The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 15 April 2025 to approve the transfer of management of seven community buildings to community partners, and to endorse the allocation of £535,000 of Strategic CIL funding to the LifeLine Church for the development of a new community centre. The Cabinet also approved business plans for B&D Energy Ltd and B&D Reside Group for 2025/30, and agreed to changes to loan terms for Be First (Regeneration) Ltd and Barking & Dagenham Trading Partnership Ltd.

Transfer of Management of Seven Community Buildings to Community Partners

The Cabinet approved the transfer of management of seven Council-owned buildings to voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) partners. This initiative aims to maximise the use of underutilised buildings, expand community offerings, and create community assets. Marks Gate Community Hub, Valence Library, and Heath Community Hub will be transferred to recommended VCFSE partners. Officers will continue discussions for the Park Centre, Village Community Hub, and Heath Community Hub, with authority delegated to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, to approve these transfers. A further report will be presented on the development of a viable VCFSE partnership for Thames Community Hub.

Allocation of Strategic CIL to Infrastructure Project (LifeLine Church)

The Cabinet approved the allocation of £535,000 of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to LifeLine Church. This funding will support the development of a new community centre in the Andrews Corner neighbourhood of Dagenham, which will serve as a hub for local activities, educational programmes, employment initiatives, workspace, community events, and social engagement. This project aligns with the Council's principles for the use of SCIL funding and is expected to support inclusive social and economic outcomes and the regeneration of the borough.

B&D Energy Ltd Business Plan 2025/30 and B&D Reside Business Plan 2025/30

The Cabinet approved the business plans for B&D Energy Ltd and B&D Reside Group for the period 2025/30. These plans outline key objectives for the next five years, including expanding customer bases, cutting carbon emissions, mitigating fuel poverty, and creating socio-economic benefits. B&D Energy's plan projects significant growth in customer numbers and EBITDA, while B&D Reside's plan forecasts improved financial returns to the Council. Both plans have been scrutinised by the Shareholder Panel and endorsed by the respective company boards.

Changes to Loan Terms and Conditions to Be First (Regeneration) Ltd and Barking & Dagenham Trading Partnership Ltd

The Cabinet approved changes to loan terms and conditions for two Council-owned companies. Be First (Regeneration) Ltd repaid a £4.2m working capital loan, and the Council agreed to provide a £5m revolving credit facility with an end date of 31 March 2030. For Barking & Dagenham Trading Partnership Ltd (BDTP), the Council agreed to extend the repayment date of a £5.9m working capital loan from 31 March 2025 to 31 March 2026. These arrangements are intended to support the companies' financial resilience and business plans.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Extension 2025/26

The Cabinet endorsed the Council's submission for UKSPF funding for 2025/26, amounting to approximately £669,000 in capital funding and £333,000 in revenue funding. This funding will support improvements to local culture and heritage assets, including Eastbury Manor House, Valence House Museum, and the Women's Museum, as well as employment and skills initiatives, business support, and school enterprise projects. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth, to allocate and oversee spending in line with Council priorities.

Draft East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Consultation

The Cabinet agreed to the publication of the Draft East London Joint Waste Plan (ELJWP) and its supporting evidence base for a six-week statutory public consultation. This plan, prepared collaboratively with Havering, Newham, and Redbridge, sets out a vision for sustainable waste management up to 2041. The evidence indicates a surplus of waste management capacity in East London, leading to proposals to release three existing waste sites from safeguarding that conflict with land use policy and regeneration ambitions. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to finalise the draft plan and make arrangements for the public consultation.

Adoption of the Thames Road Supplementary Planning Document

The Cabinet recommended the Assembly to adopt the Thames Road Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document provides a 20-year spatial vision for the regeneration of Thames Road, aiming to deliver 3,500 new homes, industrial spaces, revitalised public realm, and new social infrastructure. The SPD has been revised following statutory consultation to incorporate feedback and will serve as a material consideration in determining planning applications within the area.

Procurement of Highway and Street Lighting Maintenance Services

The Cabinet agreed that the Council will join the London Construction Programme's Advanced Dynamic Purchasing (Markets) System for Minor Works and Professional Services. This will provide access to multiple supply chains for highways and street lighting services, offering a more efficient and flexible procurement route. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to conduct the procurement and award contracts.

Procurement of Water Services for Corporate and Non-Domestic Council Buildings

The Cabinet approved the Council's participation in a joint procurement exercise, led by LASER, to identify and select a water supplier for retail water services. This collaborative approach with six other local authorities aims to achieve better commercial outcomes and operational efficiencies. The contract will be for four years, with an estimated total value of approximately £6.9 million.

Procurement of Enforcement Agent Services

The Cabinet agreed that the Council will proceed with the procurement of external enforcement agent services through the YPO Enforcement Agency Services Framework. This decision follows a review that indicated the in-house Becontree Collection Service (BCS) has been operating at a loss. The procurement will establish new four-year contracts with three external suppliers, aiming to improve debt collection performance and ensure an ethical approach.

Procurement of a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement

The Cabinet agreed that the Council will proceed with the procurement of a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement via the CCS RM6098 Framework. This agreement is mandatory for the Council to purchase and manage Microsoft licenses for its staff and systems, and the current agreement expires on 30 May 2025. The new agreement will be for a three-year term.

Sale of Front Garden Land at 7 Listowel Road, Dagenham

The Cabinet approved the sale of Council-owned land at the front of 7 Listowel Road, Dagenham, to the owner/occupier. This decision was treated as a special case, as the initial negotiations predated a change in Council policy to avoid selling land assets. The sale will generate revenue for the Council and transfer maintenance responsibilities to the property owner. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to finalise terms and execute legal agreements.

B&D Energy Ltd Business Plan 2025/30 and B&D Reside Business Plan 2025/30

The Cabinet approved the business plans for B&D Energy Ltd and B&D Reside Group for 2025/30. These plans outline the companies' strategic objectives, financial forecasts, and operational strategies for the next five years. B&D Energy's plan focuses on expanding its low-carbon district heat network, while B&D Reside's plan details its transformation and growth programme in housing.

Changes to Loan Terms and Conditions to Be First (Regeneration) Ltd and Barking & Dagenham Trading Partnership Ltd

The Cabinet noted the repayment of £4.2m by Be First (Regeneration) Ltd and agreed to a Revolving Credit Facility of £5m with an end date of 31 March 2030. They also agreed to extend the current loan of £5.9m to BDTP from 31 March 2025 to 31 March 2026. These decisions aim to support the companies' liquidity and financial resilience.

Draft East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Consultation

The Cabinet agreed to the publication of the Draft East London Joint Waste Plan (ELJWP) for a six-week statutory public consultation. This plan sets out the strategic vision and objectives for sustainable waste management in East London until 2041. The evidence base indicates a surplus of waste management capacity, leading to proposals to release three existing waste sites from safeguarding.

Adoption of the Thames Road Supplementary Planning Document

The Cabinet recommended the Assembly to adopt the Thames Road Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document provides a 20-year vision for the regeneration of Thames Road, aiming to deliver new homes, industrial spaces, public realm improvements, and social infrastructure. The SPD has been revised following statutory consultation.

Procurement of Highway and Street Lighting Maintenance Services

The Cabinet agreed that the Council will join the London Construction Programme's Advanced Dynamic Purchasing (Markets) System. This will provide access to multiple supply chains for highways and street lighting maintenance services, offering a more efficient and cost-effective procurement route.

Procurement of Water Services for Corporate and Non-Domestic Council Buildings

The Cabinet approved the Council's participation in a joint procurement exercise for water and sewerage services, led by LASER, involving six other local authorities. This collaborative approach aims to achieve better commercial outcomes and operational efficiencies. The contract will be for four years with an estimated total value of approximately £6.9 million.

Procurement of Enforcement Agent Services

The Cabinet agreed to procure external enforcement agent services through the YPO Enforcement Agency Services Framework. This decision follows the financial losses incurred by the in-house Becontree Collection Service (BCS). The new four-year contracts will be awarded to three external suppliers, fostering competition and ensuring an ethical approach to debt collection.

Procurement of a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement

The Cabinet agreed to proceed with the procurement of a new Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (ESA) via the CCS RM6098 Framework. This agreement is mandatory for the Council to manage its Microsoft licenses and will run for three years from 31 May 2025.

Sale of Front Garden Land at 7 Listowel Road, Dagenham

The Cabinet approved the sale of Council-owned land at the front of 7 Listowel Road, Dagenham, to the owner/occupier. This sale is considered an exception to the Council's policy of not selling land assets, due to prior negotiations. The sale will generate revenue and transfer maintenance responsibilities.

B&D Energy Ltd Business Plan 2025/30

The Cabinet approved the B&D Energy Limited Business Plan for 2025/30. The plan outlines key objectives including increasing customers, maintaining regulatory compliance, preparing for decarbonisation, and establishing a targeted operating model. The company has seen significant organisational change and growth in its customer base.

B&D Reside Business Plan 2025/30

The Cabinet approved the B&D Reside Group Business Plan for 2025/30. This plan consolidates financial and operational objectives across five entities within the Reside Group. It highlights transformation activities completed, improvements in business performance, and forecasts an improved financial return to the Council.

Changes to Loan Terms and Conditions to Be First (Regeneration) Ltd and Barking & Dagenham Trading Partnership Ltd

The Cabinet noted the repayment of £4.2m by Be First (Regeneration) Ltd and agreed to a Revolving Credit Facility of £5m with an end date of 31 March 2030. They also agreed to extend the current loan of £5.9m to BDTP from 31 March 2025 to 31 March 2026. These decisions aim to support the financial resilience and business plans of these companies.

Transfer of Management of Seven Community Buildings to Community Partners

The Cabinet approved the transfer of management of seven Council-owned community buildings to VCFSE partners. This initiative aims to maximise the use of underutilised buildings, expand community offerings, and create community assets. Marks Gate Community Hub, Valence Library, and Heath Community Hub will be transferred to recommended VCFSE partners. Officers will continue discussions for the Park Centre, Village Community Hub, and Heath Community Hub, with authority delegated to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, to approve these transfers. A further report will be presented on the development of a viable VCFSE partnership for Thames Community Hub.

Allocation of Strategic CIL to Infrastructure Project (LifeLine Church)

The Cabinet approved the allocation of £535,000 of Strategic CIL funding to LifeLine Church for the development of a new community centre in the Andrews Corner neighbourhood of Dagenham. This centre will serve as a hub for local activities, providing educational programmes, employment initiatives, workspace, community events, and social engagement. The project is eligible for Strategic CIL funding and has secured significant alternative funding.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Extension 2025/26

The Cabinet endorsed the Council’s submission for UKSPF funding for 2025/26, amounting to approximately £669,000 in capital funding and £333,000 in revenue funding. This funding will support improvements to cultural and heritage assets, including Eastbury Manor House, Valence House Museum, and the Women’s Museum, as well as employment and skills programmes, business support, and school enterprise projects. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth, to allocate and oversee spending.

Draft East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Consultation

The Cabinet agreed to the publication of the Draft East London Joint Waste Plan (ELJWP) for a six-week statutory public consultation. This plan, developed collaboratively with Havering, Newham, and Redbridge, sets out a vision for sustainable waste management until 2041. The evidence indicates a surplus of waste management capacity, leading to proposals to release three existing waste sites from safeguarding. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to finalise the plan and arrange the consultation.

Adoption of the Thames Road Supplementary Planning Document

The Cabinet recommended the Assembly to adopt the Thames Road Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document provides a 20-year vision for the regeneration of Thames Road, aiming to deliver new homes, industrial spaces, public realm enhancements, and social infrastructure. The SPD has been revised following consultation and will be a material consideration in planning decisions.

Procurement of Highway and Street Lighting Maintenance Services

The Cabinet agreed that the Council will join the London Construction Programme's Advanced Dynamic Purchasing (Markets) System. This will provide access to multiple supply chains for highways and street lighting maintenance services, offering a more efficient and cost-effective procurement route. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to conduct the procurement and award contracts.

Procurement of Water Services for Corporate and Non-Domestic Council Buildings

The Cabinet approved the Council's participation in a joint procurement exercise for water and sewerage services, led by LASER, involving six other local authorities. This collaborative approach aims to achieve better commercial outcomes and operational efficiencies. The contract will be for four years with an estimated total value of approximately £6.9 million.

Procurement of Enforcement Agent Services

The Cabinet agreed to procure external enforcement agent services via the YPO Enforcement Agency Services Framework. This decision follows the financial losses incurred by the in-house Becontree Collection Service (BCS). The new four-year contracts will be awarded to three external suppliers, promoting competition and ensuring an ethical approach to debt collection.

Procurement of a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement

The Cabinet agreed that the Council will proceed with the procurement of a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (ESA) via the CCS RM6098 Framework. This agreement is mandatory for the Council to purchase and manage Microsoft licenses and will run for three years from 31 May 2025.

Sale of Front Garden Land at 7 Listowel Road, Dagenham

The Cabinet approved the sale of Council-owned land at the front of 7 Listowel Road, Dagenham, to the owner/occupier. This sale is being treated as an exception to the Council's policy of not selling land assets due to prior negotiations. The sale will generate revenue and transfer maintenance responsibilities. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to finalise terms and execute legal agreements.