This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Pledges Major Investment in Children's Services and Future Transformation

The Cabinet met on Tuesday 14 July 2026, approving a significant new strategy for council-wide transformation and a vital plan to improve outcomes for the borough's looked-after children. These decisions signal a commitment to proactive change and enhanced support for the most vulnerable residents.

A Better B&D : A New Framework for Council Transformation

The Cabinet adopted A Better B&D, a new overarching strategy designed to guide the council's transformation over the next three years. This ambitious plan aims to shift the council's approach from reacting to issues to preventing them, from dealing with complexity to embracing simplicity, and from merely surviving to enabling residents and the council to thrive.

• The Stakes: In an era of increasing demand and financial pressures on local government, this strategy is crucial for ensuring the council can continue to deliver effective services. It acknowledges that the council is a slim organisation and must innovate to meet the needs of a borough with high deprivation and demand.
• Impact on Residents: By focusing on prevention, the council hopes to stop residents reaching crisis points, which can have devastating personal and financial consequences. Simplifying processes will make it easier for people to access support, and the ultimate goal is to create opportunities for residents to lead more fulfilling lives. Councillor Rubina Siddiqui, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy & Skills, stated, The focus on prevention, simplicity, and the long-term financial sustainability is particularly encouraging.

The strategy acknowledges that this transformation will not be easy, with insufficient organisational capacity to deliver change alongside business as usual identified as a key risk. However, the council believes this proactive approach will ultimately lead to financial savings that can be reinvested in the community.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Investing in Our Youngest: A New Strategy for Looked-After Children

A comprehensive Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 was approved, outlining how the council will ensure sufficient, high-quality care and support for children in its care and those at risk of entering it. This is a critical step in fulfilling the council's legal duty to protect and nurture its most vulnerable young people.

• The Stakes: The current reliance on expensive external placements, costing over £5.75 million annually for just five children, highlights the urgent need for a more sustainable and locally-focused approach. This strategy aims to bring these costs down and, more importantly, improve the stability and outcomes for children.
• Impact on Residents: The strategy commits to building three new children's homes, providing 17 local placements by early 2028. This will reduce the need for children to be placed far from their families and support networks, which can be incredibly destabilising. Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, emphasised the importance of keeping children connected to their local communities. The plan also includes a joint venture with the NHS for a crisis centre for children with learning disabilities and autism, and a pilot scheme for children with complex needs, aiming to provide specialist therapeutic support.

The council recognises that this requires significant upfront investment but argues it is essential to avoid much higher future spending and to ensure children receive the best possible care.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Corporate Plan Performance: A Mixed Picture of Progress and Challenges

The Cabinet also noted the performance report for the Corporate Plan 2023-2026 for the final two quarters of the 2025/26 financial year. The report uses a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) rating system to track progress against 54 outcome measures.

• The Stakes: The Corporate Plan sets out the council's priorities for improving the lives of residents. Monitoring its performance is essential to ensure the council is on track to meet its goals and to identify areas where more effort is needed.
• Impact on Residents: The report highlighted both successes and ongoing challenges across key areas. While rent collection remained strong, performance in reducing the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) faced challenges, partly due to an increase in mental health needs among this group. Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Enforcement, highlighted efforts to tackle fly-tipping, noting that over 200 tonnes of waste had been removed and more than 1,000 incidents dealt with. However, the report indicated that performance in some areas, while rated green, still showed room for improvement, demonstrating that continuous effort is needed to meet residents' expectations.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Consults on Revised Gambling Policy with Focus on Public Health and Vulnerable Individuals

The Licensing and Regulatory Committee met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to discuss a draft revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. This policy, mandated by the Gambling Act 2005, outlines how the council will manage gambling licences and has been updated to reflect national reforms with a stronger emphasis on public health and the protection of vulnerable people.

• The Stakes: This policy directly impacts the number and location of betting shops, adult gaming centres, and bingo halls within the borough. The revised approach aims to mitigate the harms associated with gambling, which can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities, particularly those already facing economic hardship or other vulnerabilities.
• Impact on Residents: The updated policy seeks to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and crucially, to protect children and vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation. This includes considering factors like deprivation, poverty, and financial implications when assessing risks. Councillor Julia Williams, Chair of the Pensions Committee and Labour Group Secretary, highlighted the importance of understanding the public health data informing the policy and which areas are flagged as higher risk.

Key Changes in the Gambling Licensing Policy

The draft policy introduces several significant updates:

• Public Health Focus: Gambling-related harm is now explicitly recognised as a public health issue. This means a stronger integration of public health considerations into licensing decisions, focusing on potential secondary impacts on families and home environments.
• Enhanced Safeguarding: There is a strengthened focus on safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable adults, with updated expectations on staff training and procedures.
• Local Risk Assessment: Operators will face stronger expectations for premises-specific, evidence-based risk assessments, informed by an updated local area profile.
• Partnership Working: Increased emphasis is placed on collaboration with public health bodies, the NHS, safeguarding services, and other agencies.
• Age Verification: Greater focus on age verification measures, such as Challenge 25.
• Cumulative Impact: While current data does not indicate significant clustering of gambling premises to warrant specific policies, officers will monitor this closely.

Nick Howard, Environmental Health Service Manager, explained that the policy aims to promote the three statutory licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring fair and open gambling, and protecting children and vulnerable persons. He noted that while there are clusters of betting shops and adult gaming centres in Barking Town Centre and Dagenham Heathway, these are not considered large-scale casino-type premises.

Public Consultation and Next Steps

The draft policy will now undergo a six-week public consultation period, running from 13 July to 24 August 2026. Following this, responses will be collated, and a summary will be presented to the committee in late August or early September. The policy will then be considered by Cabinet and the Assembly for formal adoption.

Councillor Manjeet Nandra, Reform UK Group Whip, inquired about how the policy's effectiveness would be measured. Mr. Howard explained that effectiveness would be judged by compliance levels, enforcement activities, and how well applications are informed by risk assessments.

The committee's recommendations were to consider the draft revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029 and note the arrangements for public consultation and the timetable for its determination.

Read the full details of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee meeting.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Pension Fund Navigates Market Volatility and Investment Agreements

The Pensions Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026, reviewing the fund's performance and addressing crucial governance matters. A key decision was the approval of the London CIV Investment Management Agreement, a move necessitated by pooling legislation that changes how the council interacts with investment managers.

• The Stakes: The decisions made by the Pensions Committee directly affect the financial security of current and future pensioners. Ensuring the fund's performance is robust, especially during volatile market conditions, is paramount. The new investment management agreement, while complex, is designed to comply with national regulations and safeguard the fund's assets.
• Impact on Residents: For those who rely on the pension fund, a well-managed and performing fund means greater financial stability in retirement. The committee's oversight ensures that investments are managed responsibly, aiming for long-term growth while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Pension Fund Performance and Market Challenges

Nick Vickers, Head of Pension Fund, Treasury and Capital, presented the quarterly monitoring report for January to March 2026. He noted that the quarter saw declines in equity markets due to events in the Middle East. Despite this, the fund's performance since the end of the quarter showed resilience, with April seeing a slight decrease but May bouncing back positively. Over the last year, the fund was in the 18th percentile among local authority pension funds, placing it in the top 20%.

The committee formally noted the report, acknowledging the collective and individual fund manager performance.

Adapting to Pooling Legislation: The London CIV Agreement

A significant item was the discussion and approval of the London CIV Investment Management Agreement (IMA). Mr. Vickers explained that pooling legislation means the council can no longer have direct relationships with investment managers. The IMA legally shifts this relationship to be between the investment manager and the London CIV.

Councillor Giasuddin Miah, Deputy Chair of the Pensions Committee, raised important concerns about safeguarding, seeking assurance that the committee would retain meaningful influence over mandate changes and how the CIV's performance would be monitored. Mr. Vickers assured members that the London CIV had committed to consultation on any changes, and officers would communicate proposed changes to the committee. Councillor Sade Bright inquired about how the London CIV would be held accountable, with confirmation that they had agreed to attend the September meeting to answer questions.

The committee agreed to delegate the final agreement of the IMA to the Strategic Director of Resources, in consultation with the chair and deputy.

New Admissions to the Pension Fund

The committee also approved several new admissions to the pension fund. These typically involve organisations that have outsourced contracts, with their staff transferring and becoming members of the pension fund. Approved admissions included Birkins Cleaning Services Limited, Purgo Supply Services Ltd, Creative Barking and Dagenham Limited, Olive Dining Limited, Atlantic Cleaning Services Ltd, KGB Cleaning South West Ltd, and Stir Foods Ltd.

Read the full details of the Pensions Committee meeting.

Licensing Sub-Committee Refuses Extended Hours for Local Off-Licence Amidst Compliance Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Jay Food and Wine, located at 123A Broad Street, Dagenham. The committee decided to refuse the requested extension of hours for the sale of alcohol but agreed to vary the licence by imposing additional conditions.

• The Stakes: This decision highlights the delicate balance between supporting local businesses and upholding public safety and order. The applicant sought to extend alcohol sales and opening hours, but faced strong objections from the police, licensing authority, and trading standards due to persistent compliance issues.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The police and trading standards presented evidence of serious breaches, including selling alcohol beyond permitted hours, operating without a functioning CCTV system, and, most concerningly, selling illicit tobacco and vaping products to underage individuals. These actions directly undermine efforts to protect children and prevent crime and disorder, disproportionately affecting the safety and well-being of the local community.

Jay Food and Wine: Refusal of Extended Hours, Imposition of Stricter Conditions

The application by Alagathurai Vijeyakanthan sought to extend alcohol sales until midnight daily and open the premises until 1 am. However, representations from the Metropolitan Police, the Council's Licensing Department, and Trading Standards raised significant concerns.

• Police Concerns: PC Owen Dunn cited an incident on 2 June 2026 where officers found the premises open at 1 am, staff unable to produce the licence, and no supervisor present. The police argued that the applicant's description of these as lapses in compliance demonstrated a fundamental failure to uphold licensing objectives.
• Licensing Authority Concerns: The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, noting a pattern of non-compliance, including prolonged non-operational CCTV, with improvements only made after intervention.
• Trading Standards Evidence: Nazir Ali, Service Manager for Trading Standards, presented evidence of illicit tobacco sales and a vaping product sold to a 14-year-old test purchaser, highlighting a disregard for the law and risks to children.

The applicant acknowledged some issues, attributing them to new staff and personal illness, and stated that the CCTV was now operational. However, the committee ultimately decided to refuse the extended hours. They did, however, agree to vary the licence by imposing stricter conditions, including prohibiting the sale of single cans and bottles, mandating staff training, and ensuring alcohol supplies come from HMRC-approved sellers. The committee recommended the use of a third-party provider for training, expressing concerns about the applicant's understanding of licensing objectives.

Read the full details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Audit and Risk Committee Tackles Ombudsman Findings and Audit Plans

The Audit and Risk Committee met on Wednesday 1 July 2026, addressing a Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman report, reviewing external audit plans, and discussing the council's financial reporting and governance.

• The Stakes: The committee's work is crucial for ensuring the council operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with financial regulations. Addressing Ombudsman findings demonstrates accountability and commitment to improving services. The audit plans set the roadmap for scrutinising the council's financial health and operational effectiveness.
• Impact on Residents: The Ombudsman's findings, particularly concerning housing and social care, highlight potential service failures that can have a profound impact on residents' lives. By accepting recommendations and implementing action plans, the council aims to prevent similar issues from affecting others. The rigorous audit process ensures that public funds are managed responsibly and that services are delivered effectively, ultimately benefiting all residents.

Ombudsman Report on Housing Application and OT Assessment Accepted

The committee received a report on the findings of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman regarding a housing-related matter for a resident, Mr X. The Ombudsman found fault causing injustice due to the council's handling of Mr X's housing application and Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment. The council accepted the findings, including paying £1,200 in compensation and implementing remediation actions. These include an apology, a meeting to discuss housing options, and action plans to reduce the backlog of OT assessments and ensure homeless applications are taken appropriately. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care and Health, was present for this discussion.

External Audit Plans for 2025/26 and Pension Fund Reviewed

Representatives from Grant Thornton presented the external auditor's plans for the Council and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Pension Fund for the 2025/26 financial year. Significant audit risks identified include management override of controls, valuation of property assets, pension fund liabilities, IFRS 16 implementation, and group audits. For the Pension Fund, a key risk is the disclosure of actuarial valuation of defined benefit liabilities. Grant Thornton aims to complete all local authority audits by 30 November 2026, a challenging but necessary goal to move away from disclaimed audit opinions.

The committee also noted a proposed strategy for rebuilding assurance over disclaimed audit opinions, acknowledging the complexity of the council's financial reporting and the need for a three-year plan to transition towards qualified opinions.

Financial Reporting and Governance Updates

Shabana Kausar, Director of Financial Services, provided an update on the preparation of the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts. While audit certificates for previous years are still pending, the council is working to an accelerated timetable with Grant Thornton targeting completion by 30 November 2026.

The draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025/26 was presented, concluding that governance arrangements are generally effective, with a positive direction of travel, particularly in financial management and audit recovery. However, key challenges remain, including staffing capacity, the Statement of Accounts process, value for money assessments, and subsidiary company governance.

Vanessa Bateman, Head of Assurance, presented the Internal Audit Annual Report for 2025/26, with an overall opinion of generally satisfactory with some improvements required. Three audits resulted in limited assurance opinions: Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 Review, Parent Company Governance, and Loans & Investments. Management action plans are in place to address these areas.

Read the full details of the Audit and Risk Committee meeting.

Community Safety Partnership Meeting

The Community Safety Partnership met on Thursday 2 July 2026. The agenda included discussions on various aspects of community safety within the borough.

• The Stakes: The Community Safety Partnership plays a vital role in coordinating efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, making Barking and Dagenham a safer place for everyone. Their work directly impacts the feeling of security and well-being of residents.
• Impact on Residents: Effective community safety strategies can lead to lower crime rates, a reduction in anti-social behaviour, and increased public confidence. This benefits all residents, but particularly vulnerable groups who may be more susceptible to the impacts of crime and disorder.

The meeting's proceedings were not publicly available at the time of this report.

Read the full details of the Community Safety Partnership meeting.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Approves 47 New Social Rent Homes and Revitalises Broadway Theatre

The Cabinet met on Tuesday 16 June 2026, making decisions that will directly impact housing availability and cultural life in the borough. Key approvals included the establishment of a new programme to build 47 social rent homes and the appointment of a new operator for the much-loved Broadway Theatre.

• The Stakes: These decisions address critical needs for affordable housing and accessible arts and culture. The new homes will provide much-needed security for families on the housing register, while the revitalised theatre promises to be a vibrant hub for the community.
• Impact on Residents: Families struggling to find affordable housing will benefit from the new homes. Residents of all ages will gain access to a revitalised cultural venue, fostering community engagement and providing opportunities for creative expression.

Affordable Family Homes Development Programme Launched

The Cabinet gave the green light to the Affordable Family Homes Development Programme, a significant initiative set to deliver 47 new homes at social rent. These homes will be built on four council-owned sites: Dagenham Trades Hall/Charlotte Road garages, Hunters Hall Road garages, Rosslyn Avenue, and Chelmer Crescent.

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, hailed the project as a really, really good news story for delivering essential social housing. The development will be funded through a combination of Greater London Authority (GLA) grant and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) investment, with Be First overseeing the construction. This programme marks a shift from previous plans for community-led housing on these sites, which saw limited interest.

While there was a question about the future of current tenants at Dagenham Trades Hall, Councillor Worby clarified that while a formal commitment to a peppercorn rent couldn't be made, any arrangement would not be at market rent and would be on a less formal basis, with a clear understanding of the site's future demolition.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Artsdepot to Operate Broadway Theatre for 30 Years

A new chapter is set to begin for the Broadway Theatre with the approval of a 30-year lease for artsdepot to operate the venue. The theatre, which has been closed since January 2024 due to RAAC concrete concerns, is expected to reopen following refurbishment work, which is on track for completion by November 2026.

Councillor Simon Perry, Cabinet Assistant, presented the report, highlighting that this decision secures a sustainable future for the cultural asset. Artsdepot, with a 21-year track record in programming and community engagement, was selected as the preferred bidder. The lease will be at a peppercorn rent, and the council will seek external funding for necessary improvements.

Councillor Jane Jones welcomed the news, emphasising the theatre's importance for young people's access to arts and culture. Councillor Maureen Worby added that the appointment of an experienced operator is vital for revitalising the town centre and its night-time economy. Councillor Rocky Gill sought clarification on break clauses in the lease, with Councillor Perry confirming their existence and the council's ability to intervene if necessary.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Becontree Estate Heritage Protected with New Design Code

The Cabinet also adopted the Becontree Estate Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and Design Code, a crucial step in preserving the unique heritage of this iconic estate.

• The Stakes: The Becontree Estate is a significant part of the borough's history and identity. This SPD and Design Code ensures that future alterations and developments respect its distinctive character.
• Impact on Residents: Residents will benefit from clear guidance on how to adapt their homes while maintaining the estate's heritage. The adoption of two Article 4 Directions will also remove permitted development rights for porches and for side and roof extensions on corner plots, requiring planning permission for these works from November 2026. This aims to prevent unsympathetic changes that could detract from the estate's cohesive design.

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, highlighted the estate's significant heritage value and its cohesive design. The SPD provides detailed guidance for residents adapting their homes, ensuring that changes are sympathetic to the estate's character.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Dagenham Heathway Vision Set for Vibrant Future

A vision for a more vibrant and resilient civic heart for Dagenham was approved with the adoption of the Dagenham Heathway Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

• The Stakes: The Heathway area is a key gateway to Dagenham, and this SPD aims to transform it into a more welcoming and engaging space for residents and visitors.
• Impact on Residents: The SPD will guide future development and investment, focusing on enhancing the public realm, diversifying shopping offers, and preserving heritage. This is expected to create a more attractive and functional town centre.

Councillor Maureen Worby presented the report, noting that the Heathway currently lacks the vibrancy it deserves. The SPD sets out a vision for an enhanced public realm and a diverse shopping offer, moving away from the current dominance of takeaways.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Other Matters

Provisional Financial Outturn for 2025/26 Reviewed

The Cabinet reviewed the provisional financial outturn for the financial year 2025/26. A £0.278m overspend on the General Fund will be covered by reserves, ensuring a balanced position. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was forecast to break even, but the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) reported a net overspend of £4.015m, with 90% expected to be written off by the government. The Capital Programme showed an underspend of £21.988m, with funds to be rolled over to the next fiscal year. Councillor Rocky Gill, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, emphasised the importance of spending capital effectively and delivering value for money.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

CCTV Strategy and Enforcement Policy Adopted

The Cabinet adopted the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham CCTV Strategy 2026-2030 and the Regulatory Services Enforcement Policy 2026-28. Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, presented both, highlighting the CCTV strategy's role in enhancing safety through crime prevention and detection, and the enforcement policy's commitment to fair and proportionate enforcement. Councillor Maureen Worby welcomed the CCTV strategy's move towards wireless connectivity for quicker responses to crime hotspots.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Treasury Management and Social Value Reports Noted

The Treasury Management Annual Review 2025/26 was presented by Councillor Rocky Gill, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, noting total council borrowing of £1,613.3m and investments of £472.5m. The Cabinet also noted the positive impact of the Social Value in Procurement policy during 2025/26, with suppliers committing to jobs, skills, and community projects. Councillor Rubina Siddiqui, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Skills, presented the report, highlighting the tangible benefits for residents.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Council-Owned Companies Update and Framework Agreements Approved

An update on Council-Owned Companies for Q3 2025/26 was noted, with delegated authority given to appoint an alternative contractor for the Roxwell Road scheme. The Cabinet also approved the Council's entry into an Access Agreement with the London Borough of Barnet for the Cross Council Assurance Service (CCAS) framework for audit and assurance services, as presented by Councillor Rocky Gill. Additionally, the procurement of a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider Agreement was agreed, deemed critical for council operations.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.