The Barking and Dagenham Council cabinet met to discuss a range of strategic and operational issues, approving an anti-poverty strategy, an equality and inclusion strategy, and a plan for a new investment partnership in Barking Town Centre. Councillors also approved measures relating to leaseholder payments, electric vehicle infrastructure, and several procurement decisions.

Here's a more detailed look at the key topics discussed:

• Foundations for Change: Tackling Poverty Strategy 2025/26 The cabinet approved the Foundations for Change: Tackling Poverty 2025/26 strategy[^2], which focuses on a 'test-and-learn' approach to address poverty in the borough. The strategy identifies specific groups, including care leavers, single parents and those with disabilities, for targeted interventions. Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disabilities, emphasised the importance of the strategy, particularly given delays in producing a national child poverty strategy. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, stressed the need to rebuild the community resilience seen during the Covid-19 pandemic to tackle poverty effectively. Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment & School Improvement, supported the strategy, highlighting new initiatives for childcare support. [^2]: The strategy aims to address barriers for specific, vulnerable cohorts and sets up structures to bring together key internal and external stakeholders to set a vision for the medium term for tackling poverty in Barking and Dagenham.

• Building a Fairer Future Together: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2025-2029 The cabinet approved the Building a Fairer Future Together Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2025-2029[^3], outlining the council's commitment to meeting its legal duties under the Equality Act 2010[^4] and promoting equity and celebrating diversity. Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills & Aspiration, introduced the strategy, emphasising the need to respond to changes since the previous strategy expired in 2021. The strategy sets out four equality objectives: closing equality gaps, providing fairer and accessible public services, promoting cohesion and integration, and being an inclusive employer. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, highlighted the importance of collaboration and addressing inequalities in the borough. Councillor Worby noted the success of the health and employment hub in Barking as an example of targeted support making a real difference. [^3]: The strategy aims to strengthen oversight and provide clearer governance on how the council improves equity and celebrates diversity. [^4]: The Equality Act 2010 is a law that protects people from discrimination.

• Barking Investment Partnership Delivery Strategy The cabinet approved the Barking Investment Partnership Delivery Strategy, which aims to attract private investment for regeneration projects in Barking Town Centre and the River Roding Transformation Area. Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development, explained that the strategy would bring in private investment, reducing the council's financial risk. The strategy focuses on Barking Town Centre, with plans for new homes and commercial growth. The council will retain substantial influence over design and development as the planning authority.

• Future of Vicarage Field The cabinet approved a plan for the future of Vicarage Field, a key development site in Barking Town Centre. The plan involves selling the council’s freehold interest to an investor once planning permission is granted. Councillor Geddes noted the difficulties in redeveloping the site over the past decade and expressed hope that this new approach would kickstart progress. The development is expected to include residential and commercial elements, with a focus on food-related businesses and a high-quality public realm.

• Leaseholder Payment Options for Major Works The cabinet approved an expansion of payment options for leaseholders facing major works costs. The proposals include increasing the discount for prompt payments to 5% for payments within six weeks, extending interest-free credit for up to 24 months, and introducing a hardship fund. Councillor Worby presented the report, highlighting the need to update the policy from 2013 and provide more flexibility for leaseholders.

• Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Funding and Procurement The cabinet approved proceeding with the procurement of a contract for rapid electric vehicle charging infrastructure, in partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets[^5]. Councillor Geddes explained that the funding from the LEVI fund[^6] would support the installation of 26 rapid charging points in the borough. [^5]: The partnership is required by the LEVI funding guidelines. [^6]: The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund is a government initiative to support the deployment of EV charge-point infrastructure.

• Stronger Together - Towards a VCFSE Compact Approach for the Borough The cabinet endorsed the draft principles and commitments set out in Stronger Together: Towards a VCFSE Compact Approach for the Borough [^7], which aims to build stronger partnerships between the council and the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. [^7]: The compact sets out five joint principles: relational culture, capacity and resources, listening well, sustainability, and evaluation and cultural change.

• Be First New Build Portfolio Update The cabinet noted the successful delivery of 205 new homes by Be First, the council's regeneration company, in 2025 and the planned handover of a further 1,357 homes. They also approved, in principle, increases to the capital budgets for several schemes. Councillor Geddes explained that the additional funding was needed due to cost overruns caused by inflation and building regulation changes.

• Contract for Carers' Support Service The cabinet approved the procurement of a new, maximum seven-year contract for a Carers’ Support Service. They also approved a three-month extension to the existing contract with Carers Centre SA Limited. Councillor Worby highlighted the valuable contribution of carers and the need to properly fund the service.

• B&D Energy - Transition to Standalone LASER Contract The cabinet approved B&D Energy's transition to a standalone LASER contract to improve tariff alignment and financial planning. They also approved the council’s role in underwriting the financial liability associated with the contract. Councillor Geddes explained that this change would allow B&D Energy to set more accurate prices and reduce exposure to winter price volatility.

• Governance Changes at Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership (BD Group) The cabinet noted and endorsed governance changes at Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership (BD Group), including the appointment of a new chair, board of directors, and interim chief executive. Councillor Worby explained that these changes were needed to address financial performance and risks within the group.

• Housing Asset Management Procurement Strategy The cabinet approved the procurement strategy for housing asset management, which includes fire safety items, consent for already commissioned works, and a year-on-year delivery forward plan. Councillor Worby noted that undertaking this work was essential to meet building safety regulations and protect residents.

• Contract for Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Corporate Uniform and Equipment The cabinet approved the procurement of new term contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE), corporate uniform, and equipment. Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Climate Change, stated that this was a legal and statutory obligation to provide staff with the necessary equipment.

• Procurement of Professional Services to Support and Maintain the Open Housing Management System The cabinet approved the direct award of a contract to MRI Software for the continued provision of the Open Housing Management System.

• Contract for Short Term / Spot Hire Vehicle Requirements The cabinet approved the use of the Commercial Services Kent Limited Vehicle Rental Framework for the council's short-term and spot hire vehicle requirements. Councillor Haroon presented the report, noting the benefits of the framework, including quick access to a wide range of vehicles and a focus on low-emission options.

• Procurement of Data Analytics Platform The cabinet agreed that the council proceeds with the procurement of a Data Analytics Platform contract in accordance with the strategy set out in the report.