The Assembly of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 28 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the Council Tax Support Scheme for the upcoming year, the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy, and the annual reports from the BAD Youth Forum, Adoption services, and the Director of Public Health. The meeting also covered the Council's Pay Policy Statement and considered a motion regarding contaminated land.

BAD Youth Forum Annual Report 2025

The Assembly was scheduled to receive the annual report from the BAD Youth Forum, detailing their activities and achievements throughout 2025. The report was expected to showcase the outcomes for young people and the impact of their participation and campaigns within the borough. The Youth Forum, established in 2001, aims to provide a platform for young people to express their views and contribute positively to their community. The report was to be noted, with a recommendation for the Assembly to provide direction to the Youth Forum to ensure its continued influence on Council policy and delivery.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

A key item on the agenda was the proposed Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme for 2026/27. The report recommended retaining the current scheme, with income band thresholds adjusted for inflation, to ensure stability for residents and maintain fairness. A comprehensive review of the CTS scheme is planned for 2027/28. The report also recommended continuing the Discretionary Council Tax Relief scheme to support households experiencing exceptional hardship. Members were also asked to note national welfare changes regarding the removal of the Two-Child Cap within Universal Credit, which would affect the level of CTS for some applicants.

Sex Establishment Licensing Policy 2026-2029

The Assembly was scheduled to consider an updated Sex Establishment Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. This policy governs sex shops, sex cinemas, and sex entertainment venues. The review aimed to ensure the policy remained fit for purpose, with proposed updates to align with current practices in other London boroughs. Consultation on the proposed changes had taken place with licensed premises, elected members, stakeholders, and the public. The report recommended noting the proposed changes and adopting the updated policy.

Adoption Annual Report 2024/25

The Adopt London East (ALE) Annual Report for 2024/25 was presented, summarising the activities and performance of the East London Regional Adoption Agency. ALE, jointly commissioned by Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets, and Newham, focuses on recruiting and preparing adopters, finding adoptive homes for children, and providing post-adoption support. The report highlighted challenges in the national adoption landscape, including a reduction in approved adopters and the implications of new recommendations regarding direct contact with birth families. It also detailed work on matching projects, early permanence, the Black Adoption Project, and support for neurodivergent children.

Director of Public Health Annual Report 2024/25

The Director of Public Health's Annual Report for 2024/25, titled Getting Serious about Prevention Together, was presented. This report provides an overview of the community's health and identifies health gaps and priorities. It aligns with the Government's '10 Year Health Plan for England: Fit for the future,' emphasizing a shift towards prevention, community-based care, and digital transformation. The report highlighted the importance of addressing the wider social determinants of health and proposed focusing on two key outcomes: preventing and managing long-term conditions, and improving the number of children achieving a good level of development by age five.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

In accordance with the Localism Act 2011, the Council was required to agree a Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. The draft statement, attached as Appendix A, outlines the Council's approach to the remuneration of Chief Officers and other employees, covering salary levels, the relationship between senior and other officer pay, and aspects such as recruitment, performance-related pay, and termination payments. The Assembly was recommended to approve the statement for publication.

Motions With Notice

A motion titled 'Support for Zane's Law and Action on Contaminated Land in Barking and Dagenham' was scheduled for debate. The motion noted the tragic death of Zane Gbangbola, linked to contaminated land, and the ongoing campaign for robust regulation. It proposed that the Council formally support Zane's Law, review potentially contaminated sites within the borough, take action on identified contaminated land, collaborate with relevant groups on best practice, and invite Zane's parents to a future council meeting.

Questions With Notice

Members of the Assembly were also scheduled to ask questions on notice, allowing them to raise specific issues and receive responses from relevant Cabinet Members. These questions covered a range of topics, including Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) charges, the closure of Footpath 47 for flood risk works, the Cleaner BD initiative, parking spaces and permits, the condition of Barking Park lake, and allegations concerning BDReside.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the confirmation of previous minutes.