The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 08 October 2025 to discuss fly-tipping, the progress of Be First, and the pressures on the Education, Health, and Care (EHC) process. Key decisions included noting the ongoing efforts to combat fly-tipping and endorsing the Days of Action programme, and receiving an update on Be First's transition to a new partnership-based business model.

Fly-Tipping Update

Rebecca Johnson, Director of Public Realm, presented an update on fly-tipping within the borough. In 2023-24, there were 3,624 reported instances of fly-tipping, a 6% reduction from the previous year. However, indicative reports for 2024-25 suggest an increase, potentially due to changes in street-cleansing frequency and evolving waste disposal behaviours. Challenges in data collection were highlighted, as street cleansing crews often collect fly-tipped waste during routine patrols, meaning not all incidents are formally recorded.

Key factors contributing to fly-tipping include cost avoidance, lack of access to legal disposal methods, insufficient education, and the actions of rogue waste disposal firms. Financial constraints last year led to a reduction in street cleansing frequency in residential areas, from weekly to fortnightly, which may have contributed to the increased visibility and reporting of fly-tipping.

To address these issues, the council is launching a year-long Days of Action programme, involving multi-agency initiatives in identified hotspot areas. This will be supported by a Cleaner Barking and Dagenham communication campaign aimed at promoting civic pride and responsible waste disposal. Investment in replacing litter bins across the borough and exploring additional vehicles for larger fly-tip removals are also planned. Collaborative initiatives like Operation Scoop and Operation Early Waste are in place to investigate and prevent waste crime, alongside the utilisation of CCTV.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about fly-tipping on private land, the management of collected waste bags, and enforcement against businesses not disposing of their rubbish properly. Enforcement officers detailed strategies for engaging with private landowners and highlighted successful interventions, such as the rapid response to an incident on Highbridge Road. They also explained the process for serving notices on businesses under the Environment Protection Act and the ongoing efforts to ensure compliance.

The cost of fly-tipping was discussed, with it being noted that a definitive figure is difficult to ascertain due to the varied ways waste is collected. The cost of waste disposal alone is approximately £190 per tonne. The cost of CCTV cameras was also discussed, with redeployable cameras costing over £8,000 each, and a bid for 30 new cameras being considered.

Be First Update

Caroline Harper, Interim Managing Director of Be First, presented an update on the company's progress. Be First is undergoing significant change, transitioning to a new business model focused on partnerships and optimising the council's asset portfolio to drive growth, regeneration, and social return. The new strategic plan and roadmap, approved in July, includes eight strategic priorities and a commitment to delivering 3,650 homes over the next five years through partnerships.

Councillor Phil Waker raised concerns about consistently underestimated cost estimations and the realism of future projections. Ms. Harper explained that recent years have seen unprecedented volatility in construction costs due to global supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and regulatory changes like the Building Safety Act. She noted that despite these challenges, Be First's overall portfolio costs have only increased by 2.9%, significantly less than construction price inflation. The company is refining its approach through earlier engagement with contractors and dynamic cost benchmarking.

Councillor Muazzam Sandhu questioned the legally binding mechanisms to guarantee social value, such as affordable housing and social employment, within the new partnership model. Ms. Harper outlined that checks and balances will be in place, including a board with council representation, and that partnership agreements will formalise social value commitments. Section 106 agreements will also be tied to planning permissions.

Councillor Paul Robinson inquired about ensuring targets are met, particularly concerning BD Energy, and risk mitigation strategies. Ms. Harper explained that relationships between council subsidiaries are being strengthened through the Commercial Oversight Board and informal MD catch-ups. She also detailed the risk mitigation measures in place, including a corporate risk register and corrective actions if Be First underperforms.

Councillor Mukhtar Yusuf raised concerns about the short-term management of partnerships, the removal of the previous management team, and the company's target delivery rates. Ms. Harper clarified that the management change reflected a shift from phase one to phase two of Be First's operations, requiring a change in leadership to unlock new directions. She assured the committee that Be First is on track to deliver its targets and is committed to securing partnerships.

Councillor Ingrid Robinson asked about the shareholder panel reporting back to all councillors and ensuring the quality of development works. Ms. Harper confirmed that quarterly cabinet reports from the shareholder panel will provide updates on all companies, and that quality of buildings is ensured through council requirements, planning policy, and building regulations. She also highlighted Be First's track record of winning national awards for design quality.

The committee engaged in a broader discussion about Be First's ethos, focusing on building communities rather than just units, and ensuring infrastructure development alongside housing. Ms. Harper and Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, emphasised the commitment to inclusive growth, the importance of infrastructure plans, and the need to work with other agencies. They also discussed the challenges of balancing housing targets with the provision of amenities and the importance of placemaking.

Specific questions were raised about the number of four-bedroom properties, houses versus flats, and social rent properties delivered by Be First. Ms. Harper committed to providing more specific numbers post-meeting, but indicated that by the completion of the current pipeline of 3,600 homes, 61 four-bedroom properties will have been delivered. She also detailed the tenure breakdown, with 23% of homes being target or social rent, and a significant proportion being affordable rent.

Concerns about a potential conflict of interest between Be First's role in developing proposals and recommending them to planning committees were addressed. It was clarified that Be First's statutory planning team has no decision-making responsibilities, with decisions resting with the council's head of planning assurance or the planning committee.

The EHC Process: Pressures on the Service, Schools, and Parents

Jane Hargreaves, Commissioning Director for Education, presented the first session of a deep dive into the EHC process, focusing on national and local context. She highlighted the current national crisis in SEND provision, noting that Barking and Dagenham is recognised nationally as a leading authority in inclusive provision.

The presentation detailed the significant increase in EHCP assessments, with Barking and Dagenham seeing a four-fold increase compared to the national average in 2022, a trend that has continued. Autistic spectrum condition was identified as the most significant primary need. The report also touched upon the financial implications of the dismantling of school building powers, leading to a greater reliance on the independent sector for special school provision, which is significantly more expensive.

The Public Accounts Committee's report was referenced, highlighting an inconsistent and inequitable system, a lack of understanding of demand, and difficulties in demonstrating value for money. The Education Committee's more recent report identified eight themes for recommendations, focusing on a culture shift and funding for inclusive mainstream education.

Barking and Dagenham's response to the national call for evidence was presented, emphasizing that funding does not match need. The council's long-standing policy of local schools for local children has led to a smaller proportion of children in the independent sector. Data shows an increase in children with EHCPs in mainstream provision in Barking and Dagenham, contrasting with a national decrease.

Challenges were outlined, including the adversarial nature of the current system, funding that is slow to follow families moving into the borough, and the penalty for inclusive schools that must fund the initial costs for children with SEND. The inspection report noted inconsistencies in EHCP quality and delays in administrative updates, alongside challenges in preparing for adulthood.

Key figures were presented, showing a growth of 1,000 EHCPs in just over two years, with the same team managing the increased workload. No increase in council funding since 2021 has placed schools and services under immense strain. Positively, the borough has a long-standing policy of local schools for children, with a high percentage of inclusive provision. The council is creating around 80 new specialist places a year, with a relatively low number in special schools and the independent sector. Despite efforts, the high-needs block budget is likely to go into deficit this year.

Councillor Val Masson raised the issue of improving communication with parents, which was acknowledged as a regular feature of complaints. The high caseloads for EHCP coordinators were highlighted, with an average of 375 cases per coordinator. The service is exploring restructuring and better use of technology to improve communication and manage complaints more effectively.

The significant increase in EHCP numbers in Barking and Dagenham compared to the national average was discussed, with potential contributing factors including earlier identification of needs, deprivation, and the impact of the pandemic. The council is focusing on early intervention, particularly in early years, and working with family hubs.

Councillor Ingrid Robinson questioned the lack of holistic working with partners, particularly regarding school funding and NHS support. It was explained that while schools are not financially incentivised for inclusion, their budgets are squeezed. Health support does not follow the child when they move between boroughs, and there is a lack of parity in services across North East London.

Councillor Mukhtar Yusuf inquired about the reasons for health support not following children and the potential for bias in AI technology. He also stressed the importance of visibility of the EHC plan process for parents and the need for elected members to be accessible.

Councillor Phil Waker raised concerns about the cost of early intervention and the impact of housing on SEND needs. He also noted the upcoming white paper on SEND and its potential impact.

The committee agreed to extend standing orders by half an hour to allow for a more thorough discussion. The work programme was noted, with a commitment to further sessions on the EHC process and a potential report on the CQC inspection of Adult Social Care.