The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026, with the meeting being held in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall. The meeting was webcast live and members of the public could attend in the public gallery.

The council noted the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation 2025 report, which detailed the quality and impact of services for children and families in the borough. Councillors also debated and voted on three motions with notice. The first motion, concerning the recognition of the British West India Regiment and Global Majority Service Personnel, was carried. An amendment to this motion, proposed by Councillor Ben Suter, was debated and subsequently lost. The other two motions, regarding Controlled Parking Zones and Greater Transparency in Housing Allocations and Waiting Times, were deferred to the next meeting due to time constraints.

Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation 2025

The council noted the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation 2025 report, which provided an overview of the services provided to children and families in Barking and Dagenham. Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, presented the report, highlighting areas of strength and improvement.

The report detailed the council's approach to leadership, noting the stability and experience of the leadership team, and their commitment to continuous improvement through the CARES Academy. Partnership working was described as well-embedded, with strong relationships across agencies, particularly within the Barking and Dagenham Safeguarding Children Partnership (BDSCP). The workforce was described as equipped and effective, with improvements in recruitment, retention, and a reduction in agency staff use.

The report highlighted that early help services have been strengthened, with a 12% growth in children receiving early help over the last three years. While the number of children on child protection plans remains high, this is attributed to factors such as population growth, deprivation, and better identification of neglect. The report stated that repeat child protection plan levels remain low and below the London average.

For children in care, the report noted a reduction in the number of children entering care and a decline in the overall rate of children in care. The council expressed pride in its foster carer recruitment and support, and the success of the Mockingbird Hub model. Education and wellbeing outcomes for children in care were reported as above national averages. However, placement stability was identified as an area for improvement, and the council is working to address the drivers behind placement breakdown. The use of unregistered provision was highlighted as a priority, with detailed plans in place to prevent and cease its use.

The report also detailed the support provided to care leavers, noting that more young people are choosing to remain connected to services into adulthood. Outcomes for care leavers in education, employment, and training, as well as in suitable accommodation, were reported as higher than the national average.

Areas for improvement identified in the self-evaluation included the timeliness of strategy meetings and assessments, the use of risk tools, and the need for more consistent safety and contingency planning. The report also noted the ongoing work to address the use of unregistered provision and to improve placement stability.

Motions With Notice

Recognising the British West India Regiment and Global Majority Service Personnel

Councillor Ingrid Robinson, Deputy Chair of Personnel Board and Labour Group Chair, moved a motion to formally acknowledge the British West India Regiment and the service of Global Majority Service Personnel. Councillor Robinson highlighted the historical contributions of the British West India Regiment in both World Wars and emphasised the importance of including all who served, regardless of race or background, in remembrance. She noted Barking and Dagenham's diverse population and the need for black and brown children to be aware of their ancestors' service.

Councillor Robinson's motion was seconded by Councillor Sade Bright.

Councillor Ben Suter, Leader of the Opposition and Reform UK Group, moved an amendment to the motion. Councillor Suter's amendment sought to broaden the recognition to include Gurkha regiments and to ensure that all military compensation is disregarded as income when assessing applications for local authority benefits, such as Council Tax Support and Disabled Facilities Grants. Councillor George Miller seconded the amendment.

Following a debate and vote, the amendment was lost. The substantive motion was then put to a vote and carried.

Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs)

Councillor Ben Suter, Leader of the Opposition and Reform UK Group, moved a motion requesting that the council pause the expansion of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) pending a full review. The motion highlighted concerns raised by residents about the impact of CPZs on various groups, including disabled residents, older people, and businesses. It called for a review of existing CPZs to assess their effectiveness, impact, and public support, with findings to be reported to members and subsequently to Cabinet.

Councillor Suter's motion was seconded by Councillor Alexandra Arnautu.

Greater Transparency in Housing Allocations and Waiting Times

Councillor Ben Suter, Leader of the Opposition and Reform UK Group, moved a motion requesting that Cabinet publish an annual Housing Register and Allocations Report. The motion highlighted the significant demand for social housing in the borough and the need for transparency in the allocation process. It proposed that the report should include data on the total number of households on the Housing Register, new applications, lettings completed, average waiting times, households in temporary accommodation, and new affordable and social rented homes delivered.

Councillor Suter's motion was seconded by Councillor Alexandra Arnautu.

Due to time constraints, both the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) motion and the Greater Transparency in Housing Allocations and Waiting Times motion were deferred to the next meeting.

The meeting concluded at 9:25 pm.