Cllr Val Masson

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.

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 proposed fees and charges for 2026. The committee discussed the council's challenging financial position, the impact of the provisional local government finance settlement, and potential council tax increases. Decisions were made to note the budget report and to proceed with the scrutiny of fees and charges, with further questions to be submitted in writing.

Assembly - Wednesday, 19 November 2025 7:00 pm

At a meeting of the Barking and Dagenham Assembly, councillors noted the Local Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024/25, approved the Annual Youth Justice Plan 2025/26, and agreed to submit the East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Submission Plan for government approval. The Assembly also noted the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 Mid-Year Review, and approved the appointment of Councillor Julia Williams to the Pensions Committee.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 5 November 2025 7:00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the challenges and processes surrounding Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) and to review the work of the Barking and Dagenham Community Safety Partnership (CSP). Key discussions on EHCPs highlighted significant increases in demand, statutory timescale pressures, and staffing challenges, leading to a commitment to improve processes and communication. The CSP review focused on developing a new strategy for 2026-2030, addressing rising crime rates and community safety concerns through multi-agency collaboration, with a particular focus on serious youth violence and violence against women and girls.