The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the pressures on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, particularly concerning children moving into the borough, and to receive an update on neighbourhood policing. Key decisions included noting the work programme and receiving updates on both topics.

The EHCP Process and Demand from New Arrivals

The committee received a detailed report on the challenges faced by the SEND service due to an increasing number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) moving into Barking and Dagenham. Jane Hargreaves, Commissioning Director for Education, and Denise, Head of Statutory SEND Services, presented the findings.

It was highlighted that the council has a statutory duty to maintain EHCPs for children moving into the borough. In 2025, 178 children and young people with EHCPs moved into Barking and Dagenham, with 48 arriving without an educational placement. The estimated cost for these placements was over £2.2 million. The council is actively working to increase specialist provision, with plans to create 90 new special school places and 60 Additional Resource Provision (ARP) places.

Councillors raised concerns about the capacity of specialist schools and ARPs, which were reported to be full, leading to increased tribunal cases and pressure on existing facilities. The process for reviewing EHCPs for new arrivals was clarified, with statutory timescales of either three or twelve months, whichever is later, though these can be brought forward if a change of placement is requested or if health services indicate needs cannot be met. The council acknowledged that meeting these timescales could be challenging due to current pressures.

The discussion also touched upon the government's SEND reforms and the forthcoming White Paper, with the council stating it is well-placed to respond to a focus on inclusion and local provision. The principle of educating children in mainstream settings where appropriate, or as close to mainstream as possible, was reiterated, aligning with the council's long-standing strategy and government policy. However, it was acknowledged that for some children, specialist provision remains essential.

The committee also inquired about the notification process for children with EHCPs moving into the borough, and it was confirmed that there isn't a system that alerts all services simultaneously. The responsibility for health provisions lies with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to notify the new ICB.

Barking and Dagenham Neighbourhood Policing Update

Superintendent Biju Premnath and Acting Chief Inspector Carroll Weeden provided an update on neighbourhood policing in Barking and Dagenham. The structure of neighbourhood policing, comprising Ward and Town Centre Teams, remains unchanged, and teams are currently at full strength. Officers' abstraction from their ward duties averages four to five days per month.

The report detailed crime data, noting a decrease in Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and shoplifting, but an increase in personal robbery and theft of motor vehicles. A three-month rolling plan is in place to address robbery hotspots, involving increased patrols and preventative strategies. The New Met for London plan is entering phase two, focusing on performance and operational progress, with a roadshow held to gather community feedback.

Achievements highlighted included intensified enforcement activity, leading to more robbery arrests and retail crime interventions. The Dagenham Heathway team made over 100 arrests in 2025 and secured several Criminal Behaviour Orders. The Crime and Enforcement Task Force, funded by the local authority, has been involved in a variety of operations, including responding to firearms discharges, drug dealing, and robberies.

Changes to the neighbourhood policing model were discussed, including the disbandment of the Integrated Communications & Engagement team, with these functions now being absorbed by Ward and Town Centre officers. Licensing will move to a centralised model, and joint working with Transport for London (TfL) will adopt a new approach.

The committee raised questions about the use of technology, such as drones and live facial recognition, with officers explaining that while these technologies are effective, Barking and Dagenham is not currently a priority for their deployment due to resource limitations and higher crime rates in other boroughs. However, lobbying efforts will be made to secure these technologies in the future.

Concerns were raised about the visibility of policing in Dagenham Heathway, and plans are being developed to improve this, potentially by better coordinating surrounding ward teams and the funded team. The use of Met-Engage for community engagement was also discussed, with approximately 2,000 people signed up so far.

The report also addressed the rise in hate crime, which was attributed to increased reporting due to greater public confidence and national/international events. The primary categories of hate crime identified were related to religious factors and disability, with ongoing work to address these issues. The police are awaiting direction on specific policing plans for the upcoming local elections.

Work Programme

The committee noted the work programme for the remainder of the year, with two further scrutiny meetings scheduled.