The Barbican Estate Residents Consultation Committee met on Monday 26 January 2026 to discuss the proposed budget for service charges, review procurement processes, and receive updates on major works and estate management. The committee also considered reports on the Barbican Residential Committee's terms of reference and various working party activities.

Service Charge Expenditure and Income Account

The committee was scheduled to consider the latest approved budget for the 2025/26 service charge expenditure and income, alongside the original budget for 2026/27. This joint report from the Chamberlain and the Executive Director of Community and Children's Services aimed to provide a detailed breakdown of anticipated costs and income. The proposed revenue budget for 2026/27 indicated an increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. The committee was asked to review this budget to ensure it aligned with the committee's objectives and to approve it for submission to the Finance Committee.

Procurement Review

A report concerning the procurement of reactive repairs contracts was scheduled for discussion. This item aimed to address resident concerns regarding the procurement process and sought approval to commission an independent external review. The review would examine the proposed approach to funding and resident involvement, particularly in light of Chigwell's withdrawal from previous contracts.

Report of the Major Works Programme Board

The committee was to receive an update on the activities of the Major Works Programme Board (MWPB). This included discussions on the progress of various major works projects, such as the Fire Doors Project for Lauderdale, Shakespeare, and Cromwell Towers, and the Fire Signage Programme. The report also covered updates on in-house repairs and maintenance, EMS surveys, and the project tracker. A key focus was the publication of the resident-facing Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Programme, intended to enhance transparency regarding planned maintenance activities.

Report of the Reporting Committee

This item provided a summary of the matters discussed by the Reporting Committee at its meeting on 12 November 2025. The report highlighted discussions on a draft paper concerning block inspections, the membership and remit of the Reporting Committee, and a verbal update on reactive repairs. Proposals for improving clarity, consistency, and scrutiny in future reporting cycles were also considered. The committee was asked to note the report and approve the appointment of four new members to the Reporting Committee.

Update from the Director of Property & Estate Management

An update was provided on key works and strategic developments across the Barbican Estate. This included information on the Building Safety Case for the towers, the development of the Barbican App, a review and options appraisal for the estate's car parks, and a full review of the redecorations project. The report also detailed the strategic approach to the building envelope and an update on the Ambue heating review. Progress on the transition to an in-house repairs and maintenance service was also outlined.

Working Party Updates

Updates were scheduled from several working parties:

• Climate and Zero Carbon (CWP): This joint committee of the RCC and Barbican Association reported on its activities, including understanding the City of London's climate action initiatives and focusing on the AMBUE heating study.
• Service Charge (SCWP): (To Follow)
• Gardens Advisory (GAP): (To Follow)
• Service Level Agreements (SLAWP): (To Follow)
• Asset Maintenance: (To Follow)

Outstanding Actions

A joint report from the Town Clerk and the Executive Director of Community and Children's Services was presented, detailing outstanding actions from previous meetings. This included updates on projects such as the Lambert Jones Roof, the Barbican Estate Redecoration Programme, the Barbican Estate Major Works Five-Year Asset Management Programme, and the Barbican App.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee was asked to agree the public minutes of the Barbican Residents' Consultation Committee meeting held on 3 November 2025.

Annual Review of Terms of Reference - Barbican Residential Committee

The committee was to consider the current terms of reference for the Barbican Residential Committee and agree any recommended amendments.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

This item allowed members to ask questions regarding the work of the committee.

Any Other Business

This provided an opportunity to discuss any urgent matters that the Chair considered necessary to bring before the committee.