Cllr Ben Suter

The Full Council decided to approve the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation for 2025 on 22 July 2026. The decision noted the self-evaluation report, which highlights key messages and outcomes regarding the quality and impact of children's care and support services.

The Full Council decided to approve the Treasury Management Annual Review 2025/26 on 22 July 2026. The council noted total borrowing of £1,613.3m, total investments of £472.5m, and a General Fund treasury surplus return of (£0.389m).

The Full Council decided to approve the External Auditor's Annual Report for the 2024/25 financial year on 22/07/2026. The report from Grant Thornton assessed the Council's arrangements for governance, financial management, and value for money. Management has accepted the auditor's recommendations and incorporated them into existing improvement plans.

The Full Council approved the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report 2025/26 on 22/07/2026. The report details the committee's work over the past year, including its oversight of external audits, the Annual Governance Statement, internal audit, counter fraud, and risk management.

The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council resolved to approve the Budget Framework 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31 on 25 February 2026. This included agreeing to a 4.99% Council Tax increase and approving the General Fund Revenue Budget and Capital Programme.