The meeting began with a series of speeches on the topic of Black History Month and then moved on to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 July 2024, note the contents of a number of reports, appoint new officers, and approve a new constitution for the council. Two motions were debated and voted on: a motion to celebrate the achievements of the Labour administration, which was carried, and a motion to regret the government's decision to means-test Winter Fuel Allowance, which was lost.

Speeches for Black History Month

Four residents of the borough, Isabelle Stones, Tocci Doble, Onyinye Chima Suma Umatu and Ayomede Olamolehu, gave speeches to mark Black History Month. The theme of this year's Black History Month is 'Reclaiming Our Narratives', and each speaker focused on this theme. They discussed the vital contributions that Black people have made to society throughout history and in the borough of Barnet. They spoke about both famous individuals who broke down barriers for the next generation, like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Adam C.J. Walker, Olaudah Equiano, and Mary Seacole, and also highlighted the need to celebrate less famous Black figures from the past and present. The speakers also raised the need for action to be taken to continue to address racial disparity in British society, highlighting, in particular, the contribution made by the Windrush generation of immigrants who came to Britain after the Second World War to help rebuild the country and who have settled in Barnet. They also highlighted the need for black history to be taught as an integral part of British history throughout the school year, not just during Black History Month.

Debate on a Motion to Celebrate the Administration's Achievements

A motion proposed by Councillor Sue Baker¹ celebrating the achievements of the Labour administration was carried.

Councillor Baker opened the debate by praising the Labour administration for its ambition and commitment to listening to residents. She highlighted the administration's work in fixing the borough's CCTV network, building the new Barnet Leisure Centre, and declaring a climate emergency as examples of their success.

Councillor Longstaff² opposed the motion, describing it as narcissistic and unrealistic. He argued that the administration had broken many of its promises, including a promise to refund 1% of council tax. He claimed that the administration was driving a cost of living crisis in the borough by increasing charges for services.

Councillor Houston³ responded to Councillor Longstaff's criticisms, highlighting the administration's achievements in fixing the CCTV network, improving roads and pavements, introducing anti-social behaviour initiatives and investing in new council homes. He said that the government's financial irresponsibility had created a crisis in council financing but that Labour was taking difficult decisions to get the council back on track.

Councillor Parker⁴ spoke against the motion, arguing that the Labour administration was being delusional in praising their record while depleting the council's financial reserves. He said that the administration was failing to understand basic finance and that they risked bankrupting the council.

Councillor Mering and Smith⁵ also spoke against the motion, criticising the council's financial management and warning that the council was on course to run out of reserves.

Councillor Baker closed the debate, arguing that the Labour speeches clearly illustrated the difference that the administration was making to the borough. She urged all councillors to vote for the motion.

The motion was then put to a vote and was carried by 36 votes to 16.

Debate on a Motion to Regret the Government's Decision to Punish Barnet's Pensioners

The council debated a motion proposed by Councillor Richard Cornelius⁶ expressing regret for the government's decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance. This decision was announced by Rachel Reeves, the Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer, and will mean that only pensioners who claim Pension Credit will be eligible to receive the allowance in the future.

Councillor Cornelius began by criticising the Labour government's record, arguing that many of their policies were vindictive, hollow and hypocritical. He said that the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance from some pensioners was a disgusting decision which would result in deaths from hypothermia. He said that the Labour government had lost sight of the bigger picture and had lost moral credibility.

Councillor Langley⁷ spoke against the motion, arguing that it was devoid of historical context and failed to acknowledge the Conservative Party's role in creating the current financial crisis.

Councillor Wakeley⁸ supported the motion, arguing that the Labour government had broken their promise to protect pensioners. She claimed that pensioners would die as a result of the Labour policy and that Labour should be ashamed of their actions.

Councillor Knavly⁹ spoke against the motion, arguing that the Labour government had inherited a mess from the Conservatives and that difficult decisions had to be made. He said that the Conservatives should take responsibility for their own economic mismanagement rather than lecturing Labour.

Councillor Radford¹⁰ supported the motion, reminding the council that it was Labour's decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance. She said that pension credit was poorly claimed and that many pensioners would not receive the money they were entitled to, particularly as many properties in Barnet were expensive to heat.

Councillor Moore¹¹ spoke against the motion, urging the council not to get caught up in the Conservatives' political hyperbole. She highlighted the work that the council was doing to support pensioners on low incomes, urging those who were eligible for Pension Credit to claim it.

Councillor Longstaff spoke in support of the motion, accusing Rachel Reeves of refusing to release details of the government's 'black hole' in the nation's finances. He argued that the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance would hit pensioners at a time when they were already struggling with the cost of living. He claimed that Labour hated pensioners.

Councillor Knavly closed the debate, arguing that the Labour government was having to correct many of the mistakes made by the Conservative government. He said that the Conservatives had 14 years in power to tackle issues like high energy bills and a lack of home insulation but had failed to do so.

Councillor Cornelius closed the debate, reminding the council that Labour party members had voted against the means-testing of Winter Fuel Allowance at their party conference. He urged councillors to support his motion in order to encourage the government to do a U-turn.

The motion was then put to a vote and was lost by 15 votes to 36.

Other Business

The council also noted the outcome of an Ofsted inspection of Children's services, which found the service to be 'good' in three out of four areas, and 'outstanding' in the fourth. The council also noted the contents of the Corporate Parenting Annual Report, which provides information about the work that the council is doing to care for looked-after children. The council also noted the contents of the Local Pension Board Annual Report. The council debated and agreed to note the contents of a report on the council's Treasury Management Outturn for 2023-24. The council debated and agreed to note the contents of a report on proposed increases to council fees and charges. The council approved the appointment of three new senior officers: Craig Miller as Executive Director of Environment, Dr Janet To Jamba as Director of Public Health, and a person named 'Nature Plane' as Executive Director of Growth. Finally, the council approved a new constitution.