Barnet councillors agreed to change the council’s constitution and formally move from a committee system of governance to a cabinet and scrutiny system at an extraordinary council meeting last week.

The move is integral to the Council administration’s commitment to ensure decision-making is more transparent, efficient, and accountable. It is also part of a package of new constitutional measures to help increase public participation in local democracy.

These new measures include Public Question Time at Full Council meetings, introducing deputations from residents on matters of local concern at Cabinet meetings, and engaging residents in the scrutiny of local services.

The change to an executive system will officially be implemented after the Annual Council Meeting on 23 May 2023, but as of today (Thursday 11 May), the new constitution is available for viewing by residents and other interested parties. This is part of the formal change process.

The constitution is on physical display at the council offices at 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, and at Hendon Town Hall. It can be viewed between the hours of 9am-5pm at those two sites. It is also available online on the council website here:

London Borough of Barnet Constitution
Barnet Council Leader, Cllr Barry Rawlings, said: “The decision to adopt a cabinet and scrutiny system of governance marks an important shift in the way the council operates.

“It will mean more regular decision-making to ensure we are delivering our huge transformation agenda, and more opportunities for public participation when policy is being developed, when decisions are being made and when services are being scrutinised.

It will also ensure all the decision-makers are around one table which will allow us to focus on key cross-cutting priorities such as reducing inequalities and promoting sustainability.

“This move demonstrates our commitment to being a more efficient and effective council that can better serve the needs of Barnet residents.”