The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on 23 January 2024 to discuss the decarbonisation of the corporate estate, the annual performance of registered housing providers, and the council's financial forecast. Key decisions included noting progress on the Towards Net Zero programme and requesting exploration of private sector investment, and requesting amendments to the format of the registered providers' performance report.

Towards Net Zero - Decarbonisation of the Corporate Estate

The committee received an update on the council's Towards Net Zero (TNZ) programme, which aims to decarbonise council buildings and properties as part of the commitment to reach Net Zero by 2030. Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, introduced the report, highlighting that while ambitions exist to go further, this depends on future funding opportunities. Officers detailed the progress made since 2018, including applications for grant funding and the development of business cases for additional borrowing to sustain the programme amidst financial constraints.

The committee heard that the retrofit programme could lead to cost savings through cheaper utility bills for schools and that both financial and carbon savings could be calculated. Concerns were raised about the potential for the programme to be halted if unsuccessful and whether schools would be liable for increased running costs of new retrofit systems. Cabinet Member Councillor Schneiderman confirmed that the council would utilise the latest technology and adapt as it changes, noting that the retrofit programme had been working well so far and would be continually reviewed. Officers confirmed that schools are responsible for their own utility bills, with any savings benefiting the school, and that the council had funded the installation costs. Councillor David Longstaff, a governor at Foulds School, understood there was contractual provision for additional utility costs.

Officers reported that early calculations showed savings in schools, with technologies like air source heat pumps contributing to cost reductions. More data would be available in winter 2024/25, and schools would be revisited for further insulation where possible. A query was raised about the scale of the project to retrofit all council buildings by 2030, given reported delays in early phases, and how many buildings needed to be completed annually to meet the deadline. Officers explained that delays had been caused by UK Power Networks' capacity limitations. A dedicated Net Zero team is in place to support the catchment area and respond quickly, aiming to reduce future delays. The project prioritises higher-emission buildings, such as schools. It was noted that the council needs to spend £10 million per year to meet the 2030 deadline. There are 90 assets in the Managed Estate, though not all require the same level of work.

Regarding the involvement of local organisations and the private sector, officers confirmed a re-procurement process was underway, which would allow for greater involvement of public sector partners. Interest had been shown by the RAF Museum and Barnet College in accessing the contract, though it was not open to private sector partners at this stage. Officers confirmed that information on comparisons with other boroughs' retrofitting and decarbonisation progress could be obtained from Retrofit for London and shared with the committee.

Councillor Emma Whysall moved a recommendation, which was seconded and unanimously agreed, for the Cabinet Member to explore ways of leveraging private sector investment in this programme, to provide actions taken to date, what else can be done to enable the private sector in Barnet to also benefit from accessing technology.

The committee resolved to:

• Note the progress with the Towards Net Zero (TNZ) Programme of works, and the ongoing determination to continue programmes of work over the next two years, within a defined budget to be agreed by Cabinet by March 2024.
• Request that the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change explore ways of leveraging private sector investment in this programme, to provide actions taken to date, what else can be done to enable the private sector in Barnet to also benefit from accessing technology and provide feedback to the Committee.

Annual Performance Review of Registered Providers (RPs)

Councillor Ross Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, and Cath Shaw, Deputy Chief Executive, presented an overview of the report, which detailed performance data from the main registered providers in the borough. The committee noted that some data was borough-wide and some London-wide.

Questions were raised about how the ratings were determined, as ward councillors had reported high levels of dissatisfaction with repair work and response times, particularly concerning Notting Hill Genesis. Officers confirmed that data was gathered via a questionnaire sent to all housing associations, who provided feedback on their performance.

The committee suggested a need to reconsider this approach and engage directly with residents to obtain genuine satisfaction data, as ward councillors had not observed improvements in service quality through their casework. The committee further queried the methodology of data collection and the availability of comparison or independent data, stating that the current data made it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions without a uniform methodology.

Councillor Houston stated that a new regulatory regime for recording repairs and other information would lead to better data standardisation, and the department was working with regulators to obtain comparable data. Officers confirmed that the committee could influence future data reporting, and that future data collection could be approached differently and presented in next year's performance review.

A committee member highlighted a lack of resident engagement, despite housing providers being under pressure, and stressed the need to gather feedback from resident associations, not just providers. Concerns were also raised about Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association's repair speed and what was being done to address anti-social behaviour on the Grahame Park Estate.

Ms. Shaw stated that data standardisation would be beneficial and increase confidence in the reliability of registered providers' data. The Housing team was committed to community engagement and planned to hold listening events, acknowledging the resource implications of conducting direct resident surveys. It was suggested that once the new regime was understood, the council could determine its approach and any supplementary work required.

The Chair proposed inviting registered providers to a future meeting to address concerns.

Clarification was sought on social rents for different accommodation sizes, noting significant variations, including three-bedroom properties being cheaper than one-bedroom homes. Officers explained that rents took into account the benefits cap, making larger units affordable, and that ongoing discussions were occurring regarding rent costs in specific developments.

A committee member inquired about performance data from registered providers regarding damp and mould. The Cabinet Member noted that reporting was not standardised, with varying levels of knowledge and reporting across registered providers. He acknowledged it as a challenge being taken seriously and that regulators would consider it as part of the standardisation process. It was reported that Barnet Homes has a damp and mould action plan.

Councillor Emma Whysall moved recommendations, which were seconded and unanimously agreed.

The committee resolved to:

• Note the Barnet Annual Performance Review of Registered Providers.
• Request that the Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration and officers explore amending the format of the registered providers report due in September/October 2024, with a revised approach to data presentation based on the new regulatory regime. The report to this committee should include detailed data for scrutiny.
• Request that officers facilitate a meeting with tenants and registered providers in advance of the next committee meeting where registered provider performance is considered, to explore issues around disrepair and satisfaction ratings, and report its findings.
• Request feedback on actions taken by Notting Hill Genesis to address anti-social behaviour on the Grahame Park Estate.
• Request that the Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration and officers explore the standard of reporting on damp and mould across registered providers.

Chief Finance Officer Report – 2023/24 Q3 Financial Forecast and 2023/24 Budget Management

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources & Effective Council, and Anisa Darr, Executive Director of Strategy & Resources (Section 151 Officer), provided an overview of the report, highlighting that work had been undertaken to reduce the overspend, which had now significantly decreased, and that efforts would continue to reduce it further.

The committee questioned the increase in parking permit and pay-and-display charges, and the reduction in penalty charge notice (PCN) income, noting this was not driven by the cost-of-living crisis. Councillor Rawlings reported that PCN income was higher but less than budgeted, resulting in a deficit in forecasted figures.

In response to a query about shared services, officers confirmed that opportunities were being considered, including with children's services, adult social care commissioning, and hospital discharge arrangements.

Regarding concerns about NHS debt, the Assistant Director of Resources reported that the original debt of £30 million had been reduced to £23 million, with a commitment from the NHS to pay a further £14 million. Approximately £3 million to £4 million was disputed between the council and the NHS, and it was noted that regulators would review this. Some funds would be written off, but actual figures were not yet known.

Ms. Darr stated she would circulate council tax debt collection comparison rates for London separately or include them in the Budget report. When asked why income from parenting hubs had not been achieved, Councillor Rawlings explained that councils faced service pressures and were utilising family centres differently.

An action was noted for the Executive Director of Strategy & Resources.

In response to a question about the Brent Cross West project and whether delays would escalate costs, officers confirmed the project had been paused while the site was explored with a business case being produced, which might incur higher costs but lead to better outcomes.

A committee member asked about court costs awarded and why the council only collected half, and if delays in receiving income impacted this. Officers confirmed that court costs are sometimes paid via payment plans, which defer income but ensure it is ultimately received.

Regarding EV charging, including income from advertising portals and the council's proportion, Councillor Rawlings reported it as shared income.

The following recommendations were moved, seconded, and unanimously agreed:

The committee resolved to:

• Note the contents of the Chief Finance Officer Report 2023/24 Quarter 3 Financial Forecast and 2023/24 Budget Management report.
• Receive the council tax debt collection comparison rates for London separately or included in the Budget report.
• Follow up on issues with the mobilisation of the Parenting Hub.
• Request that the Cabinet explore options for a deep dive into the special parking account.

Culture Strategy Progress Briefing

Councillor Ammar Naqvi, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Sports, introduced the report, thanking officers for their contributions to developing the strategy and noting it as an opportunity for pre-decision scrutiny.

The committee observed that the report did not fully acknowledge the existing rich and diverse culture in Barnet, suggesting that culture might not need to be promoted in an overt manner.

In response to a query about widening the Steering Group to include more diversity from faith communities, the elderly, schools, and universities, it was reported that representation was based on those who responded to an invitation rather than targeting specific communities.

It was noted that the strategy should include outcomes and actions, and questions were raised about how success would be measured. It was reported that the Steering Group would be vocal about delivery, and external surveys could be used for comparison. The committee agreed that a recommendation should be added to request this information be included in the strategy.

Regarding funding, it was reported that if Barnet was successful in its Borough of Culture bid, it would come with funding and resources. All work streams would be delivered directly by the council, leveraging enabling powers. Councillor Naqvi confirmed that officers were involved in developing the report and that the strategy's delivery was financially viable.

Committee members inquired about local business representation, and it was reported that Town Centre Teams had been engaged and would contribute to the steering group's work.

The committee resolved to:

• Note the contents of the report and the Culture Strategy Briefing Paper.
• Request that the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Sports ensure the draft culture strategy report to Cabinet includes examples of achievable outcomes and metrics for measuring success.

Task and Finish Groups Updates

The committee considered the report providing an update on the progress of ongoing Task and Finish Groups. Following consideration, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations, which were unanimously agreed.

The committee resolved to note the updates on all Task and Finish Groups in progress and future Task and Finish Groups.

Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule)

The committee considered the report outlining the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2023/24, noting that it included items that could be incorporated into the committee's work programme for pre-decision scrutiny. Following consideration, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations, which were unanimously agreed.

The committee resolved to note the Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision Schedule).

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee resolved to:

• Note the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2023-2024 Work Programmes for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
• Note the proposal for work programming planning for 2024/25.
• Add a review of the Arts Depot funding and value for money to the list for topic selection.