Chris Rice

The Cabinet and Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council approved the Budget Framework for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2030/31 on 25 February 2026. The decision included approving a 4.99% increase in Council Tax for a Band D property. The approved budget incorporates savings proposals, growth initiatives, and a revised capital programme.

The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council decided to approve changes to the Council's governance arrangements on 25 February 2026. These changes include renaming the Assembly to Full Council, increasing the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and increasing the maximum number of Cabinet Assistants. The Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chief Executive and Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, was delegated authority to make all necessary changes to the Council Constitution.

The Full Council approved the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Report and Action Plan on 25/02/2026. The council noted the eight recommendations from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Team and the Council's Action Plan in response. The council will also be subject to a progress review by the LGA Peer Team by 17 October 2026.

The Cabinet and Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council approved the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Capital Strategy for 2026/27 on 25 February 2026. The decision included approving the Capital Strategy, Prudential and Treasury Indicators, and the Treasury Investment Strategy. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to amend counterparty lending limits if required.

The Cabinet and Full Council decided to approve the Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying Action Plan on 25 February 2026. The approved strategy sets out six objectives to guide the council's approach to housing needs, including increasing affordable housing supply, improving housing affordability, preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable residents, improving housing quality and safety, and promoting prevention and wellbeing through partnership. Specific actions include establishing a Registered Provider Forum, piloting a Large Families Taskforce, and developing a Tenancy Strategy.