This week in Barnet:

Council Tackles Public Health and Trading Standards Amidst Busy Committee Schedule

Barnet Council's Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, to review crucial public health matters, including quality accounts from key healthcare providers and the Barnet Public Health Department's annual report. Meanwhile, the Licensing and General Purposes Committee convened on Monday, 1 June 2026, to examine annual reports from Trading Standards and Environmental Health, alongside discussions on the Gambling Statement of Principles.

Scrutinising Healthcare Quality and Public Health Initiatives

The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee was set to review the draft Quality Accounts for 2025-26 from the North London Hospice, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. These accounts are vital documents detailing the quality of services provided and outlining plans for improvement. The committee's feedback is crucial for ensuring accountability and driving better healthcare outcomes for Barnet residents, particularly for vulnerable groups who rely heavily on these services.

Additionally, the committee was scheduled to receive the Barnet Public Health Department's End of Year Report for 2025/26. This report was expected to highlight the department's mandated services, including sexual health, health protection, and support for homeless populations. The presentation was to focus on the department's five guiding principles, aimed at reducing health disparities and addressing the root causes of poor health. This focus is essential for ensuring that public health strategies are inclusive and effectively reach all segments of the community, especially those most at risk.

The committee also received updates on the North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee's activities and its own work programme, ensuring a coordinated approach to health scrutiny across the region.

• Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting details

Trading Standards Reports Successes in Combating Illegal Trade

The Licensing and General Purposes Committee heard a comprehensive account of the Trading Standards team's work in their annual report for 2025-2026. The team handled over 1600 consumer complaints, secured two criminal prosecutions, and closed down three businesses for illegal trading. Significant enforcement operations, conducted with partner agencies, led to the seizure of over 26,000 illegal and counterfeit products, valued at over £500,000. Fines totalling over £123,000 were issued to letting agents for non-compliance.

These efforts directly protect consumers from fraud and unsafe products, with a particular impact on vulnerable individuals who may be more susceptible to scams or the purchase of substandard goods. The recovery of illegally gained profits through Proceeds of Crime Act investigations further ensures that criminal activity does not pay and can help fund future enforcement.

The committee also reviewed the Environmental Health, Health and Safety, and Pest Control annual reports. Discussions highlighted concerns about staffing levels in regulatory services, a national issue impacting the capacity to respond to all necessary investigations. The importance of a multi-departmental approach to issues like pest control, involving education and collaboration with housing departments, was also emphasised.

• Licensing and General Purposes Committee meeting details

Gambling Statement of Principles Under Review

A key discussion point for the Licensing and General Purposes Committee was the draft Gambling Statement of Principles for 2027-2030. This triennial policy requires public consultation. Concerns were raised about the density of gambling establishments and the potential for increased licensing subcommittees. The committee noted the introduction of gambling impact assessments under the English Devolution and Communities Empowerment Act 2026, which could provide local authorities with more control.

The discussion highlighted the challenges councils face in regulating the gambling industry due to national legislation. A public health project is underway to map gambling outlets and assess local harms, which will provide evidence for any future policy changes. The draft statement will be put out for public consultation over the summer. This process is vital for ensuring that gambling policies are evidence-based and consider the potential negative impacts on community well-being and vulnerable individuals.

• Licensing and General Purposes Committee meeting details

Other Matters

The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee also reviewed its own work programme and the Cabinet Forward Plan, ensuring its scrutiny activities align with the council's strategic priorities.

The Licensing and General Purposes Committee also noted the Licensing Annual Report 2025-2026 and the Annual Barnet Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Report 2024/25, which indicated an increase in reported physical assaults, particularly in schools. The draft Animal Welfare Licensing Policy 2026-2031 was also noted for public consultation.

This week in Barnet:

New Licence for Greek Cypriot Brotherhood Sparks Late-Night Concerns

Barnet Council's Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to consider a new premises licence application for The Greek Cypriot Brotherhood. The application, which sought permission for a range of licensable activities including the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment, proposed operating hours extending to 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

While the applicant and the Police had agreed on revised operating hours, the meeting was also set to address valid representations from local residents. These residents raised concerns about potential public nuisance from noise, public safety, and the prevention of crime and disorder, particularly in relation to the proposed late-night operations. The committee was tasked with balancing the applicant's proposals with the need to protect the peace and safety of the neighbourhood.

The proposed revised hours included:

• Performance of live music: Friday to Saturday, 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM
• Playing of recorded music: Friday to Saturday, 12:00 PM – 1:30 AM
• Provision of late night refreshment: Friday to Saturday, 11:00 PM – 1:30 AM
• Premises open to the public: Friday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

The committee was required to consider the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2020 and the statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 when making its decision. The outcome of this application could significantly impact the late-night atmosphere and potential for disruption in the local area.

• Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Strategic Planning Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Strategic Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 27 May 2026, was cancelled. This committee typically deals with major planning applications that have a significant impact on the borough's development and infrastructure. The cancellation means that any planned discussions on strategic planning matters will be deferred to a future date.

• Strategic Planning Committee meeting details

This week in Barnet:

New Council Leader Appointed Amidst Political Stalemate and Constitutional Changes

Barnet Council's Annual Council meeting on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, saw the appointment of Councillor Barry Rawlings as the new Leader of the Council. This significant decision followed a closely contested election result that left the council politically balanced, with 31 Labour councillors, 31 Conservative councillors, and one Green Party councillor. The meeting also addressed constitutional amendments that sparked debate about democratic participation and the allocation of committee seats, reflecting the new political landscape.

Councillor Barry Rawlings Takes the Helm as Council Leader

Following the local government elections on 7 May 2026, which resulted in an unprecedented 31-31 split between Labour and Conservative councillors, the Annual Council meeting was tasked with electing a new Leader. Councillor Barry Rawlings was nominated by Councillor Ross Houston, who highlighted Councillor Rawlings's track record in delivering significant council programmes, including road and pavement improvements, increased council housing, and investments in parks and green spaces. Councillor Houston also noted the council's progress towards financial sustainability under Rawlings's previous leadership.

Councillor Peter Zinkin was nominated by Councillor Tory, who acknowledged the need for collaborative working in the current political landscape. Councillor Zinkin's supporters emphasized his mastery of council details and his role in past corrections. The vote for the Leader was a recorded vote, resulting in 31 votes in favour of Councillor Rawlings, 31 abstentions, and one vote against. This outcome means Councillor Rawlings will lead the council for a four-year term.

The appointment of a leader in a hung council scenario is a critical moment, as it determines the direction of council policy and service delivery for the coming years. The close vote underscores the need for cooperation and compromise to effectively govern.

• Annual Council meeting details

Constitutional Amendments Spark Debate on Transparency and Representation

The council also considered proposed constitutional amendments, which included changes to committees and the number of seats allocated to each. Councillor Charli Thompson of the Green Party voiced strong opposition, arguing that these changes would weaken democratic participation and transparency. She expressed concern that removing deputations from full council and reducing committee representation for smaller parties and ungrouped members would diminish public voice and accountability.

Councillor Thompson stated, I oppose these constitutional changes because I believe their overall direction weakens democratic participation, transparency and fairness within this Council. The removal of deputations from full Council is particularly concerning. Full Council is the borough's main democratic forum, the place where residents can speak directly to every elected Councillor in public. Removing that right reduces visibility, accountability and public voice.

She further added, I find it deeply concerning that constitutional changes of this scale appear to have been agreed between the major parties behind closed doors, without a clear democratic mandate, meaningful consultation or proper opportunity for amendment and scrutiny by all elected members.

Despite these objections, the proposed amendments were agreed by 62 votes in favour and one against. These changes will shape how residents can engage with the council and how decisions are scrutinised, with potential implications for smaller political groups and independent councillors.

• Annual Council meeting details

Mayor Elected and Civic Roles Confirmed

Councillor Zara Begg was elected as the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet for the municipal year 2026-27. Councillor Phil Cohen nominated Councillor Begg, citing her ability to work with the voluntary sector and bring communities together. Councillor David Longstaff seconded the nomination, highlighting Councillor Begg's skill in connecting with residents. Councillor Begg then appointed Councillor Humayune Khalick as Deputy Mayor and Councillor Lakhya Bahadur Gurung as Civic Ambassador.

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Danny Rich, also paid tribute to former Councillor Edith, the past Deputy Mayor, and highlighted the impact of global events on Barnet, including the arson attacks on Hatzolah ambulances and properties within the Jewish community, and an attempted arson attack on the memorial wall of the Iranian community. He expressed solidarity with the Jewish, Iranian, and Muslim residents and thanked the Metropolitan Police, Community Security Trust, Shomrim, and local faith leaders for their efforts. His Majesty King Charles III's visit to Golders Green to reaffirm his support for the Jewish community was also noted.

• Annual Council meeting details

Other Matters

Council Constitution Review Continues

The Constitution Committee met on Monday, 18 May 2026, to continue its review of the council's foundational document. The Constitution outlines how the council operates, makes decisions, and interacts with residents. The committee discussed various parts of the Constitution, including its articles, the allocation of responsibilities, rules of procedure, and regulations and codes. This ongoing review is crucial for ensuring the council's governance remains transparent, efficient, and accountable.

• Constitution Committee meeting details

Scheduled Council Meeting Cancelled

An extraordinary Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 19 May 2026, was cancelled. The agenda for this meeting included the potential conferral of the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Barnet and a report from the Monitoring Officer.

• Council meeting details

This week in Barnet:

Licence Transfer for Grocery Store Blocked Amidst Concerns of Criminal Activity

Barnet Council's Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, to consider a series of applications related to Food for Less, a grocery supermarket with an off-licence located at 20 Watling Avenue, Edgware HA8 0LR. The committee faced a critical decision regarding the transfer of the premises licence and the variation of its Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), with objections raised by the Metropolitan Police Service citing serious concerns about potential criminal activity.

Licence Transfer Application Rejected

The committee considered an application by Kappuccino (UK) Ltd to transfer the premises licence for Food for Less. The report from the Licensing Manager detailed that the Metropolitan Police Service objected to this transfer, citing concerns for the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective. This objection stemmed from an ongoing review of the premises licence initiated by Barnet Trading Standards due to alleged serious criminal activity, including the storage of non-duty-paid tobacco, the sale of suspected prescription-only medicines, and unlabelled alcohol.

The Police argued that the timing of the transfer application, while a review was underway, suggested an attempt to avoid the consequences of that review. A witness statement from Karl Schultz, Trading Standards Team Leader at Barnet Council, highlighted concerns about the continuity of criminal activity and the suitability of individuals involved. Darius Solovastru, a director of the previous operating company, Maxy Roexport (UK) Limited, is now the sole director of the applicant company, Kappuccino (UK) Ltd. Furthermore, Stefan Oancea, the proposed DPS for Kappuccino (UK) Ltd, is also a director of Maxy Roexport (UK) Limited and is currently under criminal investigation by Trading Standards. The statement argued that the transfer application appeared to be an attempt to circumvent the licensing regime and avoid scrutiny.

The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to consider the application in accordance with Section 44 of the Licensing Act 2003. This section outlines that if a relevant representation is received from a responsible authority, the committee must hold a hearing. The committee must then consider the representation and, having regard to it, reject the application if it considers it appropriate for the promotion of the crime prevention objective. The report referred to the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030 and the Revised Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 as key documents for consideration.

• Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Proposed Designated Premises Supervisor Also Rejected

In a related decision, the committee also considered an application to vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for Food for Less. The application proposed Mr Darius Andrei Solovastru as the new DPS. The Metropolitan Police Service objected to this application, arguing that the appointment of Mr Solovastru as DPS would undermine the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder. The police highlighted that a formal review of the premises licence was already underway due to serious alleged criminal activity. Police enquiries suggested that the proposed DPS, Mr Darius Andrei Solovastru, may have been involved in the running of the premises during the period of alleged criminality.

The report referenced the Revised Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, which states that police objections to DPS variations are permissible in exceptional circumstances where the appointment is believed to undermine the crime prevention objective. The council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030 was also to be considered. The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to determine the application under Section 39 of the Licensing Act 2003, with the power to either grant or reject the application if it was considered appropriate for the promotion of the crime prevention objective.

• Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Premises Licence Review for Food for Less

The committee also discussed a review of the premises licence for Food For Less, initiated by Karl Schultz, the Trading Standards Team Leader for the London Borough of Barnet, under Section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003. The review application cited concerns related to the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety. The grounds for the review included the discovery of smuggled goods, specifically non-duty-paid cigarettes, foreign-labelled prescription medication, and incorrectly labelled alcohol, during a Trading Standards inspection on 28 January 2026. A previous test purchase on 11 December 2025 had also resulted in the sale of illegal cigarettes. The application sought the revocation of the premises licence.

The report pack detailed the premises licence history, noting it was first issued on 30 October 2014, with Mr Ciprian-Filaret Solovastru as the licence holder. It also mentioned a pending application to transfer the licence to Kappuccino UK Ltd. The current licence authorises the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, and the premises are open to the public 24 hours a day.

The report pack also included four representations from customers supporting the continued operation of the premises, highlighting positive aspects such as product quality, respectful service, and the absence of witnessed crime or anti-social behaviour. The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the application and any relevant representations, in accordance with Section 52 of the Licensing Act 2003. The potential steps the committee could take, as outlined in the Act, included modifying licence conditions, excluding licensable activities, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence for up to three months, or revoking the licence. The report pack noted that any decision would not take immediate effect and would be subject to appeal periods.

• Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details