Dozens of protesters gathered outside Hendon Town Hall to demonstrate their fury over Barnet Council’s outsourcing plans last night.

Barnet Alliance for Public Services (BAPS) carried placards condemning the authority’s One Barnet Programme which intends to outsource council services to private companies.

More than 20 representatives listened eagerly as Councillor Alison Moore, leader of the Labour group, called for a referendum on the controversial programme.

Cllr Moore said: “Residents have not even been formally asked if they agree with it.

“It is quite literally a gamble of £1billion of tax payers’ money.”

“It is not too late to pull back and have a rethink. It is not too late to ask residents what they think.”

As she urged Cabinet members to “stop think and listen”, chants of “referendum” bellowed from the public gallery.

BAPS members also attempted to hold out posters and placards before being asked to calm down.

Speaking in defence of the scheme, leader of the council, Councillor Richard Cornelius said: “I do not believe the financial risks are large.

“Actually it is a thoroughly good plan.

“The name incites fury but it is simple – we cooperate with other authorities to drive down the administrative cost and to produce a better service.”

But Cllr Jack Cohen warned: “It’s a dagger in the heart of democracy.”

Despite the pleas from the public gallery, the referendum was voted against.

Speaking after the meeting, BAPS members Bob and Barbara Jacobson spoke of their disappointment.

Mrs Jacobson, of Greenway Close, Totteridge, said: “The council has not really informed residents about the full implications of One Barnet.

“We as residents are gagged – we have no say in this programme.

“I’m concerned that they cannot prove that outsourcing is really going to be answer to the budgetary problems. I’m also concerned that the outsourcing will take jobs out of Barnet and that is bad for our economy.”