The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 21 April 2026, approving plans for a new multi-sports hub at the May and Baker Sports Club, refreshing the Carers Charter and Action Plan, and agreeing to continue procuring emergency accommodation for homeless households. The meeting also saw decisions made regarding the replacement of refuse collection vehicles, the procurement of vehicle parts 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 in Eastbrook. This follows the insolvency of the May and Baker Community Trust in 2025, which saw the freehold of the property revert to the Council. The proposal aims to enhance the site's multi-sports offer, including the development of 3G pitches and a new facility, with the potential to attract approximately £7 million in external investment through the Football Foundation's hub programme. The decision is subject to a feasibility assessment and confirmation of funding. The Council will access the Football Foundation's procurement framework for the design and build of the 3G pitches and the UK Leisure Framework for the pavilion.

Carers Charter Refresh and Action Plan 2026-2036

The Cabinet agreed to the refreshed Carers Charter 2026-2036 and its associated Action Plan. This co-produced document, developed with input from over 170 carers, outlines I statements reflecting carers' priorities across four themes: working together for carers, carers' well-being and employment, supporting young carers, and carers in the wider community. The Action Plan will be refreshed annually. The charter aims to support carers in their roles, promote financial resilience, and ensure they are recognised as equal partners in care. The Council's commitment to carers has been recognised with an 'Outstanding' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Contract for Emergency Accommodation for Homeless Households

The Cabinet agreed to retrospectively approve spot purchases 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 the spot purchase of this emergency accommodation until July 2027. This decision is necessary to fulfil the Council's statutory duty to provide emergency accommodation while a strategic review of temporary accommodation is completed, with a full procurement process planned for early 2027. The move towards more nightly paid accommodation aims to reduce reliance on B&B settings, which are deemed unsuitable for families with children beyond six weeks. The report highlighted a significant decrease in B&B expenditure from £485,000 in October 2025 to £89,000 in January 2026.

Contract for Replacement of Refuse Collection Vehicles

The Council will proceed with the procurement of replacement refuse collection vehicles (RCVs). The current fleet, purchased in 2019, is nearing the end of its operational life, with significant repair costs and operational disruptions experienced over the past year. The procurement strategy involves using the TPPL Framework Agreement for further competition. The estimated cost for up to twenty-three 26-tonne RCVs is £5,750,000, which has been included in the Council's capital spend programme. The new vehicles will be Euro 6 compliant diesel-fuelled, with a rear-loading bin lift mechanism and rear-wheel steering.

Contract for the Supply of Vehicle Parts, Ancillaries and Other Associated Equipment

The Council will procure a four-year contract for the control, stock, and supply of parts and equipment for its vehicle maintenance workshop. This is necessary as the Council lacks the internal expertise and trade contacts to manage the diverse range of suppliers required. The procurement will be conducted through further competition from the YPO Framework 1240. The estimated contract value is £1,250,000 over four years. The new contract aims to reduce parts costs and vehicle downtime, ensuring the continued operation of essential council services.

Procurement of Electrical Testing Services

The Council will proceed with sourcing contractors through the SEC Framework Agreement to undertake electrical testing on over 17,938 domestic dwellings and 942 communal areas. This four-year contract, with an estimated value of £6.329 million, will include remedial works identified from Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) to ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations. The procurement will involve a mini-competition, with the award criteria weighted at 60% for price, 30% for quality, and 10% for social value. The successful contractors will be required to pay the London Living Wage and use electric or hybrid vehicles where possible.