Councillor Paul Lemon

Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS) - Thursday 27th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee (GARMS) convened to discuss a range of topics, including the council's anti-fraud strategy, risk management, internal and external audit progress, treasury management, and member development. The committee noted the progress made in various areas, raised concerns about the sustainability of the council's borrowing, and discussed strategies for mitigating risks. The committee also approved the draft member induction programme for 2026.

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.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 6th November, 2025 10.30 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to review the premises licence for Food Centre, located at 190B Station Road, Edgware. The committee decided to revoke the licence due to concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, and public safety, stemming from the repeated discovery of smuggled goods and breaches of licensing conditions at the premises. This decision was made after considering representations from the Trading Standards Team, the Licensing Authority, Public Health, and the Metropolitan Police.

Licensing and General Purposes Committee - Monday 3rd November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Licensing and General Purposes Committee convened to discuss polling places, animal welfare, trading standards, environmental health and wellbeing in Barnet. Councillors approved changes to polling places, adopted an updated animal welfare licensing policy, and took note of reports on trading standards, health and safety, and the council's health and wellbeing performance. The committee also reviewed its forward work plan for the remainder of the year.

Council - Tuesday 21st October, 2025 7.00 pm

The Barnet Council meeting on 21 October 2025 included tributes to former councillors Vanessa Gearson and Agnes Slocum, a discussion on high streets resulting in a decision to provide a written response to a deputation, and a discussion on public engagement in major developments, also resulting in a decision to provide a written report. The council also unanimously carried a joint motion condemning the Yom Kippur terrorist attack in Manchester.