Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability
Barnet Council is addressing significant financial sustainability risks after formally accepting recommendations from a critical review in September 2026.
Barnet Council formally accepted all 18 recommendations from a critical financial review in September 2026, commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The review by CIPFA highlighted significant financial sustainability risks, including a projected structural deficit of £79.3 million by 2026-27 and a reliance on Exceptional Financial Support.
The council approved its budget for 2026/27 in March 2026, following discussions in December 2025 where it sought £9.9 million in savings and considered a 2.98% general council tax increase for the same financial year. These measures were aimed at addressing increasing demand for services and rising costs.
The Cabinet Member for Financial Sustainability, a role within Barnet Council, oversees the council's financial health. In December 2025, a report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee indicated the council faced a potential £9 million funding reduction over three years due to a new London Councils funding model.
Key facts
- Barnet Council formally accepted all 18 recommendations from a CIPFA financial review in September 2026. Source
- The CIPFA review projected Barnet Council's structural deficit to reach £79.3 million in 2026-27. Source
- Barnet Council approved its budget for the 2026/27 financial year in March 2026. Source
- Barnet Council sought £9.9 million in savings for the 2026/27 budget, discussed in December 2025. Source
- Barnet Council considered a 2.98% general council tax increase for 2026/27, discussed in December 2025. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.