This week in Barnet:

Council Takes Control of IT Services: Insourcing Marks a New Era for Digital Operations

Barnet Council has decided to bring its crucial IT End User and Managed Infrastructure services back in-house, a move that will see staff transition from Capita Business Services Ltd to the council's direct employment. This significant decision, made at a Cabinet Member Decision Meeting on Thursday, 3 September 2026, follows the collapse of a procurement process for a new IT contract.

The council's preferred bidder for a new IT contract attempted to renegotiate terms after their bid was accepted, leading to the abandonment of the procurement. This unexpected turn of events prompted the council to explore insourcing as the most viable path forward.

Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, raised pertinent questions about the preferred bidder's request for additional funds, suggesting it indicated they perceived risks in the original contract price. He also sought assurances on how the council would mitigate risks related to single points of failure and innovation.

Council officers explained that the increased costs proposed by the bidder were largely due to pension and redundancy costs, as they intended to make staff redundant immediately. The council's own costing had already factored in these full costs, making the in-house option financially equivalent to the revised bid. Crucially, the council stated that making staff redundant on day one was not its intention and would have been too risky, particularly concerning the loss of vital knowledge and resources.

The report highlighted that many of the risks associated with insourcing had diminished as the council had completed its IT modernisation projects, migrating networks and data centres to the cloud. This positions the council to manage IT services on a consumption-based model, working directly with specialist suppliers like Microsoft.

The decision to insource is expected to lead to clearer accountability and a more responsive approach to managing cyber risks. While some social value commitments from the original tender might not be fully delivered, the in-house option allows the council to directly address workforce-related commitments and support wider sustainability and poverty reduction objectives.

This move marks a significant shift in how Barnet Council manages its digital infrastructure, aiming for greater control and responsiveness in an increasingly complex technological landscape.

• Cabinet Member Decision Meeting details

Dockless Bikes and Sustainable Drainage: Environment Committee Tackles Key Green Issues

The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, to address pressing environmental concerns, including the growing presence of dockless e-bikes and the adoption of new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

Managing the Rise of Dockless Bikes

The sub-committee considered options for managing the proliferation of dockless e-bikes across the borough. Currently, Barnet Council has no formal agreements with e-bike operators, leading to issues with abandoned and improperly parked bikes that obstruct pavements and roads, posing a hazard to pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues. The report outlined potential interim solutions ahead of a proposed pan-London licensing framework expected around 2028. Options discussed included entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with operators, establishing a formal arrangement, or taking no action. The committee also looked at operational considerations such as enforcement and confiscation powers, and the need for future parking provision. This issue directly impacts the accessibility and tidiness of our streets, affecting the daily lives of residents.

Adopting National Standards for Sustainable Drainage

A report was presented on the adoption of Defra's new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Barnet Council plays a crucial role in assessing SuDS designs for planning applications. The new standards, published in July 2025, aim to provide updated guidance for designers, developers, and local authorities, replacing previous non-statutory technical standards. Adopting these standards is vital for ensuring Barnet's approach to SuDS aligns with national policy and best practices, contributing to effective flood risk management and wider environmental benefits, such as improving water quality and creating green spaces.

The committee also reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan to identify items for future scrutiny and received updates from various Task and Finish Groups focused on issues like waste and recycling in flats above shops.

• Environment Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting details

Other Matters

Planning Committee Considers Residential Developments and Extensions

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, to consider several planning applications. These included proposals for extensions and conversions at residential properties across the borough, such as at 8 North Square, London NW11 7AA, 89 Lichfield Grove, N3 2JL, and 31 Foscote Road, NW4 3SE. A significant proposal for Gloucester House, 150 Woodside Lane, London N12 8TP, involving an additional storey to create four new flats, was also on the agenda. The committee also reviewed an application for a roof extension at the First Floor Flat at 11 St Marys Road, London NW11 9UE, and a mansard roof extension at Raymond Court, Pembroke Road, London N10 2HS, to create four self-contained flats. These decisions impact the local housing stock and neighbourhood character.

• Planning Committee meeting details

Finance and Growth Committee to Review Development, Energy, and Debt Recovery

The Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, 7 September 2026. The agenda includes a review of development and regeneration projects in Barnet, with a focus on market conditions and case studies of Moxon Street, Whitings Road, and Little Strand. The committee will also examine the procurement of electricity through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and receive an update on the council's debt recovery processes for Adult Social Care, Council Tax, Business Rates, and Property Services. Task and Finish Group updates and a review of the Cabinet Forward Plan are also scheduled.

• Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting details

Overview and Scrutiny Committee to Discuss Key Council Matters

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will convene on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. While the summary of topics is not yet available, this committee typically reviews a broad range of council performance and policy areas, providing a vital check and balance on the council's work.

• Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details

This week in Barnet:

Late-Night Licences for Restaurants Face Scrutiny Over Noise and Nuisance Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Monday, 17 August 2026, to consider applications for extended operating hours for two local establishments, raising concerns about potential public nuisance and disruption for residents.

Shahs Halal Food Application for Extended Hours

An application for a new premises licence for Shahs Halal Food, located at 3 Watford Way, London NW4 3JL, sought permission for late-night refreshment indoors between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM daily. The application, submitted by Zabih Yakrang on behalf of West Halal Food Ltd, also proposed the premises be open to the public during these hours.

The Licensing Authority received a representation against the application from Daniel Mullick, Senior Scientific Officer in the Public Protection Department. Mr. Mullick raised concerns about preventing public nuisance, specifically highlighting potential disturbance to residents living above the premises. Issues cited included noise from customer arrivals and departures, congregation outside, and third-party delivery services, particularly during the proposed late-night hours. Scientific Services recommended refusing the application due to insufficient information to demonstrate that the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance would be promoted.

However, a potential resolution emerged through an agreement between the Metropolitan Police and the applicant. PC Rachel Aldis, representing the Police, proposed reducing the late-night refreshment hours to between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM, Monday to Sunday. The applicant, Shakaib Aziz, agreed to these reduced hours and a set of seven conditions. These conditions included the installation and maintenance of CCTV, the keeping of an incident log, and cooperation with police and council officers. With these agreements in place, the Police indicated they would not be making a representation against the revised application.

The Sub-Committee was tasked with considering these representations, the agreement with the Police, and the applicant's proposed steps to uphold the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The potential outcomes ranged from granting the licence with modified conditions to outright refusal.

• Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Whetstone Lounge Variation Application Sparks Resident Objections

The Licensing Sub-Committee also convened to consider a variation to the premises licence for Whetstone Lounge, also known as Blac Restaurant, at 1302 High Road, Whetstone, N20 9HJ. The application, submitted by Whetstone Lounge Ltd, sought to extend the hours for various licensable activities, including live and recorded music, dance, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol.

Specifically, the proposed variations included extending alcohol sales to 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 AM on Sundays to Wednesdays, with an earlier start time of 11:00 AM daily. The application also aimed to extend hours for regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment.

The licensing authority was required to hold a hearing due to valid representations received against the application from local residents and the Service Manager for Environmental Protection & Licensing. The objectors' concerns primarily centred on the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance, preventing crime and disorder, and public safety.

Key concerns raised by residents included:

• Noise Nuisance: Worries about increased noise from patrons leaving late at night, amplified music, and vehicle noise.
• Anti-social Behaviour: Fears of increased litter, discarded alcohol bottles, and potential for anti-social behaviour associated with extended trading hours.
• Parking Issues: Existing problems with customer parking on residential streets were expected to worsen, potentially obstructing driveways and access.
• Crime and Disorder: Allegations of a previous serious assault outside the premises and past concerns about disorderly behaviour were highlighted.
• Public Safety: Issues regarding vehicles obstructing pavements and potential impacts on emergency vehicle access were raised.
• Cumulative Impact: Residents argued that the cumulative effect of existing licensed premises in the area was already impacting residential amenity, and this variation would exacerbate those issues.

While the applicant had agreed to some amendments following discussions with the Police, including earlier start times for alcohol sales, the Police recommended that Temporary Event Notices (TENs) be used for special occasions rather than permanently extending the licence. The Sub-Committee had to weigh these concerns against the applicant's proposals to promote the four licensing objectives, considering the guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025. The committee could choose to modify licence conditions, reject the application in whole or in part, or grant the variation.

• Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

This week in Barnet:

Dollis Valley Regeneration Halted as Grant Funding Collapses

A critical decision regarding the acquisition of 208 affordable homes for the Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration Scheme has been effectively halted due to the withdrawal of crucial grant funding. The Call-In Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, to review a call-in request concerning the Cabinet's earlier decision on this matter.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) had offered approximately £58.85 million in grant funding, but this offer was withdrawn due to delays caused by the call-in process itself. This withdrawal rendered the original decision unviable. Consequently, the committee decided to take no further action on the implemented aspects of the decision, as they could no longer proceed.

However, the committee has put forward three recommendations for future consideration should the matter return to the Cabinet. These include:

• Ensuring the minutes of this meeting are included in future Cabinet papers.
• Referring any subsequent Cabinet papers to the relevant scrutiny subcommittee with ample time for thorough consideration.
• Requiring a comprehensive financial assessment of all options to be included in future papers.

Concerns were raised during the meeting about the decision-making process, with one councillor stating, our view, for the reasons adduced, was that the decision that was being taken was not based on solid foundations for a collection of reasons. [^1] The Leader of the Council acknowledged that the process could have been smoother, noting, If it had come earlier, yes, there would be more time to consider it. That's by definition. [^2]

The collapse of the GLA funding highlights the precarious nature of large-scale regeneration projects, which often rely heavily on external grants. The withdrawal of this funding could have significant implications for the delivery of affordable housing in Barnet, potentially delaying or even jeopardising much-needed homes for residents.

• Call-In Sub-Committee meeting details

McDonald's Late-Night Refreshment Bid Faces Objection Over Public Nuisance

Concerns about public nuisance have led to an objection being lodged against a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application for McDonald's at 136-140 Cricklewood Broadway, London NW2 3EE. The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 6 August 2026, to consider the application, which sought to permit late-night refreshment for extended hours on several weekends in August.

The objection was raised by Hassan Khan, representing Barnet Council's Noise Nuisance department. The core of the objection is the prevention of public nuisance, a key licensing objective. The department expressed concern that the proposed extended hours could undermine previous licensing decisions, citing a prior refusal for extended hours at the same premises due to noise and disturbance complaints from local residents.

The objection highlighted that a previous planning application to extend opening hours was refused on 16 April 2026, based on the grounds that it would cause unreasonable noise and disturbance at unsociable hours for neighbouring residential occupiers. [^3] The Noise Nuisance department also noted observations of numerous motorcycles with idling engines and loud conversations outside the premises, suggesting a potential for increased noise during the proposed extended hours.

While the Metropolitan Police Service raised no objections, the Noise Nuisance department's concerns underscore the delicate balance the council must strike between supporting local businesses and protecting residents from noise and disturbance, particularly in areas with mixed residential and commercial use. The outcome of this hearing will determine whether the extended hours are permitted, and if so, under what conditions.

• Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

This week in Barnet:

Dollis Valley Regeneration Faces Scrutiny Over Viability and Housing Mix

The Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Monday, 20 July 2026, to scrutinise the regeneration of the Dollis Valley Estate and the council's financial performance. A key focus was the viability of Phases 4 and 5 of the Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration Programme, with viability tests revealing an £18 million deficit. This has led to concerns from residents and councillors about the council's financial exposure and the process of resident engagement.

A central point of contention is the proposed tenure mix, with residents advocating for a greater proportion of social housing. Officers, however, have highlighted the need to balance this with scheme viability and funding requirements. The council's contract is with Countryside Properties UK Limited, with Vistry being the parent company.

Discussions also centred on eligibility for Greater London Authority (GLA) grant funding, which is contingent on delivering additionality of affordable housing. An option, Option D plus, which offered a better social mix, was deemed ineligible for grant funding by the GLA due to the level of grant required. Councillors questioned whether all avenues had been explored to make this option viable, including the potential to increase the number of private homes.

The potential consequences of delays to the scheme and the non-arrival of GLA grant funding were discussed, with officers outlining two potential plan B scenarios: stalling the scheme and hoarding the site, or demolishing existing buildings and hoarding the site. The committee considered recommending that the Cabinet proceed with extreme caution, ensuring the report is scrutinised in detail by lawyers to guard against judicial review, and to explore all possible options to improve the housing mix.

The Cabinet met on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, and ultimately approved the full business case for the Dollis Valley regeneration scheme. This decision will see the acquisition of 208 affordable homes, including 187 social rented homes and 21 key worker rented homes. The scheme will also deliver 13 private homes, to be managed by Vistry. This decision comes despite significant resident concerns about the housing mix and the financial viability of the project.

• Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting details
• Cabinet meeting details

Council Faces Significant Financial Pressures Despite Underspend

Barnet Council's Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on Monday, 20 July 2026, revealed a complex financial picture. While the council reported an overall underspend of £9.775 million for the 2025/26 financial year, a significant improvement from previous years, persistent structural pressures remain.

Key areas of concern include:

• Temporary Accommodation: Demand is forecast to rise to approximately 3,167 households by March 2027, despite a recent fall attributed to new lettings. This continued demand places a significant strain on council resources.
• Adult Social Care: While currently forecasting a balanced position, this service is highly demand-led. A 1% swing in activity costs around £2 million, highlighting the vulnerability of this budget to unforeseen increases in need.
• Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG): An in-year overspend of £13.3 million is forecast, leading to a year-end DSG deficit of around £9.4 million. This is partly attributed to Barnet's reputation for good schools attracting parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), creating a financial pressure for the council.

The committee also discussed the council's borrowing, noting permission to borrow up to £79.3 million for 2026/27, with an estimated annual cost of £4 million for interest and minimum revenue provision over 20 years. The council is exploring asset disposals to mitigate borrowing costs. Concerns were also raised about the write-off of old debt and the efficiency of the new Oracle system in handling backdated invoicing.

The Cabinet, in its meeting on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, also discussed the council's financial forecast. While acknowledging the underspend, the Cabinet was presented with the ongoing challenges in areas like temporary accommodation and adult social care. The approval of the Dollis Valley regeneration scheme, despite its financial deficit, highlights the difficult decisions the council faces in balancing housing needs with financial sustainability.

• Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting details
• Cabinet meeting details

New Administration Priorities Focus on Prevention and Resident Engagement

Barnet Council's Cabinet, in its meeting on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, approved a framework for developing a new Corporate Plan, outlining the administration's priorities for the next four years. The plan emphasises a stronger focus on prevention, innovation, resident engagement, and tackling inequality.

Key priorities include:

• Supporting High Streets: Creating vibrant and safe community hubs where residents feel a sense of pride.
• Improving Public Spaces: Enhancing open spaces and ensuring accessibility for all.
• Tackling Harmful Outlets: Addressing the proliferation of fast food restaurants and gambling establishments through planning designations.
• Giving Children the Best Start: Providing comprehensive support for young people, with a particular focus on those in care or with traumatic experiences, ensuring they have the confidence and skills to succeed.

The administration acknowledged the significant financial challenges facing the council, with a projected £700 million gap over the coming years. While the Corporate Plan sets out the council's ambitions, the detailed financial strategy for bridging this gap will be further developed in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and budget reports to be presented in the autumn. The council stressed that its approach would not be one of slash and burn but would focus on finding win-win solutions through innovation and technology, while continuing to support vulnerable residents.

• Cabinet meeting details