Councillor Sue Baker

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 24 March 2026 - 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to review the effectiveness and renewal of borough-wide Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and to discuss the Q3 financial forecast and budget management. The committee agreed to note the effectiveness of the existing PSPO and the renewal of this order alongside three new PSPOs, and also noted the council's financial position, with a forecast balanced revenue budget at year-end.

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 educational standards in Barnet, with a particular focus on the attainment of disadvantaged and Black pupils, and the overall high quality of Barnet's schools, with all now rated as 'Expected Standard or better' by Ofsted. The committee also reviewed updates on family services, including transition planning for young people, the outcomes of an Ofsted focused visit to the care leavers service, and Barnet's response to national social care reforms. Additionally, the meeting covered the annual childcare sufficiency assessment, task and finish group updates on fostering and young carers, and the Cabinet forward plan.

Budget Council, Council - Thursday 5th March, 2026 7.00 pm

The Council of Barnet met on Thursday 5th March 2026 to discuss and approve the budget for the upcoming financial year, alongside a review of council rents and service charges. Key decisions included the approval of a 2.98% increase in general council tax and a 2% increase for the Adult Social Care precept, alongside the adoption of the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026-2031. The council also agreed to extend the appointment of Eamon McGoldrick as Chair of the Barnet Group Board.

Council - Tuesday 27th January, 2026 7.00 pm

The Council of the London Borough of Barnet met on Tuesday 27 January 2026, with the meeting being held at Hendon Town Hall. The meeting saw the successful passage of a motion to welcome the reintroduction of weekly separate food waste collections, a commitment made in the Barnet Labour manifesto. Councillors also debated and passed a motion to develop a dedicated substance misuse strategy for care-experienced children and young people, following tragic deaths suspected to be related to drug misuse.

Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Monday 26th January, 2026 7.00 pm

The Children's Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 26 January 2026 focused on safeguarding, special educational needs and disability (SEND), youth engagement, and the council's financial update. Key decisions included noting the Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership's annual report, approving investment in SEND statutory services, and agreeing the scope for a young carers task and finish group.