The Barking and Dagenham Assembly met on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Key discussions included the outstanding performance of the social care team, who received an 'outstanding' rating from the CQC, and a new 10-year partnership with Queen Mary University London to research health inequalities. The Assembly also noted the annual report of the Local Safeguarding Adults Board, which highlighted a 95% success rate in removing or reducing risk to vulnerable adults, and approved the Annual Youth Justice Plan for 2025-26, which reported an 84% reduction in custody rates for young people.

Leader's Statement

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Dominic Twomey, began by celebrating the outstanding rating achieved by the social care team following a CQC inspection. He highlighted the team's commitment to prevention, inclusion, and personalised care, noting their work with community groups to ensure culturally sensitive support. The Leader also touched upon International Men's Day, acknowledging statistics around male suicide and homelessness, and urged members to reach out to male friends and family.

A significant announcement was the formation of a 10-year partnership with Queen Mary University London through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership, focusing on health inequalities, will drive research-backed solutions to healthcare challenges in Barking and Dagenham. This initiative coincides with the council's selection to join the first wave of the NHS's National Neighbourhood Health Programme. The Leader also mentioned Queen Mary University's new dentistry programme coming to Maritime House, which will provide free dental care to over 5,000 residents annually for 15 years.

Further positive news included the overwhelmingly positive feedback from a Local Government Association peer review, which praised the council's innovation in adult social care, community and regeneration impact, and the dedication of its staff. The council also received £1.5 million in Pride in Place funding for public space improvements and £1 million in UK Shared Prosperity Funding. Additionally, £10 million in Heritage Lottery funding over 10 years was secured, which will be invested in Valence House and Eastbury Manor House. The Leader concluded by highlighting the success of the Cleaner BD campaign, emphasizing collective effort and community involvement.

Appointments to the Political Structure

The Assembly approved the appointment of Councillor Julia Williams to the membership of the Pensions Committee, replacing Councillor Muhammad Saleem.

Local Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-25

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, presented the annual report of the Local Safeguarding Adults Board. The report detailed that 1,388 safeguarding concerns were raised, with 80% occurring in individuals' homes. Notably, 95% of assessed risks were removed or reduced, and 98% of individuals achieved their desired outcomes. Councillor Worby highlighted that neglect was the highest proportion of risk faced by vulnerable adults. The report also noted that 80% of inquiries involved white people, indicating a need for the board to examine this under-representation. Councillor Michel Pongo warmly welcomed the findings, commending the strength of partnerships and the dedication to protecting vulnerable adults. Councillor Moin Quadri questioned the board's effectiveness in early intervention and transparency, but Councillor Worby assured that clear, transparent, and open-access policies are in place for reporting concerns. The Assembly noted the report.

Annual Youth Justice Plan 2025-26

Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care and Disabilities, presented the Annual Youth Justice Plan for 2025-26. The plan outlines the work of the multi-agency statutory service set up in line with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Despite challenges including high levels of poverty and deprivation, the service has seen custody rates fall by 84%. A key concern remains the high number of first-time entrants into the criminal justice system. Councillor Josie Channer praised the staff's hard work and suggested greater collaboration with established youth groups like the Scouts and Cadets. Councillor Jones acknowledged the importance of these groups but stressed the need for a diverse range of activities to appeal to all young people. Councillor Michel Pongo strongly encouraged colleagues to endorse the plan, highlighting the clear message it sends about believing in second chances and tackling inequalities. Councillor Dorothy Akwaboah, speaking from her experience as a magistrate, commended the work being done to prevent a cycle of offending. Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe also commended the report, linking early intervention to improved school performance and reduced re-offending. The Assembly agreed the recommendations in the report.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025-26 Mid-Year Review

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, presented the mid-year review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement. The report detailed the wider economic situation, including interest rate forecasts, inflation, and the council's borrowing and investment positions. It was noted that there had been two interest rate cuts in the financial year, with interest rates moving in the right direction, and a small fall in inflation. The report highlighted that while shortfalls exist in both the general fund and investment and acquisition strategy revenue positions, they are bringing in a budget return, albeit lower than forecast. Councillor Moin Quadri raised concerns about the council's debt exceeding £1.5 billion, with over £1 billion linked to investment and acquisition strategies, and questioned why these risks were not addressed earlier. Councillor Twomey responded by clarifying that debt is termed investment, which has delivered over 3,000 new homes and generates income reinvested in services. He stated that the financial returns are less than forecast but still positive, and that no burden falls on residents. The Assembly agreed the recommendations in the report.

East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Submission Plan

Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, presented the East London Joint Waste Plan (ELJWP) Regulation 19 Submission Plan. Prepared with Newham, Redbridge, and Havering, the plan aims to ensure sufficient waste capacity across the four boroughs. The good news is that there is a surplus of waste capacity within the area, allowing for the release of three sites within Barking and Dagenham. Councillor Michel Pongo welcomed the plan, stating it reflects principles of sustainability, waste reduction, and regeneration. The Assembly agreed to submit the plan for government approval.

Questions With Notice

Six questions were raised by councillors:

• Councillor Lynda Rice asked about Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) charges in Longbridge, the money made, and how it was spent. Councillor Syed Ghani for Enforcement responded that CPZ charges are ring-fenced by legislation and the surplus was used for capital schemes, highways improvements, and local implementation plans. He also highlighted the council's decision to double free parking periods in car parks. Councillor Lynda Rice raised a supplementary question about the necessity of some CPZs and the perceived high charges for permit passes. Councillor Ghani clarified that no parking permit fees are being increased this financial year.
• Councillor Moin Quadri questioned the evidence behind the closure of Footpath 47 for flood works. Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Climate Change, stated that the closure is aligned with the Barking Riverside development requirements, including flood risk prevention, and is part of delivering improvements for public access to the foreshore.
• Councillor Moin Quadri also asked about the Cleaner BD campaign's objectives and evaluation metrics. Councillor Haroon detailed the campaign's aims to improve resident satisfaction, enhance the borough's reputation, and encourage proper waste disposal and recycling. Councillor Quadri's supplementary question about water quality testing in lakes was deemed irrelevant to the initial question.
• Councillor Farouk Choudhury inquired about the number of parking spaces and permits issued in specific wards. Councillor Syed Ghani responded that the council does not hold information on specified numbers of parking spaces but provided permit figures for Thames and Riverside, Gascoigne and Abbey, Beacon Tree and Grosbrook, and Eastbury. Councillor Choudhury's supplementary question about the cleanliness and maintenance of park lake water was answered by Councillor Haroon, who detailed measures taken to improve water quality, including biological controls and monthly beneficial bacteria application.
• Councillor Hornby asked about the review and corrective measures taken regarding alleged mismanagement and failure to act by BD Reside. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, stated that the council's counter-fraud team identified the issues and reported them to the police. She assured the chamber that Reside has reviewed its procedures and introduced new protocols, monitored by the shareholder panel. Councillor Hornby did not have a supplementary question.

Motions With Notice

There were no motions with notice.

Any other public items which the Chair decides are urgent

There were no other urgent public items for the chair to decide.

The meeting concluded with the Chair, Councillor Irma Freeborn, wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.