Organisation

Barnet Council

118 stories · discussed at 13 council meetings · 4 councils

Barnet Council is grappling with rising strategic risks and financial pressures, alongside housing and public realm developments.

Barnet Council is grappling with rising strategic risks, with financial sustainability identified as its highest risk, and a forecast £2.6 million overspend for the first quarter of 2026/27, a report to the Cabinet said in September 2026. The Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee heard in September 2026 that only 55% of high-priority audit recommendations were implemented in Q1 2026/27, falling short of the 90% target. The council is also seeking an independent member for this committee.

In August 2026, a deal for the council to acquire 208 affordable homes for the Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration scheme collapsed after the Greater London Authority withdrew its funding. Separately, the Planning Committee approved several applications for new flats in September 2026, including additional storeys at Gloucester House and a mansard roof extension at Raymond Court. The Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee also decided in September 2026 to investigate individuals living in tents within the borough.

The council's Cabinet adopted new national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in September 2026 to enhance flood risk management. The Cabinet also agreed in September 2026 to review its parklet licensing scheme following a resident petition, with the current Brent Street parklet licence expiring in January 2027. Haringey Council will access Barnet Council's multi-supplier Internal Audit and Advisory Services framework from October 2026.

Key facts

  1. Barnet Council's strategic risks increased from 27 to 30 in Q1 2026/27. Source
  2. Only 55% of high-priority audit actions were implemented in Q1 2026/27. Source
  3. Barnet Council is forecasting a £2.6 million overspend for Q1 2026/27. Source
  4. The council's Cabinet approved £750,000 for community projects in September 2026. Source
  5. A deal to acquire 208 affordable homes for the Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration scheme collapsed in August 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.

Stories, page 4

  1. Barnet Council Reinstates Area Committees to Enhance Local Democracy Barnet Council has officially reinstated its Area Committees, a move that will see local decision-making powers returned to specific geographical areas within the borough. The... Barnet 9 July 2026
  2. Barnet Council backs domestic abuse victim housing plan Barnet Council has formally backed government plans to provide social housing landlords with new powers to evict domestic abuse perpetrators from social homes, allowing victims... Barnet 9 July 2026
  3. Barnet Council Addresses Rat Infestations and Public Rubbish Disposal Barnet Council's Licensing and General Purposes Committee has heard concerns raised about the prevalence of rats in open spaces and the management of public rubbish disposal,... Barnet 3 June 2026
  4. Barnet Council to gain enhanced powers over gambling licenses with new legislation Barnet Council is poised to gain significantly enhanced control over gambling licenses, a development stemming from discussions at a recent Licensing and General Purposes... Barnet 3 June 2026
  5. Barnet Council's Trading Standards Seizes Over £500k in Illegal Goods, Issues £123k in Fines Barnet Council's Trading Standards has seized over £500,000 worth of illegal goods and issued £123,000 in fines, according to the Trading Standards Annual Report for 2025-2026.... Barnet 3 June 2026
  6. Barnet Council to consult on gambling policy Barnet Council is preparing to consult the public on its Gambling Statement of Principles, a crucial document that will guide the regulation of gambling premises across the... Barnet 3 June 2026
  7. Barry Rawlings Re-elected as Barnet Council Leader in Close Vote Councillor Barry Rawlings has been re-elected as the Leader of Barnet Council following a closely contested vote at the Annual Council meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The... Barnet 20 May 2026
  8. Labour and Conservatives tied in Barnet Council elections, leading to leadership contest Barnet Council's annual meeting has resulted in an unprecedented political tie, with both the Labour and Conservative groups securing 31 seats each. This outcome, revealed in... Barnet 20 May 2026