London borough ditches committees in favour of cabinet and scrutiny system

The London Borough of Barnet is set to adopt a new constitution today (23 May) that moves the council from a committee system of governance to a cabinet and scrutiny system.

Work on the constitution began in July 2022, after the council passed a motion requesting officers review the council's governance arrangements.

Due to the size of the constitution, the time required to review it and the date for the new constitution to come into effect being May 2023, the Monitoring Officer considered that it was best dealt with in stages.

The council agreed to changes to sections of the constitution in three different meetings in January 2023, February 2023 and an extraordinary meeting earlier this month. 

Under the new constitution, the Cabinet will comprise the Leader and between two and nine other councillors appointed by the council.

The council said the move is "integral" to the administration's commitment to ensure more transparent, efficient and accountable decision-making.

It is also part of a package of new constitutional measures to help increase public participation in local democracy, which includes public question time at Full Council meetings and deputations from residents on matters of local concern at Cabinet meetings.

In addition, the council plans to engage residents in the scrutiny of local services.

Commenting on the changes, 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."

Cllr Rawlings added: "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."

Adam Carey