Consultation has begun on the council’s contract on outsourced services, but Barnet Unison have hit back against the expensive use of continued outsourcing.

The contract with Re Ltd, a joint venture between Barnet Council and Capita Business Services, will see services including environmental health and Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium.

But Barnet Unison members said Re is “more bureaucratic” than the council and that actual payments spent on Re contracts has been more than planned over the last two years.

Barnet Unison branch secretary John Burgess said: “The most alarming concern has been the difference between the planned payments to Re and the actual payments to Re.”

Figures from Barnet Unison show that £9.37 million more than planned was spent on the Re contract in 2015-16, and £8.96 million more than planned was been spent in 2016-17 year-to-date.

Barnet Council, however, have said the contract is saving the council an average of £4 million for each year of the ten year contract.

Leader of the Council Cllr Richard Cornelius said: “This review is an opportunity to pause and reflect on these services and decide which parts of the contract are performing well and giving us good value for money and where there is room for improvement.

“As taxpayers, it’s important residents have an opportunity to give us their views. The review will make sure the services being provided are fit for purpose, both now and in the future, as demand on our services changes."

Barnet Unison have also criticised Capita's drop in share prices after they crashed out of the FTSE 100 at the end of last year, and say they have a high staff turnover due to “inferior” terms and conditions for staff.

The deadline for submission of written statements and requests is 10am on Thursday, 20 April, to be presented to a meeting on Tuesday, 25 April.