The Assembly of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 28 January 2026, discussing a range of important issues including the annual report of the BAD Youth Forum, the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, and the Director of Public Health's Annual Report. Key decisions made included the adoption of the revised Sex Establishment Licensing Policy for 2026-2029 and the approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. The Assembly also unanimously supported a motion calling for action on contaminated land and the adoption of Zane's Law.

BAD Youth Forum Annual Report 2025

The Assembly received and noted the BAD Youth Forum's Annual Report for 2025, which detailed the significant achievements and impact of the forum's work throughout the year. Young people presented on their projects, including the Race and Social Justice initiative, the creation of a digital mental health booklet for students, and a TikTok video educating peers about their rights during stop and searches. The Young Mayor subgroup also reported on their successful fundraising efforts for Richard House Children's Hospice, raising £4,316, a 79% increase from the previous year. The report highlighted the personal growth and increased confidence experienced by forum members, with 72% feeling more confident talking to others and 60% more confident expressing their views. Councillors praised the maturity and articulacy of the young people, with many expressing pride in their contributions to the borough.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Assembly agreed to retain the current Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year, with income band thresholds to be uprated for inflation. This decision aims to provide stability for residents and maintain fairness while the impact of previous changes is assessed. Funding for the Discretionary Council Tax Relief Scheme will also be maintained at £0.5 million, with a £0.2 million contribution from the Greater London Authority. The Assembly also noted the national welfare change removing the two-child benefit cap, which is expected to uplift the income of approximately 1,245 families eligible for the scheme and reduce the overall cost of the CTS scheme by around £370,000.

Sex Establishment Licensing Policy 2026-2029

The Assembly approved and adopted the revised Sex Establishment Licensing Policy for the period 2026-2029. The policy, which underwent public consultation, includes minor updates such as grammatical corrections, date changes, and alignment with other London boroughs' practices. Key changes include clarifying that brothels are not included within the policy, defining vicinity as within 25 to 250 meters, and clarifying that occasional performances do not require a license. The policy aims to ensure clear standards, protect residents, and maintain legal compliance. Councillor Moin Quadri, Leader of the Minority Group, noted that the adoption of the two-child cap policy was a positive step, aligning with the Green Party's policy.

Adoption Annual Report 2024/25

The Assembly noted the Adopt London East (ALE) Annual Report for 2024/25. The report highlighted that ALE, a regional adoption agency serving Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, and Tower Hamlets, approved 19 new adoptive families during the period. However, there was a decrease in the number of children placed for adoption from Barking and Dagenham, with eight children placed compared to 14 the previous year. Nationally, there has been a reduction in approved adopters, with approximately 150 prospective adoptive families for the entire country. The report also detailed challenges such as the reduction in the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund and the national adopter sufficiency crisis.

Director of Public Health Annual Report 2024/25

The Assembly noted the Director of Public Health's Annual Report for 2024/25, titled Getting Serious about Prevention Together. The report emphasizes the importance of prevention in addressing health inequalities and improving the health and well-being of the community. It highlights the need to tackle the social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and employment, and calls for a shift from treating sickness to preventing illness. The report identifies two key outcomes for focus: preventing and managing long-term conditions, and improving the number of children achieving a good level of development by age five. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, stressed the need for a radical upgrade in prevention and noted that the report provides an evidence-based framework for action.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The Assembly approved the Pay Policy Statement for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham for 2026/27. The statement outlines the Council's approach to remuneration for its chief officers and other employees, reaffirming its commitment to paying the London Living Wage and maintaining a narrowing pay ratio between the highest and lowest paid employees. The report highlighted that the Chief Executive's salary remains lower than many other councils, and the gap between the Chief Executive and median employee salary has narrowed.

Motion: Support for Zane's Law and Action on Contaminated Land in Barking and Dagenham

The Assembly unanimously supported a motion calling for action on contaminated land and the adoption of Zane's Law. The motion was moved by Councillor Moin Quadri and seconded by Councillor Victoria Hornby. The Council resolved to formally support Zane's Law and write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs urging its adoption. It also committed to reviewing potentially contaminated sites within Barking and Dagenham, taking immediate action where necessary, and working with other councils to promote best practice in contaminated land management. Zane's parents and campaign representatives were invited to speak at a future council meeting.

Questions With Notice

Several questions were addressed, including those relating to Council Tax Support, flood defence funding, and the maintenance of lifts. Councillor Moin Quadri raised concerns about the fairness and enforceability of the 37% Council Tax payment for low-income residents, to which the Leader of the Council, Councillor Dominic Twomey, responded by reiterating the Council's commitment to supporting vulnerable residents through various funds and its anti-poverty strategy. Councillor Quadri also questioned the Council's publication of data on vulnerable residents facing enforcement, with Councillor Twomey assuring transparency and explaining the Council's efforts to arrange payment plans. Councillor Cameron Geddes responded to a question about flood defence funding, outlining plans for £250,000 for flood defence next year and similar amounts for the year after, while also highlighting opportunities for rewilding and de-culverting the Goresbrook. Councillor Warby provided information on the procurement process for lift maintenance contracts and the Council's ongoing efforts to deliver affordable homes. Councillor Haroon addressed questions about recycling, noting the importance of resident education and the upcoming replacement of the Council's ageing vehicle fleet. Councillor Warby also responded to a question about the BDReside contract, stating that the Council's Counter Fraud team had identified issues and reported them to the Police as part of a live criminal investigation.

The meeting concluded with the Assembly noting the Director of Public Health's Annual Report and agreeing to the recommendations within it. The Assembly also agreed to the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27 and the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy 2026-2029. The Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was also approved.