Barnet Council awards £586,000 contract to Finchley learning disabilities charity
Two-year extension for Barnet Mencap will fund preventative support to reduce adult social care demand
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Barnet Council has extended its contract with Barnet Mencap, a charity supporting residents with learning disabilities and autism. The two-year agreement, 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.
Why the contract was extended
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Council officers described Barnet Mencap’s services as an essential part of the council’s preventative and early intervention provision. The charity’s work aims to reduce or delay the need for residents with learning disabilities or autism to access adult social care. This is achieved by improving resilience, health and wellbeing, while promoting independence and social inclusion.
The 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 to manage budget shortfalls. Rising demand for adult social care has contributed to these challenges, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service in April.
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
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What Barnet Mencap provides
Barnet Mencap, based on Hendon Lane in Finchley, has operated since 1965. Originally known as the Barnet Society for Mentally Handicapped Children, the charity now supports adults with learning disabilities and autism. Its services include employment support, information and advice, supported living and holidays.
The charity also runs an autism hub, which helps individuals access services, social activities and support options. Barnet Mencap states its vision is to help people with learning disabilities live fully, with choice and control over their lives, ensuring dignity and opportunity.
What happens next
The contract extension will take effect from 1 September 2026. No further council approval is required for the funding allocation. Barnet Mencap will continue to deliver its existing services under the new agreement. Residents seeking support can contact the charity directly through its Hendon Lane office or via its website.
Questions this report answers
+How much is Barnet Council spending on the Barnet Mencap contract?
Barnet Council is allocating £586,000 to extend its contract with Barnet Mencap. The funding covers the period from September 2026 to August 2028, supporting services for residents with learning disabilities and autism.
+Who made the decision to extend the contract?
Dawn Wakeling, Barnet Council’s executive director of communities, adults and health, made the decision on 30 July 2026. The extension was approved without requiring further council committee approval.
+What services does Barnet Mencap provide?
Barnet Mencap offers employment support, information and advice, supported living, holidays and an autism hub. Its services aim to improve independence, social inclusion and wellbeing for people with learning disabilities and autism in Barnet.
+Why did Barnet Council extend the contract?
Council officers described the charity’s work as essential for preventing or delaying the need for adult social care. The extension aligns with the council’s focus on early intervention and reducing long-term costs, particularly amid financial pressures.
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