The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026, discussing a range of important issues including the council's treasury management, the external auditor's annual report, and the progress of children's care and support services. The council considered the Treasury Management Annual Review for 2025/26 and the External Auditor's Annual Report for 2024/25.

Treasury Management Annual Review 2025/26

Councillor Rocky Gill, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented the Treasury Management Annual Review for 2025/26. The report detailed the council's borrowing and investment positions, noting that total council borrowing stood at over £1.6 billion, with the majority attributed to the Investment Acquisition Strategy (IAS), now known as the Strategic Commercial Asset Management Vehicle. The average interest rate on this borrowing was 3.36%. Investments totalled over £472 million. Councillor Gill explained the council's approach to managing its cash balances, borrowing for capital spending, and the management of risks associated with these activities. The report was recommended for approval by the council.

External Auditor's Annual Report 2024/25

Councillor Rocky Gill also presented the External Auditor's Annual Report for 2024/25. The report, prepared by Grant Thornton, provided an independent assessment of the council's governance, financial management, and value for money arrangements. While acknowledging significant progress in strengthening financial reporting and governance, the report identified areas for continued improvement, particularly concerning financial sustainability, governance of subsidiary companies, and procurement. The council noted the report, with management accepting the recommendations made by the auditors.

Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation 2025

Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, presented the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation for 2025. The report highlighted significant improvements in children's services, noting a stable and experienced leadership team, effective multi-agency partnerships, and a well-equipped workforce. The report detailed progress in early help services, with a 12% growth in children receiving support over the last three years, and improvements in the timeliness and quality of strategy meetings. While the number of children on child protection plans remained high, this was attributed to factors such as population growth and better identification of complex needs, with repeat child protection plan levels remaining low. The report also detailed positive outcomes for children in care, particularly in education and wellbeing, and for care leavers in securing education, employment, training, and suitable accommodation. The council noted the self-evaluation report.

Motion with Notice: Recognising the British West India Regiment and Global Majority Service Personnel

Councillor Ingrid Robinson moved a motion to formally acknowledge the British West India Regiment and global majority service personnel, highlighting their significant contributions to British military history. The motion called for the development of educational resources for schools, formal acknowledgement in Black History Month and Remembrance Sunday programmes, and exploration of a permanent civic tribute. Councillor Robinson also urged collaboration with veteran organisations to promote inclusive remembrance and ensure equal support for all service personnel and veterans. An amendment, moved by Councillor Ben Suter, sought to broaden the recognition to include all service personnel, including Gurkhas, and to address the treatment of Disabled Facilities Grants for veterans. Following a vote, the amendment was lost, and the substantive motion was carried.

Motions With Notice (Deferred)

Due to time constraints, two further motions with notice, concerning Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and Greater Transparency in Housing Allocations and Waiting Times, were deferred to the next available meeting.

The meeting concluded at 9:25 pm.