The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 16 September 2025, approving a new strategy to tackle poverty, endorsing a partnership delivery strategy for Barking Town Centre, and agreeing to the sale of Vicarage Field to facilitate its redevelopment. The meeting also saw the approval of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, enhanced payment options for leaseholders facing major works, and a new approach to working with the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.

Barking Investment Partnership Delivery Strategy

Cabinet approved the 'Barking Investment Partnership Delivery Strategy', which aims to accelerate high-quality development in Barking Town Centre and the River Roding Transformation Area. This strategy will bring in private investment to minimise council borrowing, with the council retaining freehold ownership and influence over design and development. Further market engagement and a competitive partner selection process will be undertaken, with an initial budget allocation of £280,000 approved for this phase. Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, highlighted that this approach minimises risk while maximising opportunities for regeneration.

Foundations for Change: Tackling Poverty Strategy 2025/26

The Cabinet agreed to the Foundations for Change: Tackling Poverty 2025/26 strategy, which adopts a 'test-and-learn' approach to tackling poverty in the borough. This one-year strategy focuses on council activity and identifies specific vulnerable cohorts for targeted interventions. Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, supported the strategy, noting its crucial importance for the borough and its comprehensive approach to supporting residents in financial difficulty. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care & Health, emphasised the need for collective action and rebuilding resilience within the community.

Future of Vicarage Field

Cabinet approved the way forward for the redevelopment of Vicarage Field, including entering into an agreement for the sale of the Council's freehold interest. Councillor Cameron Geddes stated that this site is vital for the regeneration of Barking Town Centre and that despite previous difficulties, this new proposal offers the best way forward. The agreement is conditional on securing planning permission and other key terms, with authority delegated to the Strategic Director, Resources, to finalise the terms. Cabinet also agreed in principle to use the Council's powers to address third-party rights under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, with a further report to follow if new planning permission is secured.

Building a Fairer Future Together - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2025-2029

The Borough Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2025-2029, titled Building a Fairer Future Together, was approved. Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills & Aspiration, presented the strategy, highlighting its aim to strengthen oversight and provide clearer governance on improving equity and celebrating diversity. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Business & Engagement, emphasised the strategy's focus on cohesion and integration, and its grounding in the lived experiences of residents. 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. An annual progress report will be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Leaseholder Payment Options for Major Works

Cabinet approved in principle enhanced and new payment options for leaseholders regarding major works to leasehold properties. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care & Health, explained that the proposals aim to provide more flexibility, including an increased prompt payment discount to 5% and extended interest-free credit periods for payment plans. Leaseholders will be consulted on the proposals, with authority delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to implement the new arrangements following consultation.

Stronger Together - A VCFSE Compact Approach for the Borough

Cabinet endorsed the draft principles and commitments set out in Stronger Together: Towards a VCFSE Compact Approach for the Borough. This initiative aims to foster a new way of working with the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, built on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. Councillor Saima Ashraf highlighted that the compact is not just a document but a commitment to partnership, co-creation, and shared accountability. The Council and the VCFSE sector will work together over the next year to develop a more detailed Compact and action plan, with appropriate governance to oversee delivery.

Be First New Build Portfolio Update

Cabinet noted the successful delivery by Be First of 205 new homes to date in 2025, with a further 1,357 homes planned for handover. They also approved, in principle, increases to the capital budgets for nine specific schemes, delegating authority to the Strategic Director, Resources, to finalise the budget requirements. Councillor Cameron Geddes explained that while cost overruns have occurred due to inflation and building regulations, the overall approach remains effective, with most projects still expected to be profitable.

Contract for Carers' Support Service

Cabinet agreed to the procurement of a new, maximum seven-year Carers Support Service commencing 1 May 2026. They also approved a three-month extension to the existing contract with Carers Centre SA Limited, costing £31,625, to ensure service continuity. Councillor Maureen Worby highlighted the vital role of carers and the groundbreaking nature of the borough's carer's service. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, to award and enter into the new contract and agree any necessary modifications.

B&D Energy - Transition to Standalone LASER Contract

Cabinet noted B&D Energy's transition to a standalone LASER contract, which will improve tariff alignment and financial planning. They approved the Council's role in underwriting the financial liability associated with this contract, clarifying that this formalises an existing exposure rather than increasing financial risk. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to finalise and enter into the necessary agreements.

Governance Changes at Barking and Dagenham Trading Partnership (BD Group)

Cabinet noted and endorsed governance changes at BD Group, including the appointment of a new Chair, Board of Directors, and interim Chief Executive. They agreed that a new BD Group Business Plan will be submitted for approval within five months. Councillor Maureen Worby stated that these changes were necessary due to the evolving economic and legislative landscape and the company's financial performance and risks. PwC has been commissioned to review performance and inform the new business case.

Housing Asset Management Procurement Strategy

Cabinet agreed that the Council will proceed with the procurement of multiple capital projects detailed in Appendix 1, in accordance with the outlined strategy. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Housing, Environment and Communities to conduct procurements and award contracts. Crucially, retrospective consent was granted for contracts totalling £5.69m to ensure legacy compliance with governance requirements. Councillor Maureen Worby emphasised that this strategy is the most economic route to meet the Council's obligations as a landlord and that not undertaking this work would be a breach of regulatory requirements.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Funding and Procurement

Cabinet agreed that the Council will proceed with the procurement of a contract for rapid electric vehicle charging infrastructure, facilitated by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets as per LEVI funding requirements. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to enter into the contract and necessary agreements. Councillor Cameron Geddes noted that the borough is improving its charging point provision and that partnering with Tower Hamlets reduces the burden on the Council.

Contract for Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Corporate Uniform and Equipment

Cabinet agreed that the Council will proceed with the procurement of contracts for PPE, Corporate Uniform, and Equipment across four lots. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to conduct the procurement and award contracts. Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, presented this as a straightforward procurement to fulfil the Council's legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Procurement of Professional Services to Support and Maintain the Open Housing Management System

Cabinet agreed to the direct award of a contract with MRI Software for the continued provision of the Open Housing Management System via the KCS Procurement Services Y20023 framework. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Communities to award and enter into the contract. Councillor Maureen Worby noted the importance of this system for delivering an efficient housing service.

Contract for Short Term / Spot Hire Vehicle Requirements

Cabinet agreed to the use of the Commercial Services Kent Limited Vehicle Rental Framework via The Procurement Partnership Limited for the Council's short-term and spot hire vehicle requirements for a four-year period. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to enter into the necessary agreements. Councillor Kashif Haroon highlighted the framework's compliance and the wide range of vehicles available, including a focus on low and zero-emission vehicles.

Procurement of Data Analytics Platform

Cabinet agreed that the Council will proceed with the procurement of a Data Analytics Platform contract. Authority was delegated to the Director of Strategy to conduct the procurement and award contracts. Councillor Cameron Geddes explained that the existing contract with Xantura Ltd expires in March 2026 and that the new, narrower specification will provide greater flexibility and control over data tool development. He highlighted the platform's success in identifying vulnerable residents and securing funding.

The meeting concluded with the Chair declaring no other urgent public or private items were to be discussed.