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Assembly - Wednesday, 25 February 2026 7:00 pm
February 25, 2026 at 7:00 pm Full Council View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 25 February 2026. The meeting included discussions and presentations regarding the budget framework for 2026-27 and a medium-term financial strategy, the Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy for 2026-2031, and the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge report and the Council's action plan.
Budget Framework and Medium-Term Financial Strategy Discussion
Discussions took place concerning the Budget Framework for 2026-27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-27 to 2030-31. The proposed budget includes a 4.99% increase in Council Tax, incorporating a 2% adult social care precept, which would result in an annual increase of £80.23 for a Band D property. The budget is described as an investment budget,
with proposals to allocate nearly £33 million into communities, acknowledging pressures from rising social care demand, inflation, and economic challenges. The MTFS highlights a significant medium-term gap emerging in years four and five if no further action is taken, necessitating a fundamental shift in how demand is managed and assets are utilised. A two-year capital programme and capital budget of £126.7 million for 2026-27 were also discussed.
Housing Strategy 2026-2031 Discussion
The Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy 2026-2031 was presented, outlining a five-year plan focused on safe, good-quality, and affordable homes, alongside enhancing neighbourhoods and ensuring fair, transparent, and prevention-led services. Key objectives include increasing the supply of high-quality housing, improving affordability through a balanced mix of tenures, preventing homelessness and rough sleeping, supporting vulnerable residents to live independently, improving housing quality and safety, and strengthening prevention and well-being through partnership delivery. The strategy was developed following extensive consultation with residents and partners.
LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Report and Action Plan Discussion
The Council received the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge report, which described Barking and Dagenham as an innovative and creative council
that is progressive
and looking for innovative solutions in challenging times.
The report highlighted the council's ambition, financial grip, and a committed workforce. An action plan responding to the peer team's eight recommendations was also presented, which include developing and promoting the borough's story, clarifying the neighbourhood model, completing the review of the Investment and Acquisition Strategy, and clarifying the approach to transformation. The LGA Peer Team is scheduled to return in October 2026 to review progress.
Other Key Discussions
Discussions also covered the Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2026-27 and the Capital Strategy for 2026-27 to 2027-28. The Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2024-25 was noted, detailing progress on promises to children in care and care leavers. The Council's new vision, 'It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change', was presented, setting out ten partnership missions for the borough. Additionally, a Review of Council Governance Arrangements was discussed, proposing changes to the committee structure to align with common practice, including the amalgamation of the Assembly and Ceremonial Council into Full Council.
A motion on White Ribbon and Ending Violence against Women and Girls was moved and supported, with the Council committing to embedding primary prevention measures across its policies, working towards White Ribbon accreditation, and supporting prevention measures outlined in the Istanbul Convention. The Council also agreed to extend standing orders to address remaining agenda items, and Councillor Mukhtar Yusuf was nominated as the Deputy Chair for the Standards Committee.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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The Full Council approved the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Report and Action Plan on 25/02/2026. The council noted the eight recommendations from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Team and the Council's Action Plan in response. The council will also be subject to a progress review by the LGA Peer Team by 17 October 2026.
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Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27 and Capital Strategy 2026/27 to 2027/28
Recommendations approvedThe Cabinet and Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council approved the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Capital Strategy for 2026/27 on 25 February 2026. The decision included approving the Capital Strategy, Prudential and Treasury Indicators, and the Treasury Investment Strategy. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to amend counterparty lending limits if required.
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The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council decided to approve changes to the Council's governance arrangements on 25 February 2026. These changes include renaming the Assembly to Full Council, increasing the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and increasing the maximum number of Cabinet Assistants. The Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chief Executive and Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, was delegated authority to make all necessary changes to the Council Constitution.
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Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy 2026-2031
Recommendations approvedThe Cabinet and Full Council decided to approve the Barking and Dagenham Housing Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying Action Plan on 25 February 2026. The approved strategy sets out six objectives to guide the council's approach to housing needs, including increasing affordable housing supply, improving housing affordability, preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable residents, improving housing quality and safety, and promoting prevention and wellbeing through partnership. Specific actions include establishing a Registered Provider Forum, piloting a Large Families Taskforce, and developing a Tenancy Strategy.
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The Full Council decided to approve the Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2024/25 on 25 February 2026. The report summarises the council's activities in fulfilling its corporate parenting duties and promises to children in care and care leavers. Specific actions included launching the Lifelong Links service, opening another Mockingbird Hub, and providing new specialist support for education, employment, and training.
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Budget Framework 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31
Recommendations approvedThe Cabinet and Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council approved the Budget Framework for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2030/31 on 25 February 2026. The decision included approving a 4.99% increase in Council Tax for a Band D property. The approved budget incorporates savings proposals, growth initiatives, and a revised capital programme.
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The Full Council of Barking and Dagenham Council approved 'It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change' on 25/02/2026. This decision adopts a new place-based vision for the borough, outlining ten partnership missions. The Council will commit to these ten partnership missions and note the outcome measures for evaluating progress.
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