The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to discuss a range of financial and strategic matters. Key decisions included approving the provisional outturn report for the financial year 2025/26, which revealed a £278,000 overspend on the General Fund to be covered by reserves, and noting an overspend of just over £4 million on the Dedicated Schools Grant, with 90% expected to be recovered from central government. The Cabinet also approved the adoption of two Supplementary Planning Documents: one for the Becontree Estate, aimed at preserving its heritage, and another for Dagenham Heathway, designed to guide future development and investment.

Provisional Outturn Report for the Financial Year 2A025/26

The Cabinet reviewed the provisional financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. A net overspend of £278,000 was reported for the General Fund, which will be funded from the Council's General Reserve. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was reported to be breaking even. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) showed a net overspend of £4.015 million, with 90% anticipated to be recoverable from the government. The Capital Programme reported an underspend of £21.988 million, with this funding to be rolled over into the current fiscal year.

Affordable Family Homes Development Programme

The Cabinet approved the establishment of an Affordable Family Homes Development Programme aimed at delivering approximately 47 family homes at social rent across four Council-owned sites: Dagenham Trades Hall with Charlotte Road Garages, Hunters Hall Road, Rosslyn Avenue, and Chelmer Crescent. These homes will be managed within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and delivered by Be First, funded by a combination of Greater London Authority (GLA) grant and HRA investment. The programme is considered financially viable and is expected to generate a positive Net Present Value. The Cabinet also delegated authority for the procurement of a construction contractor and the appropriation of sites for planning purposes.

Adoption of Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document and Design Code

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Design Code. This document provides supplementary policy to the Local Plan 2037, aiming to preserve the heritage of the Becontree Estate, which is recognised as a Non-Designated Heritage Asset. The SPD outlines the estate's historic context, its heritage significance, and provides design guidance for residents undertaking alterations to their homes. The adoption of the SPD is a material consideration for future planning applications within the estate. The Cabinet also noted that two Article 4 Directions, which will remove permitted development rights for porches and certain extensions on corner plots, will come into effect in November 2026, subject to further approval.

Adoption of Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document

The Cabinet adopted the Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which sets out a comprehensive vision for the area to guide future development and investment. This SPD provides supplementary guidance to Local Plan Policy SPP6, identifying Dagenham Heathway as a Transformation Area with potential for significant mixed-use development and over 1,000 new homes. The document aims to transform Dagenham Heathway into a vibrant civic heart for the borough, with improvements to public realm, transport, green spaces, and community infrastructure. The SPD will be a material consideration for future planning applications in the area.

Broadway Theatre Appointment of Operator and Lease

Approval was granted to enter into a 30-year lease with artsdepot for the future operation of the Broadway Theatre. The theatre has been closed since January 2024 due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Artsdepot emerged as the preferred bidder following a competitive tender process, scoring highly for their programming ambition, track record, and community-focused approach. The lease will be offered at a peppercorn rent, and external funding will be sought for improvements, including seating reconfiguration and stage area upgrades. A Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) bid will be submitted to support these improvements and unlock external funding.

CCTV Strategy 2026-2030

The Cabinet adopted the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham CCTV Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy outlines how the Council's CCTV provision will be developed, managed, and operated to support community safety objectives, crime prevention and detection, and enforcement activities. Key elements include modernising infrastructure, transitioning to digital systems, reducing revenue costs through wireless transmission, and strengthening governance. The strategy also supports a phased move towards a Smart City approach, integrating sensors and data analytics to improve situational awareness and efficiency.

Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy 2026-2028

The Cabinet approved the Council's Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy for 2026-2028. This policy provides a robust framework for enforcement activities, ensuring they are fair, proportionate, transparent, consistent, and risk-based. It covers a wide range of regulatory functions, including environmental health, trading standards, licensing, and planning enforcement. The policy aims to promote compliance through early intervention and advice, while taking firm action against those who deliberately flout the law.

Treasury Management Annual Review 2025/26

The Cabinet reviewed the Treasury Management Annual Review for 2025/26. This report detailed the Council's borrowing and investment positions as at 31 March 2026. Total Council borrowing was noted at £1.613 billion, with £1.192 billion related to the Investment and Acquisition Strategy (IAS). Total Council investments were £472.5 million. The General Fund treasury surplus return was reported as (£0.389 million). The Cabinet recommended that Full Council approve the Treasury Management Annual Review and note the associated capital financing prudential indicators and borrowing and investment figures.

Social Value in Procurement Impact Report 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the positive impact of the Council's Social Value in Procurement policy during 2025/26. Suppliers committed to and delivered a range of social value outcomes, including jobs and apprenticeships, work experience, volunteering days, and donations of goods and funds. The report highlighted specific initiatives focused on supporting schools and colleges, adults with additional barriers to employment, and those affected by the cost-of-living crisis. The Council's wider social impact through other Inclusive Economy sectors, such as Section 106 agreements and the Good Food Plan, was also noted.

Council-Owned Companies Quarter 3 2025/26 Update

The Cabinet received an update on the performance of Council-owned companies for the third quarter of 2025/26. Reports from Be First, the Reside group of companies, BD Energy Ltd, and Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership (BDTP) were presented, highlighting key achievements and challenges. The Cabinet delegated authority to appoint an alternative contractor and increase the capital budget for the Roxwell Road scheme, following the original contractor entering administration. Progress on addressing recommendations from the Grant Thornton Value for Money Review was also noted.

Cross Council Assurance Service Framework Agreement

The Cabinet agreed that the Council should enter into an Access Agreement with the London Borough of Barnet for the Cross Council Assurance Service (CCAS) framework. This framework provides access to Audit, Assurance, and Advisory Services. The Cabinet also agreed to waive the requirement for a full procurement tender exercise, as the framework has been competitively procured. This arrangement will ensure continuity of Internal Audit provision and provide access to specialist expertise, while offering flexibility and value for money.

Procurement of a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider

The Cabinet agreed that the Council should proceed with the procurement of a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Agreement for Microsoft Azure services. This agreement will be for a 20-month term, aligning with the Council's existing Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, with the aim of consolidating both under a single provider in a future procurement. The estimated cost for the contract is £1.44 million. The procurement will prioritise quality, price, and social value.