Barking and Dagenham Council has undertaken a review of the rules governing councillor conduct, with a particular focus on planning matters. The review, conducted by the Constitution Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025, examined the existing codes and protocols to ensure impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest in planning decisions.
The council's constitution serves as a comprehensive guide to its operations, outlining the responsibilities of members and officers, meeting procedures, and codes of conduct. The constitution, which includes the Councillors' Code of Conduct, is publicly available on the Council's website and at the Town Hall, Barking. Copies are available for inspection at the Town Hall and on the LBBD Constitution. The press and public can also purchase copies for a reasonable fee. The review specifically addressed the Councillors' Code of Conduct for Planning Matters, which provides guidance on avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring impartiality in planning decisions.
The constitution outlines the composition, eligibility, election, terms of office, roles, functions, rights, and duties of councillors. It also addresses councillor conduct, allowances, and meeting attendance requirements.
The constitution details the status, membership, quorum, meeting frequency, and functions of the Planning Committee, including its responsibility for determining planning applications and related matters.
The councillors' code of conduct for planning matters provides guidance on avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring impartiality in planning decisions.