Barnet Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, to address critical aspects of allotment management and governance within the borough.
The committee reviewed the progress of the Allotment Management and Governance Task and Finish Group, which has been gathering evidence and is expected to present its report to the Cabinet in July. The Task and Finish Group is expected to provide recommendations to improve the management and governance of allotments in Barnet. As part of this process, the council is taking steps to ensure allotment holders are involved in the implementation of any changes. One such step was the hosting of the Colindale Allotment and Garden Association (CAGA) AGM by Barnet Council officers and led by the National Allotment Society on 24 March 2025.
The final report is scheduled for presentation to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 11 September 2025, with a Cabinet response anticipated on 16 September 2025.
Councillor Gill Sargeant chairs the Allotment Management and Governance Task and Finish Group. The Task and Finish Group has held 12 meetings since then, hearing from the Management Committee Members of the Colindale Allotment and Garden Association (CAGA), the National Allotment Society, HBPL on behalf of Barnet Council, Barnet Greenspaces team, the London Borough of Harrow's Allotment Manager and Barnet's Head of Governance.
On 24 March 2025, a comprehensive training session in allotment governance and management was provided for the newly elected CAGA Committee and further materials to ensure good governance are being provided. This initiative demonstrates the council's commitment to engaging with allotment holders through their association and providing them with the tools for effective self-governance.
