This week in Barnet:

Pension Fund Navigates £1.8 Billion Investment Landscape Amidst Regulatory Overhaul

Barnet's Pension Fund Committee met on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to discuss the fund's performance and strategic direction, particularly in light of significant upcoming regulatory changes in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The committee reviewed investment performance, risk management, and the complex process of asset pooling, all while preparing for new regulations set to take effect from April 2026.

Fit for the Future Reforms and Asset Pooling

A major focus of the meeting was the Fit for the Future initiative, a government-led reform of the LGPS. These changes, driven by new legislation and regulations, aim to consolidate pension funds and streamline investment management.

• Mandatory Pooling: From April 2026, LGPS funds are required to pool their assets into larger investment vehicles. Barnet Pension Fund is transitioning its assets to the London CIV (Collective Investment Vehicle) pool.
• Investment Management Agreement (IMA): The committee was asked to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Resources to finalize the IMA with London CIV. This agreement will govern how the pool manages Barnet's assets.
• Secured Finance and Cash Management: The committee approved proposals to reallocate the fund's secured finance allocation to London CIV MAC and London CIV Private Debt. They also approved modifications to the current cash management strategy to align with new pooling guidelines. This move is intended to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Buckinghamshire's Admission: The committee noted the process for Buckinghamshire Pension Fund's proposed admission to the London CIV pool, indicating a trend towards larger, consolidated pension arrangements.

The implications of these reforms are substantial, aiming to achieve economies of scale and improve investment returns. However, the transition requires careful management to ensure Barnet's pension fund continues to meet its obligations to members.

Investment Performance and Risk Management

The committee received an update on the Pension Fund's investment performance for the quarter ending 30 September 2025.

• Portfolio Value: The investment portfolio was valued at approximately £1.8 billion, showing a positive return of 3.4% over the quarter.
• Long-Term Performance: While the fund has delivered consistent positive returns long-term, it had underperformed against its strategic benchmark over some longer periods. This highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing risk and return in a volatile market.
• Risk Registers Reviewed: The committee reviewed updated administration and non-administration risk registers. A new risk, GOV05, was added due to the Fit for the Future consultation and the Pensions Bill, reflecting the evolving regulatory landscape.
• Pensions Pledge: Updates were provided on the Pensions Pledge, an initiative to combat pension scams, with both Barnet and West Yorkshire Pension Fund signing up. This demonstrates a commitment to protecting members from fraudulent activities.

Administration and Admissions

The committee also received updates on the day-to-day administration of the pension fund and the admission of new employers.

• West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF): WYPF, the fund's administrator, continues to meet its performance targets, with a low number of complaints.
• New Admissions: Several new employers, including Capita Business Services Limited and HCL (Cromer Road School), were approved for admission to the fund. This ensures that employees of these organizations are covered by the pension scheme.
• Cessations: The committee was updated on ongoing cessation valuations, where employers leave the fund. The report noted challenges in securing payments for some historic cessations, with legal action being pursued where necessary.

The decisions made by the Pension Fund Committee have direct implications for the financial security of thousands of Barnet residents in retirement. The focus on regulatory compliance and investment strategy aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.

Pension Fund Committee meeting details

Planning Committee Approves Synagogue Development Amidst Resident Concerns

The Planning Committee (New) met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to consider four planning applications for residential developments. A key decision involved the change of use of a property from a doctor's surgery to a synagogue, which was approved despite officer recommendations for refusal.

114 Finchley Lane, London, NW4 1DG (Hendon) - Synagogue Development

The committee debated the proposal to change the use of 114 Finchley Lane from a doctor's surgery to a synagogue, including the erection of extensions and alterations. While planning officers recommended refusal due to concerns about the scale, design, and siting of the extensions, the committee ultimately voted to approve the application.

• Officer Concerns: The primary concerns raised by officers related to the visual impact of the extensions on the street scene, citing their scale, depth, width, massing, design, and siting as disproportionate and unsympathetic.
• Applicant's Case: The applicant argued that the extensions were vital for providing necessary prayer space and had been designed to be proportionate and respectful to the existing property and street scene. They also highlighted that the air conditioning units had previously been approved.
• Community Support: Lord Kestenbaum spoke in support of the application, emphasizing the community benefit and the synagogue's role as a grassroots, neighbourhood venture. He also touched upon the importance of security for community buildings.
• Committee Decision: Despite the officer's recommendation, the committee voted to approve the application, with a proposal to approve subject to conditions. This decision reflects a balancing of planning considerations with community needs and support.

Land Rear of 35-49 Gainsborough Road, London N12 8AA (West Finchley) - New Dwellings

The committee approved the demolition of existing garages and the erection of three single-storey dwellings on land rear of 35-49 Gainsborough Road. This decision, subject to a Section 106 agreement, was recommended for approval by officers.

• Officer Recommendation: Officers recommended approval, noting that the single-storey nature and reduced scale of the current proposal addressed previous reasons for refusal related to character and overdevelopment.
• Resident Objections: While 13 objections were received from the public, raising concerns about overlooking, privacy, traffic, and overdevelopment, the officer's assessment concluded that the development would not have a detrimental impact on neighbouring amenities.
• Car-Free Development: The development is car-free, with a legal agreement to prevent future occupiers from obtaining parking permits in the surrounding Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs).

25 Green Lane, Edgware, HA8 7PL - Supported Living Accommodation

The committee approved the change of use of 25 Green Lane from a dwellinghouse to supported living accommodation for up to eight residents. This decision was made subject to conditions.

• Officer Recommendation: Officers recommended approval, acknowledging a need for such facilities and noting that while there might be some harm to character and neighbouring amenity, this was outweighed by the benefits.
• Resident Concerns: Objections from residents focused on safety, the unspecified type of residents, and the potential impact on the neighbourhood, particularly its proximity to a school.
• Adult Social Services Input: Adult Social Services confirmed a need for this type of facility, and Environmental Health recommended approval subject to conditions to mitigate noise impacts. The agent emphasized that this is supported living, not institutional care, with residents carefully assessed and staff present 24 hours a day.

10 Cotswold Gardens, London, NW2 1QR (Cricklewood) - Extensions and Conversions

The committee approved a part single, part two-storey side and rear extension, conversion of the garage, and roof extensions at 10 Cotswold Gardens. This approval was subject to conditions.

• Officer Recommendation: Officers recommended approval, concluding that the proposed extensions were of a proportionate scale and would respect the character of the area and neighbouring amenities.
• Resident Objections: Objections from residents and the Golders Green Residents Association primarily concerned the potential for the property to be used as an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) or self-contained flats, leading to impacts on parking, noise, and character.
• HMO Concerns: The officer noted that while an HMO investigation was ongoing, the current application was for a single dwellinghouse, and any change of use would be dealt with separately through enforcement. The committee's decision was based on the planning merits of the extensions themselves.

Planning Committee (New) meeting details

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Schools Forum on Tuesday 20 January 2026 - Meeting Link. The forum will discuss budget proposals for the upcoming academic year, updates on special educational needs and alternative provision, and decisions regarding de-delegation of services.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 21 January 2026 - Meeting Link. The committee will examine the issue of empty homes, the council's relationship with the voluntary and community sector, and receive updates on various task and finish groups.
• Health & Wellbeing Board on Thursday 22 January 2026 - Meeting Link. Topics include a deep dive into Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP), an update on neighbourhood health initiatives, and the proposed Better Care Fund Plan for 2025-2026.
• Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee on Monday 26 January 2026 - Meeting Link. The sub-committee will review the annual report of the Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership, an update on SEND and AP, and reports on youth and democracy initiatives.
• Council on Tuesday 27 January 2026 - Meeting Link. The full council will convene for its regular meeting.
• Strategic Planning Committee on Thursday 29 January 2026 - Meeting Link. The committee will discuss planning applications.
• Barnet Children's Partnership Board on Thursday 29 January 2026 - Meeting Link. The board will meet to discuss matters relating to children's services.
• Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Friday 30 January 2026 - Meeting Link. This committee will discuss health-related matters.

This week in Barnet:

Council Faces £88 Million Budget Gap Amidst Demand for Services

Barnet Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge, facing an £88 million budget gap for 2026-27 Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This stark figure, discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, is driven by rising demand for statutory services like social care and temporary accommodation, coupled with increasing costs.

• Exceptional Financial Support Needed: The council anticipates requiring Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government to balance its budget. Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, stated that EFS will be part of the roadmap to financial sustainability.
• Savings Identified: The council has identified £9.919 million in savings for 2026-27, achieved in collaboration with an improvement partner.
• Lobbying Efforts: The council is lobbying the government for fairer funding, including ensuring deprivation measures include housing costs.
• Council Tax Increase Proposed: The Medium Term Financial Strategy proposes a council tax increase of 4.98% for next year, below the legal maximum of 5%, and to apply a 2.00% Social Care Precept.
• Worst-Case Scenario: The interest cost and minimum revenue provision could reach £63 million a year by 2030 if savings aren't made.

The council's financial straits highlight the growing pressures on local authorities to deliver essential services amidst funding constraints.

Medium Term Financial Strategy Scrutinised

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday also included discussion of the Business Planning 2026-2031 Medium Term Financial Strategy and 2025-26 Budget Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

• Financial Challenges: The report detailed the financial challenges facing the council in developing the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031.
• Savings and Income Generation: The report included proposals towards achieving a balanced budget for 2026/27, including savings and income generation, inflation and council tax assumptions, and funding for service pressures.
• Demand for Services: The report noted that the council continued to face increasing demand for services such as social care and temporary accommodation.
• Exceptional Financial Support: The Cabinet was asked to note that support was likely to be required from central government to set a balanced budget in 2026/27.
• Council Tax Flexibility: The Cabinet was asked to agree to consult on the use of the council's flexibility to raise the level of general council tax by 2.98% in 2026/27, and to apply a 2.00% Social Care Precept.
• Funding Losses: Modelling undertaken by London Councils showed that, under the original proposals, after transition, Barnet could lose nearly £9m of funding over the next 3 years (£400k next year).

Cabinet Approves Road Improvement Programme and Affordable Housing Acquisition

Despite the financial pressures, the Cabinet Cabinet approved a £15.52 million investment in the borough's roads and pavements and the acquisition of 38 affordable homes. The meeting was held on Tuesday.

• Road Improvement Programme: The £15.52 million investment will fund the 2026-27 programme for improving Barnet's roads and pavements. Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, noted that highway spending has more than doubled since 2021-22.
• Affordable Housing Acquisition: The Cabinet approved the acquisition of 38 affordable homes at the Donahue Business Park site from Chase New Homes, to be funded from right-to-buy receipts and the housing revenue account (HRA). Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, highlighted that 47% of the homes will be three-bedroom, addressing a need for larger family homes.

These decisions demonstrate the council's commitment to maintaining infrastructure and increasing the supply of affordable housing, even in the face of financial challenges.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet Cabinet approved an increase in the contract value for Lee Fire and Security Limited to a total of £2 million for the delivery of fire safety inspections, remediation works, reactive call outs, and project works.
• The Planning Committee (New) meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled Planning Committee (New).

This week in Barnet:

Corporate Parenting Motion Exposes Council Divisions After Care Leavers' Deaths

Barnet Council descended into a heated debate this week during an extraordinary meeting Council called to address Secrecy and Failures in Corporate Parenting following the tragic deaths of three care-experienced young people. The meeting, held on Tuesday, saw an opposition motion calling for the resignations of Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet.

• Motion for Accountability: Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, argued that Councillors Rawlings and Coakley Webb had failed in their duty as corporate parents[^1] by not disclosing information about the death of a young person in December 2023 and subsequent inquest. [^1]: Corporate parenting is a legal concept that places a duty on local authorities to act as responsible and supportive parents for children in care.
• Amendment and Approval: While the original motion was amended, the council ultimately approved a version that included a commitment to immediately inform all corporate parents of any event involving looked-after young persons which may reasonably be expected to require an inquest.
• Reviews and Transparency: The approved motion also mandates reviews following such inquests for all care-experienced young people where the death is not linked to natural causes, with publication subject to agreement by the Barnet Safeguarding Children Partnership.
• Minute's Silence: Following the debate, Councillor Danny Rich, The Mayor of Barnet, led a minute's silence to remember the three young people and the late Councillor John Marshall.

This meeting underscores the deep concern among councillors regarding the council's responsibility to vulnerable young people and the need for greater transparency in handling sensitive cases.

Great North Leisure Park Redevelopment Blocked Over Density Concerns

The Strategic Planning Committee Strategic Planning Committee voted to refuse planning permission for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Great North Leisure Park on Thursday, defying officer recommendations. The decision hinged on concerns about overdevelopment, poor public transport accessibility, and the inappropriate height, mass, and bulk of the proposed buildings in a suburban setting.

• Scale and Density Criticized: Councillor Philip Cohen questioned whether the applicant was consciously aware of the density and whether they were simply trying to maximise the number of units. Councillor Richard Cornelius said that the pictures that had been seen looked absolutely horrific and this was not something that they wanted to be remembered as councillors for approving, and that it would be destined to be a very unpleasant place to live. Councillor Shuey Gordon referred to the scheme as a 'concrete jungle'.
• Affordable Housing Doubts: Councillor Nigel Young raised concerns about the viability assessment, noting that the development was showing a significant loss, which would be made worse by the provision of affordable housing.
• Accessibility Issues: Several councillors highlighted the site's poor Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 2, questioning the adequacy of existing bus services.
• Reasons for Refusal: The committee cited the high density of the proposal, the poor public transport accessibility level of the site, and the height, mass, and bulk of the development being inappropriate in the suburban setting as reasons for refusal.

This decision, which will be referred to the Mayor of London, signals a potential shift in the council's approach to large-scale developments, prioritizing local context and infrastructure over maximizing housing density.

Children and Family Services Restructure Discussed

The Employment Sub-Committee Employment Sub-Committee met on Wednesday to discuss a proposed senior management restructure in the Children and Family Service. Details of the discussion are limited as no video was provided, but the agenda included a review of the proposed new structure and associated job descriptions. The outcome of this restructure could impact the delivery of vital services to vulnerable children and families in Barnet.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Strategic Planning Committee on Monday 08 December 2025 - Meeting Link. The committee will discuss the planning application for the redevelopment of the High Barnet Station Car Park.
• Cabinet on Tuesday 09 December 2025 - Meeting Link. The Cabinet will discuss business planning, budget management, the council's delivery and outcomes framework, planned improvements to roads and pavements, the acquisition of homes, and contract compliance with a fire and security company.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 11 December 2025 - Meeting Link. The committee will discuss the council's medium-term financial strategy, receive updates from task and finish groups, and review the committee's work programme.

This week in Barnet:

Corporate Parenting Failures Trigger Calls for Resignations

Barnet Council is set for an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, December 2nd, to address a motion of no confidence Secrecy and Failures in Corporate Parenting regarding Secrecy and Failures in Corporate Parenting. The motion, put forward by Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, calls for the resignation of Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, following the deaths of three care-experienced young people.

• Information Withheld: The motion alleges that Councillors Rawlings and Coakley Webb failed to disclose critical information about the death of a young person in December 2023 and the subsequent inquest to other councillors.
• Key Omissions: The motion lists several instances where information should have been shared, including a brief note in the Corporate Parenting Panel in January 2024, notice of the coroner's listing in November 2024, and the coroner's initial findings in May 2025.
• Proposed Changes: The motion also proposes that all Corporate Parents be immediately informed of any event involving looked-after young persons that may reasonably be expected to require an inquest, that reviews always take place following such inquests, and that reviews be published and sent to the relevant scrutiny committee for review.
• Accountability Demanded: The motion claims that Councillor Rawlings and Councillor Coakley Webb failed to disclose information at all these opportunities and failed to inform the corporate parents of her death and the proceedings following it.

The outcome of this motion could have significant implications for the leadership of Barnet Council and its approach to corporate parenting.

Great North Leisure Park Redevelopment Faces Scrutiny

The Strategic Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 4th, to discuss a major planning application Strategic Planning Committee for the redevelopment of the Great North Leisure Park. The application proposes a comprehensive redevelopment, including demolishing existing buildings and constructing up to 1,485 homes in 20 buildings (up to 25 storeys), a new two-storey leisure centre, flexible commercial space, a single-storey sports changing pavilion, landscaping, parking, and associated works.

• Housing Delivery: The scheme proposes 1,485 homes, including affordable housing.
• Leisure Facilities: A new two-storey council-owned public leisure centre will replace the existing facility.
• Affordable Housing Target: The scheme aims for a minimum of 25% affordable housing by habitable room, comprising 60% Social Rent and 40% Shared Ownership.
• Community Contributions: The developer, Regal GNLP Ltd, has agreed to contribute £900,000 to fund two extra buses per hour, £570,760 towards expansion of primary care facilities, and £176,109.81 towards supporting the recruitment of additional police staff.
• Sustainability Measures: The development includes ecology and biodiversity enhancements, green roofs, and measures to improve water efficiency.

The scale and complexity of this project mean that the Strategic Planning Committee's decision will have a significant impact on the future of the area.

Senior Management Restructure Proposed for Children and Family Service

The Employment Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, December 3rd, to discuss a proposed senior management restructure Employment Sub-Committee in the Children and Family Service.

• New Structure: The proposed structure includes the creation of Assistant Director posts.
• Job Descriptions: The report pack includes job descriptions for the new roles.

The outcome of this discussion could have a significant impact on the delivery of children's services in Barnet.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Council on Tuesday 02 December 2025 - Meeting Link. The council will discuss a motion regarding secrecy and failures in corporate parenting.
• Employment Sub-Committee on Wednesday 03 December 2025 - Meeting Link. The sub-committee will discuss a senior management restructure in the Children and Family Service.
• Strategic Planning Committee on Thursday 04 December 2025 - Meeting Link. The committee will discuss the planning application for the redevelopment of the Great North Leisure Park.
• Strategic Planning Committee on Monday 08 December 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Cabinet on Tuesday 09 December 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Planning Committee (New) on Wednesday 10 December 2025 - Meeting Link.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 11 December 2025 - Meeting Link.