The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 16 June 2026, approving a provisional outturn report for the financial year 2025/26, which showed a small overspend of £0.278m on the General Fund, to be covered by reserves. The meeting also saw the approval of the establishment of the Affordable Family Homes Development Programme, aiming to deliver 47 new social rent homes on council-owned sites.

Key decisions made during the meeting included the adoption of two Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) – one for the Becontree Estate and another for Dagenham Heathway – aimed at guiding future development and preserving heritage. The Cabinet also approved a 30-year lease with artsdepot for the operation of the Broadway Theatre, securing its future as a cultural asset. Furthermore, the CCTV Strategy 2026-2030 was adopted to enhance community safety, and the Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy 2026-28 was approved to ensure fair and proportionate enforcement. The meeting also covered the Treasury Management Annual Review for 2025/26, noting a General Fund treasury surplus of £0.389m, and reviewed the positive impact of the Social Value in Procurement policy. Updates on Council-owned companies were provided, and agreements were made regarding the Cross Council Assurance Service Framework Agreement and the procurement of a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider.

Provisional Outturn Report for the Financial Year 2025/26

The Cabinet noted that the General Fund provisional outturn for the financial year 2025/26 was an overspend of £0.278m against the revised budget. This overspend will be covered by a transfer from the General Reserve, ensuring a balanced outturn position. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was forecast to break even, while the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) showed a net overspend of £4.015m, with 90% expected to be recovered from the government. The performance of the Strategic Commercial Asset Management Delivery Framework was also noted, alongside an underspend of £21.988m on the Capital Programme, with funds to be carried forward to the next financial year.

Affordable Family Homes Development Programme

The Cabinet approved the establishment of the Affordable Family Homes Development Programme, which will deliver approximately 47 family homes at social rent across four council-owned sites: Dagenham Trades Hall/Charlotte Road garage site, Hunters Hall Road garages, Rosslyn Avenue, and Chelmer Crescent. These sites were previously part of the Innovative Sites Programme, but due to a lack of interest from community land trusts, they will now be developed directly by Be First, funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) grant and HRA investment. The programme is considered financially viable and is expected to provide much-needed family housing. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth and Place to procure a construction contractor and manage the appropriation of sites.

Adoption of Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document and Design Code

The Cabinet adopted the Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Design Code. This document provides supplementary policy to the Council's Local Plan 2037, aiming to preserve the heritage of the Becontree Estate, which is recognised as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset. The SPD offers detailed design guidance for residents undertaking alterations to their homes, ensuring these are sympathetic to the estate's character. It will be supported by two Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights for porches and for side and roof extensions on corner plots, which will come into effect in November 2026, subject to further approval.

Adoption of Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document

The Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by the Cabinet. This SPD provides a comprehensive vision for Dagenham Heathway, intended to encourage growth and guide future development and investment. It aims to transform the area into a vibrant and resilient civic heart for Becontree and Dagenham, addressing issues such as poor public realm, a lack of diverse retail, and inadequate transport links. The SPD will be a material consideration in future planning applications within the area.

Broadway Theatre - Appointment of Operator and Lease

The Cabinet agreed to enter into a 30-year Full Repairing and Insuring lease with artsdepot for the future operation of the Broadway Theatre. Artsdepot emerged as the preferred bidder following a competitive tender process and has a strong track record in programming and community engagement. The theatre, which has been closed since January 2024 due to RAAC¹ concerns, is expected to reopen in phases over three years. The Council will seek external capital funding, including from the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL), for improvements to the theatre, and the 30-year lease is crucial for attracting major funders. The lease will be at a peppercorn rent².

CCTV Strategy 2026-2030

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham CCTV Strategy 2026-2030 was adopted. This strategy outlines the framework for the operation, development, and governance of the Council's CCTV provision, aiming to support crime prevention and detection, tackle issues like illegal fly-tipping, and enhance public reassurance. Key priorities include modernising infrastructure, transitioning to digital systems, improving connectivity, making better use of technology, and strengthening governance. The strategy supports a move towards a Smart City approach and includes plans for an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).

Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy 2026-2028

The Cabinet approved the Council's Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy 2026-28. This policy provides a framework for carrying out enforcement activities across the borough in a proportionate, necessary, fair, impartial, evidence-based, consistent, and transparent manner. It applies to a wide range of regulatory services, including environmental health, trading standards, licensing, and housing enforcement. The policy emphasizes achieving compliance through early intervention, advice, and guidance, with formal action reserved for more serious breaches.

Treasury Management Annual Review 2025/26

The Cabinet reviewed the Treasury Management Annual Review for 2025/26. The report noted that total Council borrowing stood at £1,613.3m, with investments totalling £472.5m. The General Fund treasury surplus return was (£0.389m). The Cabinet noted the Capital Financing Prudential Indicators and recommended the Full Council approve the review.

Social Value in Procurement - Impact Report 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the positive impact of the Council's Social Value in Procurement policy during 2025/26. Suppliers committed to supporting local residents through jobs, skills, education, community projects, and environmental improvements. The report highlighted strong results in supporting local people, strengthening the local economy, and improving the environment, including job creation, apprenticeships, practical support for vulnerable residents, and environmental projects like litter picking and tree planting. The Council's wider social impact across other Inclusive Economy sectors was also noted.

Council-Owned Companies - Quarter 3 2025/26 Update

The Cabinet received an update on the performance of Council-owned companies in the third quarter of 2025/26. Issues were raised regarding delays in property handovers affecting Be First and Reside. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth and Place to appoint an alternative contractor for the Roxwell Road scheme and increase the capital budget, provided the scheme's viability is maintained. Updates were also provided on BD Energy and Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership (BDTP).

Cross Council Assurance Service Framework Agreement

The Cabinet agreed that the Council would enter into an Access Agreement with the London Borough of Barnet for the Cross Council Assurance Service (CCAS) framework, providing Audit, Assurance, and Advisory Services. This decision waives the need for a full procurement tender exercise, leveraging the existing framework for value for money and continuity of service. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources to conduct the procurement and award the contract.

Procurement of a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider

The Cabinet agreed that the Council would proceed with the procurement of a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Agreement. This agreement is essential for licensing Microsoft Azure services and ensuring the continued operation of critical Council business applications. The procurement will be conducted via the PS Y23065 Software Products and Associated Services Framework for a 20-month term, aligning with the end date of the current Microsoft Enterprise Agreement to facilitate a single procurement in the future. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources to conduct the procurement and award the contract.