This week in Barnet:

Temporary Accommodation Plan Approved Amidst Rising Homelessness Concerns

Barnet Council's Cabinet approved the Temporary Accommodation Reduction Plan 2025-2030, acknowledging the borough's struggle with insufficient affordable homes and escalating homelessness. The meeting was held on 18 November 2025.

• Demand Surge: Forecasts predict temporary accommodation placements could soar to 4,250 households by 2030, with 3,500 in emergency housing if no action is taken.
• Three-Pronged Strategy: The plan aims to manage demand, boost housing supply, and maximize income while minimizing costs.
• Lobbying for Change: Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, stressed the importance of lobbying the government on homelessness pressures and the cost of temporary accommodation.
• Scrutiny Input: The plan was reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with Councillor Peter Zinkin emphasizing the need for well-resourced lobbying efforts.

The plan's success hinges on addressing the root causes of homelessness and securing adequate government funding.

Council Adopts 20mph Speed Limit Policy to Boost Safety

The Cabinet approved a new 20mph Zone Policy, aiming to improve road safety and reduce pollution. The meeting was held on 18 November 2025.

• Neighbourhood-Led Approach: The policy allows residents to identify areas where they want 20mph zones.
• Council-Led Option: The council can also implement 20mph zones in areas with identified road safety issues.
• Safety and Pollution Reduction: Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Partnerships, Economy, and Effective Council, emphasized the importance of safety and pollution reduction.
• Clear Framework: Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, welcomed the policy as a coherent framework that has been properly consulted upon.

The policy's effectiveness will depend on resident engagement and the council's ability to prioritize and implement 20mph zones.

PSPOs Extended to Combat Anti-Social Behaviour

The Cabinet approved the authorization of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for another three years, including new measures to address loitering and pigeon feeding. The meeting was held on 18 November 2025.

• Community Safety: Councillor Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Community Cohesion and Ending Violence Against Women & Girls, said the PSPOs have added to the borough's capacity to deal with key community safety issues.
• New Prohibitions: The new PSPOs target loitering in specific wards and pigeon feeding borough-wide.
• Visible Signage: Councillor Anne Clarke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts & Sports, emphasized the importance of visible signage.
• Pigeon Concerns: Councillor Rawlings welcomed the new prohibitions, particularly regarding pigeons.

The PSPOs aim to empower local safer neighbourhood police teams and address residents' concerns about anti-social behaviour.

Corporate Parenting Report Highlights Successes, Misses Key Deaths

The Cabinet considered the Corporate Parenting Annual Report, which assesses the council's support for children in care and care leavers. The meeting was held on 18 November 2025.

• Ofsted Praise: The report highlighted an 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted for children in care services.
• Omission of Deaths: However, the report did not adequately address the deaths of two care leavers.
• Notification Process: The Cabinet agreed to improve member briefing protocols for notifiable cases and notify leaders of opposition groups of any deaths.
• Lessons Learned: An addendum to the report will be presented at the next Cabinet meeting, detailing lessons learned from recent cases.

The report underscores the council's commitment to supporting children in care, while also acknowledging the need for greater transparency and accountability.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet reviewed the Cabinet Response to the Allotment Governance and Management Task and Finish Group, which focused on the Collindale allotments.
• The Cabinet considered the Cabinet Response to the Food Security Task and Finish Group, with Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, accepting elements of the report.
• Councillor Simon Radford, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, presented the Chief Finance Officer's report, highlighting that the council is forecasting to be within its overall budget at month six.
• Councillor Alan Schneiderman presented the updated Household Recycling & Waste Policy, which reflects the reintroduction of food waste collections at the end of March next year.
• Councillor Alan Schneiderman introduced the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Annual Spending Submission 2026/27, noting that it is a three-year delivery plan and this is the second year.
• Councillor Alan Schneiderman presented the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2025-2035), noting that they were extending the consultation period to 7 January 2026.
• Councillor Ross Houston presented the Brent Cross Update, noting that there are some significant developments with Brent Cross, including shortly having 3,000 new residents.
• Councillor Ross Houston presented the Silk House and Shoelands Court Outline Business Case, noting that Susanna and Laura from Barnet Group were present.
• Councillor Alison Moore presented the waiver of the contract procedure rules, for the direct award of the Integrated Community Equipment Service contract with Ethic.
• Councillor Alan Schneiderman introduced the item, noting that this has also got an exempt report. This is seeking approval to enter a deed of variation to enable Barnett's maintenance contract to be operated from a new depot at Picketts Lock in Enfield from April next year as the landlord wants the current land back.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Council on Tuesday 02 December 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Employment Sub-Committee on Wednesday 03 December 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Strategic Planning Committee on Thursday 04 December 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee on Monday 24 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS) on Thursday 27 November 2025 - Meeting Link.

This week in Barnet:

Parks Strategy Sparks Debate Over Consultation and Purpose

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2025-2035), leading to questions about the consultation process and the strategy's tangible impact. The meeting was held on 13 November 2025.

• Consultation Concerns: The committee discussed whether the consultation period, running over the Christmas holiday, should be extended to allow for greater public engagement.
• Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, responded that the short period was chosen to expedite the strategy's adoption, noting that previous engagement had already taken place. He added that the strategy was already available online for public review.
• Accessibility of Facilities: Councillor Dowse raised concerns about the accessibility of facilities like toilets in parks, particularly given issues with vandalism and maintenance costs.
• Commercial Ventures: The committee discussed the possibility of including commercial ventures in parks, with Councillor Schneiderman noting that cafes are extremely important and that the council wants to see more cafes in parks.
• Strategy's Impact Questioned: Councillor Zinkin questioned the strategy's purpose, asking what would change as a result of its adoption, given the council's financial constraints.
• Councillor Schneiderman responded that the strategy would guide the development of parks and open spaces over the next 10 years, informing decisions and maximizing funding opportunities. He added that the previous strategy, written in 2015, stated that overall parks have deteriorated.
• Recommendations: The committee recommended extending the consultation period, improving the map of green spaces, and circulating the detail behind the points set out in the year one action plan.

The debate highlights the challenges of balancing strategic planning with practical implementation, particularly in a resource-constrained environment.

Temporary Accommodation Crisis Demands Urgent Action

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee also discussed the rising costs and demand for temporary accommodation, with the number of households in temporary accommodation having increased from 2,235 in August 2023 to 2,955 in August 2025.

• Financial Pressures: The net cost of temporary accommodation to Barnet is projected at £15.55 million for the current year, with further pressures anticipated.
• Strategic Themes: The council's Temporary Accommodation Reduction Plan (2026–2030) focuses on managing demand, increasing supply, and maximizing income while minimizing costs.
• Private Rented Sector: The committee discussed encouraging the private rented sector to increase supply for temporary accommodation.
• Councillor Houston said that one of the things is to establish long-term relationships with key people in the private renter sector.
• Cross-Agency Working: Councillor McGirk emphasized the importance of working with health services and education to support families in temporary accommodation.
• Lobbying Government: Councillor Zinkin argued for stepping up resources behind lobbying efforts to match the scale of the problem.
• Recommendation: The committee recommended more lobbying of government, ensuring that the resources put into the lobbying match the scale of the problem.

The discussion underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to address the temporary accommodation crisis, including lobbying for increased government support.

Allotment Governance Report Approved Amidst Management Concerns

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee approved the final report of the Allotment Governance and Management Task and Finish Group, which reviewed practices at the Colindale Allotment and Garden Association (CAGA) site and considered improvements.

• Devolved Management: The report noted that the council has chosen a fully devolved approach to management, which works well when the people involved have the required skills, but that the council needs to intervene when they don't.
• Eviction and Disputes: Councillor Narenthira raised concerns about eviction and disputes, asking what the recommendation would be about those.
• Councillor Sergeant responded that the council does need to be involved in cases where the plot holders are not prepared to leave.
• Cabinet Response: The Cabinet has already given a detailed written response to the report, accepting most of the recommendations.

The report highlights the importance of council oversight in ensuring effective management of allotment sites.

Autopia House Amendments Approved Despite Affordable Housing Reduction

The Strategic Planning Committee approved amendments to a previously granted planning permission for Autopia House, 231 Colney Hatch Lane, despite a minor reduction in affordable housing provision. The meeting was held on 11 November 2025.

• Building Regulation Compliance: The proposed amendments were brought about in order to make the scheme comply with the current building regulations.
• Affordable Housing Reduction: As a result of the amendments, there was a proposed increase of 2 residential units overall from 204 to 206 and a minor reduction to the affordable housing provision, of 34.2% from 34.8% by habitable room.
• GLA Referral: The application was referrable to the GLA, and in their Stage 1 report, confirmed that the amendments did not give rise to any new strategic planning issues.
• Committee Approval: The committee voted unanimously in favor of the recommendations.

The decision reflects the need to balance regulatory compliance with the provision of affordable housing in new developments.

Pizza Hut Seeks Extended Hours Amidst Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a report from the Licensing Manager regarding an application for a variation of a premises licence for Pizza Hut at 128 Ballards Lane. The meeting was held on 11 November 2025, but no video was provided.

• Extended Hours: Nine Food Group Limited, trading as Pizza Hut, applied to extend the hours for late night refreshment (deliveries only) to 03:00 every day.
• Resident Concerns: The licensing authority received a valid representation from Councillor Kathy McGuirk, a local ward Councillor, based on the licensing objectives of prevention of public nuisance and public safety.
• Police Support: The Police confirmed that they had no objections to the variation application.

The outcome of this application could impact the local community, particularly in terms of noise and disturbance during late-night hours.

Pizza Hut Licence Considered

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a report from the Licensing Manager regarding Pizza Hut at 111 The Broadway, London NW7 3TG. The meeting was held on 11 November 2025, but no video was provided.

Other Matters

There were no other matters discussed.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Planning Committee (New) on Monday 17 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Cabinet on Tuesday 18 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Friday 21 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Safer Communities Partnership Board on Friday 21 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 17 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee on Monday 24 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS) on Thursday 27 November 2025 - Meeting Link.

This week in Barnet:

Food Centre Faces Licence Revocation Over Smuggled Goods

A Licensing Sub-Committee met to review the premises licence for Food Centre, a shop on Station Road, Edgware, following an application by Trading Standards. The meeting was held on 6 November 2025, but no video was provided.

• Smuggled Goods Seized: Trading Standards sought the review after discovering smuggled cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, non-compliant vape products, and counterfeit Labubu dolls on the premises.
• Trading Standards Recommendation: Mr Karl Schultz, Team Leader for Trading Standards, recommended that the alcohol licence for Food Link/Food Centre (Edgware) Limited be revoked.
• Licensing Breaches: The Licensing department reported multiple breaches of licence conditions during a joint visit, including a non-operational CCTV system, an outdated refusals log, inadequate staffing, and missing training records.
• Public Health Concerns: The Public Health department stated that the premises had been used to further criminal activity and supported revocation of the licence.
• Police Support: The Police supported the review due to concerns about crime prevention and the failure to provide access to CCTV footage.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss the procedure to be followed during the hearing¹. The procedure is based on regulations made by the Secretary of State under the Licensing Act 2003.

The outcome of this review could significantly impact the business and its ability to sell alcohol, potentially affecting its revenue and operations.

Food Security Task Force Urges Action on Food Poverty

The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee convened to discuss the final report from the Food Security Task and Finish Group, highlighting the urgent need to address food insecurity in Barnet. The meeting was held on 5 November 2025.

• Cost of Living Crisis: The Task and Finish Group recognized that food insecurity and the use of food banks are expressions of the challenges residents face when dealing with the cost of living.
• Recommendations for Support: The report includes several recommendations, including supporting the development of different food aid models, identifying a corporate strategic lead for food security, and reviewing which council services could provide drop-in sessions at food banks.
• Visits to Community Projects: The Task and Finish Group visited the Sufra Project in Brent², the Lifeafterhummus Project in Camden³, and St Barnabas Food Bank to investigate different approaches to food aid.
• Councillor Food Champion: The report recommends introducing the role of a Councillor Food Champion to raise awareness and advocate for solutions to food insecurity.

The sub-committee's discussion underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of food poverty and providing support to vulnerable residents.

Adult Social Care Complaints Highlight Key Issues

The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee also considered the Adult Social Care Annual Complaints Report, which covers the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The meeting was held on 5 November 2025.

• Complaints and Compliments: Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, Barnet Council received 115 compliments, 106 statutory complaints, 4 corporate complaints, and 21 Local Government Ombudsman enquiries.
• Main Themes of Complaints: The main themes of complaints were disagreements with decisions, quality of service, and timeliness and delays.
• Improvement Themes: Common improvement themes were staff training, updates to procedures, and reviews of care provider practices.
• Demographic Overview: The report provides a demographic overview of complaints, including ethnic representation and age range.

The report highlights the importance of effective complaints management in maintaining the council's reputation and improving services for residents.

Other Matters

• The Licensing and General Purposes Committee approved amendments to the animal welfare policy, with a publication date of December 2025. The meeting was held on 3 November 2025.
• The Barnet Children's Partnership Board meeting scheduled for 6 November 2025 was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 11 November 2025 - Meeting Link. The sub-committee will discuss the hearing procedure to be followed, and a report from the Licensing Manager regarding Pizza Hut at 111 The Broadway, London NW7 3TG.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 11 November 2025 - Meeting Link. The sub-committee will discuss a licensing application for Pizza Hut at 128 Ballards Lane.
• Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday 11 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 13 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Planning Committee (New) on Monday 17 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Cabinet on Tuesday 18 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Friday 21 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Safer Communities Partnership Board on Friday 21 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 17 November 2025 - Meeting Link.

This week in Barnet:

Pension Fund Risk Management Under Review

The Local Pension Board met to discuss the administration and governance of the London Borough of Barnet (LBB) Pension Fund, focusing on risk management, audit updates, and compliance with regulations.

• Risk Register Updates: The Board reviewed updates to the Pension Fund Risk Registers, which detail potential risks and mitigation strategies. Several risk scores were adjusted, reflecting changes in processes and controls. For example, the risk score for employers that do not pay contributions to the Fund was reduced due to improved monitoring.
• Fit for the Future Consultation: The Board discussed the government's Fit for the Future consultation for Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS). Key proposals include asset pooling, local investment objectives, and governance reforms. The government has mandated that all LGPS investments in England and Wales must be managed by their respective asset pools by 31 March 2026.
• Data Improvement Plan: The Board received an update on the Data Improvement Plan, which aims to ensure accurate pension benefit calculations. The Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP) requires all UK pension schemes to be connected by 31 October 2025, making data accuracy crucial.

The discussions highlight the importance of robust risk management and data accuracy in ensuring the long-term security of pension funds for Barnet residents.

External Audit Progress and Concerns

The Local Pension Board also received an update on the annual accounts and external audit for the 2024/25 financial year, conducted by Grant Thornton.

• Audit Delays: The audit faced delays, with the commencement of final audit procedures deferred by approximately three weeks from the original planned start date.
• Required Changes: The auditors communicated a number of required changes to the draft financial statements to management on 8 July 2025, which were under discussion.
• GARMS Meeting: An Audit Findings Report is scheduled to be presented at the next Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS) meeting in November 2025.

These delays and required changes raise questions about the timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting for the Pension Fund.

Other Matters

• The Board reviewed the Administration Performance Report, including updates on case processing, member registrations, and contribution payments.
• The Board discussed the importance of knowledge and understanding of pension matters, emphasizing the need for ongoing training for Board members.
• The Board considered the minutes of previous Pension Fund Committee meetings.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee on Wednesday 05 November 2025 - Meeting Link. The sub-committee will discuss food security, adult social care complaints, and task and finish group updates.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday 06 November 2025 - Meeting Link. The sub-committee will review the premises licence for Food Centre, located at 190B Station Road, Edgware.
• Barnet Children's Partnership Board on Thursday 06 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Licensing and General Purposes Committee on Monday 03 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 11 November 2025 - Meeting Link. The sub-committee will discuss the hearing procedure to be followed, and a report from the Licensing Manager regarding Pizza Hut at 111 The Broadway, London NW7 3TG.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 11 November 2025 - Meeting Link. The sub-committee will discuss a licensing application for Pizza Hut at 128 Ballards Lane.
• Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday 11 November 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 13 November 2025 - Meeting Link.