This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Approves Budget Framework with Council Tax Rise, New Housing Strategy

Barking and Dagenham Council's Assembly met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to make crucial decisions on the borough's financial future and housing strategy. The Assembly approved the Budget Framework for 2026-27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, which includes a 4.99% Council Tax increase. They also adopted the Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy 2026-2031, outlining a five-year plan to address housing needs.

• The Stakes: The budget and Council Tax decisions directly impact every household in the borough, affecting the funding available for essential services like social care, education, and waste management. The new housing strategy is critical for ensuring residents have access to safe, affordable, and quality homes.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The 4.99% Council Tax increase, which includes a 2% adult social care precept, will mean an additional £80.23 per year for a Band D property. While the council states this is necessary to maintain services and protect the most vulnerable, it will place an additional burden on households already struggling with the cost of living. The housing strategy aims to increase affordable housing supply and prevent homelessness, directly benefiting those most at risk.

Budget Framework and Financial Strategy Approved Amidst Council Tax Rise

The Assembly approved the council's budget framework for the upcoming year and its medium-term financial strategy. This includes a planned 4.99% increase in Council Tax, which the council states is necessary to balance the budget and protect frontline services. The increase comprises a 2% adult social care precept, a move aimed at addressing the growing demand and cost pressures in this vital sector.

• Savings and Growth: The budget incorporates £8.7 million in savings, with £1.8 million from invest-to-save proposals designed to improve efficiency. Simultaneously, £32.8 million in growth funding is allocated to address unavoidable pressures, particularly in social care.
• Financial Resilience: The medium-term financial strategy to 2030-31 acknowledges a significant financial gap emerging in later years if no further action is taken. The council plans to address this through a fundamental shift in how we manage demand and how we use our assets, rather than traditional efficiency programs.
• Resident Concerns: Councillor Victoria Hornby questioned the increase in Council Tax, particularly for families struggling with poverty. Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, responded by highlighting the council's extensive discretionary support for vulnerable families, totalling over £5 million, and stressed that without the tax increase, statutory duties and frontline services could not be maintained.

Read the full details of the Assembly meeting.

New Housing Strategy Aims for Affordable and Safe Homes

The adopted Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy 2026-2031 sets out a five-year plan to tackle housing needs across the borough. The strategy focuses on six key objectives:

• Increasing Supply: Boosting the provision of affordable and accessible homes.
• Improving Affordability: Ensuring a mix of tenures and rent levels aligned with local incomes.
• Preventing Homelessness: Working with partners to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping.
• Supporting Independence: Helping vulnerable residents live independently through suitable accommodation and timely adaptations.
• Enhancing Quality and Safety: Improving the quality and safety of housing stock, including addressing damp and mould.

• Promoting Prevention and Wellbeing: Strengthening preventative measures through neighbourhood models and partnerships.

• Action Plan: An accompanying Action Plan details specific commitments, responsibilities, and timelines for delivering the strategy's objectives.

• Resident Involvement: The strategy emphasises strengthening resident involvement through a structured engagement and scrutiny system, ensuring residents' voices and lived experiences shape policy.

Read the full details of the Assembly meeting.

Council Governance Modernised, Motion on Violence Against Women and Girls Agreed

The Assembly also approved changes to the council's governance arrangements, modernising its committee structure and democratic processes. Key changes include renaming the Assembly to Full Council and dissolving the Ceremonial Council.

• Enhanced Scrutiny: The membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be increased, aiming to provide more robust oversight.
• Streamlined Processes: The Personnel Board will be dissolved, with appeals handled at a management level. The number of Cabinet Assistants will also increase from three to five.

A motion calling for White Ribbon accreditation and the embedding of primary prevention measures against violence against women and girls across Council policy was also agreed. The motion, moved by Councillor Harriet Spoor and seconded by Councillor Val Masson, urged support for the Istanbul Convention's prevention measures, particularly engaging men and boys.

• Community Impact: This motion sends a strong message of commitment to ending violence against women and girls, with councillors sharing personal experiences and highlighting the need for prevention alongside enforcement. The agreement signifies a collective effort to challenge misogyny and ensure women and girls feel safe in the borough.

Read the full details of the Assembly meeting.

Other Matters

The Assembly also noted the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge report, which described Barking and Dagenham as an innovative and creative council. The report made several recommendations, including developing and promoting the borough's positive story more widely and clarifying the neighbourhood model. The Corporate Parenting Annual Report for 2024-25 was also noted, highlighting achievements in supporting children in care and care leavers, with children in care achieving better educational results than the national average.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 04 March 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 11 March 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Policy Task Group is scheduled to meet on Monday 09 March 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Personnel Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 March 2026. See the meeting details.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Grapples with Audit Disclaimers and Financial Strategy

Barking and Dagenham Council's Audit and Risk Committee met on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, facing the stark reality of disclaimed audit opinions for both the Council and the Pension Fund accounts for the 2024/25 financial year. This means auditors could not provide assurance over the financial statements, a situation stemming from long-standing legacy issues. Meanwhile, the Cabinet met on Monday, 16 February 2026, to approve the Budget Framework for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy, signalling the council's financial direction for the coming years.

• The Stakes: Disclaimed audit opinions raise serious concerns about financial transparency and accountability. For residents, this can erode trust in how their money is managed. The budget and financial strategy decisions directly impact the services residents receive, from social care to waste collection, and the council tax they pay.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The inability to provide assurance over financial statements can have ripple effects, potentially impacting the council's ability to secure funding or deliver services effectively. For those relying on council services, particularly vulnerable residents, any instability in financial management can lead to uncertainty and potential service disruptions. The budget decisions, including a proposed Council Tax increase, will also directly affect household finances, with low-income families often bearing the brunt of rising costs.

Audit Disclaimers Signal Ongoing Financial Challenges

The Audit and Risk Committee received a sobering update from Grant Thornton, the council's external auditor. For the 2024/25 financial year, both the Council and the Pension Fund accounts received a disclaimer of opinion. This was attributed to a combination of factors, including:

• Legacy Issues: Several years of disclaimed audits have created a backlog of unresolved financial reporting challenges.
• Statutory Backstop Restrictions: Sector-wide limitations on audit timelines have made it difficult to complete all necessary procedures.
• Incomplete Audit Procedures: The inability to finalise all planned audit work, particularly concerning opening balances, contributed to the disclaimer.

Despite these challenges, Grant Thornton acknowledged the council's efforts to improve financial reporting and controls. Management's responses indicated agreement with many findings, though differing interpretations on technical points were noted. The committee was asked to approve the audited Statement of Accounts and Letters of Representation, a procedural step that highlights the ongoing efforts to address these deep-rooted issues.

Councillor Phil Waker questioned the scale of the work and the associated fees, while Councillor Rocky Gill raised concerns about group accounts and the valuation of assets, pointing to specific instances of significant misstatements and auditor inability to complete planned procedures. The Deputy Section 151 Officer, Shabana Kausar, explained that while improvements have been made, challenges remain, particularly with subsidiaries providing information on time.

The Pension Fund audit for 2023/24 also resulted in a disclaimer of opinion, though there was a more positive outlook for 2024/25, with a potential move towards a qualified opinion in future years if improvements continue.

Read the full details of the Audit and Risk Committee meeting.

Council Approves Budget Framework and Medium Term Financial Strategy

The Cabinet approved the Budget Framework for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026/27 to 2030/31. This crucial set of decisions outlines how the council will manage its finances and deliver services over the next five years.

• Key Financials: The proposed General Fund budget includes £8.7 million in savings, with £1.8 million from Invest-to-Save proposals. A significant £32.8 million in growth is also planned, reflecting increased demand for services.
• Council Tax Increase: A 4.99% increase in Council Tax (Band D equivalent) was recommended, including the 2% adult social care precept. This equates to a £1.54 weekly increase for Band D properties. The report also noted the Mayor of London's proposed GLA precept increase.
• Reserves and Capital: The council intends to maintain a General Fund balance of £12 million, in line with its Reserves Policy. A provisional Capital Programme of £126.7 million for 2026/27 to 2027/28 was also presented.
• Financial Robustness: The Section 151 Officer provided an opinion on the robustness of the budget proposals and the adequacy of reserves, acknowledging the financial risks the council faces.

The decisions made by the Cabinet will now be presented to the Assembly for final approval. These financial plans are critical for ensuring the council can continue to provide essential services, particularly to vulnerable residents, while navigating economic pressures.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Other Matters

The Cabinet also discussed and approved several other key reports:

• Fees and Charges 2026/27: Proposed fees and charges across all directorates were reviewed, with most expected to increase in line with inflation (3.8% based on August CPI). The report detailed the principles behind setting charges, aiming for fair recovery of costs. Read the report.
• Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27 and Capital Strategy 2026/27 to 2027/28: These strategies outline the council's approach to borrowing, investments, and capital expenditure, crucial for financial sustainability. Read the report.
• Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy 2026-2031: This strategy sets out the council's plan to improve housing outcomes, focusing on increasing supply, affordability, preventing homelessness, and improving quality and safety. Read the report.
• Be First (Regeneration) Ltd Business Plan 2026-2031, B&D Energy Ltd Business Plan 2026-2031, and B&D Reside Group Business Plan 2026-2031: Business plans for the council's key regeneration and housing companies were approved, outlining their strategic direction and financial forecasts. These plans reflect a shift towards attracting private sector finance and managing commercial assets. Read the reports.
• New Homes for Residents of Millard Terrace and Strategy for the Redevelopment of Dagenham Heathway Site: Proposals for redeveloping Millard Terrace and the Dagenham Heathway site were approved, including a decant strategy to provide new homes for affected residents. Read the report.
• Procurement of All-Age Behaviour Change Perpetrator Service: Approval was given to procure a service to tackle domestic abuse by challenging perpetrator behaviour, with a focus on an all-age approach. Read the report.
• Contract for the Servicing and Maintenance of Passenger Lifts: Approval was sought to tender for a new contract for lift servicing and maintenance across the council's portfolio. Read the report.
• Beam Park and Gascoigne East Phase 3B - Approval of Disposals, Head Leases and Loan Facility Agreements: Approvals were granted for disposals and loan facility agreements related to new build schemes at Beam Park and Gascoigne East. Read the report.
• Ripple Nature Reserve Masterplan: Agreement in principle was given to the masterplan for the restoration and reopening of Ripple Nature Reserve, aiming to enhance biodiversity and public access. Read the report.
• Barking and Dagenham Homes Ltd: Progress towards becoming a Registered Provider of Social Housing: An update was provided on BDHL's progress towards becoming a Registered Provider of Social Housing, with proposed revisions to its Articles of Association. Read the report.
• Investment and Acquisition Strategy - Update and Future Proposals: The council reviewed its Investment and Acquisition Strategy, proposing a new focus on Strategic Commercial Asset Management. Read the report.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Assembly is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 25 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Constitution is scheduled for Friday 27 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 04 March 2026. See the meeting details.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Public Health Fund Mismanagement and SEND Service Pressures

This week, Barking and Dagenham Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to tackle two critical issues: a significant financial review of public health spending and the mounting pressures on the Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan process. The discussions revealed potential financial irregularities and highlighted the strain on services designed to support children with special educational needs.

• The Stakes: The proper management of public health funds is vital for the well-being of all residents, ensuring money is spent on initiatives that genuinely improve health outcomes. For children with EHC plans, timely and effective support is crucial for their development and educational success. Failures in these areas can have long-lasting negative impacts on individuals and the community.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The potential misapplication of £1.8 million from the Public Health Grant raises serious questions about whether funds intended for health improvements were diverted, potentially impacting preventative health programmes and services for those most in need. Similarly, the increasing demand and delays in the EHC process can leave children and their families struggling to access essential support, impacting their education and overall well-being.

Public Health Grant Under Fire: £1.8 Million Questioned

A forensic review of the council's public health spending for 2022/23 and 2023/24 uncovered potential non-compliance with the ring-fenced nature of the Public Health Grant. This review identified approximately £1.8 million that may have been spent on purposes other than those intended, including £675,000 allocated to support general fund savings.

• What Happened: The committee heard that a lack of clear oversight and transparency in the allocation and monitoring of the grant contributed to the issue. High staff turnover in finance departments also played a role.
• The Outcome: Crucially, due to the council's proactive identification and addressing of the issue, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has agreed that the £1.8 million does not need to be repaid. Instead, the general fund will reimburse this amount to the public health budget for reallocation to identified priorities.
• Strengthened Governance: In response, the council has established a Public Health Grant Executive Assurance & Oversight Board, revised budget accountability so the Director of Public Health has direct oversight of all grant spend, and enhanced internal controls.
• Resident Reaction: While the DHSC has not required repayment, the revelation of potential misspent funds has drawn criticism. Councillor Muazzam Sandhu, for instance, expressed concern that public funding intended for health interventions was diverted, especially noting that the borough's healthy life expectancy has not improved in recent history. The committee sought clarity on who authorised the diversion and what disciplinary actions, if any, were taken. Officers stated the investigation focused on learning and improvement, with no disciplinary actions taken.

Read the full details of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

EHC Process Under Strain: Rising Demand and Delays

The committee also delved into the pressures facing the Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan process. Data presented showed a sustained and significant rise in referrals, with a 23% increase over the last four years. This surge has led to challenges in meeting statutory timescales, with only 27.7% of plans issued within the 20-week timeframe, significantly below the national average of 46.4%.

• Key Pressures:
  • Increased Referrals: A 23% rise in referrals over four years, with a notable jump between 2024 and 2025.
  • Timeliness Issues: A significant drop in plans issued within the statutory 20-week timeframe, exacerbated by staff departures.
  • Growing Needs: An increase in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) as primary special educational needs.
  • Placement Challenges: Special schools and Additional Resource Provisions (ARPs) are at capacity, necessitating expansion.
• Contributing Factors: Councillors and officers discussed how the erosion of school budgets, a lack of early intervention services (such as those previously provided by educational psychologists), and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the increased demand and complexity of needs.
• Government Reforms: The committee was updated on forthcoming government reforms to the SEND system, which aim for a more inclusive and locally delivered support system.
• Impact on Families: The delays and pressures on the EHC system can cause significant stress and uncertainty for families, potentially hindering their child's access to vital educational and therapeutic support.

Read the full details of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

YMCA Supported Accommodation Approved with Environmental Enhancements

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday 10 February 2026 and unanimously approved plans for a new six-storey supported accommodation block for the YMCA on Rush Green Road, Romford. The development, which spans the boundary between Barking and Dagenham and the London Borough of Havering, will provide 184 short-term supported housing units.

• The Stakes: This development addresses a critical need for supported accommodation, offering a safe and stable environment for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. The project also includes significant environmental improvements, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
• Impact on Residents: The new units will provide much-needed housing for vulnerable individuals, offering them a pathway to independence. The inclusion of community spaces and ecological enhancements will also benefit the wider local area.

Addressing Local Need for Supported Housing

The proposal aims to decant residents from the existing YMCA tower, which is in a poor state of repair. The new building will offer 184 en-suite units for single occupancy, with shared kitchen and living facilities. A Section 106 legal agreement will ensure that both Barking and Dagenham and Havering benefit from nominations rights, guaranteeing that local needs are met.

• Design and Amenities: The development includes flexible ground-floor spaces for community use, such as a cafe and gym, and private courtyards for residents. While openable windows were not permitted due to safeguarding concerns, ventilation panels will ensure natural airflow.
• Environmental Benefits: The project incorporates significant ecological enhancements, including green and blue roofs, a flood garden, and the re-naturalisation of part of the River Rom. This approach achieves an urban greening factor of 0.4 and exceeds the mandatory biodiversity net gain of 10%.

Planning Performance Review Subcommittee Appointed

The committee also appointed members to the Planning Performance Review Subcommittee, tasked with annually reviewing delegated and appeal decisions to ensure correct application of planning policies.

Read the full details of the Planning Committee meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Assembly is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 25 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• A meeting of the Constitution is scheduled for Friday 27 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday 16 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Audit and Risk Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 February 2026. See the meeting details.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Councillors Navigate New Standards for Online Conduct and Future Reforms

The Standards Committee met on Monday, 02 February 2026, to address crucial updates on councillor conduct, particularly concerning social media use, and to prepare for significant upcoming changes to the national standards regime. The discussions highlighted the council's commitment to upholding ethical standards while adapting to evolving digital landscapes and legislative reforms.

• The Stakes: Clear guidelines on social media are essential to protect councillors from online abuse and to ensure public trust. Anticipated reforms to the standards regime signal a move towards a more robust and potentially stricter framework for elected officials, impacting accountability and conduct.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The social media guidance aims to safeguard councillors from harassment and trolling, which can be particularly damaging. The upcoming reforms, including potential suspension powers, could have significant consequences for councillors facing allegations, underscoring the need for fair processes.

New Social Media Guidance for Councillors

The committee reviewed a draft social media guidance policy designed to clarify expectations and mitigate risks for councillors using online platforms. This advisory policy, developed in response to the increasing use of social media, aims to protect councillors by outlining potential pitfalls and best practices.

• Key Advice: Councillors are advised to use personal devices and email addresses for political activities to maintain a clear separation from official council business. The guidance stresses the permanence of online content and the legal risks, such as defamation and breaches of the Data Protection Act 2018¹. Councillors are urged to avoid posting offensive or libellous comments and to safeguard confidential information.
• Dealing with Online Abuse: The policy addresses how to handle online abuse and trolling, advising councillors to ignore such behaviour and seek advice from the Council's communications team or monitoring officer. The council is committed to supporting members experiencing online harassment, with a dedicated officer and training resources available.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caution: The guidance also includes a warning about the use of AI, noting that its outputs can be inaccurate and may not comply with data protection or defamation laws. Councillors are cautioned against relying on AI for legal or constituent advice.

Anticipating National Reforms to Councillor Standards

The committee received a briefing on anticipated statutory changes to the councillor standards regime, stemming from government consultations. These reforms are expected to introduce a mandatory national code of conduct, formal standards committees for all principal local authorities, and a national body for serious cases and appeals.

• Potential New Powers: The reforms propose new powers for councils to suspend councillors for up to six months, with the possibility of withholding allowances, and to disqualify those subject to repeated suspensions. Interim suspension powers are also being considered for serious allegations.
• Council Preparedness: Barking and Dagenham Council is considered well-prepared for these changes, having already established a standalone Standards Committee. However, the implementation will require significant legislative work, likely not fully enacted until late 2027. The council will need to conduct a financial review to assess associated costs.
• Resident Concerns: The report noted that councillors' personal details and addresses are not published on the register of members' interests due to a risk of physical violence, a concern the government has acknowledged.

Update on Councillor Complaints

The committee received an update on complaints lodged against councillors between January 2025 and January 2026. The report indicated that while twelve complaints were processed over the past year, only one remained live at the time of the report.

• Weaponising Complaints: The report highlighted a trend of complaints being weaponised, used as threats or intimidation tactics. The council's Code of Conduct includes a public interest test to dismiss complaints without merit.
• Procedural Safeguards: Reasons for dismissal included lack of evidence, no reasonable prospect of success, and complaints not meeting the public interest test. Anonymous complaints will not be processed, as councillors are entitled to know their accuser.

Read the full details of the Standards Committee meeting.

Health Services Focus on Integrated Care and Healthy Weight Initiatives

The Health Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 04 February 2026, focusing on the delivery of sexual health services and the early impact of a new approach to healthy weight commissioning. The discussions underscored the council's commitment to accessible, inclusive, and preventative healthcare.

• The Stakes: The effectiveness and accessibility of sexual health services are crucial for public health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups. The new healthy weight strategy aims to address a significant health challenge with long-term implications for residents' well-being.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The integrated sexual health service prioritises safeguarding for individuals at risk, including those under 16, experiencing FGM, or involved in sex work. The healthy weight strategy is designed with inclusion by design, tailoring support for diverse needs and addressing inequalities.

Integrated Sexual Health and HIV Service Update

The committee received an update on the Integrated Sexual Health and HIV Service (ISHS), which provides GUM, contraceptive, and HIV services across the borough and neighbouring areas. The service boasts high patient satisfaction rates and is actively working to reach vulnerable populations.

• Reaching the Underserved: New initiatives include Saturday sessions for contraception and STI testing, and targeted outreach to homeless individuals and asylum seekers. These efforts have led to the identification of new STI diagnoses and individuals accessing vital prevention services like PrEP.
• Safeguarding and Confidentiality: Robust safeguarding protocols are in place, including triaging forms and specific questions during consultations. Anonymity is a priority, with systems designed to protect patient confidentiality, even when using new electronic patient record systems.
• Addressing Health Inequalities: The service uses geo-mapping to identify areas of high deprivation and need, strategically locating satellite sites to improve access. They are also exploring upskilling other NHS services to provide basic sexual health provision, expanding reach and reducing barriers.

Early Impact of New Healthy Weight Strategy

The committee reviewed the initial impact of a new, whole-system approach to healthy weight commissioning, led by DDM Health. This strategy moves away from traditional, individual programmes towards a preventative, community-led model designed to make healthier choices more accessible.

• Community-Centric Approach: Over the past six months, DDM Health has engaged with over 250 residents and stakeholders to gather insights. Key themes include a need for a single, trusted access point for support, practical food skills education, safe and local physical activity options, and addressing the impact of cost of living.
• Inclusion by Design: The strategy prioritises inclusion, with plans for tailored support for diverse groups, including those with SEND, neurodiversity, and severe mental illnesses. The aim is to create a system that is accessible and responsive to everyone's needs.
• Long-Term Vision: The strategy focuses on a long-term, sustainable approach, moving away from short-term fixes. Pilot programmes are planned to test and learn, with the ultimate goal of scaling successful initiatives across the borough and transforming communities into healthier, more confident places.

Read the full details of the Health Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Senior Leadership Appointments and Review on Hold

The JNC Appointments, Salaries and Structures Panel met on Wednesday 04 February 2026. The meeting was scheduled to discuss a senior leadership review and the appointment of a Director of Law and Governance. However, due to the confidential nature of the discussions, the public and press were excluded from these agenda items.

• The Stakes: Decisions regarding senior leadership appointments and reviews are critical for the effective governance and strategic direction of the council. These roles are responsible for implementing council policies and ensuring the efficient delivery of services.
• Confidentiality: The exclusion of the public and press indicates that the discussions involved sensitive personal information and potentially ongoing negotiations, which are protected under local government legislation.

Read the full details of the JNC Appointments, Salaries and Structures Panel meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Assembly is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• A meeting is scheduled for Friday 13 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Audit and Risk Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 February 2026. See the meeting details.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday 16 February 2026. See the meeting details.