The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026, discussing a range of important issues including the council's treasury management, the external auditor's annual report, and the self-evaluation of children's care and support services. Key decisions included the approval of the Treasury Management Annual Review for 2025/26 and the noting of the External Auditor's Annual Report for 2024/25.

Treasury Management Annual Review 2025/26

Councillor Rocky Gill, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented the Treasury Management Annual Review for 2025/26. The report detailed the council's borrowing and investment positions, noting that overall borrowing stood at over £1.6 billion, with the majority attributed to the Investment Acquisition Strategy (IAS), now known as the Strategic Commercial Asset Management Vehicle. The average interest rate on this borrowing was 3.36%, with an average loan duration of just over 16 years. The report also highlighted the council's investment portfolio, totalling over £472 million. Councillor Gill assured members that IAS borrowing is a separate investment vehicle and does not impact the general fund, thus protecting frontline services. The council's borrowing position was within its authorised limit of £2.2 billion. The council recommended approving the review, noting the capital financing prudential indicators, borrowing and investment positions, and the general fund treasury surplus return of £389,000.

External Auditor's Annual Report 2024/25

Councillor Rocky Gill also presented the External Auditor's Annual Report for 2024/25, prepared by Grant Thornton. The report acknowledged significant progress made by the council in strengthening financial reporting and governance, while also identifying areas for continued improvement. A disclaimed audit opinion was issued for the 2024/25 fiscal year council and pension fund accounts, reflecting the impact of statutory audit backstop arrangements and historic audit delays, rather than concerns about the council's overall financial viability. Grant Thornton noted that the council is moving in the right direction and has made progress in addressing prior year recommendations, particularly in areas of financial sustainability and governance. However, weaknesses remain in transformation planning, finance capacity, subsidiary company performance, and procurement. The report highlighted that the council is currently non-compliant with several aspects of the Procurement Act 2023 and lacks a formal procurement strategy.

Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation 2025

Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, presented the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation for 2025. The report detailed significant improvements in children's services, noting a stable and experienced leadership team, effective multi-agency partnerships, and a well-equipped workforce. The CARES Academy training programme was highlighted as a key initiative for staff development, and caseloads were reported to be manageable and below national averages. The report indicated strong outcomes for children in care, with above-average results in education and improved emotional wellbeing. However, placement stability and the use of unregistered provision were identified as areas requiring further attention. The council is developing its own children's homes to address sufficiency issues. The report also detailed positive outcomes for care leavers, with higher proportions in education, employment, or training, and in suitable accommodation compared to national averages.

Motions With Notice

The council debated and voted on a motion regarding Recognising the British West India Regiment and Global Majority Service Personnel. An amendment proposed by Councillor Ben Suter, which included recognition for Gurkha regiments and proposed changes to the treatment of Disabled Facilities Grants for veterans, was debated and subsequently lost. The substantive motion, which called for the council to work with the British West India Regiment Heritage Trust to develop educational resources, formally acknowledge the regiment in Black History Month and Remembrance Sunday programmes, and explore a permanent civic tribute, was carried. Two other motions, concerning Controlled Parking Zones and Greater Transparency in Housing Allocations and Waiting Times, were deferred to a future meeting due to time constraints.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking attendees and declaring the meeting closed at 9:25 pm.