The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026, approving a series of significant decisions across regeneration, financial support, environmental initiatives, and service contracts. Key outcomes included the appointment of preferred partners for the Barking Regeneration Partnership, the approval of new Discretionary Financial Support Schemes, and the adoption of an Interim Biodiversity Duty Statement.

Barking Regeneration Partnership - Appointment of Preferred Partners and Formation of Partnerships

The Cabinet approved the appointment of two preferred partners, referred to as Bidder A and Bidder B, for the Barking Regeneration Partnership. This decision aims to accelerate regeneration and development across priority sites by reducing reliance on council borrowing and utilising private capital. Two Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) will be formed between the Council and each preferred partner. Authority has been delegated to finalise the financial and legal terms of these partnerships, with an increased capital budget of £475,000 allocated for their formation and the preparation of regeneration plans. This initiative aligns with the Council's Corporate Plan objectives for inclusive growth and improved housing.

Discretionary Financial Support Schemes 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the Discretionary Financial Support Schemes for 2026/27, which will incorporate the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). This fund replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF) and Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) schemes, offering a more integrated approach to crisis support and financial resilience. The CRF, guaranteed for three years, will provide £4.8 million annually to support low-income households with crisis payments, housing costs, and resilience services. The Discretionary Council Tax Relief (DCTR) policy also continues, with £700,000 allocated to support residents facing exceptional hardship with their Council Tax bills. Authority has been delegated to the Director of Financial Services to make operational changes to ensure compliance with CRF guidance.

Interim Biodiversity Duty Statement

The Cabinet approved the Interim Biodiversity Duty Statement Action Plan 2026 for publication, fulfilling the Council's duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, as amended by the Environment Act 2021, to conserve and enhance biodiversity. The action plan outlines six key objectives aligned with the London Local Nature Recovery Strategy, detailing the Council's past achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future plans. These objectives include helping people enjoy nature, creating more diverse habitats, boosting wildlife populations, supporting pollinators, promoting healthy soils, and protecting wildlife from invasive species. This initiative supports the Council's priority of creating safer, cleaner, and greener neighbourhoods.

Extension of Fews Lodge Expansion into Kallar Lodge

Approval was given for the redevelopment of Fews Lodge to create 23 dementia-specialist ensuite rooms, which will be operationally integrated with Kallar Lodge. This £3.251 million capital investment, funded through borrowing, aims to address a significant shortage of dementia care capacity within the borough and reduce reliance on costly out-of-borough placements. The scheme is projected to generate an annual income of £1.5 million and an operating surplus, contributing to the Council's invest-to-save strategy. Procurement will commence through Be First, using approved construction frameworks.

Award of Contracts for Public Health Primary Care Services

The Cabinet agreed to waive competitive tendering requirements and directly award a contract to 33 local GP practices and 40 community pharmacies for the provision of public health primary care services. This two-year contract, with an option for a further two-year extension, covers services such as NHS Health Checks, contraception, condom distribution, supervised consumption, and HIV rapid testing. The total estimated contract value over four years is £2.4 million, funded by the Public Health Grant. This direct award ensures continuity of care and maintains comprehensive local coverage for these vital health services.

Contract for the Provision of Barking, Havering and Redbridge Integrated Sexual Health Service

A contract was directly awarded to Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) for the provision of an Integrated Sexual Health Service for a period of seven years from 1 October 2026. This decision, made under Procedure C of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Regulations 2023, follows a joint procurement process led by Barking and Dagenham Council on behalf of Barking, Havering, and Redbridge. The estimated total contract value is £28.12 million, with Barking and Dagenham's contribution being £12.4 million, funded by the Public Health Grant. This direct award was deemed appropriate due to BHRUT's satisfactory performance, the lack of significant changes in contract value or scope, and the limited competitive market for such specialised services.

Extension of Contract with Barking & Dagenham School Improvement Partnership 2026/27 - 2027/28

The Council will proceed with a direct award of a two-year contract to Barking and Dagenham School Improvement Partnership Ltd (BDSIP), commencing 1 April 2026. BDSIP, a company majority-owned by local schools, provides essential school improvement and SEND support, contributing to the borough's strong educational outcomes. The contract extension, valued at £1.64 million over two years, includes additional funding for statutory Education Psychologist assessments for early years children and support for vulnerable pupils. This direct award is permissible as BDSIP is exempt from normal government procurement rules due to its unique ownership structure.

Provision of Children's Residential Care Homes and Independent Foster Care Agency Services

The Cabinet approved the Council's continued paid membership of the London Borough of Newham's Pseudo-Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS) for a further four years, until 8 March 2030. This membership provides access to a pool of pre-approved providers for children's residential care homes and independent foster care agencies, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and value for money. The annual membership fee is £6,300, with the total potential value of call-off contracts estimated at approximately £53.9 million over four years. This arrangement aims to improve placement stability and cost-effectiveness for looked-after children and young people.

Contract for the Provision of Tyres and Associated Products and Services

The Council will proceed with the procurement of a five-year contract for the supply, fit, and management of tyres and associated products and services for its fleet of over 400 vehicles. This open tender process, conducted under the Procurement Act 2023, aims to ensure the safe and legal operation of the Council's fleet. The estimated contract value is £750,000, including VAT, with an annual average of £150,000. The procurement will incorporate social value initiatives and require tenderers to demonstrate a commitment to carbon reduction strategies.

Contract for Provision of Deep / Blitz Cleaning Services for Residential Properties and Vulnerable Residents

Approval was given to proceed with the competitive open market tender for Deep/Blitz Cleaning Services. This five-year contract, with an estimated cost of £600,000, will ensure the Council can fulfil its statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 by providing essential cleaning and decluttering services to vulnerable residents and Council properties. The procurement process will prioritise quality, price, and social value, with an aim to offer opportunities to local suppliers.

Crowlands Heath Golf Course: Disposal of Public Open Space

The Cabinet noted that no responses were received to the public notice regarding the Council's intention to dispose of land at Crowlands Heath Golf Club. Consequently, the Cabinet reconfirmed its previous approval to the recommendations made on 14 October 2025, which relate to the sale of the Council's freehold interest in the site, subject to planning permission being secured by the developer, Homes for Life. This decision facilitates the potential redevelopment of new affordable homes and associated facilities, while generating a capital receipt.

Debt Management Performance 2025/26 (Quarter 3)

The Cabinet noted the debt management performance for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report highlighted mixed results across different income streams. Council Tax collection was 0.5% lower than the previous year, partly due to increased liabilities for low-income households and the ongoing cost of living crisis. Business rates collection was down by 6.2%, influenced by reduced retail relief and specific large account resolutions. Rent collection stood at 98.63%, below target, with arrears rising, significantly impacted by the migration of tenants to Universal Credit. Sundry debt collection remained stable, while Adult Social Care collection showed a slight increase, though progress is constrained by limited resources. The report also noted that approximately £600,000 in Adult Social Care debt is expected to become statute-barred this year.