The Assembly of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 17 May 2023, appointing Councillor Irma Freeborn as Chair and Councillor Tony Ramsay as Deputy Chair. Key decisions included the permanent appointment of Fiona Taylor as Chief Executive and Leona Menville as Strategic Director for My Place, the adoption of the Corporate Plan 2023-2026, and the approval of the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2023-2026. The Assembly also noted reports on Children's Care and Support, Adoption and Corporate Parenting, and agreed to an updated Members' Allowances Scheme for 2023/24.

Appointment of Chief Executive and Strategic Director

Fiona Taylor was appointed as the permanent Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, a role she had been acting in since April 2022. The Assembly was informed of the rigorous recruitment process undertaken, which included external assessments and interviews with stakeholders. Leona Menville was appointed as the permanent Strategic Director for My Place, having served as Interim Strategic Director since August 2022. Both appointments were made following recommendations from the JNC Appointments, Salaries and Structures Panel.

Corporate Plan 2023-2026 Adopted

The Assembly approved the Corporate Plan for 2023-2026, which sets out the Council's priorities and objectives for the next three years. The plan is underpinned by seven key priorities: supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis; ensuring residents are safe, protected, and supported; promoting healthier, happier, and independent lives; fostering prosperity through education, skills, and employment; encouraging inclusive growth and regeneration; creating safer, cleaner, and greener neighbourhoods; and ensuring residents have good housing and avoid homelessness. The plan also emphasises the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a commitment to working in partnership, engaging with residents, and being evidence-led.

Children's Services and Adoption Reports Noted

The Assembly noted the preparations for the upcoming Ofsted inspection of Children's Care and Support services, with the service assessed as being at the upper end of 'Requires Improvement' and moving closer to 'Good'. The report highlighted continuous improvement efforts despite significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a rapidly growing child population. The Adoption and Corporate Parenting Annual Reports for 2021/22 were also noted, detailing the work of Adopt London East and the Council's responsibilities as a corporate parent.

Community Safety Partnership Plan 2023-2026 Approved

The Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2023-2026 was approved, retaining five key priorities: keeping children and young people safe; tackling neighbourhood and community safety; reducing offending; standing up to hate, intolerance, and extremism; and tackling violence against women and girls. The plan was developed following extensive consultation with partners, residents, and the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Key findings from the Crime and Disorder Strategic Assessment indicated an increase in overall offences, with notable rises in violence against the person and theft offences, although burglary and vehicle offences remained below pre-Covid levels. The plan aims to address emerging priorities such as women's safety and serious violence, increase the visibility of police and partners, and mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on crime.

Members' Allowances Scheme Updated

The Assembly agreed to update the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2023/24. This includes an annual increase to the Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) in line with the average local government staff pay award for the preceding year. The Dependants' Carers' Allowance will also be increased annually in line with the London Living Wage. The scheme will be effective from 18 May 2023.

Leader's Statement

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, delivered a statement covering the coronation weekend celebrations, the tragic murder of Jordan Kukabu in Dagenham Heathway, the opening of the tenth community hub in Chadwell Heath, and the recent local election results. She expressed disappointment with police communication and resourcing in the borough and called for immediate action from the Met Police and the government.

Appointments to Political Structure and Other Bodies

The Assembly approved appointments to various Council committees and other internal and external bodies for the 2023/24 municipal year. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive to fill any vacant positions prior to the next meeting.

Other Business

The Assembly confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 March 2023 and noted the minutes of sub-committees. There were no motions or questions with notice.