The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026, addressing a packed agenda that included a review of treasury management, the external auditor's annual report, and a self-evaluation of children's care and support services. Key decisions made included the approval of the Treasury Management Annual Review for 2025/26, noting the council's borrowing and investment positions, and the approval of the External Auditor's Annual Report for 2024/25. The council also noted the Audit and Risk Committee's Annual Report for 2025/26 and approved the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation for 2025. A motion to formally recognise the contributions of the British West India Regiment and global majority service personnel was carried after an amendment was defeated.

Leader's Statement and Mayor's Announcements

The meeting began with apologies for absence and declarations of interest. The Mayor, Councillor Manzoor Hussain, delivered his announcements, highlighting recent engagements and promoting his mayoral charities and fundraising events, including a Gala Night on 14 August and the LBBD Mayor's Poppy Project. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Dominic Twomey, used his statement to express condolences following the tragic murder of Anne Whittacombe, a former public servant. He also touched upon national political changes, including the appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister, and the council's alignment with principles of local empowerment. Councillor Twomey also congratulated the England football team on reaching the World Cup semi-final and updated the council on recent visits from the Minister for Employment, highlighting the success of the BD Works employment programme. He also spoke about the growing partnership with Queen Mary University and the progress of the Pride in Place initiative, which aims to empower residents to shape their neighbourhoods with £40 million of funding. The council retained its seven green flags in local parks and secured £100,000 from the Mayor of London's Summer Streets programme to support food stalls in Barking Town Centre. Positive Ofsted progress in children's services and an 'outstanding' CQC rating for George Brooker House were also announced.

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 activities, adhering to CIPFA's Code of Practice. The council's Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) stood at £2,158,489,000 as of 31 March 2026. Total council borrowing was £1,613.3 million, with the Investment Acquisition Strategy (IAS) vehicle accounting for £1,192.7 million. Total council investments amounted to £472.5 million. The average interest rate on borrowing was 3.36%, with an average loan duration of 16.4 years. The report noted an increase in overall borrowing by £90 million during the financial year, primarily linked to the IAS programme. Interest rate forecasts suggested gradual reductions, but inflation concerns and geopolitical events impacted these expectations. The council's investment portfolio was primarily held in Lloyds Bank accounts and money market funds, offering good security and liquidity. The Treasury revenue outturn position showed a surplus of £389,000 in the General Fund. The council resolved to approve the review, note the prudential indicators, borrowing and investment figures, and the General Fund treasury surplus return.

2024/25 External Auditor's Annual Report

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, governance, and audit preparedness. However, it also identified recommendations for continued improvement, which management has accepted. The report highlighted national challenges in local government auditing, including funding pressures, workforce issues, and an external audit backlog. Grant Thornton issued a disclaimed audit opinion for the 2024/25 council and pension fund accounts, which they stated does not mean the accounts are incorrect but that sufficient evidence could not be obtained by the statutory deadline. The auditors noted progress in value for money assessments, with the council moving in the right direction. Key areas for improvement identified included financial sustainability, governance related to subsidiary companies, and procurement. The council resolved to note the auditor's annual report.

Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report 2025/26

Councillor Dorothy Akwaboah, Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, presented the committee's annual report. The report detailed the committee's work over the past year, including its oversight of external audits, internal audit functions, counter fraud measures, risk management, and customer feedback. Significant focus was placed on addressing the backlog of external audits dating back to 2019/20, with a disclaimed opinion issued for several years due to uncertainties over balances. Grant Thornton, the current external auditors, presented their audit plans for 2023/24 to 2025/26, with fees reflecting expanded audit requirements and market shortages. The report highlighted the implementation of a new finance team structure, targeted recruitment, and succession planning. The committee also reviewed the council's counter fraud activities, noting a decrease in complaints and improvements in response times for social care complaints. The council resolved to note the Audit and Risk Committee's annual report.

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, highlighting strong leadership, effective partnership working, and a stable and skilled workforce. Early help services have been strengthened, with a 12% growth in children receiving support over the last three years. Timeliness of interventions for children needing help or protection has improved, and the council is commended for its innovative work in addressing child sexual abuse and exploitation. While the number of children on child protection plans remains high, this is attributed to factors such as population growth and better identification of complex needs, with repeat child protection plan levels remaining low. The report also highlighted positive outcomes for children in care, including above-average educational results and improved emotional wellbeing. Placement stability and the use of unregistered provision were identified as areas for continued improvement. The council resolved to note the self-evaluation report.

Motions With Notice

The council debated and voted on several motions. An amendment to the motion Recognising the British West India Regiment and Global Majority Service Personnel, proposed by Councillor Ben Suter, was defeated. The substantive motion, which called for formal acknowledgement of the British West India Regiment and global majority service personnel in local remembrance programmes, exploration of permanent civic tributes, and collaboration with veterans' organisations, was carried. Two further motions regarding Controlled Parking Zones and Greater Transparency in Housing Allocations and Waiting Times were deferred to the next meeting due to time constraints.

The meeting concluded at 9:25 pm.