Barnet Council extends Finchley charity contract for £586,000

Barnet Council has extended its contract with Barnet Mencap, a charity supporting residents with learning disabilities and autism in Finchley. The two-year deal, worth £586,000, will run from September 2026 until August 2028. The decision was taken by Dawn Wakeling, the council’s executive director of communities, adults and health, on 30 July.

The contract extension aims to maintain services that council officers described as an essential part of Barnet’s preventative and early intervention provision. These services focus on improving resilience, health and independence for people with learning disabilities or autism, while reducing demand for adult social care.

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Why the extension matters for Finchley residents

Barnet Mencap, based on Hendon Lane in Finchley, has provided support to the borough since 1965. Its services include employment support, advice, supported living and social activities. The charity also runs an autism hub to help residents access services and understand their options.

Council officers stated in their report that the charity’s work helps delay or prevent the need for adult social care. This aligns with the council’s focus on preventative measures, particularly as demand for statutory services continues to rise. In April, Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that such services could deliver long-term savings.

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“Even if it didn’t save us money we should be doing that because it’s the right thing to do.”

Barry Rawlings, leader of Barnet Council

Financial context behind the decision

The contract extension comes as Barnet Council faces ongoing financial pressures. In the 2026/27 financial year, the council received £79.3 million in exceptional financial support from the government. This is the second consecutive year the council has relied on such funding to manage budget shortfalls.

Rising costs and demand for adult social care have contributed to these financial challenges. The council’s decision to extend the contract reflects a strategy to invest in preventative services, which may reduce long-term expenditure on statutory care.

What happens next

The extended contract with Barnet Mencap will begin in September 2026 and continue until August 2028. No further formal steps are required for the agreement to take effect. Residents can contact Barnet Mencap directly for information about its services or support.