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Annual Meeting, Full Council - Friday, 22 May 2026 7:00 pm
May 22, 2026 at 7:00 pm Full Council View on council websiteSummary
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The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Friday 22 May 2026, approving the appointment of Councillor Manzoor Hussain as Mayor for the 2026/27 municipal year and electing Councillor Dominic Twomey as Leader of the Council for a four-year term. The meeting also saw the approval of the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27, which includes a 3.2% increase to basic and special responsibility allowances.
Appointment of Mayor and Leader
Councillor Manzoor Hussain was appointed as the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham for the 2026/27 municipal year. Following this, Councillor Dominic Twomey was elected as the Leader of the Council for a four-year term, a decision that was proposed by Councillor Saima Ashraf and seconded by Councillor Maureen Worby. The Leader then announced his Cabinet appointments, including Councillor Saima Ashraf as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Business and Engagement, and Councillor Maureen Worby as Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care and Health.
Members' Allowances Scheme 2026/27
The Full Council approved the Members' Allowances Scheme for the 2026/27 municipal year. This scheme includes a 3.2% increase to both the Basic Allowance, payable to all councillors, and Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for those holding specific positions. This uplift aligns with the Local Government Services Pay Agreement for the preceding year. The scheme also addresses the re-introduction of elected members' entitlement to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from 11 May 2026. As part of the revised governance arrangements, the Mayor, who also chairs the Full Council, will receive an SRA of £11,714, with a Mayor's Purse of £3,574, totalling £15,288. The scheme also details allowances for travelling, subsistence, and dependants' carers, with the latter adjusted in line with the London Living Wage. The total estimated budget requirement for the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 is £1.15 million, excluding on-costs. The decision was made following a recorded vote, with 36 councillors voting in favour and 13 against.
Appointments to Political Structure and Other Bodies
The council approved appointments to various committees and other internal and external bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year, ensuring political balance in line with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Authority was also delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with group leaders, to fill any remaining vacant positions.
Formation of Political Groups
The Chief Executive announced the formation of the following political groups: the Labour Group, with 38 members led by Councillor Dominic Twomey; the Reform UK Group, with nine members led by Councillor Ben Suter; and the Green Party Group, with four members led by Councillor Moin Quadri.
Other Business
The minutes of previous meetings, including the Assembly on 25 February 2026 and Ceremonial Council meetings on 16 May 2025 and 24 September 2025, were confirmed as correct. The council also noted the appointment of Iannis Bonciu as the Young Mayor for 2026/27, following his election by the Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum. The Mayor also made announcements regarding his Mayoress, consort, religious advisor, chosen charities (Prostate Cancer UK and Adanna Women's Group), and the Annual Civic Celebration on 19 June. The minutes of the JNC Appointments, Salaries and Structures Panel held on 13 April 2026 were also noted.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Members' Allowances Scheme 2026/27
ApprovedThe Full Council decided to approve the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 on 22 May 2026. The scheme includes a 3.2% increase to Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances, an updated Dependants' Carers' Allowance linked to the London Living Wage, and allows councillors to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
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Members' Allowances Scheme 2026/27
ApprovedThe Full Council approved the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 on 22 May 2026.
The Cabinet approved the procurement of electrical testing services for domestic and communal areas on 21 April 2026. This includes a maximum four-year contract estimated at £6.329m, with remedial works to ensure compliance.
The Cabinet approved in principle the creation of a multi-sports hub at May & Baker Sports Club on 21 April 2026. This will utilise the Football Foundation Hubs Programme grant for design stages and secure external funding for redevelopment or refurbishment.
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The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council decided to appoint Councillor Princess Bright as Mayor for the 2025/26 municipal year on 22 May 2026. The Council also noted the appointment of Raspreet Singh as Young Mayor for 2025/26.
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The Ceremonial Council of Barking and Dagenham Council resolved to award Honorary Freedom of the Borough to the Dagenham Girl Pipers on 24 September 2025. The Ceremonial Council also resolved to confer the title of Honorary Alderwoman on Jeanne Alexander.
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The Full Council decided to approve appointments to various council committees and other bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year on 22/05/2026. The Chief Executive was delegated authority to fill any remaining vacant positions in consultation with group leaders.
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