Here is a summary of the Cabinet meeting of Barking and Dagenham Council held on 20 January 2026:

The council cabinet convened to discuss a range of issues, including the Council Tax Support Scheme, school funding, community infrastructure, and environmental initiatives. Key decisions included maintaining the current Council Tax Support Scheme, approving a strategy for the Dedicated Schools Budget, allocating funding for Pride in Place projects, and supporting a species reintroduction programme at Eastbrook End Country Park. The cabinet also approved a public consultation on the draft Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document.

Here's a more detailed look at the key topics discussed:

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 2026/27, with income band thresholds uprated in line with inflation. This decision aims to provide stability for residents and ensure fairness, while also supporting the council's financial sustainability. The cabinet also agreed to maintain funding for the Discretionary Council Tax Relief Scheme at £0.5 million, supplemented by a £0.2 million rollover from the Greater London Authority (GLA), to support residents facing exceptional hardship.

The Leader of the Council noted that the Labour government's Fair Funding arrangements for 2026/27 had enabled the council to maintain the Discretionary Council Tax Relief scheme at an affordable level. He also welcomed the government's decision to remove the two-child benefit cap within the Universal Credit scheme, which will support approximately 1,200 families in the borough.

Dedicated Schools Budget and School Funding Formula 2026/27

The cabinet approved the strategy for the Dedicated Schools Budget (DSB) for 2026/27, as well as the proposed principles for the design of the Local Schools Funding Formula, subject to consultation with schools and the Schools Forum. The recommendations in the report set out the dedicated schools budget and the proposed approach to the local funding formula. While the national uplift is modest and the high-needs block remains under pressure, the strategy here ensures fairness, stability, and enlightenment and enlightenment with national requirements. The cabinet also noted the indicative allocation of the Dedicated Schools Grant for 2026/27, as well as the allocated funding and strategy for the three funding blocks.

Councillor Warby acknowledged the pressure around the high needs block and expressed hope for additional funding for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils. Councillor Kangeffi noted that the figures presented were drafts and that the actual figures may be different pending confirmation of allocations from the Department for Education (DfE).

Pride in Place and Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy Funding

The cabinet approved the allocation of £2,883,640 from Pride in Place grant and Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (Strategic CIL) funding to support a range of local projects. The Pride in Place fund was established to support local authorities to enhance community spaces, improve public realm and green space, and reinvigorate high streets and town centres. The Strategic CIL funding is generated from major new developments in the borough to support the provision of new and upgraded infrastructure.

The projects to be funded include improvements to parks and open spaces, public realm and community safety initiatives, a temporary Health Centre in the Barking Riverside area, and enhancements to local Community Hubs and other community assets throughout the borough.

Councillor Geddes noted that the projects would benefit people across the borough, including those who may not directly benefit from regeneration projects. He also acknowledged the work of Marilyn Smith and other officers in ensuring a good range of areas geographically and by topic.

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

The cabinet agreed that the council should proceed with the commissioning and delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for the 2026 Summer and Winter, and 2027-2029 Easter, Summer and Winter holiday periods. The HAF Programme is a government initiative aimed at supporting children and families, primarily those in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, during school holiday periods by providing access to enriching activities, nutritious meals, and safe childcare environments.

Councillor Jones described the programme as an absolutely vital service, especially to families that are having to work. Councillor Ashraf said that it was also about enriching them with new relationships, but also reducing the crime on the street.

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). The draft SPD provides a comprehensive, long-term vision aimed at encouraging growth and investment in the Dagenham Heathway area.

Councillor Warby welcomed the document and said that it set out a longer-term vision for the Heathway. He also said that it was important to get across to the public that the implementation of the plan could be phased as things progress in the area.

Species Reintroduction Programme (Eastbrookend Country Park)

The cabinet agreed that the council should proceed with the species reintroduction programme at Eastbrook End Country Park, in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust. The project will see the reintroduction of white storks and Eurasian beavers to the park.

Councillor Ashraf said that Barking and Dagenham was making a very bold and historic moment by bringing back two amazing animals that vanished from Britain centuries ago. She also said that the project would initiate new viewing areas and educational displays for families.

Orchards Medical Centre, Gascoigne Road, Barking - Lease Extension

The cabinet approved the extension of the current lease to 999 years in respect of the council-owned premises at the Orchard Medical Centre, Gascoigne Road, Barking. The lease extension will allow the council to receive a capital receipt of £300,000 and guarantee long-term health provision for residents.

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

The cabinet agreed to the continuation of the current Children's Out of Hours Emergency Duty Service arrangements and the entering into of a new three-year agreement with the London Boroughs of Redbridge, Havering and Waltham Forest. The service provides a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service to safeguard children and young people and respond to immediate risks of harm.

Governance of the Technical Skills Academy

The cabinet agreed to the dissolution of the current Technical Skills Academy Board and the subsuming of its functions into Barking and Dagenham College's wider Board. The Technical Skills Academy is a purpose-built professional and technical training campus that forms part of Barking and Dagenham Further Education College.

Contract for the Provision of Food Waste Collection Vehicles

The cabinet agreed that the council should proceed with the procurement of a contract for Food Waste Collection Vehicles. Simple recycling under the environment like 2021 requires local authority to provide weekly separate food waste collection to all households from 31st of March, 2026.

Contract for Fire Risk Assessments to Residential Blocks

The cabinet agreed that the council should proceed with the procurement of a maximum four-year contract for Fire Risk Assessments. The council has a duty to ensure that fire risk assessments are undertaken in all of its council blocks.

Calculation and Setting of the Council Tax Base 2026/27

The cabinet agreed that the amount calculated by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham as its Council Tax Base for the year 2026/27 should be 57,526.52 Band 'D' properties. This is an annual report that sets out the Council Tax Base for the coming financial year.

Council-Owned Companies - 2025/26 Quarter 2 Update

The cabinet noted the key highlights and issues relating to Council-owned companies in the second quarter of 2025/26 and the ongoing scrutiny provided by the Shareholder Panel.

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

The cabinet noted the performance against Corporate Plan Outcomes Framework measures relating to quarters one and two of the 2025/2026 financial year.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge

The cabinet noted the eight recommendations from the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge Team, and the requirement to publish an action plan against those recommendations by 17 March 2026. The peer review team noted a number of areas of good practice, and highlighted that the council was a well-run council with good finances.