The Barnet Council cabinet met on 22 July 2025, and made decisions on a number of important issues, including approving a transport strategy, setting a consultation on a lane rental scheme, and agreeing to progress with a compulsory purchase order for the Silk House and Shoelands Court development.

The cabinet also discussed financial matters, housing performance, and school meals, among other topics.

Transport and Highways

Transport Strategy and Action Plan

The cabinet approved the draft Transport Strategy 2025-42 and its accompanying Action Plan 2025-27, aiming to create a safer, greener, and more inclusive transport system. The strategy focuses on four key themes:

• Safe, accessible, and healthy transport for everyone
• Sustainable transport options through an integrated network
• Thriving communities in all parts of the borough
• Innovation in transport delivery

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, highlighted the strategy's emphasis on providing residents with choices and encouraging sustainable options. The strategy sets a target of 72% of journeys to be made by non-car methods by 2042.

Councillor Peter Zinkin questioned the achievability of the 72% target, suggesting it would require residents to drastically reduce car usage. He also criticised the strategy as being anti-motor car .

Councillor David Longstaff defended the strategy, noting that over a third of Barnet residents do not have cars, and that car use has been declining as the population increases.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had previously recommended that the strategy should better reflect Barnet's position as an outer London borough, recognise the needs of older residents, and include achievable targets.

Proposed Lane Rental Scheme

The cabinet approved a public consultation for a proposed lane rental scheme, which would charge utility companies for roadworks on busy roads during peak hours. The aim is to incentivise companies to work at off-peak times, reducing traffic disruption.

Councillor Schneiderman explained that the scheme is designed to encourage utilities to work at less busy times.

The scheme would operate alongside the existing permit scheme, and any revenue generated would be reinvested in highway improvements.

High Barnet Bus Lane

Councillor Longstaff raised concerns about the new bus lane in High Barnet, suggesting it was causing more congestion and slowing down buses.

Councillor Schneiderman responded that the bus lane aims to make buses more reliable and quicker, and that the effects will be monitored.

Housing

Council Housing Performance

The cabinet received an annual report on council housing performance, noting improvements in emergency repairs and tenant satisfaction. However, there were concerns about delays in inspecting damp and mould cases.

Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, emphasised the health impacts of damp and mould and sought reassurance that vulnerable households were being prioritised.

The council stated that a dedicated Healthy Homes team had been created and resourcing issues had been addressed, with all late cases now resolved.

Temporary Accommodation Policy

The cabinet approved updates to the Temporary Accommodation Procurement Policy and the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy. These updates were prompted by a Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman decision that found the council at fault for placing an applicant in unsuitable accommodation.

Councillor Houston explained that the updated policies aim to reduce the use of bed and breakfast accommodation and increase the supply of other types of temporary accommodation.

Silk House and Shoelands Court Redevelopment

The cabinet approved commencing preparations for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the remaining leasehold properties at Silk House and Shoelands Court, as part of the redevelopment of the estate. The cabinet also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth to authorise the demolition of the existing buildings once vacant possession is achieved and planning permission is in place.

Councillor Houston stated that the redevelopment will replace substandard blocks with new homes, including much-needed affordable housing.

Planning

Sustainable Design and Development Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The cabinet approved the draft Sustainable Design and Development Guidance SPD for public consultation. The SPD provides further detail and guidance to support the policies in Barnet's Local Plan, outlining the council's expectations for development standards.

Finance

Chief Finance Officer's Report

The cabinet received the Chief Finance Officer's report, which included the financial forecast for 2025/26 at quarter one and the in-year capital programme and budget management. The report noted an overspend, but also highlighted improvements in budget governance.

Councillor Simon Radford, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, stated that the financial situation had improved and that there was still lobbying to be done with the government for fair funding.

Business Planning 2026-2031

The cabinet noted the report on business planning for 2026-2031, which covered the preparation of the budget for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2031.

Other Matters

Procurement of School Meals Contract

The cabinet approved the procurement of a new contract for school meals, with a short-term extension to the existing contract to align with the academic year. The cabinet also added a recommendation that an in-house comparator will be included as part of the procurement process.

Brinkcross Town Third Phase Proposals

The cabinet approved the third phase proposals for Brinkcross Town, as well as the terms of a land sale being progressed for a plot to the delivery of a hotel.

Contract Award to Reillo Property and Construction Services Ltd

The cabinet approved a short-term contract award to Reillo Property and Construction Services Ltd for a period of 18 months, to support construction and reactive work delivery.

West Hendon Playing Fields Masterplan

The cabinet agreed a phased approach to delivering the West Hendon Playing Fields masterplan and approved the commencement of work for phase one.

Great North Leisure Park and Finchley Lido Leisure Centre Options Revision

The cabinet approved the discontinuation of development for the previously preferred option for the Great North Leisure Park and Finchley Lido Leisure Centre, and approved the progression of design and cost development for an alternative scheme.

Lionesses

Councillor Radford noted that there was a very important game taking place at the moment and requested that the cabinet formally note their wishes for the lionesses to win.