The Cabinet meeting on 6 February 2024 saw significant decisions made regarding the council's budget and council tax for the upcoming year, alongside approvals for various housing and regeneration projects. Key among these was the recommendation to increase council tax by 2.98% for the general element and an additional 2% for the social care precept.

Budget and Council Tax for 2024/25

The Cabinet recommended to the Council the approval of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2024-2030, along with detailed revenue budgets, proposed savings, and funding for pressures in 2024/25. A key decision was the recommendation to increase the general element of Council Tax by 2.98% and the Social Care Precept by 2% for the 2024/25 financial year. These increases are intended to help fund social care services. The Cabinet also recommended approval of the resolutions relating to Council Tax contained within Appendix B of the report, and determined that the council's basic amount of Council Tax for 2024/25 is not excessive.

Furthermore, the Cabinet noted a legislative change regarding council tax premiums chargeable on unoccupied dwellings and recommended the approval of applying these premiums from 1 April 2025. They also agreed not to amend the Barnet Council Tax Support Scheme. The Chief Executive will be instructed to publish a notice in the local press regarding the set council tax amounts.

In addition to the council tax decisions, the Cabinet approved the delegation of further allocations from the transformation reserve to the Leader of the Council. They also approved consultation on an increased Garden Waste fee and delegated the decision-making on this to the Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change.

Housing and Regeneration Initiatives

Several significant decisions were made concerning housing and regeneration. The Cabinet noted the contents of the Brent Cross Cabinet Report and delegated authority to the Brent Cross Programme Director to finalise agreements for the temporary use of land acquired for the Brent Cross Scheme.

A new 25-year lease was approved for Homeless Action in Barnet, located at 36B Woodhouse Road, London N12 0RG, at a peppercorn rent.

The Cabinet agreed to an urgent procurement exercise to commission a contractor to ensure safety standards in private sector accommodation, fulfilling statutory duties under the Housing Act 2004. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive to award and enter into a contract.

In a move to expand housing stock, the Cabinet approved the creation of a £70 million loan facility with TBG Open Door Limited to acquire 300 homes from the open market, to be let at a combination of Local Housing Allowance and social rents. A capital budget of £31.5 million was established to subsidise these purchases. The Cabinet also approved the purchase of the Touchpoint Housing LBB portfolio by TBG Open Door Limited, including the transfer of leases and the establishment of a £20.6 million loan facility. A review of the activity after 100 homes have been acquired will determine if the program should continue.

The former Nightingale Nursery Site was declared surplus to requirements, with approval granted for development proposals to deliver new homes through the Small Sites Programme. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive to facilitate these proposals, including appropriation of the site, engagement with relevant legislation, and disposal.

Other Matters

The Cabinet resolved to become a Member of the Pan London Vehicle for Children's Complex Commissioning Ltd, a company limited by guarantee owned by London Boroughs. This decision follows Full Council's approval of the appointment of the Executive Director for Children and Families to the Company's Board of Directors.

The Cabinet also noted the CFO Financial Monitoring Report for Quarter 3 of 2023/24, which included the forecast outturn against the Council's revenue budget, the current use of reserves, expenditure against capital budgets, and the current debt position.

Finally, the Cabinet noted the Forward Plan – Key Decision Schedule.