The Barking and Dagenham Council Cabinet met to discuss budgetary matters, approve spending, and review performance reports. They approved the allocation of £4.1 million of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to Queen Mary University London (QMUL) for a dental outreach programme, and also agreed to borrow £2.23 million to upgrade the fire safety system at Barking Industria. Councillors also endorsed a draft Supplementary Planning Document for the Becontree Estate, and agreed to public consultation on it.

Queen Mary University London (QMUL) Dental Outreach Collaborative

The Cabinet approved the allocation of £4.1 million of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to Queen Mary University London (QMUL) for the North East London Dental Outreach Collaborative. This initiative aims to provide dental care to approximately 5,200 residents annually. Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development, noted that the original estimate was 12,000, but a closer look revealed the lower figure. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, clarified that the 5,200 patients could have up to 12,000 appointments.

Councillor Worby emphasised the critical need for dental care in the borough, stating that 65% of 3 to 5-year-olds and 80% of 18 to 34-year-olds lack access to a dentist. She also highlighted the link between oral health and general health, particularly in relation to diabetes. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, praised the initiative as a valuable opportunity for young people, especially given the shortage of dentists in the NHS. Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Climate Change, highlighted that the project represented an excellent and sustainable use of strategic self-funding.

The funding will support a 15-year lease of the top floor of Maritime House in Barking town centre to QMUL, along with necessary building improvements. Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, hailed the partnership with QMUL as a significant step towards making the borough a hub for health research and innovation.

Revenue Budget and Capital Programme Update

The Cabinet reviewed the revenue budget and capital programme update for Period 6, September 2025, as detailed in the Budget Mon P06 Report. The report projected a general fund revenue overspend of £800,000, primarily due to a £400,000 funding reduction in business rate pooling. Mitigations and management actions are being implemented to deliver a balanced budget.

Increased demand for temporary accommodation has put additional pressure on the budget, driving up costs in homes and community by just over £900,000. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is forecast to break even, including a £3 million provision for the introduction of AWAB's law¹. The Dedicated Schools Grant is under pressure, with a £3 million overspend forecast due to demand and placement costs. The capital programme is forecasting an underspend of £23.6 million, with £10.5 million of this within the HRA portfolio.

Councillor Twomey highlighted the importance of monitoring operational risks and ensuring no slippage in savings targets. The council has made strong progress against its built-in savings target of £16.1 million, with over 50% being delivered. The General Fund Reserve is close to the minimum balance of £12 million, currently sitting at £14.9 million, with the majority of reserves earmarked for specific purposes. The Cabinet approved the planned movement in reserves totalling £11 million.

Barking Industria Fire Safety System Upgrade

The Cabinet approved council borrowing of £2.23 million to retrofit the building fire safety system (sprinklers) at Barking Industria, a multi-storey industrial unit in the south of the borough. Councillor Geddes explained that the building currently lacks the high hazard sprinklers needed to allow businesses to fully utilise the space. Without the upgrade, racking is limited to four metres in height, reducing the number of potential tenants.

Councillor Twomey emphasised the importance of maximising income from investments like Industria to stimulate the local economy. The upgrade is intended to increase the building's value and attract more tenants.

12 Thames Road, Barking - Secondary Power and Sprinkler Upgrades

The Cabinet endorsed an interim solution for secondary power at 12 Thames Road, also known as Crossness Yard, and approved an additional budget provision of £3.166 million to meet the projected costs of the interim secondary power solution and upgraded sprinkler system. Councillor Geddes explained that the lack of a secondary power source has prevented occupation of the 156 flats at the site. The interim solution and sprinkler upgrade are intended to address these issues and allow the residential units to be occupied.

Councillor Twomey noted that 77 of the residential units will be leased at London Affordable Rent, and the other 79 units will be leased to B&D reside weavers as discounted market rent. He stressed the importance of proceeding with the project to provide homes for families on the waiting list. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to take legal action to recover costs associated with the secondary power non-compliance issue.

Draft Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document and Design Code Public Consultation

The Cabinet approved the commencement of consultation on the draft Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Design Code. They also approved public consultation on two non-immediate Article 4 Directions to revoke limited permitted development rights in respect of porches and roof and side extensions. Councillor Geddes explained that the aim is to preserve the character of the estate while supporting residents. The Article 4 directions would require planning permission for developments that are currently permitted without it.

Councillor Twomey emphasised the importance of keeping in mind the heritage of the borough and supporting the consultation. The results of the consultation will inform future decisions on the SPD and Article 4 Directions.

Annual Youth Justice Plan 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the Barking and Dagenham Youth Justice Plan 2025/26 and recommended that the Assembly adopt it. Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member, presented the plan, highlighting the challenges faced by the Youth Justice Service, including the borough's high under-19 population, high levels of poverty and deprivation, and significant churn with children moving into the borough.

Despite these challenges, the number of children in custody has continued to reduce, re-offending rates have remained consistent, and there has been a continued reduction in first-time entrants over the last 10 years. Councillor Worby praised the Youth Justice Service for their relentless support and emphasised the importance of the child first, offender second approach. Councillor Syed Ghani welcomed the increased use of volunteers across the service. Councillor Dorothy Akwaboah, Cabinet Assistant, highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with voluntary and community sector organisations.

Annual Housing Performance Report 2024/25

The Cabinet noted the Annual Housing Performance Report 2024/25. Councillor Worby presented the report, noting that the number of households prevented from becoming homeless is on the increase, reflecting the underlying pressure on residents. Overall tenant satisfaction is at 62%, an improvement from 53% last year, but still not considered good enough.

Councillor Worby highlighted improvements in dealing with complaints, with 90% of complaints now being dealt with in time. However, there are still challenges in settling in service and voids turn around. She also noted the increasing pressure on temporary accommodation.

New Service Delivery Contract with Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership Limited

The Cabinet agreed to enter into a new five-year contract with Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership Limited (BDTP) commencing 1 April 2026, for the provision of housing repairs and maintenance, cleaning, and catering services. Councillor Twomey explained that the previous contract had been extended for two years due to concerns about the quality of provision and customer satisfaction. Significant changes have been made within the BDTP leadership, and the company is embarking on a period of transformation.

Councillor Worby emphasised the need for a new contract to provide stability and allow BDTP to redesign service delivery with transparent Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). She stressed the importance of holding BDTP accountable and having the right to go elsewhere if they do not deliver.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 Mid-Year Review

The Cabinet recommended that the Assembly note the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 Mid-Year Review. Councillor Twomey presented the report, outlining the council's current treasury management strategy, total borrowing, total investments, cash flow, and investment income return.

The council's borrowing currently stands at £1.5 billion, with £1.0782 billion related to the Investment and Acquisition Strategy, £295.1 million to the HRA, and £180.4 million to the General Fund. Investments currently stand at £454.4 million. The forecast investment income outturn position showed a shortfall of £1.4 million on the General Fund and £4.3 million on the Investment and Acquisition Strategy.