The Barnet Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's financial forecast, the Barnet Youth Strategy, and updates on major regeneration projects. Key decisions made included the approval of the Full Business Case for Phases 4 & 5 of the Dollis Valley regeneration scheme, which will see the acquisition of 208 affordable homes, and the endorsement of the draft Barnet Youth Strategy for formal consultation.

Financial Forecast and Budget Management

The Cabinet received the Chief Finance Officer's report for Quarter 1 of the 2026/27 financial year. The report indicated a projected overspend of £2.621 million, after accounting for planned reserve drawdowns. The council's reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government to balance its budget remains, though the forecast EFS requirement has been reduced by £6 million. The report detailed savings targets for 2026/27, with £8.685 million (92%) currently forecast to be delivered. Significant risks were highlighted, including rising demand for temporary accommodation and adult social care, and a growing Dedicated Schools Grant deficit. The Cabinet approved routine financial management matters, including updates to the capital programme and debt write-offs.

Barnet Youth Strategy (2026-2036)

The Cabinet approved the draft Barnet Youth Strategy for formal consultation. This ten-year strategy aims to create a borough where young people feel they belong, have trusted adults to support them, safe places to go, and opportunities to build skills and have fun. It is guided by five strategic priorities: strengthening the current youth offer, shaping a dynamic and sustainable youth sector, expanding engagement for all young people, championing inclusion for those with SEND, and driving action through evidence and youth voice. The strategy was co-produced with young people, youth organisations, schools, and partners.

Dollis Valley Phases 4 & 5 Regeneration

The Cabinet approved the Full Business Case for Phases 4 & 5 of the Dollis Valley regeneration scheme and the Council's acquisition of 208 affordable homes from Vistry. This decision, subject to confirmation of GLA grant funding, will deliver 187 social rent homes and 21 key worker living rent homes. The Council will also delegate authority to the Executive Director for Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, to finalise legal agreements. This intervention is seen as the only viable route to complete the regeneration programme, securing significant affordable housing and long-term financial benefits for the Council.

Brent Cross Update Report

An update on the Brent Cross regeneration programme was provided, highlighting progress on site. Plot 1 achieved practical completion, and works are underway on Plots 15 and 43B. The sale of Plot 11 to Whitbread has completed, and further third-party land sales are progressing. The Cabinet noted the ongoing work to bring forward these land sales and reconfirmed support for a data centre at Brent Cross Town, with detailed proposals to follow. Authority was also delegated to relevant Chief Officers to manage disputes arising from compulsory purchase orders.

Finchley Leisure Centre: Revised Outline Business Case

Cabinet approved the revised Outline Business Case for a new Finchley Leisure Centre, incorporating updated designs and financial information. The scheme will deliver a modern facility with an expanded gym, additional studios, a larger lido, and a learner pool, funded through a £29 million capital premium from the developer and Council borrowing. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Communities, Adults and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts & Sport, to approve the Full Business Case following technical design completion.

Underhill South Experimental Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) - Deputation Response

The Cabinet noted the deputation response regarding the Underhill South Experimental CPZ. The report detailed the Council's CPZ policy framework and the process for implementing controls. The Cabinet requested that the analysis of comments received during the statutory consultation period be concluded, incorporating feedback from the deputation and parking stress surveys. Officers were also requested to engage with Ward Members and the Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change to determine the future options for the CPZ, including potential amendments, making it permanent, or removing it entirely.

Annual Landlord Services Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the Annual Landlord Services Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report for 2025/26. The report indicated an increase in complaint volumes, consistent with national trends, particularly in Repairs and Housing Management. However, improvements were noted in the proportion of complaints not upheld at Stage 1 and in satisfaction with the repairs service. The report highlighted challenges with complaint handling timeliness and the impact of 'Awaab's Law' on damp and mould cases. Service improvements have been made in contractor management, repairs diagnostics, and communication. The Cabinet approved the Complaint Handling Code self-assessment and authorised the submission of the report and self-assessment to the Housing Ombudsman.

Council Housing Performance Q4 2025/26

The Cabinet received an update on Barnet Homes' performance for Q4 2025/26, including Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs). Overall tenant satisfaction increased, with significant improvements in the time taken to complete non-emergency repairs. However, performance in damp and mould inspections was affected by resourcing challenges, which are being addressed. The report also detailed progress on Awaab's Law compliance, disrepair cases, and ASB performance, noting a strong year for the ASB Team with successful enforcement actions and DAHA accreditation.

The Barnet Group Business Plan

The Cabinet approved The Barnet Group's 5-year business plan. The plan outlines projected budgets for each entity within the group, highlighting a small surplus for Barnet Homes and Your Choice Barnet, while acknowledging the financial challenges faced by Open Door Homes due to acquisition costs and interest rates. The plan incorporates cost savings and aims to achieve financial sustainability.

Brent Cross Update Report

The Cabinet noted the update on the Brent Cross regeneration programme, highlighting progress on site, including the completion of Plot 1 and the commencement of works on Plots 15 and 43B. The sale of Plot 11 to Whitbread has completed. The Cabinet reconfirmed support for a data centre at Brent Cross Town and delegated authority for finalising heads of terms for the sale of Plot 42 for a co-living building. Authority was also given to Chief Officers to manage disputes related to compulsory purchase orders.

Finchley Leisure Centre: Revised Outline Business Case

The Cabinet approved the revised Outline Business Case for a new Finchley Leisure Centre. The design includes an expanded gym, additional studios, a larger lido, and a learner pool, with construction costs fixed at £29 million. The project will be funded through developer contributions and Council borrowing. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Communities, Adults and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts & Sport, to approve the Full Business Case.

Modification and Extension of the Pan-London Sexual Health and Contraceptive e-Service Contract (SHL.UK)

The Cabinet noted the City of London Corporation's decision to extend the current Pan-London Sexual Health and Contraceptive e-Service Contract by 12 months, from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027. Barnet Council's continued participation in the collaborative commissioning arrangements was approved, with authority delegated to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, to confirm acceptance and complete required documentation.

The London Borough of Barnet update on works to Oakleigh depot

The Cabinet agreed the recommendations contained in the exempt appendix regarding remediation works at Oakleigh Depot.

Dollis Valley Phases 4 & 5 - Deputation Response

The Cabinet noted the formal response to the deputation from Dollis Valley residents concerning the proposed tenure change for Phases 4 and 5. The response addressed concerns about social impact, saleability, and mortgage availability, stating that the proposed changes align with planning policy and GLA funding requirements, and that there is no evidence of systematic mortgage lending restrictions based on tenure mix.

Full Business Case and the Council's acquisition of 208 affordable homes as part of Phases 4 & 5 on the Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration Scheme

The Cabinet approved the Full Business Case for Phases 4 & 5 of the Dollis Valley regeneration and the Council's acquisition of 187 social rent homes and 21 key worker living rent homes from Vistry. This decision is subject to confirmation of GLA grant funding. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, to finalise grant agreements, deeds of variation, supplementary development agreements, and any other necessary legal documentation.

Brent Cross Update Report [Exempt]

The Cabinet noted the recommendations and decisions contained in the Exempt Report concerning the Brent Cross development.

Cabinet Forward Plan - Key Decision Schedule

The Cabinet noted the Forward Plan – Key Decision Schedule.

Urgent Business

There was no urgent business raised.

Motion to Exclude the Press and Public

The press and public were excluded for the discussion of exempt items.

Brent Cross Update Report [Exempt]

The Cabinet noted the recommendations and decisions contained in the Exempt Report concerning the Brent Cross development.