CIPFA review finds Barnet Council’s strategy fails to deliver for residents

Barnet Council’s financial recovery is being hampered by a widening gap between its strategies and its ability to deliver them, an independent review by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has found. The report, commissioned by central government, examined governance, finance, and delivery across the borough.

Culture of caution delays decisions

CIPFA described Barnet’s organisational culture as cautious and slow to make difficult decisions. The report stated the council is better at identifying risks than acting on them, a criticism Conservative councillors have repeatedly raised. Cllr Peter Zinkin, leader of the Conservative group, said the findings confirmed warnings his party had made for years, including in Barnet Post articles.

In November 2024, Zinkin warned Labour’s claimed savings were unrealistic and the council faced a growing budget gap. By March 2025, he called Labour’s budget a “desperate gamble” reliant on borrowing. CIPFA’s report reached similar conclusions, stating the council’s problems were not due to a lack of plans but a failure to implement them.

Scrutiny undermined by late papers

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The review highlighted weaknesses in the council’s scrutiny processes. CIPFA warned that large agenda packs and late publication of reports make effective oversight difficult. These concerns were raised by Conservative councillors during a recent call-in of the Dollis Valley regeneration decision, where they questioned resident engagement and financial risks.

CIPFA also raised alarms about the council’s capital programme and joint ventures. The report stated governance arrangements have not kept pace with the scale of financial exposure, a point Zinkin said should concern every resident. The council’s exposure through companies and partnerships has been a long-standing concern for the Conservative group.

Funding gap risks higher council tax

The report identified a funding gap running into hundreds of millions of pounds, driven by rising demand for adult social care, children’s services, and temporary accommodation. CIPFA suggested the council consider further council tax increases and less frequent residual waste collections, though Zinkin noted residents have consistently opposed cuts to waste services.

Zinkin said the funding gap risks falling on residents through higher bills and reduced universal services. He added that while national reforms have increased pressure on councils, Barnet’s position has been worsened by Labour’s failure to act on early warnings. The council has not yet published a formal response to the CIPFA review.

What happens next

The council must now consider CIPFA’s findings and develop a plan to address the delivery gap. A full council meeting is scheduled for 10 September 2026, where members will debate the report’s recommendations. Residents can submit questions in advance via the council’s website. The next budget-setting process begins in October, with public consultations expected in early 2027.