Councillor Paul Lemon

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

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council is scheduled to meet on 11 December 2025 to discuss the council's business planning, task and finish group updates, the Cabinet forward plan, and the committee's work programme. A key focus of the meeting will be the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026-2031 and budget management for 2025-26, considering recommendations for the cabinet. The committee will also review the progress of various task and finish groups and consider any items from the Cabinet Forward Plan that require pre-decision scrutiny.

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

The council meeting included a discussion of an opposition motion regarding secrecy and failures in corporate parenting, following the death of three young people with care experience. The motion called for the resignation of Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet.

Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS) - Thursday 27th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS) convened to discuss a range of topics, including the council's anti-fraud strategy, risk management, internal and external audit progress, treasury management, and member development programmes. The committee noted the progress made in various areas and provided feedback on proposed plans, particularly regarding member training and induction.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 13th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on 13 November 2025, to discuss several key issues including a new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, temporary accommodation pressures, and the council's financial forecast. The committee made recommendations to the cabinet regarding the consultation period for the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, and requested more detailed information on the action plan. The committee also stressed the need for increased lobbying of central government to address temporary accommodation costs, and requested a review of the council's approach to recovering debt.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 6th November, 2025 10.30 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to review the premises licence for Food Centre, located at 190B Station Road, Edgware. The committee decided to revoke the licence due to concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety, stemming from the repeated discovery of smuggled goods and breaches of licensing conditions at the premises. This decision was made after considering representations from the Trading Standards Team, the Licensing Authority, Public Health, and the Metropolitan Police.