Fiona Rae

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Secretary

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 21st January, 2026 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the significant increase in long-term empty homes in the borough, the council's approach to managing its estates and supporting the voluntary and community sector, and updates on various task and finish groups. Key decisions made included noting the concerning rise in empty properties and agreeing to explore further analysis to bring more homes back into use, as well as a commitment to reviewing the council's engagement with voluntary organisations to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Secretary

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

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet on 11 December 2025 at Hendon Town Hall. The agenda included discussion of the Medium Term Financial Strategy, Task and Finish Group updates, and the committee's work programme.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Secretary

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 13th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barnet Council met on 13 November 2025, to discuss several key issues including a new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, temporary accommodation pressures, and the council's financial forecast. The committee made recommendations to the cabinet regarding the consultation period for the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, and requested more detailed information on the action plan. The committee also stressed the need for increased lobbying of central government to address temporary accommodation costs, and requested a review of the council's approach to recovering debt.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Secretary

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

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several key issues, including domestic abuse strategy, community safety, waste management, and the Capita contract. The committee agreed to recommend that ward councillors are included in appropriate meetings regarding safety concerns in their ward, with an emphasis on dialogue. They also requested clarification on wording in the household recycling and waste policies, and that pensions are specifically considered in decisions about the Capita contract.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Secretary

Crime and Disorder Scrutiny, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 16th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Barnet Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several key reports and plans, including the Safer Communities Partnership Board Annual Report, the Youth Justice Plan, and the council's financial forecast. The committee made recommendations on hate crime prevention, budget scrutiny, and collaboration between police and parking enforcement. They also reviewed task and finish group updates and the cabinet forward plan, identifying areas for future scrutiny.