The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 11 November 2025 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's revenue and capital budget, the future of Maritime House, and the annual education performance review. Key decisions made included approving the allocation of £4.1 million of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to Queen Mary University for a new dental outreach collaborative, and endorsing the draft Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document and Design Code for public consultation.

Revenue Budget and Capital Programme Update

The Cabinet received an update on the council's revenue budget and capital programme for the period ending September 2025. A forecast overspend of £800,000 was noted within the general fund budget, primarily due to a £400,000 reduction in business rate pooling income. Mitigating actions are in place or being implemented to ensure a balanced budget. Significant pressures were highlighted in social care demand and temporary accommodation costs, with the latter driving up costs by over £900,000. The Housing Revenue Account is forecast to break even, including a £3 million provision for the introduction of Awaab's Law. The Dedicated Schools Grant remains under significant pressure, with a £3 million overspend forecast due to higher needs block demand and placement costs. The capital programme is forecasting an underspend of £23.6 million. The Cabinet approved the planned movement of £11 million into the major repair reserve.

Maritime House Healthcare Operator Letting and Major Repairs

The Cabinet agreed to lease the top floor of Maritime House to Queen Mary University London (QMUL) for 15 years to establish a new Faculty of Dentistry. This partnership is expected to provide substantial improvements in community health, with an estimated 12,000 residents benefiting annually from dental care. The building will require significant additional works, including window replacement and cladding, with an approved budget provision of £4.6 million for these repairs. The Cabinet also approved the allocation of £4.1 million of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to QMUL for the North East London Dental Outreach Collaborative.

Annual Education Performance Review

The Cabinet reviewed the annual education performance for 2024-25, noting the borough's strong achievements. 98% of schools are rated as good or outstanding, exceeding London and national averages. GCSE results are above pre-pandemic levels, and A-level students achieved their best results ever, excluding pandemic years. The proportion of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) has increased slightly due to an increase in 'not knowns'. The Cabinet reaffirmed the council's commitment to strengthening partnerships with schools and educational settings.

New Service Delivery Contract with Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership Limited

The Cabinet approved the entering into of a new five-year contract with Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership Limited (BDTP) for housing repairs and maintenance, and cleaning and catering services, commencing April 2026. This follows significant leadership changes within BDTP and a period of transformation aimed at addressing concerns about operational performance and financial sustainability. The new contracts aim to reduce ambiguity and address recent legislative changes.

Annual Youth Justice Plan

The Cabinet noted the Barking and Dagenham Youth Justice Plan for 2025-26, which outlines the work of the Youth Justice Service in addressing youth crime. The plan highlights positive progress in reducing re-offending rates and a significant decrease in children in custody. However, first-time entrants into the youth justice system remain a concern. Priorities for the coming year include a clearer understanding of first-time entrants, improved participation with young people, increased use of volunteers, wider development of groupwork programmes, and further development of the parenting offer. The Cabinet recommended the Assembly adopt the plan.

12 Thames Road, Barking - Secondary Power and Sprinkler Upgrades

The Cabinet approved an interim solution for secondary power at 12 Thames Road to enable the occupation of residential units, and approved the upgrade of the sprinkler system at Crossness Yard from an Ordinary Hazard 3 System to a High Hazard System. An additional budget provision of £3.166 million was approved for these works. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to procure contractors and take legal action to recover costs associated with the secondary power non-compliance issue.

Barking Industria - Upgrade of Existing Fire Safety System

The Cabinet approved Council borrowing of £2.23 million to enable the retrofit of the building fire safety system (sprinklers) at Barking Industria. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to commission the necessary works via Be First, and to the Head of Legal to execute all legal agreements.

Draft Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document and Design Code Public Consultation

The Cabinet approved the commencement of an eight-week public consultation on the draft Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Design Code. Two non-immediate Article 4 Directions will also be consulted upon to revoke limited permitted development rights for porches on all properties and for side and roof alterations on corner blocks. This aims to protect the heritage character of the Becontree Estate, a Non-Designated Heritage Asset.

Annual Housing Performance Report

The Cabinet noted the annual housing performance report for 2024-25 and the first half of 2025-26. While overall tenant satisfaction has improved to 62%, it was acknowledged that this is still not considered sufficient. The report highlighted improvements in preventing homelessness and rent collection, but also noted challenges in void turnaround times and the increasing pressure of temporary accommodation costs.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 Mid-Year Review

The Cabinet noted the mid-year review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26. The report detailed the council's borrowing and investment positions, with total council borrowing standing at £1.55 billion and treasury investments at £454.4 million. A forecast shortfall of £1.4 million on the General Fund investment income was noted. The economic update highlighted persistent inflation, rising unemployment, and high interest rates. The Cabinet recommended that the Assembly note the report.

The meeting also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and noted declarations of interest.