This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Approves £875 Million Borrowing for Housing Amidst Financial Concerns

The Assembly met this week and approved the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2024/25, revealing significant borrowing related to the council's investment and acquisition strategy. This comes amidst concerns about rising construction costs and a slowdown in the build program.

• The Stakes: The council's borrowing strategy impacts its financial stability and ability to deliver services.
• Vulnerable Groups: Residents relying on council services could be affected by financial pressures.
• Key Figure: The council's investment and acquisition strategy borrowing has reached £875 million, a net increase of just over £200 million.
• Quote: Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council / Labour Group, stated that the majority of the council's borrowing relates to its investment and acquisition strategy, with interest and associated costs covered by rental income from the assets built.

The report highlighted a net overspend of just over £5.2 million, attributed to increased construction borrowing costs and a slowdown in the build program. The council plans further borrowing in the next two financial years to reach a portfolio of approximately 3,700 housing units managed by Reside.

See the full agenda and details here.

Children's Services Show Improvement, But Challenges Remain

The Assembly considered the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation Report for 2024/25, highlighting improvements in social work practice but also identifying areas needing improvement.

• The Stakes: The quality of children's services directly impacts the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
• Vulnerable Groups: Looked-after children and those in need of child protection are at the heart of these discussions.
• Positive Feedback: Ofsted's feedback indicated that the council's self-assessment was honest and accurate.
• Areas for Improvement: Long-term stability for children in care, timeliness of pre-proceedings, and placement sufficiency were identified as challenges.
• Quote: Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disabilities, outlined plans to establish the council's own children's homes and a court team to address these challenges.

The report also addressed the government's Family First Partnership program and the council's plans to implement social care reforms.

See the full agenda and details here.

Council Updates Financial Regulations and Code of Conduct

The Assembly agreed to a review of the council's financial regulations, contract rules, and other constitution updates, aiming to improve financial management, transparency, and legal compliance.

• The Stakes: These updates aim to ensure efficient and compliant ways of working, improve value for money, and reduce risk across procurement activities.
• Key Change: The Public Contract Regulations 2015 have been replaced by the Procurement Act 2023.
• Code of Conduct: A change to the wording in the Councillor's Code of Conduct requires councillors to cooperate with the Monitoring Officer within 14 days of a request.
• Quote: Councillor Twomey emphasized the importance of sound financial management, transparency, and legal compliance.

See the full agenda and details here.

Other Matters

• Localism Act 2011: The Assembly agreed to the continuation of the appointment of the current three independent persons under the Localism Act 2011 until the next Assembly meeting following the annual assembly in 2027.
• Tributes to Former Councillor David Smith: The Assembly began with tributes to former Councillor David Smith, who served the Eastbury Ward from 1986 to 1990.

See the full agenda and details here.

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.

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.

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

• Planning Committee on Tuesday 08 July 2025 will discuss a reserved matters application concerning public open space at Barking Riverside, a planning application for improvements to Trinity School, and a response to a government consultation on planning legislation.
• Standards Committee on Monday 14 July 2025.
• Cabinet on Tuesday 15 July 2025.
• Community Leadership and Engagement Select Committee on Friday 18 July 2025.