Nigel Young

Strategic Planning Committee - Wednesday, 18 March 2026 - 7.00 pm

The Strategic Planning Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 18 March 2026 and unanimously approved amendments to the Douglas Bader Park Estate development in Colindale. The approved changes will allow for the incorporation of additional staircases to meet new fire safety regulations, while also significantly increasing the provision of affordable housing.

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.

Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday, 29 January 2026 - 7.00 pm

The Strategic Planning Committee of Barnet Council granted outline planning permission for the redevelopment of land west of Corner Mead and north of Satchell Mead, known as Grahame Park Northeast. The decision was made subject to conditions, the completion of a Section 106 agreement, and referral to the Mayor of London. The committee also agreed to add two informatives to the decision notice regarding community engagement and daylight/sunlight impacts.

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.