Organisation

Barnet Council

126 stories · discussed at 12 council meetings · 4 councils

Barnet Council is addressing a significant budget deficit and making key planning decisions.

Barnet Council is currently addressing a projected budget deficit of £198 million by 2029/30, with a £113.5 million shortfall anticipated for 2027/28. The council's Cabinet discussed a financial sustainability plan in October 2026, which aims to balance the budget by March 2029. The council also forecasts a £2.6 million overspend for the first quarter of 2026-27, indicating a need for Exceptional Financial Support from the government in 2027-28.

In October 2026, the Planning Committee approved plans for six flats and a house at View Lodge, but deferred a Section 106 agreement for the High Barnet Station redevelopment. The committee also refused an adult gaming centre application due to public health concerns, despite officer recommendations. Separately, the Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee reviewed a rise in Family Services complaints in October 2026.

Works to address £770,136 in fire safety defects at the Colindale Office are anticipated to begin in November 2026. The council's Cabinet also agreed in September 2026 to review its parklet licensing scheme, with a current licence expiring in January 2027. These developments occur as the council faces an increase in strategic risks, with financial sustainability identified as the highest-scoring risk in September 2026.

Key facts

  1. Barnet Council faces a projected budget deficit of £198 million by 2029/30. Source 1 Source 2
  2. In October 2026, Barnet Council's Planning Committee approved plans for six flats and one house at View Lodge. Source
  3. In October 2026, the Planning Committee deferred a Section 106 agreement for the High Barnet Station redevelopment. Source
  4. Barnet Council forecasts a £2.6 million overspend for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. Source
  5. Works to address £770,136 in fire safety defects at the Colindale Office are anticipated to commence in November 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 7

  1. Barnet Council to Host Conference to Address Educational Attainment Gap for Black Pupils Barnet Council is set to host a conference in July aimed at improving educational outcomes for Black pupils across the borough, addressing a persistent attainment gap identified... Barnet 14 March 2026
  2. Barnet Council Confirms Sufficient Childcare Provision, Identifies Two Wards for Focus Barnet Council has confirmed sufficient childcare provision across the borough, with a recent Children and Education Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting identifying two... Barnet 14 March 2026
  3. Barnet Council Approves Constitution Updates, Including Petition Scheme Barnet Council has unanimously approved updates to its constitution, including significant changes to its petition scheme and new rules for land transactions. The council... Barnet 12 March 2026
  4. Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Underhill CPZ, Council to Review Scheme Residents have voiced strong concerns over the Underhill South Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) at a Barnet Council meeting, questioning its proportionality and the evidence base... Barnet 12 March 2026
  5. Barnet Council Reviews Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 Barnet Council has reviewed its Members' Allowances Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year, with the proposed scheme discussed at a council meeting held on Thursday, March 5,... Barnet 12 March 2026
  6. Barnet Council Approves Budget Amidst Opposition's Alternative Financial Model Barnet Council has approved its budget for the upcoming year, following a robust debate that saw opposition councillors present an alternative financial model. The council... Barnet 12 March 2026
  7. Barnet Council Approves Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 Barnet Council has approved its Pay Policy Statement for the 2026/27 financial year, detailing the remuneration for council employees, particularly senior staff. Barnet 12 March 2026
  8. Barnet Council Confirms Tree Preservation Order for Oak at 64 Kingsley Way Despite Landowner Objections Barnet Council's Planning Committee has confirmed a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for a mature oak tree at 64 Kingsley Way, London N2 0EW. The decision, made on Wednesday, March... Barnet 12 March 2026