Councillor Ross Houston

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

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet on 11 December 2025 at Hendon Town Hall. The agenda included discussion of the Medium Term Financial Strategy, Task and Finish Group updates, and the committee's work programme.

Cabinet - Tuesday 9th December, 2025 7.00 pm

In a meeting of the Barnet Council Cabinet, those present noted the progress being made against the council's strategic plan, approved a £15.52 million investment in the borough's roads and pavements, and agreed to acquire 38 affordable homes at the Donahue Business Park site. Councillors also discussed the Medium Term Financial Strategy and budget for the coming years, and agreed to consult on council tax proposals.

Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday 4th December, 2025 7.00 pm

The Barnet Strategic Planning Committee refused planning permission for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Great North Leisure Park on Chaplin Square, London, against officer recommendations, citing concerns about overdevelopment, poor public transport accessibility, and the height, mass, and bulk of the proposed buildings in a suburban setting. The committee agreed that the application would be referrable to the Mayor of London, and that the reasons for refusal would be based on the high density of the proposal, the poor public transport accessibility level of the site, and the height, mass and bulk of the development being inappropriate in the suburban setting.

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

The extraordinary meeting of Barnet Council was called to discuss a motion regarding secrecy and failures in corporate parenting following the deaths of three care-experienced young people. The council agreed to strengthen briefing protocols for members and ensure that all corporate parents are immediately informed of any event involving looked-after young persons which may reasonably be expected to require an inquest. An amendment to the motion calling for the resignation of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet was rejected.

Cabinet - Tuesday 18th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Barnet Council cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including financial planning, housing, environmental initiatives, and community safety. Key decisions included approving a temporary accommodation reduction plan, Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), and a 20mph zone policy.