Cllr Phil Waker

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 11 February 2026 7:00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 11 February 2026 focused on two key areas: the pressures and data surrounding the Education, Health, and Care (EHC) process, and a financial review of the council's public health spending. Significant concerns were raised regarding the increasing demand for EHC plans, the timeliness of assessments, and the financial management of the public health grant, which led to a potential repayment liability.

Assembly - Wednesday, 28 January 2026 7:00 pm

The Assembly of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 28 January 2026, discussing a range of important issues including the annual report of the BAD Youth Forum, the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, and the Director of Public Health's Annual Report. Key decisions made included the adoption of the revised Sex Establishment Licensing Policy for 2026-2029 and the approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. The Assembly also unanimously supported a motion calling for action on contaminated land and the adoption of Zane's Law.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 21 January 2026 7:00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the pressures on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, particularly concerning children moving into the borough, and to receive an update on neighbourhood policing. Key decisions included noting the work programme and receiving updates on both topics.

Audit and Risk Committee - Wednesday, 14 January 2026 7:00 pm

The Audit and Risk Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to review the 2024-25 Draft Annual Governance Statement, the Internal Audit Q2 report, and the Counter Fraud 2024-25 Q1/2 Review. Key decisions included noting the reports and agreeing to a revised work programme for the upcoming year.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 12 January 2026 7:00 pm, NEW

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Monday 12 January 2026 to scrutinise the draft budget strategy for 2026-27 to 2030-31 and the proposed fees and charges for 2026. Key discussions revolved around the council's financial position, including a projected budget gap of £21.8 million for 2026-27, and the impact of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, which indicated a significantly higher increase in Core Spending Power for Barking and Dagenham compared to the London average. The committee also reviewed proposed increases to various fees and charges, with a focus on cost recovery and benchmarking against neighbouring boroughs.