I am confronting the same issue. My renewal month is November, so once I received the new cards I called Barclays and asked about a fee waiver for the upcoming year. While the rep indicated that they do have a retention program, she wouldn't be able to help me until the fee is actually billed, which will be the November cycle.

On a related point, I also have a Citi Amex AA Advantage card, where the fee was just billed. I called to ask about a waiver, and the retention specialist told me that he couldn't do that, but offered to refund the fee if I made three purchase over the succeeding 90 days. There is no minimum purchase requirement.

I wouldn't be surprised if Barclays offers something similar.