The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, approving plans for the Council Tax Support Scheme, the Dedicated Schools Budget, and significant investment in local infrastructure and community spaces. Key decisions also included the continuation of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, the reintroduction of beavers and white storks to Eastbrookend Country Park, and the approval of a draft Supplementary Planning Document for the regeneration of Dagenham Heathway.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27 was approved, maintaining the current level of support with income band thresholds uprated for inflation. The Discretionary Council Tax Relief Scheme will also continue with £500,000 funding, supplemented by £200,000 from the Greater London Authority (GLA). This decision was guided by the government's Fair Funding arrangements and the removal of the Two-Child Cap within Universal Credit, which will benefit approximately 1,200 families locally.

Dedicated Schools Budget and School Funding Formula 2026/27

Cabinet approved the strategy for the Dedicated Schools Budget for 2026/27, noting an indicative allocation of £311.11 million for the Schools Block, representing a 2.23% increase. While welcoming the increased funding, members acknowledged the ongoing pressures on the High Needs Block, particularly concerning Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils, and expressed hope for additional national funding. Authority was delegated to finalise the Local Schools Funding Formula principles in consultation with schools and the Schools Forum.

Pride in Place and Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy Funding

A significant allocation of £2,883,640 from Pride in Place and Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (Strategic CIL) funding was approved in principle for 12 projects across the borough. These projects aim to enhance community spaces, improve public realm and green spaces, and reinvigorate high streets and town centres. Notable allocations include funding for improvements to parks and open spaces, community safety initiatives, a temporary health centre in Barking Riverside, and enhancements to local Community Hubs.

Delivery of the DfE Holiday Activities and Food Programme 2026-2029

The Council will continue to deliver the Department for Education's (DfE) Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for the next three years, from Summer 2026 to Winter 2029. This programme provides enriching activities, nutritious meals, and safe childcare for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals. The extended funding will allow for enhanced provision for children with SEND, expanded mental health support, and a focus on innovation and local impact. The Council also plans to procure an externally hosted booking system to improve programme management and accessibility.

Draft Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document - Public Consultation

Cabinet approved the commencement of a six-week public consultation on the draft Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document sets out a long-term vision for the regeneration of Dagenham Heathway, aiming to encourage growth and investment. The SPD focuses on four key objectives: Cleaner and Greener, Safe and Successful, Healthy and Connected, and Vibrant and Social, and will guide future planning applications and development in the area.

Species Reintroduction Programme (Eastbrookend Country Park)

An exciting species reintroduction programme will proceed in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust (LWT), supported by a £500,000 grant from the Mayor of London's Green Roots Fund and £95,000 from the Pride in Place Programme. This initiative will see the reintroduction of Eurasian beavers and white storks to Eastbrookend Country Park and The Chase Local Nature Reserve. The project aims to enhance biodiversity, provide educational opportunities, and position Barking and Dagenham at the forefront of urban nature recovery. Beavers are expected to arrive by Spring 2027, and white storks by Autumn 2026.

Orchards Medical Centre, Gascoigne Road, Barking - Lease Extension

The Council approved the extension of the lease for the Orchard Medical Centre to 999 years, in exchange for a capital receipt of £300,000. This agreement will also facilitate a refurbishment programme for the building, ensuring its continued use as a vital healthcare facility for Barking residents. The Council will retain freehold ownership, maintaining control over the site's use for healthcare purposes.

Provision of a Children's Out of Hours Emergency Duty Service

The continuation of the shared Children's Out-of-Hours Emergency Duty Service was agreed, with a new three-year agreement to be entered into with the London Boroughs of Redbridge, Havering, and Waltham Forest. This service, managed by Redbridge Council, has been recognised by Ofsted as highly effective, with 100% compliance in responding to out-of-hours referrals within 30 minutes. The renewal ensures vulnerable children continue to receive necessary protection 24/7.

Governance of the Technical Skills Academy

Cabinet agreed to dissolve the current Technical Skills Academy (TSA) Board and subsume its functions into Barking and Dagenham College's wider Board. This streamlining of governance aims to remove duplication and strengthen accountability, particularly in response to declining student numbers and an evolving skills landscape. Termly priorities' meetings will be held between the Council and the College.

Contract for the Provision of Food Waste Collection Vehicles

Approval was given to procure a contract for food waste collection vehicles to ensure compliance with the Environment Act 2021's 'Simpler Recycling' reforms. The Council expects to commence the new weekly food waste collection service in October 2026. The procurement will be conducted via the TPPL Framework, with two options for vehicle specifications to be considered.

Contract for Fire Risk Assessments to Residential Blocks

A contract for fire risk assessments to the Council's residential blocks was approved, with a maximum four-year term. This procurement, to be undertaken via the Procure Public – Health and Safety and Fire Compliance Framework Agreement, will involve over 1,000 inspections to inform future capital and refurbishment works to the Council's housing portfolio. The contract value is estimated at £1.2 million.

Calculation and Setting of the Council Tax Base 2026/27

The Council Tax Base for 2026/27 was calculated and set at 57,526.52 Band 'D' properties. This annual report follows prescriptive legislation and provides an estimate for the forthcoming financial year, taking into account property bandings, discounts, and exemptions.

Council-Owned Companies - 2025/26 Quarter 2 Update

Cabinet noted the quarterly update on the performance of Council-owned companies for the second quarter of 2025/26. The report highlighted achievements and challenges across Be First, the Reside group of companies, BD Energy, and Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership (BDTP). Progress was noted in addressing recommendations from the Grant Thornton Value for Money Review, with updates on business plans and governance.

Corporate Plan 2023-2026 - Outcomes Framework Performance Report Q1 and Q2 2025/26

Cabinet reviewed the corporate performance for April to September 2025 against the Council's 54 outcome measures. The report highlighted that many challenges are connected to inequalities, and the new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, 'Building a Fairer Future Together,' aims to address these root causes. Changes were agreed to two outcome measures: The proportion of children in care experiencing long term placement stability and Overall tenant satisfaction with housing management service.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge

Cabinet noted the findings of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC), which took place from 14 to 17 October 2025. The independent report was largely positive, describing the Council as a progressive local authority looking for innovative solutions in challenging times and punching above its weight. Eight key recommendations were made, focusing on developing and promoting the Council's positive narrative, clarifying the neighbourhood model and transformation approach, completing the review of the Investment and Acquisition Strategy, embedding compliance, joining up initiatives, and focusing on longer-term interventions for poverty and health inequalities. An action plan in response to these recommendations will be presented to the Assembly in February 2026.