Here's a summary of the 17 June 2025 Cabinet meeting of Barnet Council:

The Cabinet addressed key issues including financial performance, housing, waste management, and community infrastructure. Approvals were granted for a new process for administering community funds, appropriation of land for planning purposes, and a new advertising policy. Discussions also covered responses to scrutiny reports on primary care access and the North London Waste Authority's joint waste strategy.

Financial Matters

• Financial Outturn and Budget Management: The Cabinet reviewed the financial outturn for 2024/25 and the budget management for 2025/26. Councillor Simon Radford, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, presented the report, highlighting improvements in the Q4 outturn position compared to earlier quarters. The cabinet noted the final outturn against the council's revenue budget, the current use of reserves, and expenditure against capital budgets. They also approved changes to the existing 2025/26 capital programme and delegated authority to the Chief Finance Officer to allocate the non-pay inflation and national insurance contingency budgets. Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, commended Councillor Radford's leadership in pursuing a fairer funding formula from central government.

Housing and Regeneration

• Edgware Town Centre Growth Area: The Cabinet approved the application of a portion of future Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts from the Edgware Town Centre Growth Area regeneration scheme to fund infrastructure within the area. Councillor Ross Houston explained that this mechanism was allowed for in the 2022 review of CIL, and would ensure that infrastructure improvements are delivered should the planning application be approved. The decision was made despite concerns raised by Save Our Edgware residents about the infrastructure proposals, particularly regarding the bus station. Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, noted that the questions from the Save Our Edgware group were not about the £41 million figure that had been discussed, but about the infrastructure. The cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth to approve the reinvestment agreement and undertake an assessment under the Subsidy Control Act 2022.
• Barnet Homes Management Agreement: The Cabinet reviewed proposed changes to the management agreement with Barnet Homes. Councillor Ross Houston presented the report, emphasising the strength of the existing arrangement and the need to ensure continued good quality service provision. The cabinet approved the provisional fees for 2025/26 and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth to finalise the agreement. Councillor Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Resident Participation, praised the strong partnership between the council and Barnet Homes, particularly in relation to community safety initiatives.
• Land Appropriation for Planning Purposes: The Cabinet approved the appropriation of several council-owned sites to planning purposes to facilitate development through the Places for Barnet joint venture. These sites include Avion Crescent, Colindale, Park House, High Road, East Finchley, and Mill Hill Golf Club/Courtland School Playing Field. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Growth to consider comments received and seek necessary consents.
• Whitings Road and Moxon Street Development Sites: The Cabinet approved the full business case for the Whitings Road and Moxon Street development sites, paving the way for the construction of 56 new homes, with over 50% designated as affordable. Councillor Houston highlighted the strong public support for the development and the inclusion of wheelchair-accessible homes. The cabinet also approved the appointment of Bugler Developments Limited as the delivery partner and delegated authority to finalise contractual arrangements.
• Brent Cross Update: The Cabinet noted the contents of the Brent Cross update report and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to finalise updates to the Brent Cross Town business plan.

Environment and Waste Management

• North London Waste Authority (NLWA) Joint Waste Strategy: The Cabinet approved the draft North London Joint Waste Strategy, which guides waste management for seven north London boroughs. Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, presented the strategy, emphasising its focus on waste reduction and recycling. The cabinet delegated authority to the Executive Director, Environment to agree to any minor amendments.
• Advertising and Sponsorship Policy: The Cabinet approved a new advertising and sponsorship policy with a key change being the exclusion of advertising for food and drinks high in fat, salt, and sugar. Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, highlighted the importance of this change in promoting public health.

Community Matters

• New Process for Administering Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Funds: The Cabinet approved a new process for administering NCIL funds, involving the establishment of three informal Cross-Party Advisory Groups. Councillor Rawlings explained that this new process aims to enhance user experience and provide greater clarity. The cabinet also approved supporting documents and delegated authority for minor amendments.
• Primary Care (GP) Access Task and Finish Group: The Cabinet agreed to proposed responses to recommendations from the Primary Care (GP) Access Task and Finish Group. Councillor Caroline Stock, Chair of the Primary Care (GP) Access Task and Finish Group, presented the report. Councillor Moore thanked Councillor Stock and the task and finish group members for their work.
• Procurement of NHS Health Checks and Smoking Cessation Services: The Cabinet approved the procurement of NHS Health Checks and Smoking Cessation services through a contract awarded to the Barnet Federated GPs CIC. Councillor Moore explained that this new model aims to increase capacity and improve data collection.
• Procurement of the Pan-London Sexual Health Contraceptive e-Service SHL.UK: The Cabinet authorised the re-procurement of the pan-London sexual health programme, led by the City of London Authority. Councillor Moore noted that this collaborative arrangement ensures continued access to essential sexual health services for Barnet residents.

Other Noteworthy Items

• The Cabinet acknowledged the contributions of Chris Spencer, Interim Executive Director Children & Families, at his final meeting.
• Councillor Zahra Beg, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Poverty Reduction and the Voluntary & Community Sector, declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to the Annual Landlord Services Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report and an interest in relation to the Review of the Management Agreement with Barnet Homes.
• Councillor Houston declared an interest in relation to Agenda Item 18 (Places for Barnet).
• Dr Aashish Bansal and Roger Tichborne asked supplementary questions which were responded to by the Cabinet during the meeting.