The Cabinet of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's financial sustainability, the future of parklets, and new environmental standards. Key decisions included the adoption of new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and the approval of a revised process for administering Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds.

Council Tax and Financial Sustainability

Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, raised concerns about a potential 28-30% increase in council tax, questioning when the council would begin an honest conversation with residents about its financial position. Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of the Council, responded that the conversation was already happening and emphasised the need to balance service reinvention and cost reduction with potential revenue increases. He stated that simply raising taxes was not the first answer and that any increase would need to consider how to protect vulnerable residents. Councillor Rawlings also highlighted the council's efforts to engage with residents through various channels, including local press, social media, and public meetings, to explain the council's services and costs.

Hendon Parklet Petition

A petition requesting the removal of a parklet on Brent Street, Hendon, was presented by Councillor Alex Prager. Councillor Prager cited resident opposition, increased parking demand due to new developments, and the parklet's perceived lack of use as reasons for its removal. While some councillors acknowledged resident concerns about parking, others noted that anti-social behaviour reports associated with the parklet were low. The Cabinet ultimately decided to allow the current licence for the parklet to expire on 31 January 2027, with the option for the business to renew if they wished. They also agreed to introduce a new licensing scheme for parklets across the borough, which would include new charges reflecting the council's costs for inspection, maintenance, and potential removal. This new scheme would also require businesses to maintain, plant, and utilise the parklets, and contribute towards annual structural survey costs.

MHCLG External Assurance Review

Councillor Simon Radford, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, presented the findings of an External Assurance Review commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The review highlighted significant financial sustainability risks for the council, including a widening structural deficit and reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). The council accepted all 18 recommendations from the review, which focus on improving financial processes, sustainability, service reform, and governance. A plan for financial sustainability will be presented to the October Cabinet, and future updates on implementing the recommendations will be included in the Chief Finance Officer's quarterly reports. Cabinet authorised the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with Councillor Radford, to submit progress reports to MHCLG.

Our Plan for Barnet - Delivery and Outcomes Framework, Quarter 1 (Q1) 2026-27

Councillor Rawlings presented the Q1 2026-27 update on the Delivery and Outcomes Framework for Our Plan for Barnet. The report indicated a forecasted overspend of £2.621 million for the year, to be managed through contingency provisions. While savings delivery was reported as strong at 92%, areas requiring attention included rising temporary accommodation demand, increased discretionary support application processing times, and below-target income collection for council tax and business rates. High-level risks identified included long-term financial sustainability, Housing Revenue Account viability, and school sustainability.

New Process for Administering Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Funds

Cabinet approved a revised governance framework for administering NCIL funds through Area Committees. An indicative annual allocation of £750,000 was agreed, with £250,000 per Area Committee (East, West, and North). Maximum grant limits were set at £25,000 for community projects and £75,000 for council-delivered infrastructure projects. The revised framework includes strengthened eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and exclusion criteria. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Director of Capital Delivery, in consultation with the Leader, Legal, Finance, and Governance, to finalise the updated NCIL Policy, Terms and Conditions, and application guidance.

Adoption of new national Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) standards

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, presented a report recommending the adoption of new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), released by Defra in June 2025. As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), the council is a statutory consultee for planning applications involving SuDS. The new standards replace previous ones from 2015 and provide additional information for designers and developers, aiming to improve flood risk management, water quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The council already incorporates many of these principles, so adoption is expected to formalise good practice and provide greater certainty for developers. The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee noted good practice examples across the borough and recommended that updated guidance be published on the Barnet website.

Brent Cross Update Report

Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, provided an update on the Brent Cross development. Key progress included the granting of a lease for Plot 1 to Sheffield Hallam University, the completion of leases for Claremont Park and the Pavilion, and the demolition of a parade of shops. The report detailed upcoming plot developments, a revised Business Plan, and proposals for future phases, including a data centre and residential-led quarters. Discussions also covered the West London Orbital transport project and ongoing work related to land acquisition and compensation claims. The report highlighted significant social value achievements, including local employment and skills initiatives.

Other items

Cabinet also noted the Cabinet Forward Plan and considered reports on the Hendon Parklet Petition, the MHCLG External Assurance Review, and Our Plan for Barnet - Delivery and Outcomes Framework for Quarter 1 2026-27. Decisions were also made regarding the Finchley Leisure Centre, the modification and extension of a Pan-London sexual health contract, and works at Oakleigh Depot, with details provided in exempt appendices.