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Cabinet - Tuesday, 21 April 2026 7:00 pm
April 21, 2026 at 7:00 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Cabinet meeting on 21 April 2026 saw the approval of plans to redevelop the May and Baker Sports Club into a multi-sports hub, the endorsement of a refreshed Carers Charter and Action Plan, and the continuation of contracts for emergency accommodation for homeless households, refuse collection vehicles, vehicle parts supply, and electrical testing services.
May and Baker Sports Club Multi-Sports Proposal
The Cabinet approved in principle the development of a multi-sports hub at the May and Baker Sports Club site. This follows the insolvency of the May and Baker Community Trust in 2024, which saw the freehold of the property revert to the Council. The proposal aims to enhance the existing sporting provision by developing 3G pitches and new facilities, with the potential to attract approximately £7 million in external investment through the Football Foundation's hub programme. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, highlighted the potential for the development to support grassroots football, including women's, girls', and disability football, and to offer a broader multi-sports provision, drawing parallels with the successful hub delivered at Parsloes Park. Councillor Cameron Geddes and Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe both welcomed the initiative, with Councillor Geddes specifically noting the importance of ensuring equal status for women's football. The decision allows for the accessing of procurement frameworks to assess the viability and cost of 3G pitches and a new-build pavilion or sports hall.
Carers Charter Refresh and Action Plan 2026-2036
The Cabinet endorsed the refreshed Carers Charter 2026-2036 and its associated Action Plan. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, presented the report, emphasising the importance of recognising the work of unpaid carers and the co-produced nature of the charter, which includes I statements
developed by carers themselves. The charter is structured around four themes: working together for carers, carers' well-being and employment, supporting young carers, and carers in the wider community. Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disabilities, expressed particular pleasure at the focus on young carers, highlighting the provision of an extra support worker in schools. The refreshed charter and action plan aim to ensure that carers are supported to live well alongside their caring roles, with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and building a Carer Friendly Community
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Contract for Emergency Accommodation for Homeless Households
The Cabinet retrospectively approved the procurement by spot purchase of Bed and Breakfast (B&B) and nightly paid accommodation for homeless households between October 2025 and April 2026. They also agreed to waive the requirement to tender and continue with spot purchasing this accommodation until July 2027. Councillor Maureen Worby explained that this interim measure is necessary to fulfil the Council's statutory duty to provide emergency accommodation while a comprehensive review of temporary accommodation provision is undertaken, expected to conclude in spring 2027. The report highlighted a significant decrease in B&B expenditure from £485,000 in October 2025 to £89,000 in January 2026, demonstrating efforts to reduce reliance on B&B. The decision aims to ensure safe, appropriate, and legally compliant emergency accommodation, with a particular focus on moving families out of B&B within the six-week limit and prioritising self-contained nightly paid units.
Contract for Replacement of Refuse Collection Vehicles
The Cabinet agreed that the Council should proceed with the procurement of replacement refuse collection vehicles (RCVs). Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Climate Change, presented the report, noting that the current fleet, purchased in 2019, is nearing the end of its operational life, with significant corrosion leading to costly repairs and operational disruptions. The proposal includes the procurement of up to twenty-three 26-tonne RCVs, with an estimated total cost of £5,750,000. The lead time for delivery is expected to be between nine and eighteen months. This procurement is essential for the Council to continue fulfilling its statutory duty to collect domestic waste and recycling and aligns with the Corporate Plan's priority for safer, cleaner, and greener neighbourhoods.
Contract for the Supply of Vehicle Parts, Ancillaries and Other Associated Equipment
The Cabinet agreed that the Council should proceed with the procurement of a four-year contract for the control, stock, and supply of parts and equipment for the Council's vehicle fleet. Councillor Kashif Haroon explained that the Council's multi-bay workshop in Dagenham requires access to a wide range of parts, and a specialist supplier is needed to consolidate these needs. The estimated contract value is £1,250,000 exclusive of VAT. The procurement will be conducted through further competition from the YPO Framework 1240. This contract is crucial for maintaining the operational effectiveness of the Council's fleet, which supports statutory services such as waste collection and passenger transport.
Procurement of Electrical Testing Services
The Cabinet agreed that the Council should proceed with the procurement of electrical testing services through a mini-competition via the SEC Framework Agreement. Councillor Maureen Worby presented the report, which outlines the need for electrical testing on over 17,938 domestic dwellings and 942 communal areas. The contract, estimated at £6.329 million over four years, will include remedial works identified from Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The procurement will involve sourcing suitably qualified contractors through Lot 2 of the SEC Framework, with an evaluation model weighted at 60% price, 30% quality, and 10% social value. This is essential for the Council to meet its statutory duties regarding electrical safety in its properties.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council resolved to proceed with the procurement of electrical testing services via a mini-competition on 21 April 2026. The decision authorises the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, to conduct the procurement award and enter into necessary agreements. This includes sourcing suitably qualified contractors through the SEC Framework Agreement, Lot 2 – Fixed Installation Testing (FIT), and will involve remedial works identified from Electrical Installation Condition Reports.
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The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council decided on 21/04/2026 to approve in principle the creation of a multi-sports hub at May & Baker Sports Club through the Football Foundation Hubs programme. The Cabinet resolved to utilise the Football Foundation Hubs programme grant for RIBA Stage 1 and 2 designs and project development, providing 40% match funding from grant reserve. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth and Place to conduct procurement and enter into contracts.
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The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council approved the refreshed Carers Charter 2026-2036 and its associated Action Plan on 21 April 2026. Individual directorates will contribute to the Carers Strategic Group to deliver the charter and action plan. The Health and Wellbeing Board will receive updates on the action plan's delivery and development.
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The Cabinet approved the procurement strategy for vehicle parts, ancillaries, and associated equipment on 21 April 2026. The Cabinet authorised the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, in consultation with others, to conduct the procurement and award contracts.
The Cabinet approved the procurement of electrical testing services on 21 April 2026. This will involve sourcing contractors through a mini-competition via the SEC Framework Agreement, Lot 2 – Fixed Installation Testing. The Cabinet authorised the Strategic Director, HEC, in consultation with the Strategic Director, Law & Governance, to conduct the procurement and award contracts.
The Cabinet approved in principle the creation of a multi-sports hub at May & Baker Sports Club on 21 April 2026. This will involve utilising the Football Foundation Hubs programme grant for RIBA Stage 1 and 2 designs and project development, with 40% match funding from grant reserve. The Cabinet also approved in principle accessing the Football Foundation's AGP Framework and the UK Leisure Framework for design and build contracts, allowing for mini-competitions. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Inclusive Growth and Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement and the Director of Law and Governance, to conduct the procurement and enter into contracts.
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The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council decided to approve the procurement strategy for replacement refuse collection vehicles on 21/04/2026. The Cabinet authorised the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, in consultation with others, to conduct the procurement and award contracts.
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The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council decided to approve the procurement strategy for vehicle parts, ancillaries, and associated equipment. The Cabinet authorised the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, in consultation with others, to conduct the procurement and award the contract. This decision was made on 21 April 2026.
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The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council decided on 21 April 2026 to retrospectively approve the spot purchase of bed and breakfast and nightly paid temporary accommodation for homeless households from October 2025 to April 2026, and to waive contract rules to continue this spot purchase until 31 July 2027. The Director of Housing was authorised to conduct procurement and award contracts, and officers will design and embed a fully compliant procurement route-to-market by July 2027.
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