The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 20 January 2026, discussing a range of key issues including the Council Tax Support Scheme, dedicated schools budget, and funding for local projects. Decisions were made to maintain the current Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, approve the strategy for the Dedicated Schools Budget, and allocate significant funding to various Pride in Place and Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy projects aimed at enhancing community spaces and public realm.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Cabinet agreed to recommend to the Assembly that the current Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS) be retained for the 2026/27 financial year. This decision includes uprating income band thresholds in line with inflation to maintain fairness and consistency for residents. Furthermore, the Discretionary Council Tax Relief (DCTR) scheme, designed to support those facing exceptional hardship, will continue with funding of £0.5 million, supplemented by a £0.2 million rollover contribution from the Greater London Authority (GLA). The Cabinet also noted the national welfare change removing the two-child benefit cap within Universal Credit, which is expected to increase income for affected families and consequently reduce some Council Tax Support claims.

Dedicated Schools Budget and School Funding Formula 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the strategy for the Dedicated Schools Budget (DSB) for 2026/27 and the principles for the Local Schools Funding Formula, subject to consultation with schools and the Schools Forum. While welcoming the indicative increase in the Schools Block allocation, members noted 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 the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, in consultation with relevant officers and the Schools Forum, to finalise the 2026/27 school funding formula.

Pride in Place and Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy Funding

A significant allocation of £2,883,640 from the Pride in Place grant and Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (Strategic CIL) funding was approved in principle for 12 local projects. These projects, detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, aim to enhance community spaces, improve public realm and green spaces, and reinvigorate high streets and town centres across the borough. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to finalise project amounts and execute necessary agreements. Notably, the Species Reintroduction Programme at Eastbrookend Country Park, which includes the reintroduction of beavers and white storks, received £95,000 from this funding.

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

The Cabinet agreed that the Council will continue to deliver the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for the next three years, from Summer 2026 through to Winter 2029. This decision follows the Department for Education's confirmation of extended funding. The programme will focus on enhanced provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), expanded mental health and wellbeing support, and a renewed emphasis on innovation, equity, and local impact. Authority was delegated to the Commissioning Director for Education to conduct procurements for providers and an externally hosted booking system.

Draft Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document - Public Consultation

The 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 the Dagenham Heathway area, aiming to encourage growth, investment, and improvements to safety, public realm, retail diversity, and community facilities. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to make minor changes to the draft SPD before publication.

Species Reintroduction Programme (Eastbrookend Country Park)

The Council agreed to proceed with a species reintroduction programme in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust (LWT). This initiative, supported by a £500,000 grant from the Mayor of London's Green Roots Fund and £95,000 from the Pride in Place Programme, will see the reintroduction of Eurasian beavers and white storks to Eastbrookend Country Park and The Chase Local Nature Reserve. This project aims to enhance biodiversity, support urban nature recovery, and provide environmental education opportunities. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to enter into necessary agreements.

Orchards Medical Centre, Gascoigne Road, Barking - Lease Extension

The Cabinet approved the extension of the current lease for the Orchard Medical Centre to 999 years. This agreement will result in a capital receipt of £300,000 for the Council and facilitate a refurbishment programme for the building, ensuring its continued use as a vital healthcare facility for local residents. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to finalise terms and execute the necessary documentation.

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

The Cabinet agreed to continue the shared Children's Out-of-Hours Emergency Duty Service arrangements and enter into a new three-year agreement with the London Boroughs of Redbridge, Havering, and Waltham Forest. This service, managed by Redbridge Council, has been recognised by Ofsted as highly effective and ensures vulnerable children receive necessary protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, to enter into the contract.

Governance of the Technical Skills Academy

The 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, with termly priorities' meetings to be held between the Council and the College.

Contract for the Provision of Food Waste Collection Vehicles

The Cabinet agreed to proceed with the procurement of a contract for Food Waste Collection Vehicles to ensure compliance with the Environment Act 2021's requirement for weekly separate food waste collections. The procurement will be conducted via the TPPL Framework, with two vehicle options considered. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to determine final procurement arrangements and award the contract.

Contract for Fire Risk Assessments to Residential Blocks

The Cabinet agreed to proceed with the procurement of a maximum four-year contract for Fire Risk Assessments to the Council's residential flatted accommodation. This work is essential to ensure the health and safety of residents. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to conduct the procurement and award the contract.

Calculation and Setting of the Council Tax Base 2026/27

The Cabinet agreed that the Council Tax Base for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham for the year 2026/27 shall be 57,526.52 Band 'D' properties, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012. This is an annual statutory requirement.

Council-Owned Companies - 2025/26 Quarter 2 Update

The Cabinet received an update on the performance of the Council-owned companies for the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report highlighted key achievements and challenges for Be First, the Reside group of companies, BD Energy Ltd, and Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership (BDTP). The Shareholder Panel has intervened to issue instructions on risk management between Reside and BD Energy, and BDTP is developing a transformation plan to address operational performance.

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

The Cabinet reviewed the performance against the Corporate Plan Outcomes Framework for the first two quarters of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated that while many areas are performing well or showing positive trends, challenges remain in areas such as food insecurity and council tax collection. The Cabinet agreed to changes in two outcome measures for accuracy: The proportion of children in care experiencing long term placement stability and Overall tenant satisfaction with housing management service .

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge

The Cabinet noted the findings and eight recommendations from the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) undertaken in October 2025. The report was highly positive, describing the council as a progressive local authority looking for innovative solutions in challenging times and noted that the council is punching above its weight. The council is required to publish an action plan in response to the recommendations by 17 March 2026, and the LGA Peer Team will return for a progress review in October 2026.

The meeting concluded with the Chair declaring the meeting finished.