The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to review the Corporate Plan 2023-2026 Outcome Framework Performance Report for Q3 and Q4 of 2025/26, and to receive an update on the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) Project 3. The meeting also included a review of the council's work programme.

Corporate Plan 2023-2026 Outcome Framework Performance Report

The committee reviewed the performance of the council's Corporate Plan for the third and fourth quarters of the 2025/26 financial year. Leanna McPherson, Head of Programmes and Change, presented the report, highlighting that the framework comprises 54 outcome measures across seven priority areas. Councillors raised concerns and identified areas for further scrutiny.

Key discussion points included:

• Food Security and Cost of Living: Councillor Moin Quadri raised concerns about food security, noting that 20.1% of residents had gone hungry due to affordability issues. He questioned the council's budget for long-term solutions like living wages and employment support, and plans for after the Household Support Fund ends. Councillor Mukhtar Yusuf also touched upon the cost of living crisis and the revision of performance targets.
• Homes and Money Hub: Councillor Ingrid Robinson inquired about the effectiveness of the Homes and Money Hub, which had ended, and how residents are being communicated with regarding alternative support. Councillor Phil Waker reinforced this point, highlighting the need to understand the impact of the hub's closure on residents.
• Section 106 and CIL Monies: Councillor Souter suggested that the committee investigate the use of Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies, describing it as an untapped resource that councils nationally struggle to manage effectively.
• Communication and Digital Exclusion: Councillor Robinson and Councillor Julia Williams raised concerns about communication with residents, particularly those who are digitally excluded or prefer traditional methods of communication. They discussed the need for more accessible information channels.
• Health and Wellbeing: Councillor Phil Waker highlighted concerns regarding obesity, noting that while the report mentions it, the focus on walking and active travel could be strengthened. He also raised issues around social housing, overcrowding, and the affordability of housing.
• Fire Safety: Councillor Julia Williams drew attention to the report's mention of tackling overdue fire safety actions, emphasizing the paramount importance of resident safety and questioning how the council plans to get ahead of evolving fire regulations.
• Loki App: Councillor Ben Suter asked for an update on discussions with the company Loki regarding a potential app for council communication, noting its ad-based model and the need to protect face-to-face contact while leveraging digital platforms.

The committee noted areas of concern and interest for potential future in-depth scrutiny.

Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) Project 3

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, presented an update on the implementation of the Controlled Parking Strategy 2022-25 and the subsequent amendments to the CPZ Policy. Keith Stanger, Director of Enforcement, Regulatory Services and Community Safety, and Daniel Connelly, Parking and Environmental Design Team Manager, provided further details.

The report outlined progress made, proposed areas for consultation for CPZ Project 3, and recommended refinements to the CPZ decision-making criteria. Key discussion points included:

• Air Quality Measurement: The Chair questioned how improvements in air quality are being measured, specifically regarding the reduction in permits for high-emission vehicles. Daniel Connelly explained that permits are emission-based and that there has been a significant increase in low-emission vehicle permits and a reduction in high-emission vehicle permits. He also noted that independent research suggests CPZs can reduce unnecessary car journeys, contributing to better air quality.
• Socio-economic Impact and Permit Pricing: Councillor Ben Suter raised concerns about the socio-economic impact of parking permit costs on low-income residents, particularly in areas with limited parking space. The officers explained that permit pricing is emission-based and that the council aims to manage parking demand through pricing and permit limits. Tina Brooks, Head of Parking, clarified that while the service needs to be self-financing, permit costs are benchmarked against neighbouring boroughs and are not considered excessively high, especially for middle-band vehicles.
• Consultation Process: Councillor Souter recommended that consultation letters be redesigned to place the call to action for resident feedback at the beginning, making it more accessible. The officers agreed to review this. Councillor Ingrid Robinson also suggested that petitions should not be considered as formal feedback in the same way as individual responses.
• CPZ Expansion and Local Needs: Councillors raised questions about the rationale for expanding CPZs into areas that may not want them, the process for reviewing existing CPZs, and the potential for smaller, more localized zones. The officers explained that the review process would be evidence-led and consider local needs, with ward councillors consulted at each stage.
• Dropped Kerb Permits and Enforcement: Concerns were raised about the enforcement of dropped kerb permits, particularly regarding timing and potential misapplication. The officers committed to investigating specific examples and clarifying the policy.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Councillor Julia Williams inquired about the provision of electric vehicle charging points, especially for residents in tower blocks who may not have private driveways. The officers acknowledged the need for increased infrastructure and committed to discussing this with the highways department.
• Consultation with Vulnerable Groups: Councillor George Miller and Councillor Ben Suter questioned the extent of consultation with elderly and disabled groups. The officers stated that while formal consultation with these specific groups had not yet occurred for the proposed CPZs, they would engage with them as part of the wider public consultation and had mechanisms in place to support accessibility.
• Decision-Making Process: Councillor Phil Waker sought clarity on who makes the final decisions regarding CPZs after consultations. It was clarified that Cabinet makes the final decision, following consideration of all feedback, including that from ward councillors and residents. The threshold for considering objections was also discussed.
• Parks and Green Spaces: The report proposed incorporating parks and green spaces into CPZ plans to manage inconsiderate parking by non-park users and ensure better access for genuine park users.

The committee was asked to scrutinise the report and provide feedback to Cabinet.

Work Programme

The committee noted the council's work programme for 2026/27, which included items such as the Corporate Plan Outcomes Framework Performance Report, CPZ Strategy, Housing Regulator Readiness, BD Group, Fees & Charges Review, Budget Scrutiny, EHCP deep dive progress, Violence Against Women and Girls, Climate Change, Food Waste service delivery, Community Safety Partnership, and Police Heritage Place designation.

The meeting concluded.