The Cabinet meeting on 24 February 2026 saw significant decisions made regarding the disposal of council land, the future of the Places for Barnet partnership, and the approval of the council's budget and medium-term financial strategy. Key discussions also focused on improving services for foster carers and young carers, alongside updates on various operational and strategic plans.

Places for Barnet Partnership Dissolved and Land Disposed

The Cabinet approved the dissolution of the Places for Barnet LLP partnership. This decision was made in light of changing financial circumstances for both the council and the construction industry. As part of this dissolution, the council's land interests at Park House and Avian Crescent will be disposed of to London Placemaking on an unconditional basis. This disposal will be guided by independent Red Book valuations, and a land deal will be put in place to ensure the delivery of social and affordable housing. The Executive Director of Growth, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, has been authorised to complete the necessary legal documentation for the dissolution and the disposals, including leaseback arrangements for Avian Crescent. Additionally, officers will explore options with Mill Hill Golf Club to deliver a new clubhouse. The Cabinet also approved the issuing of a break notice on Trinity Church to terminate the Avian Crescent lease, a necessary step to secure vacant possession prior to the sale completion.

Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy Approved

The Cabinet approved the council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031 and the budget for 2026/27. This includes a 2.98% increase in the general element of Council Tax and a 2% increase for the Social Care Precept. The MTFS anticipates a budget deficit, largely driven by increased demand for services, particularly in social care and temporary accommodation. However, the council has secured an additional £16.5 million through the fair funding review, which now includes housing costs in its deprivation measures, leading to a more equitable allocation for Barnet. The budget also incorporates £9.4 million in savings and income generation proposals. The council's request for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) for 2026-27 has been provisionally approved by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), indicating confidence in the council's financial management. The Cabinet also approved the Reserves & Balances Policy, the Debt Management Policy, changes to rents and service charges for social and affordable housing, and the gross schools budget.

Support for Foster and Young Carers Enhanced

The Cabinet agreed to implement the recommendations from the Fostering Task and Finish Group report, aiming to improve the recruitment and retention of foster carers. Acknowledging that approximately 40% of current foster carers are over 60, the council is focusing on recruiting younger carers and addressing blockages in the assessment process. The Cabinet also fully accepted the recommendations from the Young Carers Task and Finish Group report, which aims to improve the identification and support for the estimated 6,500 young carers in Barnet. While progress has been made in schools, concerns remain about the reporting from GPs and hospitals, and efforts will be made to strengthen these links.

Land Disposal and Development at Park House and Avian Crescent

The Cabinet approved the unconditional disposal of council land interests at Park House and Avian Crescent to London Placemaking. This decision is part of the dissolution of the Places for Barnet LLP partnership and aims to ensure the development of these sites for housing. The disposal will be based on independent valuations, and a land deal will ensure the provision of social and affordable housing. The move is also intended to de-risk the council's financial position and secure the gains from the work already undertaken on these sites.

Interim Special Educational Needs Provision Approved

The Cabinet authorised the appointment of a design and build contractor for interim Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision at the Queenswell Federation site in Whetstone. This is a short-term measure to address the increasing demand for SEN places, with a new modular build to be used by Maple Down Secondary School from September 2026, followed by Oakley School. The council will also submit a planning application for this interim provision. This decision comes as the government has announced significant investment in schools, with a focus on mainstream inclusion, but the need for specialist places in Barnet remains critical.

Capita Contract Review and Procurement Plan

The Cabinet reviewed the ongoing transition of contracts previously managed by Capita. Delegated authority was granted for the award of contracts for Customer Services, Information Technology, and Revenues and Benefits, subject to due diligence. The Annual Procurement Forward Plan (APFP) for 2026-27 was also approved, allowing for the commencement of procurement activities. This plan is permissive, enabling work to begin on various projects without requiring individual Cabinet approval for each step.

Other Key Decisions

• Mortuary Services Agreement: An Inter-Authority Agreement was approved with Brent and Harrow for shared mortuary services at Northwick Park Hospital, extending the existing arrangement until 2041.
• Rent and Service Charge Review: The annual review of rents and service charges for 2026-27 was approved, aligning with government policy, including a CPI plus 1% increase for council tenants.
• Build to Rent Lease Amendment: Amendments to build-to-rent leases were approved to increase the term to 125 years, enabling access to GLA grant funding for affordable homes.
• Temporary Accommodation Reduction Plan: The Temporary Accommodation Acquisition Policy was approved, allowing for more flexible and timely acquisition of longer-term leases or freehold properties to address housing pressures.
• Barnet Homes Management Agreement Review: The Cabinet approved the approach for Stage Two of the review of the management agreement with Barnet Homes, focusing on potential efficiencies and service improvements.
• Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration: The acquisition of 221 social and affordable rent homes from Vistry for the Dollis Valley Estate regeneration was approved, subject to GLA grant funding and final business case approval.
• Fosters Estate and Chesir House: The Cabinet noted a progress update on the Fosters Estate and Chesir House and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to enter settlement discussions.