Giulia Innocenti

Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday 12th March, 2026 7.00 pm

The Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 12 March 2026 discussed a range of critical issues affecting children and young people in Barnet, with a particular focus on educational standards, childcare sufficiency, and the support provided to vulnerable groups. The committee received a report on educational standards in Barnet, noting that all schools are rated as 'expected standard' or better by Ofsted. Discussions also covered ongoing efforts to address disparities in attainment for Black pupils, particularly Black Caribbean and mixed White and Black Caribbean pupils, with research projects, school visits, and a forthcoming conference planned.

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.

Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Monday 26th January, 2026 7.00 pm

The Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee of Barnet Council met on Monday 26 January 2026 to discuss a range of critical issues affecting children and young people in the borough. Key discussions included the significant financial pressures on the High Needs Block, the ongoing challenges and improvements in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services, and the positive impact of the My Say Matters youth participation programme. The committee also reviewed the Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership's annual report and received updates on various Task and Finish Groups.

Extraordinary Council, Council - Tuesday 2nd December, 2025 7.00 pm

The council meeting was held to discuss an opposition motion concerning Secrecy and Failures in Corporate Parenting. Following debate and amendments, the council resolved to reaffirm its commitment to learning from serious incidents involving looked-after young people and to strengthen briefing protocols for all councillors acting as corporate parents.