The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Friday 22 May 2026 to discuss a range of important matters, including the appointment of the Mayor and Leader of the Council, the formation of political groups, and the allocation of seats on various committees and bodies for the upcoming municipal year. The meeting also included discussions on the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 and the noting of minutes from previous meetings.

Appointment of The Mayor and Leader of the Council

The meeting agenda included the scheduled appointment of The Mayor of Barking and Dagenham for the 2026/27 municipal year, who would also serve as the Chair of the Full Council. Following this, nominations were invited for the position of Leader of the Council. The Leader of the Council was then expected to announce the appointment of the Cabinet.

Appointments to the Political Structure and Other Bodies

The Appointments to the Political Structure and Other Bodies 2026/27 report was presented. This report outlined the proposed allocation of seats on various Council committees and other internal and external bodies for the upcoming municipal year, ensuring political balance in line with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The report detailed the proposed distribution of seats across the Labour, Green, and Reform UK parties for committees such as Planning, Licensing and Regulatory, and Overview and Scrutiny.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2026/27

The Members' Allowances Scheme 2026/27 report was presented for decision. This report detailed proposals for the Basic Allowance payable to all councillors and Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for those holding specific positions. The scheme proposed an increase of 3.2% to these allowances, aligning with the Local Government Services Pay Agreement for the preceding year. The report also addressed the re-introduction of elected Members' entitlement to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and proposed adjustments to the Mayor's allowance to accommodate this, splitting it into a Special Responsibility Allowance and a Mayor's Purse. Other allowances, including those for co-opted members, travelling, subsistence, and dependants' carers, were also reviewed.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The Council was scheduled to confirm the minutes of several previous meetings: the Assembly on 25 February 2026, the Ceremonial Council on 16 May 2025, and the Extraordinary Ceremonial Council on 24 September 2025. Additionally, the minutes of the JNC Appointments, Salaries and Structures Panel held on 13 April 2026 were to be noted.

Young Mayor 2026/27

The meeting agenda included a note regarding the election of Iannis Bonciu as the Young Mayor of Barking and Dagenham for 2026/27 by the Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum.

Formation of Groups and Mayor's Announcements

The Chief Executive was scheduled to announce the formation of political groups for the purposes of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990. The Mayor was also expected to make their announcements during the meeting.

Urgent and Private Business

The agenda included provisions for any other public items that the Chair might deem urgent. It also outlined the process for considering confidential or exempt items, though it was noted that there were no such items at the time of preparing the agenda.