The Full Council meeting of Barking and Dagenham Council on Wednesday 23 September 2026 saw councillors debate and vote on several key issues, including the adoption of the Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030 and motions concerning the safety of elected officials and proposed changes to national planning delegation powers. The meeting also marked the passing of Freewoman of the Borough, Joyce Rushbrook, with a minute's silence observed in her memory.

Death of Freewoman of the Borough, Joyce Rushbrook

The council noted with deep regret the passing of Freewoman of the Borough, Joyce Rushbrook, aged 93. Joyce Rushbrook, a former social worker for the council, was recognised for her extensive work with adults with learning disabilities, founding the Barking and Dagenham Mencap Society and the Gateway Club. Her contributions led to the establishment of the Osborne Partnership and the Centre for Independent Living. She was awarded the Sydney Russell Memorial Award in 2007, a Barking and Dagenham Peace Award in 2012, and the Freedom of Barking and Dagenham in 2018 for her outstanding service. The borough flag was flown at half-mast on the day of her funeral. A minute's silence was observed in her memory.

Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030

The council debated and adopted the Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030, which sets out the borough's approach to preventing and reducing crime, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, serious violence, and reoffending over the next four years. The strategy was developed in response to statutory duties and informed by the Crime and Disorder Strategic Assessment, partnership intelligence, and resident engagement. Key priorities identified include serious youth violence, violence against women and girls, residential burglary, personal robbery, anti-social behaviour and environmental crime, substance misuse, reducing reoffending, counter-terrorism, and hate crime. The strategy aims to provide a framework for coordinated community safety activity and was commended for its comprehensive approach to partnership working and resident engagement.

Motion: Remembering Jo Cox MP and the Safety of Elected Officials

A motion to remember Jo Cox MP and address the safety of elected officials was debated and carried. The motion highlighted the tragic murder of Jo Cox MP ten years prior and acknowledged the ongoing issue of abuse and intimidation faced by elected representatives, including local councillors, with recent research indicating 72% have experienced such issues in the last 12 months. The council believed that abuse and intimidation have no place in local politics and that members should follow Jo Cox MP's example of working across party divides with respect and civility. An amendment proposed by Councillor Ben Suter, Leader of the Opposition / Reform UK Group, to include specific individuals and address broader issues of political violence was debated but ultimately lost. The substantive motion was then carried.

Motion: Protecting Local Democracy

Councillor Ben Suter, Leader of the Opposition / Reform UK Group, moved a motion concerning proposed changes to the national scheme of delegation for local planning authorities. The motion noted that these changes would significantly limit the power of elected councillors to call-in planning applications, with decisions on many applications, such as residential extensions and developments under ten units, being made by unelected officers. It also highlighted new powers for mayors to bypass local planning authorities on larger developments. The council believed these proposals were a draconian overreach that would weaken councillors' ability to represent their communities, reduce public trust, and shut residents out of local planning debates. The motion resolved that the council would work with other London councils to lobby the government to scrap these plans and protect councillors' call-in powers and committee oversight. The motion was lost.

Motion: Greater Transparency in Housing Allocations and Waiting Times

Councillor Ben Suter also moved a motion calling for greater transparency in housing allocations and waiting times. The motion noted the significant demand for social housing in Barking and Dagenham and the need for clear and accessible information for residents. It proposed that the council publish an annual Housing Register and Allocations Report detailing the number of households on the register, new applications, lettings, average waiting times, households in temporary accommodation, and new affordable and social rented homes delivered. The motion further resolved that this report should be published in an accessible format compliant with data protection legislation. The motion was lost.

Motion: Building a Care System That Works

Councillor Julia Williams moved a motion concerning the national conversation on care, highlighting social care as a major challenge and welcoming the Prime Minister's commitment to addressing the system's sustainability. The motion supported the Big Conversation on Care initiative, encouraging local participation and offering the council's support to the national conversation. It resolved to promote the initiative to residents, staff, carers, providers, unions, and local partners, and to continue working constructively with all political groups and neighbouring authorities to achieve lasting reform. The motion was carried.

Motion: Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs)

Councillor Ben Suter moved a motion requesting a pause to the expansion of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) across the borough pending a full review. The motion noted resident concerns about CPZs and their potential impacts on various groups, including disabled residents, carers, older people, and low-income households. It proposed a review of existing CPZs to assess their effectiveness, impact, public support, and unintended consequences, with engagement from ward councillors, residents' groups, businesses, and other stakeholders. The findings were to be reported to the appropriate scrutiny body and Cabinet. The motion was lost after debate.

The meeting also included the Mayor's Announcements and the Leader's Statement, covering a range of council activities and priorities. Due to time constraints, the remaining questions with notice were to be answered in writing.