The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The meeting discussed a significant budget deficit and heard proposals for a revised Council Tax Support scheme. Key agenda items included a presentation on the Community Safety Partnership Strategy, the borough-wide Parking Strategy, and the Corporate Parenting Strategy. The meeting also addressed the implementation of the Housing Strategy, the procurement of arboricultural services, and a lease re-gear for the Travelodge in Dagenham.

Budget Strategy and MTFS Update 2027/28 - 2028/29

Councillor Rocky Gill, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented an update on the Budget Strategy and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2027/28 to 2028/29. He highlighted a significant deterioration in the Council's financial position, with the forecast budget gap for 2027/28 increasing to £27.9 million, rising cumulatively to £58 million by 2028/29. Councillor Gill attributed this to recurring in-year service pressures, particularly within demand-led services like adult and children's social care, temporary accommodation, and services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

While acknowledging the positive news of an estimated 11.5% increase in funding through the fair funding review, Councillor Gill stressed that this increase falls short of offsetting historic funding reductions and rising demand. He emphasised the need for radical new thinking and a completely radical new thinking approach to deliver sustainable savings and service redesign through the Council's Change Programme.

Councillor Gill also noted the reduction in usable reserves, with only £35.9 million currently available to support budget pressures, prompting a review of the reserves policy. He stated that a balanced budget remains achievable but will require difficult decisions. The report recommended noting the updated financial context, approving the Budget Strategy, and noting the latest MTFS projections and associated risks.

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care and Health, commented that the need for a whole new approach extends beyond local government, acknowledging national recognition of social care pressures and the commitment to social care reform. Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for People, Place & Partnerships, allowed Councillor Rocky Gill to respond to Councillor Tew's question regarding the projected budget gap. Councillor Gill clarified that the pressures are primarily from demand-led services such as adult social care, children's social care, temporary accommodation, and SEND, noting the difficulty in forecasting costs for placements that can individually cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. He also highlighted the Council's efforts to create its own placements to reduce reliance on private providers.

The Cabinet agreed to note the updated financial context, approve the Budget Strategy, and note the latest MTFS projections and associated risks.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28 Draft Proposals

Councillor Rocky Gill also presented draft proposals for the Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme for 2027/28. He explained that the Council is legally required to review its CTS scheme annually. The scheme provides help with Council Tax costs for low-income households, currently supporting over 16,000 residents. Pension-age residents are protected under a national scheme, while the Council determines support for working-age households.

The recommended option is to maintain the existing level of support, with a maximum discount of 63%, while making a necessary legal amendment arising from a recent High Court judgment involving Three Rivers District Council. This judgment found that the transitional protection element within Universal Credit should not be treated as income when calculating CTS. The proposed change will increase support for approximately 546 affected households and is expected to add around £150,000 per year to scheme costs. Total CTS expenditure is forecast to increase from £15.3 million in 2026/27 to £16.3 million in 2027/28.

Councillor Gill also proposed maintaining a minimum £500,000 discretionary Council Tax Relief fund for households experiencing severe financial hardship. The Cabinet recommended approving Option 1 as the proposed draft CTS scheme for 2027/28, noting the additional cost, approving the commencement of public consultation, approving the maintenance of the Discretionary Council Tax Relief fund, and delegating authority for policy approval.

Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, presented the Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy outlines the partnership's approach to reducing crime, anti-social behaviour, serious violence, substance misuse, and reoffending across Barking and Dagenham. It is informed by the Crime and Disorder Strategic Assessment and resident engagement.

The strategy identifies nine community safety priorities: serious youth violence, violence against women and girls, residential burglary, personal robbery, anti-social behaviour and environmental crime, substance use, reducing reoffending, counter-terrorism (including Prevent), and hate crime. Councillor Ghani highlighted that reported crime created an estimated £2.5 million societal cost in the year to August 2025, with the five highest harm crime categories being robbery, domestic abuse, rape, violence with injury, and residential burglary.

Following feedback from Cabinet in July 2026, the strategy has been strengthened with improved communication and resident feedback mechanisms, including a dedicated partnership website and public dashboard. Success will be measured through crime trends, resident participation, lived experience, delivery of partnership actions, and evaluation of interventions. The strategy does not create additional budgetary requirements.

Councillor Maureen Worby welcomed the strategy and the amendments made, emphasising the importance of community understanding and partnership roles. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Business & Engagement, also supported the report and expressed anticipation for seeing shifts in crime figures. Councillor Dominic Twomey fully supported the strategy, highlighting the importance of partnership working and the need for residents to feel safe. The Cabinet recommended endorsing the strategy for adoption by Full Council.

Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030

Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, presented the refreshed Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030 for care-experienced children and young people. She noted that approximately 400 children are currently in care, with 340 care leavers being supported, the highest number to date. Councillor Jones emphasised the Council's commitment to being a corporate parent, providing the same ambitions and support as any good parent would for their own children.

The strategy is built around five co-produced promises: best care and support, building lasting relationships, supporting health and wellbeing, achieving the best possible education, and preparing for adult life with a safe home. Each promise includes commitments and priorities for action. Councillor Jones commended the Skittles group for their input and the production of videos explaining available support. The Cabinet was asked to agree the strategy.

Councillor Saima Ashraf commended the report, stating that no parent would disagree with the sentiment and that these children are the future. She shared personal experience of mentoring a child in care and highlighted the importance of wrap-around support. Councillor Dominic Twomey endorsed the strategy, reminding elected members of their collective responsibility as corporate parents. Councillor Worby also spoke, emphasising the importance of the strategy being co-produced with care-experienced young people and the commitment to delivering on these promises. The Cabinet was recommended to agree the Corporate Parenting Strategy.

Parking Strategy

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, presented the borough-wide Parking Strategy. He explained that this is not solely an enforcement strategy but a policy framework designed to support safer, cleaner, and greener neighbourhoods, improve health and wellbeing, manage parking pressures, support growth and regeneration, encourage sustainable travel and cleaner air, and improve accessibility and community safety.

Councillor Ghani highlighted the need for the strategy due to population growth, housing development, congestion, air quality concerns, and low walking and cycling rates. The strategy supports the corporate plan and healthy street agenda. Key actions include controlled parking zones, smarter enforcement, electric vehicle infrastructure, school streets, and sustainable transport initiatives. The strategy does not create immediate financial commitments, but future schemes will require separate approval.

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Chair of the Cabinet, allowed Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, to ask a question regarding the annual review of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). Councillor Ghani explained that reviews require time to assess the effects of implemented projects, with new CPZ papers coming in November. He confirmed that each CPZ zone will be reviewed annually going forward. Councillor Worby moved the recommendations to approve the adoption of the strategy. The Cabinet was recommended to approve the adoption of the comprehensive borough-wide Parking Strategy.

Housing Strategy 2026-2031: Implementation Update

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care and Health, presented an update on the implementation of the Housing Strategy 2026-2031. She explained that this report provides an update on progress and notes two new obligations: the requirement to publish an annual homelessness and rough sleeper action plan and a local supported housing strategy.

Councillor Worby outlined revisions to the governance structure, including a new Planning and Delivery Group and updated arrangements for the Housing Strategy Delivery Board, which will now oversee both the Housing Strategy and Homelessness Strategy. She also mentioned the updated Resident Engagement Framework, which consolidates engagement for the Housing Strategy and landlord services. The Cabinet was recommended to note the progress, approve the updated Action Plan, approve the revised governance arrangements, and approve the updated Resident Engagement Framework.

Councillor Simon Perry, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage & Leisure, commented that these strategies are important for marking progress, reflecting, and adapting. Councillor Saima Ashraf welcomed the report and the resident engagement, and Councillor Mohammed Sadik agreed, highlighting the positive impact of resident engagement in shaping housing services. Councillor Ghani also made a brief comment. Councillor Worby thanked everyone for their support and moved the recommendations.

Procurement of Arboricultural Services

Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, presented a report seeking Cabinet approval to procure a new eight-year open framework for arboricultural services, commencing January 2027, with an estimated total value of £4.8 million (£600,000 per annum). This framework will replace the previous arrangement which expired in February 2026 and ensure all arboricultural works are procured compliantly under the Procurement Act 2023.

Councillor Haroon highlighted that the framework will ensure compliant procurement for eight years, result in a more comprehensive procurement exercise, and is intended to include local suppliers. Social value, centred around environmental benefits, will be part of the procurement. Councillor Worby commented on the importance of social value and moved the recommendations. The Cabinet was recommended to agree to proceed with the procurement of an Open Framework agreement.

Travelodge, Yew Tree Avenue, Dagenham Lease Re-Gear

Councillor Rocky Gill, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, presented a report regarding the Travelodge site at Yew Tree Avenue, Dagenham. The Council, as landlord, has the opportunity to re-gear the existing lease to include the hotel car park and the vacant ground floor retail unit. Provisional Heads of Terms have been agreed with Travelodge, subject to them securing planning permission for the conversion of the retail unit into 16 additional hotel bedrooms. The Council will underwrite planning permission costs, capped at an agreed amount.

The new 30-year lease will secure income for the Council, increase the asset's value, and reduce the Council's landlord responsibilities for communal maintenance. Councillor Gill noted that the retail unit has been vacant since January 2024 and has failed to attract viable interest on the open market. He highlighted that Travelodge would carry out the conversion works at their own cost and take the full construction risk. Councillor Simon Perry asked about potential future investments with Travelodge, to which Councillor Gill responded positively, agreeing to discuss further opportunities with officers. The Cabinet was recommended to approve entering into the new lease.

B&D Group Business Plan 2026-2031

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care and Health, presented the B&D Group Business Plan for 2026-2031. She explained that this is an interim business plan, presented in advance of a finalised Group Business Strategy and Transformation Programme. Councillor Worby noted that there has been a new executive leadership at BD Group since May 2026, focusing on stabilisation, governance, and diagnostic activity.

The Business Plan outlines a new strategic direction, high-level financial projections, and an approach to transformation. A revised target operating model will be developed within six months. Councillor Worby mentioned that interviews for a new Chair of BD Group were underway and that a permanent MD would be sought. She assured Cabinet that the plan assumes income generation from increases in the delivery of the Council's capital programme, but this is contingent on demonstrable improved performance and quality. The plan predicts break-even by 2027/28, and the Shareholder Panel will monitor this closely. The Cabinet was recommended to agree the draft Business Plan. Councillor Dominic Twomey welcomed the move towards the business plan, noting the significant change and positive direction.

Council-Owned Companies 2025/26 Quarter 4 Update

Councillor Maureen Worby also presented the Council-Owned Companies Quarter 4 Update for 2025/26. She provided highlights and challenges for each company. For Be First, she noted no new homes were delivered in the quarter, impacting Reside's rental income forecasts, but work was progressing on Gascoigne 3B and Beam Park. For Reside, she reported strong progress in market rent lets and shared ownership, but acknowledged the challenge of receiving 1,000 properties in the next six months. BD Energy is forecasting 2,894 connections by the end of 2025/26, despite delays in energy centres. She also mentioned that BD Group has had issues with poor performance, leading to the Council taking back a contract for water testing. For LE UK, lease reviews have resulted in increased income. Councillor Worby moved the recommendations to note the update.

Other Items and Meeting Close

There were no other urgent public or private items raised, and the Chair declared the meeting closed.