Councillor Barry Rawlings

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

The Council agreed to adopt the new Local Plan, approved the 2025/26 budget and the associated 4.98% rise in Council Tax, and appointed Cath Shaw as the new Chief Executive.

Cabinet - Monday 3rd March, 2025 7.00 pm

The Cabinet noted the contents of the Our Plan for Barnet – Delivery and Outcomes Framework Quarter 3 (2024-25) report. It was decided that a separate food waste collection service using dedicated vehicles will be implemented. The Cabinet agreed to the proposed responses of two Task and Finish Group reports, one on youth homelessness and the other on elective home education. The Fit and Active Barnet Strategy and action plan was adopted for implementation from 1st April 2025 and the findings of the Additional Licensing Scheme 2022-2027 Year Two Review were noted. The Cabinet noted the contents of the Brent Cross Update report.

Employment Sub-Committee - Wednesday 26th February, 2025 1.00 pm

The Employment Sub-Committee met and decided to recommend to Full Council that Cath Shaw be appointed as Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service) subject to no material and well-founded objection from a Member of the Executive. The Sub-Committee also confirmed the deletion of the post of Deputy Chief Executive.

Cabinet - Tuesday 18th February, 2025 7.00 pm

The meeting began with a discussion of Barnet Council's financial position, which is facing a projected budget gap of up to £79 million. Councillors noted a consistent shortfall in savings delivery, with the council consistently achieving only around 85% of its savings targets. They also expressed concerns about the increasing number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which is outstripping the overall pupil population growth and putting pressure on the council's budget. The council's low social housing stock was also highlighted as a contributing factor to the high costs of temporary accommodation. The impact of an ageing population on adult social care costs was also discussed.

Employment Sub-Committee - Monday 17th February, 2025 10.30 am

The Sub-Committee considered the draft Pay Policy Statement and agreed to refer it to the next meeting of the Full Council. The Sub-Committee also considered a report on a proposed restructure of the senior management team, approving a number of recommendations that had been made following a consultation on the proposals.