The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 21 April 2026, approving several key procurement decisions and a refreshed Carers Charter. Significant decisions included the approval of a multi-sports proposal for the May & Baker Sports Club, the continuation of emergency accommodation contracts for homeless households, and the procurement of new refuse collection vehicles and electrical testing services.

May & Baker Sports Club Multi-Sports Proposal

Cabinet approved, in principle, the creation of a multi-sports hub at the May & Baker Sports Club through the Football Foundation Hubs programme. This initiative aims to enhance the site's sporting facilities, including the development of 3G pitches and a new pavilion. The project is contingent on securing significant external capital funding, with the Football Foundation potentially contributing up to £6.9 million. The council will provide 40% match funding from its grant reserve for the initial design and project development stages. Cabinet also approved accessing specific procurement frameworks for the design and build contracts for the 3G pitches and the pavilion. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Business & Engagement, welcomed the proposal, highlighting its potential to benefit local residents and expand sports provision, echoing similar successful projects like the Bobby Moore Sports Hub in Parsloes Park. Councillor Cameron Geddes also expressed support, particularly noting the importance of equal status for women's football.

Carers Charter Refresh and Action Plan 2026/2036

The Cabinet approved the refreshed Carers Charter for 2026-2036 and its associated Action Plan. This co-produced document outlines commitments to supporting unpaid carers in the borough, focusing on four key themes: working together for carers, carers' well-being and employment, supporting young carers, and carers in the wider community. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care & Health, emphasised the importance of recognising the vital work of unpaid carers and ensuring partners formally adopt the charter. Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, specifically welcomed the focus on young carers, acknowledging the challenges they face. The Health and Wellbeing Board will receive updates on the action plan's delivery.

Contract for Emergency Accommodation for Homeless Households

Cabinet approved the retrospective approval for the procurement by spot purchase of bed and breakfast (B&B) and nightly paid temporary accommodation for homeless households from October 2025 to April 2026. Furthermore, a waiver was granted to continue this spot purchasing arrangement until 31 July 2027. This decision is necessary to fulfil the council's statutory duty to provide emergency accommodation while a comprehensive review and procurement process for temporary accommodation is undertaken, expected to conclude in spring 2027. Councillor Maureen Worby highlighted the ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on B&B accommodation, noting a significant decrease in expenditure and placements, and praised the council's performance compared to other London authorities. The decision aims to ensure safe, appropriate, and legally compliant accommodation for vulnerable households, particularly families with children, and reduce reliance on unsuitable B&B settings.

Contract for Replacement of Refuse Collection Vehicles

The Cabinet agreed to proceed with the procurement of replacement refuse collection vehicles (RCVs). The current fleet, purchased in 2019, is nearing the end of its operational life, with significant corrosion leading to costly repairs and operational disruptions. The procurement strategy involves acquiring up to twenty-three 26-tonne RCVs, with an estimated cost of £250,000 per vehicle, totalling £5,750,000. This aligns with the council's commitment to providing cleaner neighbourhoods and fulfilling its statutory duty for waste and recycling collection. Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, presented the report, noting the necessity of replacing the aging fleet to ensure service continuity and compliance with environmental regulations.

Contract for the Supply of Vehicle Parts, Ancillaries and Other Associated Equipment

The Cabinet approved the procurement strategy for a four-year contract for the supply of vehicle parts, ancillaries, and associated equipment. This contract is essential for the smooth operation of the council's multi-bay workshop, which maintains a wide range of council vehicles. The procurement will be conducted through further competition from the YPO Framework 1240. Councillor Kashif Haroon stated that this would ensure access to necessary parts, reduce vehicle downtime, and support the council's statutory services. The estimated contract value is £1,250,000 over four years.

Procurement of Electrical Testing Services

Cabinet approved the procurement of electrical testing services for the council's domestic dwellings and communal areas. This involves sourcing suitably qualified contractors through the SEC Framework Agreement via a mini-competition. The contract, estimated at £6.329 million over four years, will cover electrical testing and any necessary remedial works to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Councillor Maureen Worby highlighted the importance of this service for ensuring resident safety and compliance with building safety regulations. The decision aims to address all identified electrical safety issues, including C1, C2, and FI faults, to maintain safe living environments for residents.