Alan Schneiderman | Councillor for Cricklewood, Barnet

Councillor Alan Schneiderman

Labour Cricklewood Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change

Email: cllr.a.schneiderman@barnet.gov.uk

Council: Barnet

Council Profile: View on council website

Committees: Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Guest) Cabinet (Committee Member) Council (Committee Member) Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee (Committee Member) Annual Council

Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary

Last updated: 9 days ago

Alan Schneiderman's council service, particularly in recent years, has been heavily focused on infrastructure improvements, environmental stewardship, and efficient council administration. His priorities have evolved to place a significant emphasis on tangible, large-scale projects, especially in the most recent years.

Key Themes and Priorities:

Infrastructure Investment: This has been a dominant theme, escalating in prominence. In 2026, Schneiderman was instrumental in securing a substantial £97 million for road and pavement upgrades, alongside £3.7 million for road safety. This built upon the groundwork laid in 2025 with the Improving Barnet's Roads 2025-26 programme (£15.5 million) and the Improving Barnet Roads and Pavements (IBRP) Programme 2026-27 (£15.52 million).
Environmental and Climate Action: Throughout his service, Schneiderman has consistently championed environmental policies. In 2025, as Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, he advocated for improved transport choice and air quality, supported the reintroduction of food waste collections, and advanced transport strategies and the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP).
Council Administration and Financial Management: Schneiderman has shown a keen interest in the operational and financial aspects of the council. In 2024, he actively participated in budget discussions, questioned financial reports, and expressed concerns about inherited financial mismanagement. In 2026, he contributed to council administration by proposing and passing an Administration Motion related to infrastructure and an amendment concerning national flags.
Service Delivery and Contractor Management: Schneiderman has been vocal about service delivery, particularly in 2024 when he advocated for bringing services in-house due to perceived poor performance from contractors like Capita.

Evolution of Focus:

Schneiderman's focus has demonstrably shifted towards larger, more concrete infrastructure projects in recent years. While environmental concerns and financial oversight were prominent in 2024 and 2025, the sheer scale of the infrastructure investment proposed and passed in 2026 marks a significant intensification of this priority. The 2026 initiatives represent a direct and substantial commitment to improving the physical infrastructure of Barnet.

Most Significant Contributions (Especially in Recent Years):

2026: His leadership in proposing and passing the WE'RE FIXING BARNET'S ROADS AND PAVEMENTS Administration Motion, allocating £97 million for road and pavement upgrades and £3.7 million for road safety, is his most significant recent contribution. The introduction of a policy to charge utility companies for disruptive work on busy roads also highlights a proactive approach to managing infrastructure.
2025: As Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, his role in the Improving Barnet's Roads 2025-26 programme and the Improving Barnet Roads and Pavements (IBRP) Programme 2026-27 was crucial. His advocacy for the reintroduction of food waste collections and the advancement of transport strategies also stand out.
2024: His active engagement in budget discussions and his vocal stance on financial management and service delivery set the stage for later infrastructure-focused initiatives.

Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:

Commitment to tangible improvements: Whether it's roads, pavements, or waste collection, Schneiderman consistently pushes for practical improvements that directly impact residents.
Advocacy for fiscal responsibility: He has shown a consistent concern for the financial health of the council and the efficient use of public funds.
Emphasis on resident communication: Throughout his service, Schneiderman has stressed the importance of engaging with residents and communicating council decisions clearly, particularly regarding infrastructure projects.

Overall, Alan Schneiderman's recent work, particularly in 2026, underscores a strong commitment to addressing Barnet's infrastructure needs with significant financial backing and strategic policy development.

Yearly Activity Timeline

In 2026, Alan Schneiderman's primary focus was on infrastructure improvements and council administration. He was instrumental in proposing and passing an Administration Motion titled WE'RE FIXING BARNET'S ROADS AND PAVEMENTS, which outlined a significant investment of £97 million for road and pavement upgrades, along with an additional £3.7 million for road safety. This initiative also included a new policy to charge utility companies for disruptive work on busy roads during peak times. Schneiderman also contributed to council discussions by proposing and carrying an amendment to a Reform motion concerning NATIONAL FLAGS.

Monthly Activity in 2026

During January 2026, Alan Schneiderman was actively involved in a council meeting on January 27th. He successfully proposed an Administration Motion titled WE'RE FIXING BARNET'S ROADS AND PAVEMENTS, which detailed Barnet Council's substantial investment in road and pavement improvements, including a £97 million program and an additional £3.7 million for road safety and infrastructure. The motion also mentioned a new scheme to charge utility companies for working on busy roads during peak hours. Additionally, Schneiderman proposed and carried an amendment to a Reform motion regarding NATIONAL FLAGS.

Meetings in January 2026

Council - Tuesday 27th January, 2026 7.00 pm - 27 January 2026

Alan Schneiderman was actively involved in the Council meeting on January 27th, 2026. He proposed an Administration Motion titled WE'RE FIXING BARNET'S ROADS AND PAVEMENTS, which was subsequently carried. This motion highlighted Barnet Council's significant investment in road and pavement improvements, including a £97 million program and an additional £3.7 million for road safety, cycle infrastructure, and bus priority measures. It also noted the introduction of a scheme to charge utility companies for working on busy roads during peak times to minimize delays. Furthermore, Alan Schneiderman proposed an amendment to a Reform motion concerning NATIONAL FLAGS, which was also carried.

Throughout 2025, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, demonstrated consistent engagement across a wide range of environmental, transport, and infrastructure initiatives. A significant theme was his advocacy for improved transport choice and air quality, evidenced by his consistent support for related motions and programs. He played a key role in the Improving Barnet's Roads 2025-26 programme, which received £15.5 million in funding, and later the Improving Barnet Roads and Pavements (IBRP) Programme 2026-27 with a capital expenditure of £15.52 million, emphasizing investments in roads, active travel, and drainage. Schneiderman also championed environmental policies, including the reintroduction of separate food waste collections, which he described as a disastrous decision by the previous administration. He was instrumental in the development and approval of several transport strategies, including the draft Barnet Transport Strategy 2025-42 and the proposed Lane Rental Scheme, both of which moved to public consultation. His work extended to waste management, with the approval of the North London Waste Authority - Joint Waste Strategy. Schneiderman also oversaw the award of the Parking Enforcement Contract to APCOA and a parking software contract to Chipside Limited. He actively engaged with residents and stakeholders on issues such as the Edgeware Town Centre development, misconnection issues with Thames Water, and concerns regarding the Silk Stream Bridge. He also introduced and advanced the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and the draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2025-2035), focusing on biodiversity, safety, and community engagement. Schneiderman consistently stressed the importance of resident engagement and clear communication regarding council decisions, particularly on infrastructure projects.

Monthly Activity in 2025

During December 2025, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, as Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was active in two council meetings. In the Cabinet meeting on December 9th, he responded to a public question regarding environmental concerns, promising to have the director address the issues and provide an update. He also presented the Improving Barnet Roads and Pavements (IBRP) Programme 2026-27, which was subsequently approved by the Cabinet with a capital expenditure of £15.52 million. Additionally, he was delegated authority to approve further schemes using external and retained funding for urgent maintenance.

At the Budget Scrutiny, Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on December 11th, Councillor Schneiderman introduced the draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2025-2035). He addressed committee concerns regarding the strategy's consultation period, toilet provisions, and the safety of Barnet parks. He confirmed the exploration of partnerships with private providers for sports facilities and highlighted the strategy's focus on biodiversity, technical analysis, and a stronger action plan to address post-pandemic needs, population growth, and housing changes. He also mentioned ongoing work on park safety, collaboration with the City of London Corporation, and the availability of detailed technical analysis.

Meetings in December 2025

Budget Scrutiny, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 11th December, 2025 7.00 pm - 11 December 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, as the Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, introduced the draft Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2025-2035), outlining its aim to guide the development of parks and open spaces in Barnet over the next decade. He addressed several points raised by the committee regarding the strategy. He explained that the four-week consultation period was sufficient due to prior extensive consultation, including workshops. Regarding facilities, he acknowledged the need for better toilet provisions, noting challenges with externally run premises, but confirmed general resident support for commercial ventures and reinvestment in parks. He clarified that amendments post-consultation could be delegated to the Executive Director in consultation with the Cabinet Member. Councillor Schneiderman asserted that Barnet parks are generally safe and used responsibly, with park patrols able to enforce the Public Space Protection Order. He confirmed the Council's exploration of partnerships with private providers for sports facilities and that the Playing Pitch Strategy accounts for increased pressure from population growth. He praised the inclusive playground in East Barnet as a significant achievement. He also highlighted the disparity in green space across the borough, with the north having more, and stated that the strategy addresses these differing needs based on technical analysis. He noted the previous strategy was from 2015 and the new one emphasizes biodiversity, technical analyses, and a stronger action plan, crucial for funding. He stressed that the strategy is data-driven for effective delivery and resource targeting, and is necessary to reflect post-pandemic needs, population growth, and housing changes. He confirmed that consultation responses, including those from dog walkers, could be reviewed. He stated that ongoing work on park safety includes stakeholder collaboration and sight line reviews with the Police. He mentioned collaboration with the City of London Corporation on joint forums and part-funding projects, who will be informed of the strategy. He indicated that more detailed technical analysis identifying all parks and open spaces is available and can be shared with Councillors. Finally, he explained that the document outlines the overarching action for the Year 1 Action Plan, with detailed monitoring to be included.

Cabinet - Tuesday 9th December, 2025 7.00 pm - 9 December 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, as Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, responded to a public question, stating he would ask the director to get in touch to address concerns and provide an update on the process. He also presented the Improving Barnet Roads and Pavements (IBRP) Programme 2026-27 report. Following his presentation, the Cabinet approved a capital expenditure of £15.52 million for the 2026/27 work programme. Furthermore, authority was delegated to Councillor Schneiderman, in consultation with the Director of Highways and Transportation, to approve an additional programme of schemes using potential external funding and to utilize retained funding of £0.6m for urgent reactive maintenance.

During November 2025, Councillor Alan Schneiderman was actively involved in two council meetings. In the Cabinet meeting on November 18th, he presented and discussed numerous reports concerning environmental policies, infrastructure, and the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. He also moved a motion on fixing Barnet roads and pavements and spoke extensively on the corporate parenting report, highlighting its importance, acknowledging Ofsted's findings, and proposing recommendations for improvement, including reviewing briefing protocols and formalizing notification processes. He also commented positively on the Allotment Governance and Management Task and Finish Group report. In the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee meeting on November 24th, Schneiderman welcomed restoration works at the Welsh Harp Reservoir and discussed the Silk Stream Bridge. He emphasized the need for Barratt London representatives to meet with the committee and local stakeholders to address concerns about the bridge, noting that while Barnet Council had requested alternative routes, planning permission was outside his direct remit. He assured that a meeting with Barratt London and their ecological consultants would be arranged for residents and JCC members to ask questions.

Meetings in November 2025

Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee - Monday 24th November, 2025 6.00 pm - 24 November 2025

Alan Schneiderman, representing the London Borough of Barnet on the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee, welcomed the restoration works at the North Marsh of the Welsh Harp Reservoir and commended Barnet Council's match funding contribution. Regarding the Silk Stream Bridge, he noted that while planning permission had been granted and discussions held with Barratt London, there was a lack of substantial new information. Schneiderman expressed a strong desire for Barratt London representatives to meet with the Welsh Harp JCC and local stakeholders to review plans and address concerns directly. He confirmed that Barnet Council had asked Barratt London to explore alternative bridge routes, acknowledging potential constraints. He reiterated the importance of a meeting where members could directly voice concerns to Barratt London and their ecological consultants. When asked about Barnet Council's statutory powers regarding the bridge's planning permission, he stated it was outside his remit but understood the situation differed from the Hendon Hub development, advising that revoking granted planning permission was not straightforward due to distinct legal and procedural contexts. He also acknowledged delays in a public meeting for West Hendon residents concerning the Silk Stream Bridge and confirmed that a meeting with Barratt London and their ecological consultants would be arranged for residents and JCC members to ask questions and receive direct answers.

Cabinet - Tuesday 18th November, 2025 7.00 pm - 18 November 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was highly active in the Cabinet meeting on November 18th, 2025. He presented several key reports, including those on the 20 MPH Zone Policy, Household Recycling & Waste Policy, Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Annual Spending Submission 2026/27, Parks and Open Spaces Strategy (2025-2035), Tarmac Kier JV Depot Provision, the Rights of Way Improvement Plan , and the Award of Parking Software Contract . Cabinet resolved to approve or note progress on these items as presented.

Schneiderman also moved a motion titled fixing Barnet roads and pavements. He spoke extensively on the corporate parenting report, emphasizing its importance and urging councillors to read it. He acknowledged Ofsted's findings regarding children in care and care leavers, while also highlighting areas for improvement, particularly the handling of the loss of two care leavers. He proposed specific recommendations for the Cabinet to agree on, including reviewing briefing protocols for notifiable cases, formalizing notification processes for opposition leaders and shadow members, distributing Lessons Learned reports, and bringing an addendum to the Corporate Parenting Annual Report to the next meeting. He recommended Cabinet acknowledge the work done and assured collaborative learning and service improvement.

Responding to questions about the corporate parenting report, Schneiderman clarified notification procedures for deaths and emphasized strengthening the multi-agency transition process for young people. He also commented on the Allotment Governance and Management Task and Finish Group report, praising it as a positive outcome and expressing hope for wider dissemination of its learnings.

During the October 21st, 2025 Council meeting, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, provided updates on several environmental and infrastructure matters. He addressed the Regent's Park Road bus lane, confirming it is under review with an independent safety audit completed and that design consultants are funding any amendments. Schneiderman clarified the engagement process with ward members and explained the bus lane's purpose to improve journey times on routes 13 and 460, assuring that its performance will be monitored. He also confirmed his engagement with Thames Water regarding issues with Edgware drains. Additionally, Schneiderman moved two motions: We're fixing Barnet's Roads and Pavements and The Mayor of London's Success in Reducing Deadly Pollution.

Meetings in October 2025

Council - Tuesday 21st October, 2025 7.00 pm - 21 October 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, addressed several key issues during the Council meeting. He provided detailed responses regarding the Regent's Park Road bus lane, emphasizing that the scheme is under review and has undergone an independent safety audit. He clarified that any amendments to the scheme are fully funded by the design consultants, not the council. Schneiderman also addressed concerns about misleading the council by detailing the engagement process with ward members prior to the scheme's implementation. He explained the rationale behind the bus lane, stating its purpose is to improve bus journey times on key routes (13 and 460) and that it is based on identified areas of delay. He assured that the bus lane's performance will be monitored and reviewed. Additionally, Schneiderman confirmed his concern about problems with Edgware drains and stated that the council's senior highways drainage engineer is engaging with Thames Water to resolve the issues. He also moved two motions: We're fixing Barnet's Roads and Pavements and The Mayor of London's Success in Reducing Deadly Pollution.

During September 2025, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, was active in one Cabinet meeting. He presented two key reports: one on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for 2025-2035, which was approved for publication with delivery responsibilities delegated to the Director of Highways and Transportation in consultation with Councillor Schneiderman. He also presented a report on the award of a parking software contract to Chipside Limited for up to 7 years and a value of £3,802,100, with the Executive Director for Environment authorized to finalize the contract. Additionally, Councillor Schneiderman declared a non-pecuniary interest in the Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station due to his role on the North London Waste Authority.

Meetings in September 2025

Cabinet - Tuesday 16th September, 2025 7.00 pm - 16 September 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, presented two reports to the Cabinet. The first report concerned the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for 2025-2035, which Cabinet resolved to approve for publication. Delivery responsibilities were delegated to the Director of Highways and Transportation in consultation with Councillor Schneiderman. The second report presented was regarding the award of a parking software contract. Cabinet resolved to approve the award of this contract to Chipside Limited for a period of up to 7 years with a total value of £3,802,100. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Environment to finalize the contract. Additionally, Councillor Schneiderman declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 10, the Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station, due to his role as a Council appointed Member for North London Waste Authority.

During the August 14th, 2025 Cabinet meeting, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, declared a non-pecuniary interest in the Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station due to his role with the North London Waste Authority. He presented the report for this project and was consulted on delegation of authority for its various aspects. Councillor Schneiderman also presented the Transport Strategy, leading to the approval of the draft Barnet Transport Strategy 2025-42, its Action Plan 2025-27, and an Executive Summary for publication. Furthermore, he presented the Proposed Lane Rental Scheme - Consultation, which resulted in Cabinet approving a public consultation for the scheme, with authority delegated for consultation details and application submission in consultation with Councillor Schneiderman.

Meetings in August 2025

Cabinet - Thursday 14th August, 2025 5.00 pm, NEW - 14 August 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, declared a non-pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 10 (Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station) due to his role as a Council appointed Member for North London Waste Authority. He presented the report on the Geron Way Replacement Waste Transfer Station and was consulted on the delegation of authority for various project aspects. Additionally, Councillor Schneiderman presented the report on the Transport Strategy, and Cabinet approved the draft Barnet Transport Strategy 2025-42, the draft Barnet Transport Strategy Action Plan 2025-27, and the Barnet Transport Strategy and Action Plan Executive Summary for publication. He also presented the report on the Proposed Lane Rental Scheme - Consultation, leading to Cabinet's approval of a public consultation for the scheme. Authority was delegated for agreeing and implementing consultation details, and for submitting an application to the Secretary of State for Transport, both in consultation with Councillor Schneiderman.

During July 2025, Councillor Alan Schneiderman was active in two council meetings, addressing key environmental and transport initiatives. In the July 8th meeting, he clarified the council's approach to EV charging points, stating they were implemented due to resident demand and were not designated EV bays without further consultation. He also confirmed the council's commitment to reintroducing separate food waste collections early next year, criticizing the previous administration's decision to scrap the service as a disastrous decision that was detrimental to the environment and bad value for money. He emphasized the cost-effectiveness of anaerobic digestion for food waste. In the July 22nd meeting, as Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, he presented and gained approval for several transport strategies and action plans, including the draft Barnet Transport Strategy 2025-42 and its associated action plan. He also led the presentation on the proposed Lane Rental Scheme, resulting in Cabinet's approval for public consultation. Furthermore, he presented the North London Waste Authority - Joint Waste Strategy, which Cabinet also approved for publication after considering comments.

Meetings in July 2025

Cabinet - Tuesday 22nd July, 2025 7.00 pm - 22 July 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was active in presenting several key reports. He presented the draft Barnet Transport Strategy 2025-42, the draft Barnet Transport Strategy Action Plan 2025-27, and the Barnet Transport Strategy and Action Plan Executive Summary, which Cabinet approved for publication. He also presented the report on the proposed Lane Rental Scheme, leading to Cabinet's resolution to approve a public consultation. Authority was delegated for the consultation's arrangements and, subject to the outcome, for applying to the Secretary of State for Transport for the scheme to take legal effect. Additionally, Councillor Schneiderman presented the North London Waste Authority - Joint Waste Strategy, noting and considering comments from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Cabinet approved the draft strategy, delegating authority for minor amendments and endorsement of the final strategy's publication.

Council - Tuesday 8th July, 2025 7.00 pm - 8 July 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman addressed two key issues during the council meeting. Regarding EV charging points, he explained that the council is implementing them in response to resident demand from those without driveways. He clarified that the bays in question are not dedicated EV bays and any such designation would require separate consultation, noting that previous consultations involved letters and lamppost notices. He proposed referring the matter back to officers to consider the deputation's points and provide a written response.

On the topic of food waste collections, Councillor Schneiderman confirmed the council's commitment to reintroducing separate collections early next year. He criticized the previous administration's decision to scrap this service, calling it a disastrous decision that was detrimental to the environment and bad value for money. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of anaerobic digestion for food waste (£15 a tonne) compared to residual waste (£150 a tonne) and assured residents that their desire for separate food waste collection would be met.

During the June 17th, 2025 Cabinet meeting, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was actively involved in several key discussions. He provided significant detail on the Edgeware Town Centre development, explaining the £41 million Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding mechanism and clarifying that this did not pre-empt the planning application. He addressed concerns regarding the complexity and communication surrounding the application, noting it was the second largest the borough had managed. Schneiderman also stated that infrastructure concerns would be for the planning committee to address and clarified that public consultation was not required for this funding mechanism. He also defended the public art framework and the Art in Barnet initiative, expressing openness to collaboration. Additionally, Schneiderman presented and gained Cabinet approval for the North London Waste Authority - Joint Waste Strategy and presented the 20MPH Zone Policy, leading to its approval for public consultation. He provided a verbal update on the 20MPH Zone Policy, indicating an area-by-area approach rather than a borough-wide implementation.

Meetings in June 2025

Cabinet - Tuesday 17th June, 2025 7.00 pm - 17 June 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was a prominent figure in the Cabinet meeting on June 17th, 2025. He spoke extensively on the Edgeware Town Centre development and its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, explaining the mechanism that would ring-fence £41 million for the development and clarifying that this decision did not prejudge the planning application. He addressed concerns about communication and the complexity of the application, noting it was the second largest the borough had handled. Schneiderman also stated that infrastructure concerns raised by Councillor Zink and the Save Our Edgeware group would be for the planning committee to consider. He clarified that public consultation was not applicable to this funding mechanism, as it was designed to enable potential infrastructure funding post-planning permission. He defended the public art framework and the Art in Barnet initiative, expressing a willingness to collaborate on promoting arts and culture.

In addition to the Edgeware development, Schneiderman presented the report on the North London Waste Authority - Joint Waste Strategy, which Cabinet approved. He also presented the report on the 20MPH Zone Policy, leading to a Cabinet resolution to approve its publication for public consultation. He provided a verbal update regarding the 20MPH Zone Policy, noting the proposed approach would be area-by-area rather than borough-wide.

During the May 19th, 2025 Cabinet meeting, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, in his role as Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, provided a verbal update on a public comment, indicating that a proposed approach would be implemented area-by-area instead of borough-wide. He also presented several key reports: the 20MPH Zone Policy, the CABINET RESPONSE TO THE BARNET HIGHWAY NETWORK TASK AND FINISH GROUP REPORT , and the AWARD OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT CONTRACT .

Meetings in May 2025

Cabinet - Monday 19th May, 2025 7.00 pm - 19 May 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, provided a verbal update regarding a public comment, stating that the proposed approach would be implemented area-by-area rather than borough-wide. He also presented the report on the 20MPH Zone Policy, introduced the CABINET RESPONSE TO THE BARNET HIGHWAY NETWORK TASK AND FINISH GROUP REPORT , and presented the report on the AWARD OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT CONTRACT .

During the April 7th, 2025 Cabinet meeting, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was actively involved in discussions on several key areas. He introduced the report on the Food Waste Recycling Service. Regarding the Barnet Highway Network Task and Finish Group report, Schneiderman commended it as >a model of a good piece, a good piece of scrutiny on an issue that residents have, have a lot of interest. He highlighted the acceptance of its recommendations, which include reviewing the asset management plan and improving data utilization for prioritization. He also stressed the need for clear public communication regarding road and pavement replacement decisions, noting that residents and ward members had >an awful lot of questions about prioritization. In relation to the Parking Enforcement Contract, Schneiderman introduced the report recommending a new five-year agreement with APCOA starting November 2025. He noted that APCOA was selected for being >top importantly both in quality and in price and that the contract incorporates social value elements like apprenticeships and an electric vehicle fleet. He clarified that this contract specifically covers the >enforcement part of parking services.

Meetings in April 2025

Cabinet - Monday 7th April, 2025 7.00 pm - 7 April 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was active in discussions regarding the Barnet Highway Network Task and Finish Group report and the Parking Enforcement Contract. He introduced the report on the Food Waste Recycling Service.

Regarding the Barnet Highway Network Task and Finish Group report, Schneiderman praised it as a model of a good piece, a good piece of scrutiny on an issue that residents have, have a lot of interest. He highlighted that the recommendations have been accepted and will involve reviewing the asset management plan and improving data utilization for prioritization. He also discussed the historical cancellation of meetings with officers concerning road and pavement replacements, noting that residents and ward members had an awful lot of questions about prioritization. Schneiderman emphasized the importance of clear communication to the public about the reasons for why you haven't done their road versus why you're doing someone else's road.

Concerning the Parking Enforcement Contract, Schneiderman introduced the report, stating it recommends the agreement of a new contractor for five years from November 2025. He noted that this is a new contractor and a change of contractor from the current one and that the chosen contractor, APCOA, came top importantly both in quality and in price. He also mentioned that the contract includes social value proposals such as apprenticeships and an electric vehicle fleet. Schneiderman clarified that this contract is for the enforcement part and that other aspects like IT and cashless parking will be handled through separate tenders.

In March 2025, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, was active in several council meetings. He introduced a report on the Food Waste Recycling Service on March 3rd. On March 4th, he moved a successful motion supporting the Mayor's commitment to transport choice and air quality improvement. While absent from the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee on March 20th, his prior engagement on misconnection issues with Thames Water was noted. In this context, he stated,

Barnet colleagues are aware and are working in partnership with Thames Water to resolve the issues. Additional resources are needed to address the issues, and we need to determine who is responsible for leading on this.

Meetings in March 2025

Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee - Thursday 20th March, 2025 6.00 pm - 20 March 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman was noted as absent from the meeting. However, in his capacity as the Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change for Barnet Council, he had previously reported on the council's awareness and partnership efforts with Thames Water to address misconnection issues. He emphasized the need for additional resources and clarification on leadership responsibilities for tackling these issues, stating, Barnet colleagues are aware and are working in partnership with Thames Water to resolve the issues. Additional resources are needed to address the issues, and we need to determine who is responsible for leading on this.

Budget Council, Council - Tuesday 4th March, 2025 7.00 pm - 4 March 2025

Alan Schneiderman moved a motion regarding WELCOMING THE COMMITMENT OF THE MAYOR, SIR SADIQ KHAN, TO PROVIDING RESIDENTS WITH TRANSPORT CHOICE AND IMPROVING AIR QUALITY . This motion was subsequently carried.

Cabinet - Monday 3rd March, 2025 7.00 pm - 3 March 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, introduced the report on the Food Waste Recycling Service.

During February 2025, Councillor Alan Schneiderman was actively involved in two Cabinet meetings, focusing on the local plan, highway improvements, and environmental initiatives. In the February 5th meeting, he played a significant role in discussions about the local plan, clarifying its process and the role of inspectors, and emphasizing the importance of addressing residents' concerns, particularly regarding the definition of a bus station and the Edgware SPD. He also introduced the Improving Barnet's Roads 2025-26 programme, highlighting investments in roads, active travel, and drainage, and presented a successful motion on transport choice and air quality. On February 18th, as Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, he praised a document for its clarity in outlining achievements and future priorities, stressing the importance of resident engagement on climate issues. He also presented the IMPROVING BARNET'S ROADS 2025/26 PROGRAMME report, which was approved for £15.5 million, and was delegated authority to approve additional reactive maintenance schemes.

Meetings in February 2025

Cabinet - Tuesday 18th February, 2025 7.00 pm - 18 February 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, commented on a document, describing it as a really clear document that really sets out what sets out really clearly what's been achieved . He highlighted achievements such as community skips, playgrounds, and the sustainability action plan, noting that the document sets out clear priorities going forward in a way that I think is accessible to residents . He also emphasized the importance of recognizing and working with local residents on climate emergency issues and the work done with partners.

In his role related to highways, Councillor Schneiderman introduced the IMPROVING BARNET'S ROADS 2025/26 PROGRAMME report. The Cabinet approved £15.5 million for this programme. Furthermore, authority was delegated to Councillor Schneiderman, in consultation with the Director of Highways and Transportation, to approve additional schemes for reactive maintenance using £1.448 million and for urgent reactive maintenance using £0.6 million of retained CIL funding.

Cabinet - Wednesday 5th February, 2025 7.00 pm - 5 February 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman was a prominent figure in the Cabinet meeting on February 5th, 2025, contributing significantly to discussions on the local plan and highway improvements. He urged the Cabinet to consider the TfL definition of a bus station and to have officers urgently review the Edgware SPD to address residents' concerns. Schneiderman provided extensive context on the nine-year local plan process, explaining its evolution, the role of inspectors, and how it supersedes previous documents. He clarified that the current administration made minor changes to comply with government frameworks and that the inspector regime predated the current government. He emphasized that residents' concerns, including those of Professor Baker, would be addressed by the planning committee. He also noted that the bus station issue was raised with inspectors, who deemed the definition a TfL matter, though the inspector did comment on the importance of maintaining the bus station. Schneiderman stated he would not be involved in the decision-making regarding the local plan but was willing to pass on TfL comments about the bus station due to genuine resident concerns. He highlighted the importance of listening to local residents and having a partnership board for Edgware's regeneration. He introduced the Improving Barnet's Roads 2025-26 programme, detailing a significant investment in roads and highways, including environmental considerations and active travel support. He also mentioned a reactive maintenance program and the importance of drainage. Schneiderman also presented a motion, which was carried, welcoming Mayor Sadiq Khan's commitment to transport choice and air quality. He reiterated that the local plan was a framework for the borough's future development, empowering the planning department and giving the borough a stronger ability to be firm with developers. He also commented on the health and wellbeing section of the local plan, emphasizing its role in improving lives through public realm, public transport, and healthcare integration.

During January 2025, Councillor Alan Schneiderman was active in one council meeting. He put forward an administration motion expressing support for the Mayor's commitment to transport choice and improved air quality. Additionally, in his role as Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, he attended a flag-raising ceremony for Cherry Tree Wood.

Meetings in January 2025

Council - Tuesday 28th January, 2025 7.00 pm - 28 January 2025

Councillor Alan Schneiderman put forward an administration motion welcoming the Mayor's commitment to transport choice and improved air quality. He also attended a flag-raising ceremony for Cherry Tree Wood in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change.

Throughout 2024, Alan Schneiderman, as Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, demonstrated significant engagement in council meetings, focusing on financial management, environmental initiatives, and service delivery. He actively participated in budget discussions, voting on proposals and raising critical questions about financial reports, recovery plans, and the framing of deficits. Schneiderman championed environmental sustainability, introducing updates on the Sustainability Programme and reaffirming the council's commitment to climate action, including climate adaptation workstreams and climate budgets. He also played a key role in reviewing and adjusting fees and charges for various services, including highways licenses and parking, emphasizing consistency, cost coverage, and alignment with economic realities. Schneiderman was vocal about perceived financial incompetence inherited from the previous administration, highlighting substantial reductions in the capital program and projecting significant overspends. He also advocated for bringing services in-house, citing poor service delivery from contractors like Capita. His contributions extended to commenting on the Annual Equalities Report, noting its integration of net-zero ambitions and a just transition that benefits both the environment and residents' quality of life. He also declared interests in specific meetings due to his role as a governor on an NHS Trust's Council of Governors.

Monthly Activity in 2024

During the December 2024 council meetings, Alan Schneiderman declared an interest in item 9a of the Cabinet meeting on December 5th, citing his role as a Barnet's appointed governor on an NHS Trust's Council of Governors. He also offered positive commentary on the Annual Equalities Report, commending its thoroughness and its integration of net-zero ambitions and a just transition. Schneiderman specifically highlighted the report's acknowledgment of climate change's impact on residents and mentioned initiatives like the Warm Home Scheme and green skills training, emphasizing the dual benefit of the council's net-zero efforts for both the environment and residents' quality of life. No specific participation was recorded for Alan Schneiderman during the Budget Scrutiny, Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on December 12th.

Meetings in December 2024

Budget Scrutiny, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 12th December, 2024 7.00 pm - 12 December 2024

There is no record of Alan Schneiderman speaking or taking any action during the Budget Scrutiny, Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on December 12th, 2024. He is noted as having been in attendance at a previous meeting on October 28th, 2024, but no specific participation details are provided for either meeting.

Cabinet - Thursday 5th December, 2024 7.00 pm - 5 December 2024

During the Cabinet meeting on December 5th, 2024, Alan Schneiderman made a declaration of interest regarding item 9a, the report from the Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, noting his role as a Barnet's appointed governor on the Council of Governors for an NHS Trust mentioned in the report. He also commented positively on the Annual Equalities Report, highlighting its comprehensive coverage of council activities and its inclusion of net-zero ambitions and a just transition. Schneiderman specifically emphasized that the report acknowledges the practical effects of climate change on residents, referencing initiatives like the Warm Home Scheme for fuel poverty and green skills training, including women in construction courses. He concluded by stressing the importance of the council's net-zero work not only for the environment but also for improving residents' lives and ensuring all residents are considered.

During November 2024, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was active in one of the two council meetings he was scheduled to attend. In the Cabinet meeting on November 18th, he addressed significant financial challenges, stating that We've had to make 69 and a half million pounds of reductions to the overall capital programme overall because of the scale of financial incompetence that we inherited. He clarified that the West Hendon project has not been entirely defunded, with an income generation element related to playing fields being retained. Schneiderman also reassured the council regarding an NHS debt figure, explaining that the £25 million figure in the report is actually monies raised rather than overdue. He emphasized a move towards more realistic financial forecasting, contrasting it with fictionalised figures from the previous administration, and stated, What's important, I think, for the previous administration to recognise is that we are now taking a more realistic approach to forecasting and not as fictionalised as we discovered it was when we took office so that the future modelling is actually determinative of what the financial outlook looks like so we can be properly financially sustainable. He also highlighted projected overspends, noting, At the current state of affairs, we are projecting close to a 25 million pound overspend against the budget that we set in February of this year, which is 389 million pounds. Additionally, Schneiderman introduced and summarized reports on the Local Implementation Plan - 3 Year Plan and the Decommissioning of Pay and Display Machines. He was absent from the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee meeting on November 25th.

Meetings in November 2024

Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee - Monday 25th November, 2024 6.00 pm - 25 November 2024

Alan Schneiderman was absent from the Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee meeting on November 25th, 2024.

Cabinet - Monday 18th November, 2024 7.00 pm - 18 November 2024

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, addressed several key issues during the Cabinet meeting. He clarified that the West Hendon project has not been entirely defunded, with an element of income generation related to playing fields being retained and proceeding. Schneiderman highlighted significant financial challenges, stating that We've had to make 69 and a half million pounds of reductions to the overall capital programme overall because of the scale of financial incompetence that we inherited. He also reassured the council regarding an NHS debt figure, explaining that the £25 million figure in the report is actually monies raised rather than overdue. He emphasized a shift towards a more realistic approach to financial forecasting, contrasting it with the fictionalised figures inherited from the previous administration, and stated, What's important, I think, for the previous administration to recognise is that we are now taking a more realistic approach to forecasting and not as fictionalised as we discovered it was when we took office so that the future modelling is actually determinative of what the financial outlook looks like so we can be properly financially sustainable.

Schneiderman also discussed financial pressures, differentiating between those within the organization's control and external shock factors. He provided an update on projected overspends, noting, At the current state of affairs, we are projecting close to a 25 million pound overspend against the budget that we set in February of this year, which is 389 million pounds.

In addition to these financial discussions, Councillor Schneiderman introduced and summarized the report on the Local Implementation Plan - 3 Year Plan, and also introduced the report on Decommissioning Pay and Display Machines.

During October 2024, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was actively involved in two council meetings, focusing primarily on the review of fees and charges and the management of council contracts. In the October 8th meeting, he raised concerns about the proposed religious education syllabus, questioning the omission of religious terms and the borough's diversity. He also critically examined the methodology for calculating fee and charge increases, particularly the 4.5% inflation figure, arguing it was misleading and used the RPI instead of CPI. Schneiderman also challenged significant increases in CCTV footage costs and explained the rationale behind aligning self-funder care costs with actual expenses. He defended recommendations as officers' best judgment rather than predetermined outcomes.

In the October 28th meeting, Schneiderman further discussed the fees and charges review, emphasizing its annual nature for maintaining service quality and accounting for economic fluctuations. He clarified that parking charge amendments aimed for consistency and to encourage active travel. He defended the comparison of car and bus travel costs by highlighting additional expenses for car park users. Regarding adult social care, he acknowledged sensitivities due to inflation and assured an equality impact assessment would address concerns. He reiterated the use of RPI at 4.5% as more reflective of residents' daily costs. Schneiderman also addressed financial sustainability, stating responsible management is key to poverty reduction and that a balanced budget is a statutory obligation.

Additionally, Schneiderman discussed the review of Capita contracts, explaining the intention to bring services in-house due to perceived poor service delivery and value. He highlighted the report's mechanism for a smooth transition and welcomed cross-party scrutiny. He also addressed IT contract extensions, explaining negotiated costs and pragmatic reasons.

Meetings in October 2024

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 28th October, 2024 7.00 pm - 28 October 2024

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, as Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was a significant contributor to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on October 28th, 2024. He introduced and discussed the report on the review of fees and charges, emphasizing the annual nature of this review to maintain service quality and value for ratepayers, while also accounting for economic fluctuations.

Schneiderman addressed several key points regarding the fees and charges:

He clarified that the intention behind proposed parking charge amendments was to consult on setting charges more consistently across the borough and to encourage active travel, rather than solely focusing on costs.
He defended the comparison between car and bus travel costs by highlighting that car users incur additional costs for choosing to use local authority car parks, a choice not directly mirrored by bus users who contribute to public infrastructure through their ticket costs.
Regarding adult social care charges, he acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, particularly in light of inflation and interest rate increases, and assured that the report is subject to an equality impact assessment which will reflect these concerns.
He explained the choice of the Retail Price Index (RPI) at 4.5% as the methodology for inflation adjustments, stating it is more reflective of the costs local residents experience daily, such as housing costs and interest rates, compared to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
He responded to concerns about the council's financial sustainability and its impact on poverty reduction, stating that responsible financial management is integral to reducing dependence and cycles of poverty, and that setting a balanced budget is a statutory obligation.

In addition to fees and charges, Schneiderman also spoke on the review of Capita contracts. He explained the administration's intention to bring certain services back in-house due to perceived poor service delivery and value for money from Capita, and highlighted that the report outlines a mechanism for this transition without disruption. He also welcomed cross-party scrutiny for the longer-term process of moving away from Capita and addressed specific concerns about IT contract extensions, explaining the negotiated costs and pragmatic reasons for the extensions.

Cabinet - Tuesday 8th October, 2024 7.00 pm - 8 October 2024

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was actively involved in the meeting, raising several key concerns. He questioned the proposed religious education syllabus, noting the absence of terms like religion, God, or a supreme being in its core questions, which he found incongruous given the borough's diversity. Councillor Schneiderman also critically examined the methodology for calculating fee and charge increases, particularly the 4.5% inflation figure. He argued that this was misleading, incorporating an arbitrary 1% addition and relying on the discredited RPI measure instead of CPI. He also suggested the consultation process was perfunctory, as proposals were already framed as the best way before consultation. Furthermore, he challenged the substantial increases in costs for checking and downloading CCTV footage, deeming them enormous great increases for residents. He also addressed the cost of care for self-funders, explaining that the council was aligning prices with the actual cost of arranging care to avoid burdening council taxpayers. In defense of recommendations, he clarified that they represented officers' best judgment based on various assessments and financial pressures, rather than predetermined outcomes.

During September 2024, Councillor Alan Schneiderman, in his role as Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, was active in council meetings. At the Cabinet meeting on September 17th, he introduced the Sustainability Programme Update, leading to a resolution to reaffirm commitment to the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency declaration, note progress on the Sustainability Action Plan, and add a workstream for climate adaptation. He was delegated authority to monitor the action plan and oversee a climate budget. Schneiderman also raised significant questions regarding financial reports, particularly a £7.4 million recovery plan, seeking details on its discussion, service contributions, and consultation, and emphasizing transparency with residents. He also challenged the framing of a deficit as a 5% problem and expressed concern that HMO licensing was viewed as a revenue generator rather than a focus on accommodation quality. He also attended the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on September 18th, though no specific actions or statements were recorded for him during that session.

Meetings in September 2024

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 18th September, 2024 7.00 pm - 18 September 2024

Councillor Alan Schneiderman was noted as also in attendance at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on September 18th, 2024. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him during the meeting.

Cabinet - Tuesday 17th September, 2024 7.00 pm, NEW - 17 September 2024

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, as Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, actively participated in the meeting. He introduced the report on the Sustainability Programme Update, and the Cabinet resolved to reconfirm their commitment to the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency declaration, note the progress of the Sustainability Action Plan, and include an additional workstream for climate adaptation and resilience. Authority was delegated to him to monitor and update the Sustainability Action Plan and oversee the production of a climate budget.

Schneiderman also raised several questions regarding financial reports. He questioned the details of a £7.4 million recovery plan, asking where it was discussed, which services contributed, and what consultation had occurred. He sought assurance that no services were being removed within this saving and requested clarification on the specific items constituting the £7.3 million cost saving, emphasizing transparency with residents. He also requested an analysis of the £7.3 million be sent to him and suggested its publication.

Furthermore, he challenged the implication in a press release that a deficit was a 5% problem, arguing it was misleading due to statutory obligations. He also expressed concern that HMO licensing was perceived as a money spinner rather than a focus on accommodation quality, urging a review of the inspection regime.

In July 2024, Alan Schneiderman was active in two council meetings. As the Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, he authored the Highways Licence Charges report, recommending the implementation of revised charges for specific highways licences (HW3, HW4, HW5, and HW6) effective August 1, 2024. The report's rationale included encouraging developers to expedite public space clearance, establishing a more cost-effective charging structure, aligning with neighboring boroughs, and ensuring service delivery cost coverage. He also addressed the consultation process and its outcomes. In a separate meeting, Councillor Schneiderman, alongside the Leader, informed a Petitioner that their petition would be reviewed as part of the Moss Hall Schools Federation School Street consultation.

Meetings in July 2024

Cabinet - Tuesday 16th July, 2024 7.00 pm - 16 July 2024

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, along with the Leader, informed a Petitioner about the review mechanism concerning their petition. He stated that the petition would be considered as part of the Moss Hall Schools Federation School Street consultation.

Council - Tuesday 9th July, 2024 7.00 pm - 9 July 2024

Alan Schneiderman, in his capacity as the Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, authored the report Highways Licence Charges. This report recommended To authorise officers to implement the proposed changes (as set out in paragraph 1.5) to the charges for Highways Licences HW3, HW4, HW5 and HW6 with effect from 1 August 2024. The report detailed the rationale behind this recommendation, which included incentivizing developers to clear public spaces sooner, implementing a more cost-effective charging structure for developers, aligning with neighboring boroughs' practices, and ensuring the council could cover its service delivery costs. The report also covered the consultation process and its results.

During the Annual Council meeting on May 21st, 2024, Alan Schneiderman participated in budget discussions by casting votes. He voted against the Conservative Group amendment and in favor of the Labour Group proposal.

Meetings in May 2024

Annual Council - Tuesday 21st May, 2024 7.00 pm - 21 May 2024

During the Annual Council meeting on May 21st, 2024, Alan Schneiderman cast votes on budget proposals. He voted 'Against' the Conservative Group amendment and 'For' the Labour Group proposal.