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Barking & Dagenham: Children's Homes Approved, Neighbourhood Plan

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Cabinet Approves Neighbourhood Plan and Children's Homes Amid Austerity Lessons

The Cabinet met this week to discuss a range of initiatives, from developing a neighbourhood plan to building specialist children's homes. Discussions were framed by lessons learned from austerity and a desire to build stronger communities.

  • The Stakes: These decisions will shape the borough's future, impacting residents' health, wellbeing, and access to vital services.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Looked-after children, residents in need of welfare support, and those affected by austerity measures are at the heart of these decisions.

See the full agenda and details here.

Neighbourhood Plan Aims to Tackle Root Causes of Inequality

The Cabinet agreed to move forward with developing a neighbourhood plan, building on the existing Neighbourhoods Programme. The plan aims to improve residents' health and wellbeing by addressing the root causes of poor health, including housing, skills, and employment.

  • Key Principles: The plan will be guided by community-led initiatives, connected communities, improved access to services, collaboration among local organisations, and proactive intervention before crises arise.
  • Impact: This plan could lead to more targeted support for residents, addressing issues like child deprivation and unemployment.
  • Quote: Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, said the plan sets the scene for a more collaborative approach, delivering services by the groups for the community.

Council to Build Specialist Children's Homes for Vulnerable Youth

The Cabinet approved a plan to build and commission three specialist children’s homes across seven properties within the borough. This project aims to address the needs of looked-after children at risk of being deprived of their liberty due to complex needs. The council has bid for 50% capital match-funding from the Department for Education (DfE).

  • Psychologically Informed Environment: The homes will provide a psychologically informed environment for children with mental health issues, offering therapy, crisis management, and support for age-appropriate independence.
  • Invest-to-Save Model: The Cabinet agreed to a capital loan to finance the project through an invest-to-save model.
  • Impact: This project aims to reduce reliance on expensive out-of-borough placements and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
  • Quote: Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disabilities, said the homes will improve care for children with complex needs, especially girls under 16 at risk of being deprived of their liberty.

Lessons Learned from Austerity Inform New Direction

The Cabinet noted the Lessons Learned from Austerity in Barking and Dagenham report, agreeing to a new direction that informs proposals for a Neighbourhood Plan and ‘Our B&D’, a new place-based vision for the Borough.

  • Impact: This new direction could lead to more effective and targeted support for residents, addressing the root causes of inequality and deprivation.
  • Quote: Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, said the council learned that significant change is only possible if the foundations of culture and approach are solid.

Be First Business Plan Prioritizes Public-Private Partnerships

The Cabinet approved the Be First Business Plan 2025/30, outlining the company's strategy for attracting private sector investment and supporting council objectives. The plan prioritizes public-private partnerships and institutional investment over direct delivery, with a focus on building balanced communities.

  • Impact: This plan could lead to increased investment in the borough, creating new jobs and opportunities for residents.

Council Approves Sale of Properties on Whalebone Lane South

The Cabinet approved the sale of council-owned properties at 20, 22 and 28 Whalebone Lane South, Dagenham, to the current tenant. The decision aims to generate a capital receipt for the council while ensuring the continued use of the properties for the benefit of the community.

  • Impact: This sale could provide the council with additional funds to invest in other services and initiatives.

Contract Awarded for Specialist Information and Advice Services

The Cabinet agreed to a direct award of an 18-month contract to Citizens Advice Bureau Dagenham (CABD) for specialist information and advice services related to welfare benefits, debt, and housing. The contract will be funded through the Household Support Fund.

  • Impact: This contract will ensure that residents have access to vital support and advice during challenging times.

Other Matters

  • Amended Financial Terms for Disposal of Schemes into Reside: The Cabinet agreed to amend financial terms for the disposal of schemes into Reside1, including changing the tenure of properties at Ewars Marsh Court to discounted market rent, increasing loan amounts for SDLT liabilities, and amending the disposal route for properties at Mercia Peak.
  • Corporate Plan Performance: The Cabinet reviewed the Corporate Plan 2023-2026 Outcomes Framework Performance Report Q3 and Q4 2024/25, discussed areas of concern, and noted changes to the framework.
  • Contract for Supply of Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings: The Cabinet agreed to proceed with the procurement of a contract for the supply of furniture, fixtures, and fittings for Early Years education settings and temporary residential accommodation.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Assembly on Wednesday 23 July 2025 will discuss the Treasury Management annual report, children's care and support self-evaluation, and a review of the council's financial regulations, contract rules and other constitution updates.

  1. Reside is Barking and Dagenham Council's housing company, created in 2011 in response to the loss of council housing under the Right to Buy policy. 

Barking Riverside Plans, Trinity School Expansion Discussed

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Planning Committee Considers Barking Riverside and Trinity School Applications

The Planning Committee met this week to discuss key developments in the borough, including a reserved matters application for Barking Riverside and a planning application for Trinity School. The committee also considered a response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) on proposed changes to planning legislation.

  • The Stakes: These decisions shape the future of Barking and Dagenham, impacting public spaces, educational facilities, and the council's approach to planning.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Trinity School, and residents who rely on public open spaces, are particularly affected by these decisions.

See the full agenda and details here.

Barking Riverside Open Space Plans Under Review

The Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss a reserved matters application from Barking Riverside Ltd concerning public open space, landscaping, and ecological enhancements adjacent to the River Thames. The application pertains to Foreshore Park 0-1, a 3.65ha linear open space south of Barking Riverside.

  • Key Features: The proposal includes a riverside walkway, strategic landscape, ecological enhancements, flood defences, drainage, play provisions and utilities, divided into four key spaces: The Terrace, DC Link, The Bay, and The Coast and Lookout.
  • Resident Input: Eleven representations had been received concerning the application.

Trinity School Expansion Aims to Enhance SEND Education

The committee was scheduled to discuss a planning application concerning Trinity School, a special educational needs and disability (SEND) school on Heathway, Dagenham.

  • Key Changes: The application requests demolition of The Heathway Centre building and two adjoining demountable buildings, construction of a replacement specialist Living and Learning Centre, a ground floor extension to the existing Staff Training Centre, additional car parking, and a secondary vehicle access onto the A1240 Heathway.
  • Funding Constraints: Due to current funding constraints, the existing Staff Training Centre building will be retained with an additional modular extension to the north.

Council Responds to Government Planning Reforms

The Planning Committee was scheduled to consider a proposed response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) on its Planning Reform Working Paper concerning Planning Committees.

  • Key Proposals: The proposed changes to reform Planning Committees principally involve a national scheme of delegation, mandatory national training for committee members, and control of committee size, type and composition.
  • Council's Position: The council's proposed response includes agreement with the principle of a two-tier structure for the national scheme of delegation, and agreement that application types such as householder development, minor commercial development, and applications for reserved matter approvals should fall within Tier A1.
  • Quality of Decision Making: The council disagreed with the proposal to lower the threshold for quality of decision making from 10% to 5%, stating that the threshold should be reconsidered as discussed above.

See the full agenda and details here.

Other Matters

  • Licensing and Regulatory Committee: The Licensing and Regulatory Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 09 July 2025 was cancelled.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Cabinet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 will discuss lessons learned from austerity, development of a neighbourhood plan, the Be First Business Plan, council-owned specialist children's homes, and contract awards for specialist services.
  • Community Leadership and Engagement Select Committee on Friday 18 July 2025.
  • Assembly on Wednesday 23 July 2025.

  1. Tier A applications are types of planning applications that the council believes should be determined under delegated authority by officers. 

Police Stop & Search Under Scrutiny in Barking & Dagenham

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Police Face Scrutiny Over Stop and Search and Community Engagement

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened this week, addressing critical issues such as police effectiveness, community relations, and the well-being of vulnerable children. Councillors pressed for greater transparency and accountability from the Metropolitan Police, while also seeking assurances about the quality of services for children in need.

  • The Stakes: The effectiveness of policing directly impacts community safety and trust, while the quality of children's services affects the life chances of the borough's most vulnerable.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Children at risk of harm, victims of crime, and residents with language barriers are particularly affected by the decisions made.

Watch the full meeting here.

Stop and Search Under the Microscope

The Metropolitan Police update sparked intense debate, particularly around the use of stop and search powers. While police highlighted a high positive outcome rate (where a search leads to the discovery of drugs, weapons, or an arrest), councillors questioned whether these tactics were being applied fairly and effectively.

  • Councillor Concerns: Councillor Phil Waker questioned the deployment of live facial recognition at Dagenham Heathway, asking for a breakdown of the figures. He also expressed concern about abstractions from the funded team, which is paid for by tenants and leaseholders.
  • Language Barriers: Councillor Mukhtar Yusuf raised concerns about a resident's negative experience with the police regarding a vehicle theft, stating that the resident felt the police didn't care because of a language barrier.
  • Police Response: Superintendent Bichu Premnath explained that officers have access to a language line to communicate with people who have language barriers. He also stated that abstractions are necessary to backfill response teams and provide aid to central London.

The committee emphasized the need for the police to build trust within the community, particularly among those who feel marginalized or unfairly targeted.

Ofsted Report Highlights Strengths and Weaknesses in Children's Services

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee also discussed the annual engagement meeting with Ofsted and the findings from Ofsted's focused visit of Barking and Dagenham's arrangements for children in need, child protection and pre proceedings.

  • Positive Recognition: Ofsted recognized the role that local elected members and leaders had played in prioritising the support to vulnerable children, and were pleased with the council's improved quality assurance processes and performance oversight.
  • Areas for Improvement: Ofsted identified four key areas needing improvement: the timeliness of pre-proceedings pathways, the effectiveness of direct work, the focus on safety planning, and the effectiveness of supervision.
  • Councillor Concerns: Councillor Val Masson requested to see the action plan and last year's action plan reviewed with a RAG (red, amber, green) rating.

The committee stressed the importance of addressing these weaknesses to ensure that all children in need receive the support and protection they deserve.

Police Detail Achievements and Challenges

Superintendent Bichu Premnath, the Superintendent for Neighbourhood Policing for Barking and Dagenham, and Chief Inspector Mohamed Mahmoud presented an update on the Metropolitan Police's activities in the borough.

  • Achievements: Chief Inspector Mohamed Mahmoud highlighted several achievements, including convictions in high-profile incidents, such as the shooting at Whalebone Lane and the stabbing at Longbridge Road.
  • Challenges: Superintendent Bichu Premnath addressed the financial challenges facing the Metropolitan Police Service, stating that the priority is to protect frontline services, including ward teams and town centre teams. He noted that while frontline services are being protected, other units, such as dog units, mounted branch, roads and transport policing, and forensic services, are at risk.

The committee acknowledged the difficult choices facing the police and reiterated its commitment to working in partnership to address the borough's safety challenges.

Watch the full meeting here.

Other Matters

  • Community Safety Partnership: The Community Safety Partnership met, but no video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Barking & Dagenham: Council Accounts Disclaimed, Fraud Recoveries

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Auditors Disclaim Accounts Over Financial Transactions

The Audit and Risk Committee met this week to discuss the Council's financial health, focusing on disclaimed audits and potential risks. A major point of concern was the update from BDO, the council's former external auditors, regarding the disclaimed audits of the Council Statement of Accounts (CSOA) for the years 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23. BDO have previously communicated their intention to issue a disclaimer of audit opinion because of the local government backstop date for the financial statements for each of the years.

  • The Stakes: These disclaimed audits cast doubt on the accuracy and reliability of the council's financial reporting, potentially impacting investor confidence and the council's ability to secure funding.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Financial instability can lead to cuts in essential services, disproportionately affecting vulnerable residents who rely on council support.
  • Key Issue: Transactions between the council and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Pension Fund, including prepaid employer contributions and loans, are under scrutiny.
  • Quote: BDO's report indicates that their work is substantially complete, with management in the process of correcting material inconsistencies identified between the primary financial statements and notes, or prior year comparatives.

The committee also received an audit progress report from Grant Thornton on the Council Statement of Accounts for 2023/24 and preparation of the 2024/25 CSOA, along with a sector update. The issuance and signing of the audit opinion for the 2023/24 financial statements is subject to the outcome and signing of the previous financial years audit (2019/20 to 2022/23).

See the full agenda and details here.

Grant Thornton Report Flags Financial Risks

Grant Thornton's audit progress report highlighted several potential risks of significant weakness for the council:

  • The Stakes: These risks could lead to financial instability and impact the council's ability to deliver essential services.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Failure to address these risks could disproportionately affect vulnerable residents who rely on council support.
  • Key Risks:
    • Lack of a robust savings/transformation plan to address funding gaps.
    • Governance arrangements in relation to council companies.
    • Impact of loans and leases to subsidiary companies on the Medium Term Financial Strategy1 (MTFS).
    • Finance Team Capacity including preparation of financial statements.
    • Procurement.
    • The financial sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account2 (HRA).
    • Integrated Adult Services (IAS) and impact on Treasury Management System (TMS).
    • Asset Management Strategy.

See the full agenda and details here.

Counter Fraud Efforts Recover Nearly £170,000

The Audit and Risk Committee reviewed the Counter Fraud Annual Report for 2024/25, which summarised the counter-fraud work undertaken during the year.

  • The Stakes: Fraudulent activity diverts resources away from essential services, impacting all residents.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Fraud can disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals who are more susceptible to scams and exploitation.
  • Key Findings:
    • 175 corporate fraud referrals received, with 51 accepted for investigation.
    • 1512 new housing investigations added, with 1477 completed.
    • 9 properties recovered.
    • Savings (FTA, SPD CTax, RTB, Decant): £169,521

See the full agenda and details here.

Upcoming Meetings


  1. A Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) is a financial plan that sets out a local authority's financial position and priorities for the next 3-5 years. 

  2. A Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is a local authority account that records income and expenditure relating to its social housing stock. 

Barking & Dagenham faces £5.2m overspend, emergency care secured

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Faces £5.2 Million Overspend Due to Borrowing Strategy

Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet met this week and noted a Treasury Management Annual Report for 2024/25, revealing a £5.201 million overspend due to its Investment Acquisition Strategy (IAS). The council borrowed an additional £211 million, but short-term due to high long-term Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) rates.

  • The Stakes: Delaying long-term borrowing could save money if rates drop, but exposes the council to risk if short-term rates rise.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Financial pressures on the council could impact services for vulnerable residents.
  • Council's Stance: The council is waiting for long-term PWLB rates to decline before borrowing long term.
  • What's Next: The council forecasts another £120 million of borrowing in 2025/26 and £15 million in 2026/27 to complete the build-out of 3,700 housing units.

The council's treasury advisers, MUFG, have advised that Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) borrowing rates have remained stubbornly high and a strategic decision has been taken to defer borrowing long term until rates decline. This means that the Council has increased its short term, up to 12 months, borrowing. This was initially mainly from other local authorities but in the last six months of the financial year much of this was replaced with short-term borrowing from the PWLB.

Emergency Adult Social Care Gets Green Light

The Cabinet has approved a Section 75 Agreement with Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest Councils, and the North East London Foundation NHS Trust (NELFT) for an Adults Emergency Duty Team service. This five-year agreement, starting April 1, 2025, ensures a 24-hour response for Adult Social Care and Mental Health needs.

  • The Stakes: This service is vital for residents in crisis, providing access to Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) under the Care Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Mental Health Act 1983.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Ensures vulnerable adults have access to immediate support during emergencies.
  • Financial Impact: Barking and Dagenham's share is capped at £1.115 million over five years.
  • Budget Pressures: The new contract represents an additional cost pressure of £58,801 compared to the 2024/25 budget, which will be met from the revised Better Care Fund (BCF) allocation.

Council Extends Temporary Housing Contract Despite Policy Change

The Cabinet has approved a waiver of tendering requirements to continue using Housing Britain for temporary accommodation until March 2027. This decision bypasses standard procedures because Housing Britain is the only provider currently managing these properties with existing tenants.

  • The Stakes: This decision ensures that existing tenants in temporary accommodation are not displaced.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Prevents disruption for homeless households currently housed in these properties.
  • Background: Housing Britain was removed from the approved provider list after choosing not to re-apply.
  • Financial Impact: The contract could be worth up to £1,325,301.36 if no further properties are returned.
  • Council's Stance: The council argues that there is no alternative available accommodation to move these tenants into and therefore there is only one supplier capable of providing this service at this current time.

Planning Performance Praised, Gypsy and Traveller Provision Discussed

The Planning Committee met to discuss planning performance and the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) for 2023-24.

  • Top Performance: Barking and Dagenham was placed joint first nationally and in London for determining both major and non-major development decisions (100%) within the statutory eight-week period.
  • Gypsy and Traveller Provision: Councillor Muhammad Saleem, Chair of the Planning Committee, raised concerns about the council's provision for gypsies and travellers. Tim Thomas, head of infrastructure, transport policy, and insight at BFAST, explained that the council has a site at Eastbrook End, but it is too small. A needs assessment identified the need for a larger provision over the next five years. The council conducted a review of potential sites but did not find any suitable locations. The local plan includes a provision to look at expanding the existing site, but this would be difficult due to its proximity to the country park. The council will also look to develop a longer-term site in the Castle Green area, adjacent to the A13, subject to planning and funding. The council is required to review this policy over the next year.
  • Traffic Concerns: Councillor Saleem also raised concerns about the impact of planning decisions on traffic and transport, and asked if the council reviews problem areas and bottlenecks. Tim Thomas responded that Transport for London (TfL) is showing a lot of interest in the borough in terms of growing public transport provision. He mentioned the petition for the reopening of the Dagenham East station. He also said that the council is continually looking at what they can do to improve junctions and signalling, and that there is very active modelling of the transport system in the borough.

Other Matters

  • Social Value Recognition: The Cabinet noted the positive impact of the Council's Social Value in Procurement policy, which mandates social value in procurements over £100,000. In November 2024, LBBD won the Public Finance Award for Delivering Sustainability and Social Value.
  • Debt Management: The Cabinet reviewed debt management performance, noting that Council Tax collection ended at 92.7%, slightly lower than the previous year, while business rates collection increased to 96.9%.

Upcoming Meetings

Recent meetings
Assembly

Assembly - Wednesday, 23 July 2025 7:00 pm

The Barking and Dagenham Assembly met to discuss a range of issues, including the death of former Councillor David Smith, the Treasury Management Annual Report 2024/25, and a review of the council's financial regulations. The Assembly approved the Treasury Management Annual Report, the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation, and the updated financial regulations and contract rules.

July 23, 2025
Committee

Member Briefing: Update on Neighbourhood Working

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

July 23, 2025
Committee

East London Waste Authority - Friday, 18 July 2025 9:30 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

July 18, 2025
Health Scrutiny Committee CANCELLED

Health Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 16 July 2025 7:00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 16, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday, 15 July 2025 7:00 pm

The Barking and Dagenham Council cabinet met to discuss the lessons learned from austerity, a new plan for building communities, and several financial and property-related matters. They approved a new direction of travel for the council, a business plan for Be First, and a proposal for council-owned specialist children's homes.

July 15, 2025
Standards Committee CANCELLED

Standards Committee - Monday, 14 July 2025 7:00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 14, 2025
Committee

ONLINE: Standards Committee Training

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

July 14, 2025
Licensing and Regulatory Committee CANCELLED

Licensing and Regulatory Committee - Wednesday, 9 July 2025 7:00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 09, 2025
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Tuesday, 8 July 2025 7:00 pm

The Planning Committee for Barking and Dagenham Council was scheduled to meet on 8 July 2025 to discuss a reserved matters application for Barking Riverside, a planning application for Trinity School, and a response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) on proposed changes to planning legislation.

July 08, 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 2 July 2025 7:00 pm

The Barking and Dagenham Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss updates from the Metropolitan Police and Ofsted, as well as to note the Committee's work programme. The Committee scrutinised the work of the Metropolitan Police in the borough since the last update in February 2025, and provided feedback on the latest version of the children's care and support self evaluation 2024/25.

July 02, 2025
Upcoming meetings

No meetings found.