Sarah Wardle

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.

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.

Council - Tuesday 21st October, 2025 7.00 pm

The Council meeting on Tuesday 21 October 2025 began with tributes to former councillors Vanessa Gearson and Agnes Slocum, followed by discussions on high streets and public engagement in major developments. Key items noted included the proposed making of new land drainage byelaws and amendments to the Council's constitution.

Strategic Planning Committee - Monday 14th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Barnet Council Strategic Planning Committee met on 14 July 2025, and made decisions on two key planning applications. The committee refused an application for a new football stadium at Barnet Playing Fields, and approved the redevelopment of Bunns Lane Car Park in Mill Hill.