The Assembly of Barking and Dagenham Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, with a packed agenda covering significant financial, strategic, and operational matters for the borough. Key discussions are expected to revolve around the council's budget framework and financial strategy, the Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy, and the findings of a recent Corporate Peer Challenge.

Budget Framework and Medium Term Financial Strategy

A central item for discussion will be the Budget Framework 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 Budget Framework 2026-27 Report.pdf. This report outlines the council's proposed budgets for the upcoming financial year and forecasts for the next five years. It will detail proposed savings, growth allocations, and the council's Chief Financial Officer's opinion on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of reserves. The report also includes recommendations for a 4.99% increase in Council Tax, which includes a 2% adult social care precept, and notes the Mayor of London's proposed GLA precept increase.

Alongside this, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27 and Capital Strategy 2026/27 to 2027/28 TMSS 2026-27 Report.pdf will be presented. This covers the council's approach to borrowing and investment, including the Capital Strategy, Prudential and Treasury Indicators, and the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement. The report highlights the significant borrowing requirement linked to the Investment and Acquisition Strategy (IAS) programme and the council's approach to managing debt in the current economic climate.

Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy

The Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy 2026-2031 Housing Strategy 2026-31 Report.pdf will be presented for approval. This strategy sets out the council's long-term vision for housing, aiming to ensure all residents have access to safe, good-quality, affordable, and accessible homes. It is structured around six strategic objectives, including increasing the supply of affordable homes, preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable residents, improving housing quality and safety, and promoting wellbeing through partnership. The accompanying Action Plan details specific commitments, responsibilities, and timelines for delivering these objectives.

Corporate Peer Challenge Findings

The LGA Corporate Peer Challenge LGA CPC Report.pdf report will be presented for information. This independent assessment, delivered by a team of local government peers, reviewed the council's performance across five core areas: local priorities and outcomes, organisational and place leadership, governance and culture, financial planning and management, and capacity for improvement. The report is noted to be very positive about the council's progress, recognising it as 'punching above its weight', but also provides recommendations for further development. An Action Plan LGA CPC App B.pdf in response to these recommendations will also be presented.

Other Key Discussions

The Assembly will also consider the Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2024-25 Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2024-25.pdf, detailing the council's work as corporate parent to children in care and care leavers. The report highlights achievements in areas such as participation, safety, health, education, and preparation for adulthood.

A Review of Council Governance Arrangements Constitution Report.pdf will propose amendments to the Council Constitution to enhance democratic and governance arrangements. These include renaming the Assembly to Full Council, increasing the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and revising processes for questions and motions.

Finally, the Assembly will consider a Motion with Notice Motions Report.pdf titled 'White Ribbon and Ending Violence against Women and Girls', moved by Councillor Harriet Spoor and seconded by Councillor Val Masson. This motion calls for the primary prevention of violence against women and girls to be included in council policies and strategies, and for the council to work towards White Ribbon accreditation.

The meeting will also address the confirmation of minutes from previous meetings and minutes of sub-committees.