Category: Report

PRESS RELEASE – Bring Barnet’s services home: UNISON calls for solidarity to insource Capita contracts

Anti - Racism, Austerity, Local, News, Report, UNISON Campaign

Barnet UNISON is calling on residents, UNISON members, fellow branches and trade unions to stand with us as Barnet Council prepares to make a major decision on the future of local services.

At the Cabinet Committee meeting on 16 September 2025, councillors will decide the future of IT, Customer Services, and Revenues & Benefits services currently run by Capita.

Barnet UNISON has published a detailed report to Cabinet which sets out the case for insourcing and directly challenges the Council’s Cabinet report.

You can read our report using the link below.

https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Barnet_UNISON_Report_Final-16-Sept-2025-Capita-services.pdf

Our analysis exposes:

  • Barnet paid £27 million to Capita last year for these services.
  • The Council also spent £24 million on agency and consultancy staff, the highest level in 15 years.
  • That’s £51 million in one year on outsourcing and temporary provision, while the Council’s own spreadsheets show insourcing would cost just £17.5 million.
  • Outsourcing has failed: Council Tax collection remains below London averages, costing residents around £3 million a year.
  • The Cabinet report portrays insourcing as a “cost pressure,” while ignoring the hidden costs of outsourcing — supplier profits, gainshare deductions, contract management, churn, and procurement cycles.

Barnet UNISON says:

  • Insourcing is the only sustainable, cost-effective option in Barnet’s current financial crisis.
  • Labour nationally has pledged to “end the outsourcing racket” and UNISON’s Bringing Services Home campaign makes clear that public services run best in-house, accountable to residents not shareholders.
  • Barnet has a real opportunity to deliver on Labour and UNISON policy, and to secure better services and stronger jobs for the borough.

Call to Action

We are asking for messages of solidarity from:

  • Barnet residents – to show you want public money spent on public services.
  • UNISON members and branches – to back the case for insourcing in Barnet.
  • Other trade unions and allies – to stand with Barnet UNISON in this campaign.

📧 Please send messages of support to: contactus@barnetunison.org.uk

Together, we can end wasteful outsourcing in Barnet and rebuild accountable, cost-effective public services.

ENDS

UNISON calls on Barnet Council to scrap plans to close vital mental health service

Anti - Racism, Austerity, Disability, Health and Safety, Local, National, News, Report, Solidarity, UNISON Campaign

Barnet UNISON has today published a report challenging Barnet Council’s proposal to close The Network, a long-standing community mental health prevention and recovery service.

Read our report in the link below

https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Barnet-UNISON-Report-The-Future-of-The-Network.pdf

The Council’s own consultation shows 73% of respondents opposed closure — including 100% of carers — yet officers are still recommending that Cabinet votes to shut the service.

Barnet UNISON’s report sets out detailed evidence showing that:

  • The Network prevents crisis: Service users say it has kept them out of hospital, sustained their employment, and reduced isolation. One user told the consultation: “Without The Network, I would have ended up in hospital. It kept me going when nothing else was available.”
  • It is cost-effective: The service costs just £0.5m annually. Preventing as few as ten 14-day hospital admissions saves £280,000, over a third of the budget.
  • Alternatives cannot cope: The officer report lists other providers but gives no evidence of spare capacity or commitments to take additional referrals.
  • Equality impacts are serious: The Equalities Impact Assessment identifies disproportionate harm to working-age disabled women, which has been downplayed.
  • Labour values are at stake: National Labour policy stresses prevention, early help and keeping people in work. Closing The Network contradicts those commitments and risks reputational damage for Barnet Labour.
  • Legal risk: Closure exposes the Council to potential challenge under the Care Act 2014 (s.2 duty to prevent and delay need) and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The report also includes:

  • Appendix E – Practitioner Evidence: authored by the staff who deliver the service. It shows The Network supports 350–500 referrals annually, has one of the shortest waits in Adult Social Care, and plays a recognised role in suicide prevention.
  • An Addendum responding directly to the final Cabinet papers, rebutting claims of declining demand, alternative capacity, and robust transition planning.

UNISON Statement

John Burgess, Branch Secretary of Barnet UNISON, said:

“Closing The Network is a false economy. It costs very little but saves the NHS and the Council huge sums by keeping people well, in work, and out of crisis. The consultation shows residents, carers, and professionals overwhelmingly oppose closure. Labour nationally is committed to expanding mental health support. Why would a Labour council do the opposite?”

Christina McAnea, UNISON General Secretary, has said:

“Slashing vital services that keep people well and independent is a false economy. Care should be a human right and a public service.”

Jon Richards, UNISON Assistant General Secretary, has warned:

“Cutting already overstretched services abandons some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

UNISON’s call to Barnet Council Cabinet

Barnet UNISON is urging Cabinet members to:

  1. Reject closure at the Cabinet meeting.
  2. Commission a genuine options appraisal — including integration into the Prevention & Wellbeing Team, joint-funding with NHS North Central London ICB, and service redesign.
  3. Require evidence of provider capacity before any change is considered.
  4. Re-run the EqIA with real evidence and lived-experience testimony.


Notes for editors


    

  • Barnet UNISON’s full report “The Future of The Network” (including Appendix E – Practitioner Evidence and Addendum to the final Cabinet report) is attached and available on request.
    • 

  • Appendices also include: Appendix A – Consultation, Appendix B – EqIA, Appendix D – Other Services.
    • 

  • The Network currently supports 165 active service users, processes 350–500 referrals annually, and provides suicide prevention, recovery groups, and employment support.
    • 



Ends.

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
Updated : Are You Getting the Right Holiday Pay? – plus 10 FAQs
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Local, News, Report, Solidarity, TBG Flex, Your Choice Barnet	



	
		

			
		
					

			


A Briefing for All Barnet UNISON Members


1. If You Work Overtime, Read This!


Barnet UNISON is raising an important issue affecting many of our members.


If you regularly work overtime and take annual leave, your holiday pay should reflect your normal average earnings — not just your basic pay.


2. What the Law Says


From April 2025, UK law confirmed what courts have already made clear:


If you regularly work overtime or receive regular allowances, your holiday pay must include these payments.


This applies to at least 4 weeks of your annual leave each year.


3. What This Means for You:


When you’re on annual leave, your payslip should include:


    

  • Basic pay
    • 

  • Top-up for regular overtime/allowances
    • 



No top-up? You may have been underpaid.


4. Legal Backing


This is now backed by:


    

  • British Gas v Lock (2016)
    • 

  • Flowers v East of England Ambulance Trust (2019)
    • 

  • Employment Rights Regulations 2023 (in force from April 2025)
    • 



These confirmed that holiday pay must reflect what you normally earn — including regular overtime.


5.  What to Look Out For


    

  • Did your pay drop while on leave?
    • 

  • Was there no holiday pay enhancement showing on your payslip?
    • 

  • Do you regularly work overtime, but see no difference in holiday pay?
    • 



If so — you may be owed back pay for up to 2 years.


6. What have Barnet UNISON done? 


We have already written to Barnet Council asking the following;


    

  1. Confirm the rationale for commencing these payments from 1 April 2025;
    2. 

  2. Confirm whether the Council recognises that this change arises from the 2023 Regulations and related case law;
    3. 

  3. Requested a meeting to discuss how best to resolve this issue and ensure that members are properly remunerated in line with the law.
    4. 



7. Get in Touch – We Can Help


Contact us if:


    

  • You think your holiday pay is wrong
    • 

  • You want help checking your payslips
    • 

  • You’ve worked overtime and want to know your rights
    • 



Email Barnet UNISON at: contactus@barnetunison.org.uk


We are gathering information and may take collective action where members have been underpaid.


Know Your Rights. Get What You’re Owed.


You’ve earned it. Make sure you’re paid fairly — even when you’re on holiday.


Holiday Pay & Overtime – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


 


1. I work overtime — should that be included in my holiday pay?


Yes — if you regularly work overtime, your holiday pay should reflect your normal average earnings, not just your basic contracted hours.


 


2. What counts as “regular” overtime?


“Regular” means any overtime that happens consistently or predictably, even if it’s voluntary. If it forms a normal part of your working pattern, it should be included.


 


3. What if my overtime is voluntary — does that still count?


Yes — courts have confirmed that regular voluntary overtime must be included in holiday pay if it’s worked often enough to become part of your normal pay (see Flowers v East of England Ambulance Trust).


 


4. How many weeks of my leave should include this enhanced pay?


At least 4 weeks per year of your annual leave must reflect your normal pay, including overtime. This is a legal minimum. Contractual leave above this may be paid at basic rate.


 


5. How is the holiday pay calculated?


It should be based on your average weekly earnings over the previous 52 paid weeks, including any overtime, bonuses, or allowances you normally receive.


 


6. How can I tell if I’ve been underpaid?


Look at your payslips during periods when you were on leave:


    

  • Was your pay lower than usual?
    • 

  • Was there no separate line for “holiday pay enhancement”?
    
If yes, you may have been underpaid.
    • 



 


7. Can I claim back pay if I was underpaid?


Yes — you may be entitled to up to 2 years’ back pay, but you must act quickly. Legal claims must be made within 3 months of the last underpayment.


 


8. I didn’t know about this before — am I out of time?


It depends. If you recently became aware of the issue or took leave recently, you may still be in time to raise a claim. Contact us for advice.


 


9. What should I do if I think I’ve been underpaid?


Email Barnet UNISON at: contactus@barnetunison.org.uk

We can help you check your payslips, raise it with your employer, and explore options for claiming what you’re owed.


 


10. 1 Does this apply to agency or casual workers?


It depends on your working pattern. If you have a pattern of regular overtime or consistent work weeks, you may still be entitled to holiday pay based on average earnings. Contact us for specific advice.


UNISON is here to make sure you’re paid fairly — even when you’re on holiday.


Barnet UNISON – Fighting for Fair Pay.


 

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
UNISON comment on Barnet Council Pension Fund Agenda Item 17
		
		
 
	
		Austerity, News, Pensions, Report, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			
On Wednesday 2 April 2025 at Barnet Council Pension Fund Agenda item 17 “Rectification of situation pertaining to prepayments and subsequent repayments between the Council and the Pension Fund”


Source: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/b41611/Supplemetary%20Agenda%2002nd-Apr-2025%2019.00%20Pension%20Fund%20Committee.pdf?T=9


Below are UNISON comments on the issues contained within the above report:


1. Unlawful Prepayment:


A prepayment of £20,477,000 made in 2020 may have been unlawful. While legal in principle, there’s no documentation showing it was authorised under the Council’s scheme of delegation or approved by any council committee or the Pension Fund Committee. This indicates a serious lack of internal control and proper authorisation.


2. Additional Payments and Repayments:


There were issues with additional payments and repayments between the Council and the Pension Fund, described as “unlawful payments into and out of the Barnet Pension Fund”.


The report discusses options for rectifying this, indicating that the initial actions were incorrect.


3. Lack of Documentation:


The inability to find documentation for the prepayment raises concerns about record-keeping and financial oversight


4. Risk of Tax Implications:


There’s a potential risk of tax liabilities arising from the various rectification options. The council is seeking clarification from HMRC, but the advice received indicates they are proceeding at their own risk.


5. Governance Concerns: The report highlights concerns about governance and the need to clarify the separation between the Pension Fund and the council as an employer.


In summary, the report reveals significant financial mismanagement issues, including potentially unlawful payments, inadequate documentation, and tax risks.


You can listen to the discussion at the start of the meeting here https://aisapps.mediasite.com/AuditelScheduler/Player/Index/?id=9441bcf4-2e3b-41f0-9fe0-7546f554ceaa&presID=588094cfbe6449019e339905e96970fa1d


The next Pension Fund Committee is 16 June 2025



			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
Depot workers welcome guest speaker on Injuries at Work
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Disability, Health and Safety, Local, Repairs, Report, Solidarity, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


Barnet UNISON depot workers welcomed special guest speaker from Thompson’s Solicitors.


The guest speaker spoke about the free services for UNISON members provided by Thompsons.


The main part of the discussion was around reporting accidents at work.


Depot work environment. 


In any depot, where loading and unloading, bending and stretching defines the day, the importance of reporting accidents cannot be overstated.


For depot workers, whose labour is physically demanding, even seemingly minor incidents can have significant consequences. A sprained ankle dismissed as a “little twist,” or a cut brushed off as a “scratch,” can escalate into serious, long-term health issues if left unreported.


Reporting accidents is not about assigning blame; it’s about safeguarding wellbeing. It’s about creating a culture where a worker feels empowered to speak up without fear of reprisal. When an accident is reported, it triggers a chain of events designed to prevent recurrence. It allows for a thorough investigation, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective measures. This not only protects the individual involved but also their colleagues, fostering a safer working environment for everyone.


Moreover, prompt reporting ensures access to necessary medical attention and support. Early intervention can significantly reduce recovery time and prevent complications. Ignoring an injury can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even permanent disability, impacting not only a worker’s livelihood but also their quality of life.


Ultimately, reporting accidents is a fundamental act of self-preservation. It’s an acknowledgment that a worker’s health and safety are paramount, and that their wellbeing matters. In the demanding environment of a manual depot, where physical resilience is crucial, reporting every incident, no matter how small, is a vital step towards ensuring a safe and healthy working life.


Barnet UNISON will use our #DepotWednesday meetings to remind and encourage our members to work safely and report, report and report.


End.

			

		

		
		


	
		
			
	

		
		
“Withdraw the compulsory redundancies”: £7,804,000
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Disability, Health and Safety, Housing, Local, News, Pensions, Recruitment, Repairs, Report, Schools, Solidarity, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet	



	
		

			
		
					

			


Before our members read this article. It is important to note that there is no detriment to the best of our knowledge to the Pension Scheme because of the unlawful actions identified in the report going to Full Council on Tuesday 28 January 2025. This is confirmed in paragraph 10.2 of the report.


“It should also be emphasised that as the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a defined benefit scheme there is no impact as a result of these transactions on members’ benefits.”


 


What has happened?


UNISON has only recently discovered that something unlawful has taken place involving payments to the Council’s Pension Scheme.


The matter was first publicly discussed Pension Fund Committee – Tuesday 14th January 2025 7.00 pm. 


You can listen to the discussion by clicking on the link below. You need to scroll 1 hour and 6 minutes to hear the discussion about the unlawful payments.


https://aisapps.mediasite.com/AuditelScheduler/Player/Index/?id=a1c6cfd1-5311-44ae-94fa-6aff99b35ae6&presID=11f4679ca075408d948fb7b34a51a1811d


 


The next piece of critical information came to our attention when the reports were published for the Full Council on Tuesday 28 January 2025. 


One damning paragraph stands out:


“5.2.1 After taking advice, and based on the information available the Monitoring Officer and the Section151 Officer are of the view that the Additional Payments and the Repayments were unlawful.” 


Source: Report to all Elected members of London Borough of Barnet Under Section 5(2)(a) of the local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Section 114 (2)(a) Local Government Finance Act 1988 By Jessica Farmer Monitoring Officer and Kevin Bartle Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer).


https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s87758/Appendix%20A%20joint%20report%20S5S114.pdf


The report uses the term unlawful ten times unlawfully once and unlawfulness once.


It is a shocking report.


UNISON recommends that members read the above report that is being discussed at Council meeting.


The two paragraphs set out what happened:


“4.2 The Council (acting as a scheme employer) made a one-off prepayment of £20,477,000 to the Fund in April 2020 (“the Prepayment”) instead of secondary contributions for the years 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23. This was because the Council was advised that a Prepayment would save the Council money compared  with making secondary contributions over three years. The Council received leading counsel’s advice, which was taken without reference to the Monitoring Officer, that making the Prepayment was lawful in principle.”


“4.4 After the Prepayment, the Council continued to make periodic payments of (in effect) secondary contributions for the three financial years 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 (“Additional Payments”). These were made contrary to the Rates and adjustments Certificate. In effect, the Additional Payments would duplicate the Prepayment, and so officers also arranged that the Fund would repay most of the Additional Payment back to the Council in three annual repayments (“Repayments”). Because of a lack of documentation and staff turnover, the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer have not been able to understand clearly when or why the Additional Payments and Repayments were arranged. As far as the Monitoring Officer and current Section 151 Officer can tell, the most likely explanation is that, at the time, officers believed that the outcome of these fund flows would be advantageous for the Council in accounting terms, while not being disadvantageous to the Fund. In any event, the Additional Payments were made and two of the three planned Repayments have also been made: £6,508,000 in October 2020 and £7,574,000 in October 2021.”


For those of us who are not financial experts the two paragraphs explain that not only was an unlawful payment of £20,477,000 made into the Pension Fund but that a further three payments were made of the next three years which resulted in effect in a double payment into the Pension Fund. Towards the end of the final paragraph the Council explains that the Council clawed back two payments back but that once the unlawful payments had been discovered everything was put on hold.


Many of our members reading this report will know that they all are expected to follow Council procedures and understand what happens if you don’t follow. Many of our members will be wondering about who has the powers to authorise spend. The responsibilities for senior managers are set out in what is referred to as the Scheme of Delegation which you can read on the Council website here https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s24780/Appendix%20D%20-%20Scheme%20of%20Delegated%20Authority%20to%20Officers.pdf


There are a number of questions UNISON has about how this could happen, but our immediate concern is in regard to the numerous redundancy consultations taking place.


£7.8million is a lot of money that is owed to the Council.


At this moment in time the Council is coming to a close on a number of redundancy consultations which, if confirmed, are going to mean staff will be made redundant. Vacancies will be deleted in teams where there is already increasing pressure on the workforce to deliver more with less resources and to work in a job where their pay has failed to keep up with the cost-of-living crisis.


It is UNISON’s understanding, and we would be happy to publicly correct it if we have misunderstood the report above, that Barnet Council is attempting to find a way to retrieve £7,804,000 back from the Council’s Pension Fund.


£7,804,000 is a lot of money and it is UNISON’s view that if this money were back in the Council’s bank account, then it could be used to mitigate some of the redundancies/cuts to public services which are about to be signed off by Barnet Council.


In the meantime, we have several questions.


    

  1. Was there a scheme of delegation for the Pension Fund?
    2. 

  2. If not, why not?
    3. 

  3. Who made the decision to make the prepayment?
    4. 

  4. Who decided to make the decision to subsequently carry on with payments that the prepayment was intended to cover?
    5. 

  5. Who can authorise a payment of up to £20million
    6. 

  6. What was the cost of the initial legal advice in 2020?
    7. 

  7. Who has authority to seek counsel’s opinion
    8. 

  8. Who did seek counsel’s opinion in this case?
    9. 

  9. Was counsel’s opinion seen by the monitoring officer?
    10. 

  10. If yes what was their opinion, if not why not?
    11. 

  11. Was the scheme was initiated by the council acting as the fund or as the employer i.e. did the pension fund ask them to do it?
    12. 

  12. What has been the total cost of legal advice and tax advice taken so far?
    13. 

  13. Has anyone been subject to a disciplinary investigation?
    14. 



 


Recommendations: 


As a result of the breaking news UNISON is demanding the following:


    

  1. The redundancies are withdrawn in anticipation that the monies owed can mitigate the need to make the redundancies in this year.
    2. 



 


 

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
UNISON response to Barnet Council’s Restructure Proposals 2024/25
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, ASSIST, Austerity, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Care & Support, Disability, H&S, Local, News, Report, Solidarity, TBG Flex, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet	



	
		

			
		
					

			
Barnet UNISON has, since September 2024, proposed financial savings which we believe should be tried before any of these other posts are deleted. To date we have had no response and instead our members’ jobs and services are now at risk.


Please see our budget saving recommendations below:




To view our report please click on the link below


UNISON response to Barnet Councils Restructure Proposals 2024


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/UNISON-response-to-Barnet-Councils-Restructure-Proposals-2024.pdf


 


 


 


 


 

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
“Three Chief Executives and one plumber”: The unfinished story
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Barnet Group, Barnet Homes, Libraries, Local, News, Report, Solidarity, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


Week One of Barnet Council redundancy consultation has ended with six restructures across the Council with more to follow next week.


Barnet UNISON has published several articles where we believe there are savings to be made before any services are stopped or staff dismissed.


Please see the articles published to date below.


UPDATED: Barnet Council the Tale of “Three Chief Executives and one plumber”


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/10/18/barnet-council-the-tale-of-three-chief-executives-and-one-plumber/


 


No stone left unturned” Number 1: Update on Barnet Council Agency Spend.


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/11/25/no-stone-left-unturned-number-1-update-of-barnet-council-agency-spend/


 


“No stone left unturned” Number 2: CEO The Barnet Group & Plumber with oncosts.


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/11/25/no-stone-left-unturned-number-2-ceo-the-barnet-group-plumber-with-oncosts/


 


“No stone left unturned” Number 3: Does it make sense to have a Barnet Council CEO & CEO The Barnet Group.


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/11/25/no-stone-left-unturned-number-3-does-it-make-sense-to-have-a-barnet-council-ceo-ceo-the-barnet-group/


 


“No stone left unturned” Number 4: What about the senior management review?


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/11/25/no-stone-left-unturned-number-4-what-about-the-senior-management-review/


 


 “No stone left unturned” What is The Barnet Group (TBG)? Number 5: Part One


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/11/15/part-one-who-is-the-barnet-group/


 


“No stone left unturned” What is The Barnet Group (TBG)? Number 6: Part Two


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/11/15/9925/


 


 


“No stone left unturned” What is The Barnet Group (TBG)? Number 7: Part Three


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/11/15/part-three-who-is-the-barnet-group/


 


“No stone left Unturned No 8: “Fixing the foundations or looking after corporate big businesses?”


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/12/04/no-stone-left-unturned-no-8-fixing-the-foundations-or-looking-after-corporate-big-businesses/


 


 


No stone left unturned No 9: Bah Humbug “Withdrawal of Tea and Coffee.


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/12/04/no-stone-left-unturned-no-9-bah-humbug-withdrawal-of-tea-and-coffee/


 


“No stone left unturned” Number 10: Barnet Homes the elephant in the room.


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/12/04/no-stone-left-unturned-number-10-barnet-homes-the-elephant-in-the-room/


 


 “No stone left unturned” Number 11: We got to talk Capita


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/12/04/no-stone-left-unturned-number-11-we-got-to-talk-capita/


 


“No stone left unturned” Number 12: Service Pressures


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/12/04/no-stone-left-unturned-number-12-service-pressures/


 


“No stone left unturned” Number 13: Economies of scale.


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2024/12/10/no-stone-left-unturned-number-13-economies-of-scale/


 


End.

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
“No stone left unturned” Number 12: Service Pressures
		
		
 
	
		Austerity, Libraries, Local, News, Report, Solidarity, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


 




UNISON comment:


We have produced a graphic to show how service pressures appear to be driving the financial crisis.


What is surprising is the pace the figures are changing.


For Barnet UNISON members who are now aware about the Budget setting process, the Council must present and pass a lawful budget each year.


Once of the financial considerations when setting a lawful budget is to consider the risks such as service pressures on the budget. For example, Adult Social Care (Communities, Adults and Health) is always under pressure due to demand. UNISON understands financial information is provided to senior managers and they must make a decision as to what level of service pressures their budget is likely to have for following years.


In the case of Adult Social Care if you look at the first table at the top of the graphic which was agreed at the Council Budget Meeting on 1 March 2022, Adult Social Care was forecasting services pressures of £3.2 million in 2023/24 and £2.2 million in £2.22024/25 and another £2.2million for 25/26.


If you look at the second table showing a year later, which was agreed at the Council Budget Meeting on 28 February 2024, there are changes. Adults Social Care has changed their forecast from £2.2million to £22.3million. That is a massive increase. However, in the same table Adults Social Care forecast that service pressures for 2025/26 will only be £87,000.


Now look at table three. This table is going to Cabinet Committee on 5 December 2024. Adults Social Care has revised its service pressure from £87,000 to £23.7million for 2025/26.  


Below is a list of questions which UNISON has requested a response.


1.Is the right financial information being made available to inform decision makers?


1.1 When the financial information is being produced is the most up to date service demand properly understood and considered?


2. Do the decision makers understand the information being made available?


2.1 Do service managers promptly identify and prioritise action plan to mitigate service pressures?


3.How can the service pressures being agreed at Council Committee meetings be so wrong?


4.How can service pressures be relied on going forward to support a legal budget?


 


End. 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

			

		

		
		


	

			  

					1
2
3
…
21