The Assembly of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 15 May 2024, with councillors discussing the OFSTED inspection of Children's Services, the Health Scrutiny Committee's Annual Report, and the Director of Public Health's Annual Report. The meeting also saw the approval of appointments to various council committees and the Members' Allowances Scheme for the upcoming year.

OFSTED Inspection of Children's Services Improvement Plan and Self-Evaluation

The Assembly received an update on the OFSTED inspection of the Council's Children's Care and Support service. The service was rated as 'Requires Improvement to be Good', with Ofsted making eight specific recommendations. These included improving the timeliness of strategy meetings, the quality of supervision and management oversight, and the assessment and decision-making for children experiencing neglect. The Council has developed an Improvement Plan and a Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation for 2023/24 in response to these findings. Councillors expressed concern over the inadequate funding of social care services by the Government, arguing that it hinders the Council's ability to implement its Improvement Plan and invest in new prevention services. The Assembly resolved to note the Improvement Plan and the progress made, as well as areas requiring further attention.

Health Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2022/23

Councillor Paul Robinson, Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee, presented the committee's annual report for 2022/23. The report highlighted the committee's work in shaping the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, making recommendations to improve support for those experiencing miscarriage, and promoting better access to healthcare for minority groups. The committee also focused on improving collaboration between health and voluntary sectors. The Assembly resolved to note the report.

Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2022/23

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration presented the Director of Public Health's Annual Report for 2022/23. The report detailed public health challenges in Barking and Dagenham, including the lasting impacts of Covid-19, the significant influence of social determinants like housing and employment on health, and the higher likelihood of avoidable deaths among local residents compared to less deprived areas. Key statistics revealed that 24% of Reception-age children were overweight and that one in three local residents had at least one long-term health condition. The report also highlighted the disparity in Public Health Grant funding received by Barking and Dagenham compared to other local authorities with similar deprivation levels. Discussions also touched upon the benefits of building homes with gardens, the need for legislation promoting healthy eating, and the development of active travel infrastructure. The Assembly resolved to note the report.

Appointments to the Political Structure and Other Bodies 2024/25

The Assembly approved appointments to various Council committees and other internal and external bodies for the 2024/25 municipal year. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to fill any vacant positions before the next meeting.

Appointment of Church Representative (Church of England) Co-optee to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Reverend Mark Adams was appointed as the Church Representative (Church of England) co-optee to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This appointment is in accordance with the Education Act 1996 and the Local Government Act 2000, which require such representatives to scrutinise and vote on education-related matters.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2024/25

The Assembly adopted the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2024/25. This scheme includes the Basic Allowance for all councillors and Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for those in specific roles. The scheme reflects previous decisions to align allowances with staff pay increases and to increase the Dependants' Carers' Allowance in line with the London Living Wage.

Appointment of Statutory Scrutiny Officer

Sal Asghar, Director of Strategy, was designated as the Council's statutory Scrutiny Officer, effective from 16 May 2024, in accordance with section 9FB of the Local Government Act 2000.

Leader's Statement

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, delivered a statement covering several key issues. He addressed a serious incident in Whalebone Lane South where a young man was attacked. He also commented on the recent London Mayor and Greater London Assembly elections, noting the national Labour Party's successes. The statement highlighted the B&D Jobs and Skills Fair and the launch of the B&D Opportunities portal, aimed at connecting residents with training and job opportunities. Other topics included the Council's participation in Care Experienced History Month and International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, and the forthcoming appointment of Councillor Simon Perry as Deputy Cabinet Member for Co-Production. Congratulations were also extended to Councillor Saima Ashraf for her 'Highly Commended' status at the British Muslim Awards 2024.

Death of Former Councillor Jeff Wade

The Assembly noted with regret the passing of former councillor Jeff Wade, who served as the Chadwell Heath ward councillor from 2010 to 2018. Tributes were paid to his commitment to social justice and his work for his constituents. A minute's silence was observed in his memory.