Mark Shooter

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.

Cabinet - Tuesday, 24 February 2026 - 6.30 pm

The Cabinet of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 24 February 2026, discussing a range of significant issues including the disposal of council land, the annual budget, and the future of fostering services. Key decisions included the approval of the dissolution of Places for Barnet LLP and the disposal of land at Park House and Avion Crescent, subject to securing appropriate GLA grant funding, approval of the final business case, and further due diligence. Cabinet recommended the approval of the 2026/27 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy to the full Council.

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.

Strategic Planning Committee - Monday 8th December, 2025 7.00 pm, NEW

The Strategic Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Monday 08 December 2025 to discuss a significant redevelopment proposal at High Barnet Station Car Park. The committee ultimately refused the application, citing concerns over the excessive height and massing of the proposed buildings and the resulting harm to the surrounding townscape and suburban context.