026 7.00 pm

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.

Council - Tuesday 27th January, 2026 7.00 pm

The Council meeting on Tuesday 27 January 2026 saw the reintroduction of weekly separate food waste collections, a key manifesto commitment from the Labour administration. Councillors also debated and passed a motion calling for a dedicated substance misuse strategy for care-experienced children and young people, following tragic deaths linked to drug misuse.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 21st January, 2026 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the significant increase in empty homes across the borough and the council's approach to managing its estates and supporting the voluntary and community sector. The committee also reviewed updates on various task and finish groups, the cabinet forward plan, and the committee's work programme.

Budget Scrutiny, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 11th December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting focused heavily on the council's financial strategy and budget for 2026-2031, with significant concerns raised about a projected £88 million budget gap. Discussions also covered the council's approach to temporary accommodation, children's services, adult social care, and the ongoing challenges of funding local government.