The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to review the effectiveness and renewal of borough-wide Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and to discuss the Q3 financial forecast and budget management. The committee agreed to note the effectiveness of the existing PSPO and the renewal of this order alongside three new PSPOs, and also noted the council's financial position, with a forecast balanced revenue budget at year-end.

Review of Borough-wide Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The committee reviewed the effectiveness of the existing borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO1), which was implemented in December 2022 and is due to expire in December 2025. Councillor Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Community Cohesion and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, introduced the item, highlighting that PSPO1 had been effective in tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and had been supported by residents. The committee heard that PSPO1, which includes eleven conditions ranging from alcohol-related nuisance to dog fouling and misuse of psychoactive substances, had led to a reduction in problem behaviours and deterred repeat offending.

Following a public consultation, which indicated strong support for the continuation and renewal of PSPO1, the committee noted that the order had been renewed for a further three years, from December 2025 to December 2028. In addition, three new PSPOs were approved: PSPO2, which prohibits the feeding of pigeons in public spaces; PSPO3, a gating order for specific areas in Burnt Oak ward; and PSPO4, which addresses loitering causing intimidation in specific wards.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the public's awareness of the PSPOs and how breaches can be reported. Councillor Conway acknowledged this, stating that a live communication programme was ongoing, but that further efforts were needed to increase public understanding. Councillor Kath McGuirk suggested working with residents' associations and community groups to disseminate information.

Questions were also raised about the effectiveness of PSPOs and the payment of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). Maggie Highton-Brown, Head of Community Safety, explained that Barnet had a payment rate of over 70% for FPNs, which is considered high within London. She also clarified that non-payment of FPNs could lead to court proceedings.

Councillor Peter Zinkin, Vice Chair of the committee and Leader of the Conservative Group, raised concerns about the data presented in relation to PSPOs, suggesting that it was difficult to distinguish between offences covered by PSPOs and those covered by other legislation. The committee agreed to request that future reports clearly identify PSPO-specific data.

The committee also discussed the accessibility of PSPO signage, with Councillor Conway agreeing to review this with the communications team.

Chief Finance Officer Report – 2025/26 Q3 Financial Forecast and 2025/26 Budget Management

Councillor Simon Radford, Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, presented the Q3 financial forecast for 2025/26. The report indicated a balanced revenue budget at year-end, after the use of contingency funds and a top-up to reserves. A key achievement highlighted was the forecast of achieving 96.5% of savings targets for the year, significantly higher than the historic average of 85%. This was primarily attributed to savings delivered through progression reviews supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health conditions.

The report detailed a forecast balance of £2.315 million remaining in contingency at year-end, which would help the council withstand unexpected demand spikes. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was forecast to have a deficit of £4.7 million, resulting in a carry-forward reserve of £6.6 million. The capital programme was forecast to be underspent by £15.42 million.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the council's debt position, particularly concerning outstanding debts with NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Councillor Radford explained that an agreement had been reached with the ICB regarding tripartite funding invoices for children's external residential placement packages, which had previously been disputed. A revised process involving a tripartite panel has been implemented to consider funding on a case-by-case basis.

Councillor Peter Zinkin, Leader of the Conservative Group, raised concerns about the NHS debt, questioning the amount proposed for write-off and how this would impact the council's reserves. Junaid Niazi, Director of Finance, clarified that £4.3 million of the children's ICB debt would be written off through credit notes, and that this had been factored into the year-end forecast.

Councillor Alex Prager asked about the council's investment portfolio yield compared to its borrowing costs. Councillor Radford explained that the council's investments were primarily short-dated money market funds used for managing cash flow, rather than long-term investments.

The committee also discussed the implementation of the Oracle system and its impact on the delay of dunning letters, which had contributed to an increase in historical debt. Councillor Cornelius questioned the availability of a paper trail for agreements with the NHS, and Councillor Zinkin pressed for clarity on the exact amounts to be written off and how this would affect the contingency budget.

The committee agreed to note the report and requested that further information regarding the debt figures and their impact on reserves be circulated to members.

Task and Finish Group Updates

Fiona Rae, Overview and Scrutiny Manager, provided an update on the work of various Task and Finish Groups. She noted that two responses from Cabinet had been received regarding the groups on young carers and fostering, which were largely positive, with most recommendations accepted. As this was the last Overview and Scrutiny meeting of the council term, there were no ongoing Task and Finish Groups. The committee noted the report.

Cabinet Forward Plan

The committee reviewed the Cabinet Forward Plan for 2026. Councillor Peter Zinkin thanked Councillor Emma Whysall, Chair of the committee, for her work throughout the council term. The committee agreed to note the forward plan.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee discussed its work programme for the upcoming year. It was noted that the Youth Justice Plan might be better suited for the Children and Education Subcommittee. A key addition to the work programme will be a review of the emergency plan, prompted by recent events, to scrutinise the council's response and identify areas for improvement. The committee agreed to note the work programme.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all members and officers for their contributions throughout the council term.