This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Senior Council Appointments Discussed in Private Session

The JNC Appointments, Salaries and Structures Panel met on Monday 13 April 2026 to discuss appointments for two senior roles within the council: Director of Customer Experience and Director of Community and Health Integration. The discussions were held in a private session, meaning details about the candidates or the selection process were not made public.

• The Stakes: These are crucial leadership positions that will shape how the council delivers services to residents. The individuals appointed will be responsible for significant areas of council operations, impacting everything from resident satisfaction to the integration of health and community services.
• Impact on Residents: While the specifics of the appointments remain confidential, the individuals chosen will ultimately influence the efficiency and effectiveness of council services. Strong leadership in these roles is vital for ensuring residents receive the support and services they need.

Read the full details of the JNC Appointments, Salaries and Structures Panel meeting.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council's Planning Performance Praised Amidst National Reform Discussions

Barking and Dagenham Council's Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, to review the performance of key planning services. The committee received a glowing report on the council's planning performance, with a remarkable 100% record for making decisions within statutory timeframes for the fifth consecutive year. This success was attributed to the dedication of the planning team, led by Marilyn Smith, Head of Planning. The council also achieved a high success rate in planning appeals, with a 79% dismissal rate, exceeding national averages.

• The Stakes: Maintaining high performance in planning services is crucial for the borough's development and for residents seeking to make changes to their properties. A strong performance ensures timely decisions, which can prevent delays and uncertainty for individuals and businesses. The discussions also touched upon national planning reforms, which could significantly alter how planning decisions are made across the country, potentially impacting local control and processes.
• Impact on Residents: For residents, a well-functioning planning department means their applications are processed efficiently and fairly. The high success rate in appeals suggests that the council's decisions are robust and well-founded, offering reassurance to applicants. The discussions on national reforms, however, hint at potential future changes that could affect the local planning landscape.

Planning Services Shine: A Record of Excellence

The Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee heard that the council's planning department has achieved an outstanding 100% record for making decisions within statutory timeframes for five years running. This consistent success was praised by attendees, with particular commendation for Marilyn Smith, Head of Planning, and her team.

• Appeals Success: The council's planning appeals also saw a strong performance, with a 79% dismissal rate, surpassing the internal Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of 67% and the national average of 71%. This success is partly credited to procedural changes and the development of an appeal database.
• Housing Delivery: The Authority Monitoring Report for 2024-25 indicated that 1,352 homes were permitted, with 371 being affordable. Completions reached 1,564 homes, of which 710 were affordable, representing approximately 45% of the total.
• Key Policy Milestones: Significant progress has been made in planning policy, including the adoption of the Local Plan in late 2024 and the Planning Contributions SPD in 2025.

Case Studies Highlight Planning Nuances

The committee reviewed two specific cases that illustrated the complexities of planning decisions:

• 145 Stanford Road: An application to convert a five-bedroom dwelling into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to seven residents was refused. The reasons for refusal included the loss of a family-sized dwelling, non-compliance with space standards, potential amenity impacts, and parking concerns. The officer's report emphasised the rarity of five-bedroom dwellings in the borough and the need to protect family homes.
• Ethel Cottages: An appeal against the refusal of an application to convert a dwelling into two self-contained residential flats was allowed by the inspector. The council had refused the application due to the loss of a family-sized dwelling, non-compliance with space standards, and inadequate storage. The inspector's decision was based on an interpretation of generally family-sized dwellings, which the officer disagreed with. This case highlighted a tension between local and London Plan policies regarding family-sized dwellings.

Building Control, Land Charges, and Street Naming Services Perform Strongly

Barry Coughlan, Head of Statutory Planning Services, presented updates on Building Control, Land Charges, and Street Naming and Numbering services, all of which demonstrated strong performance.

• Building Control: The service enforces building regulations, with a focus on accessibility, energy efficiency, and fire safety. The implementation of the Building Safety Act 2023 has introduced new requirements and challenges, including a shortage of qualified inspectors. The service is preparing for an audit by the Building Safety Regulator.
• Land Charges: This service, now based with BeFirst, achieved 100% compliance with its KPI to respond to land searches within five days for the past year. The team has a history of recognition, including the Land Data Customer Service Award in 2025.
• Street Naming and Numbering: Managed by Naomi, this service achieved 100% compliance with its KPI to respond to inquiries within three working days. The team has consistently received Gold awards from GeoPlace for maintaining the address register, with a potential Platinum award this year.

National Planning Reforms Under Discussion

The committee received an update on government planning reforms, including proposals for mandatory training for planning committee members and a cap on committee sizes. A significant change involves a national scheme of delegation, which would create two tiers of planning applications: those delegated by default and those requiring committee approval. The council anticipates these changes will not drastically alter its current operations, as it generally deals with larger schemes. The council plans to be broadly supportive of these reforms.

Read the full details of the Planning Performance Review Sub-Committee meeting.

Community Safety Partnership Focuses on Place-Based Planning and Harm Reduction

The Community Safety Partnership met on Wednesday, 01 April 2026, to discuss a new place-based plan for the borough, updates on inspections, and strategies for combating drug and alcohol-related harm. The meeting also covered serious violence prevention and updates from various sub-groups.

• The Stakes: The effectiveness of community safety initiatives directly impacts the quality of life and sense of security for all residents. A well-coordinated approach, supported by robust data and strategic planning, is essential for tackling complex issues like crime, substance misuse, and domestic abuse.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: Strategies to combat drug and alcohol harm, prevent serious violence, and address domestic abuse are particularly critical for protecting vulnerable individuals and communities. The new place-based plan aims to ensure services are tailored to local needs, potentially improving outcomes for those most at risk.

'It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change' - A New Vision for the Borough

The partnership is set to endorse 'It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change', a new place-based plan replacing the previous Borough Manifesto. This initiative outlines ten key partnership missions, including improving school readiness, tackling poverty, increasing employment, ensuring independent living, providing decent homes, preventing long-term health conditions, addressing domestic abuse, enhancing community safety, promoting clean streets, and celebrating culture and heritage.

• Evolving Needs: The plan acknowledges significant changes since the 2017 Borough Manifesto, including economic shifts and demographic changes, and aims for deeper integration with partners and place-based service delivery.
• Outcome Measures: The plan details specific outcome measures for each mission, such as child poverty rates, healthy life expectancy, and victim-based crime statistics.

Combating Drugs and Alcohol: A Coordinated Approach

The meeting included an update on the Combating Drugs Partnership (CDP), which provides strategic direction for initiatives addressing drug and alcohol use. Key priorities for the next three years include reducing risk, working with families, and addressing stigma.

• Emerging Threats: The partnership is also addressing emerging trends such as adulterated vapes, ketamine, and nitrous oxide, as well as the use of social media by drug dealers.
• Drug and Alcohol Related Deaths (DARDs): The ongoing work to address DARDs and the three-year funding allocation for treatment and recovery services were also discussed.

Serious Violence Prevention and Safeguarding Initiatives

Discussions also covered the Serious Violence Duty (SVD), which requires local areas to establish partnership arrangements, define serious violence, and produce a Strategic Needs Assessment. The partnership will also discuss proposals for a new website for the Barking and Dagenham Safeguarding Partnerships (BDSCP) and a new Learning Management System (LMS) to enhance practitioner training.

Read the full details of the Community Safety Partnership meeting.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Approves £4.8 Million Support Package Amidst Audit Concerns

Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet met on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, approving a substantial £4.8 million package of discretionary financial support for residents. This comes as the Audit and Risk Committee, meeting on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, grappled with the ongoing challenges of disclaimed audit opinions for the council's accounts.

• The Stakes: The financial support package is crucial for helping vulnerable residents cope with the cost of living crisis. However, the repeated disclaimers on the council's accounts raise serious questions about financial oversight and transparency, potentially impacting public trust and the council's ability to manage its resources effectively.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The £4.8 million package directly benefits low-income families and those facing hardship, providing a vital safety net. Conversely, the ongoing audit issues could indirectly affect service delivery and the council's financial stability, which disproportionately impacts those who rely most on public services.

£4.8 Million Discretionary Support Package Approved for Residents

The Cabinet has given the green light to a significant £4.8 million package of discretionary financial support for residents for the 2026/27 period. This funding includes the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, and the Discretionary Council Tax Relief (DCTR) policy.

• Addressing Deprivation: Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, highlighted the borough's high levels of deprivation and the critical need for this support. The CRF will provide a three-year funding settlement, enabling crisis payments, housing support, and resilience services.
• Council Tax Relief: The DCTR scheme, funded by the Council and the Greater London Authority, will continue to assist low-income residents with their Council Tax bills.
• Community Partnerships: The strategy also involves commissioning voluntary sector organisations to provide advice services, working in tandem with the council's Neighbourhoods Programme. This collaborative approach aims to ensure support reaches those who need it most.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Audit Disclaimers Persist: Council and Pension Fund Accounts Still Disclaimed

The Audit and Risk Committee received a stark reminder of the council's ongoing financial reporting challenges. For the 2025/26 financial year, both the Council and the Pension Fund accounts were again subject to a disclaimer of audit opinion from external auditors Grant Thornton. This means auditors could not provide assurance over the financial statements due to unresolved legacy issues and complexities in auditing subsidiary company accounts.

• Rebuilding Assurance: The auditors are focusing on rebuilding audit assurance, starting with in-year income and expenditure and closing balances for the 2025/26 audit. While progress is being made, achieving an unmodified opinion remains a significant challenge due to historical disclaimers.
• Subsidiary Governance: The governance of the council's 15 subsidiary companies was highlighted as a particular area of complexity, a challenge noted as being common across London boroughs. The integration of subsidiary financial data into the council's main accounts remains a significant task.
• Staffing Constraints: The committee discussed the ongoing staffing constraints within the finance and audit teams, and the difficulties in attracting specialist expertise. This has led to a reliance on interim staff and co-sourced models for internal audit.

Councillor Josie Channer raised concerns about the stability of the finance team and the reliance on interim staff. The Deputy Section 151 Officer acknowledged the competitive market for specialist finance roles and the challenges in staff retention.

Read the full details of the Audit and Risk Committee meeting.

Pension Fund Adjusts Investment Strategy for Stability

The Pensions Committee met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to approve a revised Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) for the council's pension fund. The move aims to reduce risk while maintaining investment returns, reflecting an improved funding position.

• The Stakes: The pension fund's investments are crucial for ensuring the long-term financial health of the council's pension obligations. Changes to the investment strategy can have significant implications for future contribution requirements and the overall financial stability of the fund.
• Impact on Pensioners: While not directly impacting current pensioners, a more stable and secure pension fund ensures the continued ability to meet future pension commitments for all members.

Shift Towards UK Government Bonds to Reduce Risk

The committee agreed to a new Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) for the pension fund, which includes a reduction in listed equities and an increase in UK Government Bonds. This strategic shift aims to lower overall risk while preserving forecast returns.

• Asset Allocation Changes: The proposed SAA targets 48% in listed equity, 9% in private equity, 6% in property, 10% in infrastructure, 17% in credit, and a notable 10% in UK Government Bonds, with a 0-3% tolerance for cash. This represents a move towards more stable, lower-risk assets.
• Improved Funding Level: The decision follows an improved funding level of 108% identified in the 2025 actuarial valuation, up from 101% in 2022. This positive development has led to a reduction in the employer contribution primary rate from 21.5% to 18.1% of payroll.
• London CIV Partnership: The committee also agreed to commission the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV)[^1] to prepare an updated Investment Strategy Statement (ISS)[^5]. This is a key step in pooling assets as required by the 'Fit for the Future' legislation[^2].

Read the full details of the Pensions Committee meeting.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet also approved the Interim Biodiversity Duty Statement, outlining six key objectives to enhance biodiversity across the borough, including promoting public enjoyment of nature and creating diverse habitats. Councillor Cameron Geddes highlighted the planting of 150,000 trees and wetland restoration projects. Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.
• Plans for the redevelopment of Fews Lodge to create 23 dementia-specialist ensuite bedrooms were also approved by the Cabinet. This £3.251 million project aims to address a critical shortage of dementia care capacity within the borough. Councillor Maureen Worby emphasised the importance of providing high-quality, cost-effective specialist provision closer to home for residents and their families. Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.
• Contracts for public health primary care services and an integrated sexual health service were also approved by the Cabinet. These essential services, valued at £2.4 million and £28.1 million respectively, ensure continued access to vital health provisions for residents. Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

• The Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) met to discuss carers' health needs, maternity services, and a new borough-wide vision.
• The Planning Committee approved a new outline planning application for Barking Riverside, allowing for a significant increase in housing, and a non-material amendment for Beam Park Station.
• The Personnel Board met in private to consider an appeal against dismissal.

Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) convened on Tuesday 17 March 2026. Key decisions included the adoption of a refreshed Carers' Charter and Action Plan, an update on significant improvements to maternity services, and the endorsement of a new borough-wide vision, 'It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change'.

JSNA Deep Dive: Carers' Health Needs in Barking and Dagenham

A presentation on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) deep dive into the health needs of informal carers in Barking and Dagenham revealed that approximately 7% of residents, equating to 14,200 people, provide unpaid care. Carers in the borough are more likely than those in London and England to provide over 20 hours of care per week. While the assessment noted positive findings regarding carers feeling included and having good social contact, significant challenges persist, including high levels of stress, anxiety, social isolation, and financial pressures. Recommendations included developing a dedicated health and wellbeing offer for carers within the Neighbourhood Health model and improving data linkage between Adult Social Care and NHS systems.

Carers Charter Refresh and Action Plan 2026/2036

The refreshed Carers' Charter and Action Plan for 2026-2036, co-produced with carers, aims to ensure carers are recognised, respected, and supported. The charter is structured around four key areas: working together for carers, carers' wellbeing and employment, supporting young carers, and carers in the wider community. The committee was recommended to agree the refreshed charter and action plan, and to request partner organisations formally adopt the charter.

Maternity Services CQC Inspection Outcome

An update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of maternity services indicated significant improvements since a previous inspection. Interventions included increased midwifery and healthcare support, enhanced medical cover, improved monitoring processes, and the introduction of a new electronic patient record. A reassessment by the CQC resulted in a good rating in four out of five domains. Further work is ongoing to improve patient interactions and feeding support.

'It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change' - A New Vision for Barking and Dagenham

The new place-based vision, 'It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change', replaces the Borough Manifesto. Guided by the principles of 'People, Place and Partnerships', it outlines ten missions, including healthy and thriving children, building financial resilience, access to good work, prevention and management of long-term health conditions, independent living, zero tolerance to domestic abuse, feeling safe, better homes, clean neighbourhoods, and culture and heritage placemaking. The committee was recommended to endorse the vision and confirm collective ownership.

The meeting also included updates on a partnership with Queen Mary University of London focusing on relational health, a review of Committees in Common governance, an update on the Northeast London Integrated Care Board restructure, and progress on neighbourhood working initiatives. The National Child Measurement Programme dataset for 2024/25 was also presented, detailing childhood obesity rates.

Planning Committee - Monday 16 March 2026

The Planning Committee met on Monday 16 March 2026. The committee approved a new outline planning application (NOPA) for Barking Riverside, which will allow for a significant increase in housing and non-residential development, alongside a comprehensive package of infrastructure and community benefits. The committee also approved a non-material amendment to a previous planning consent at Beam Park, relating to the delivery of Beam Park Station.

Barking Riverside Area, Renwick Road, Barking - New Outline Planning Application (NOPA)

The NOPA seeks to increase the total number of homes on the wider Barking Riverside site from 10,800 to up to 20,000, and non-residential floorspace from 12,700 sqm to 65,600 sqm. The application proposes up to 13,046 new homes, with a baseline of 12% affordable housing at a 50:50 social rent to intermediate split, with potential to rise to 35% subject to viability. A substantial package of infrastructure and community benefits is secured, including contributions towards transport, education, healthcare, community spaces, and open spaces. The application was approved by majority vote.

Beam Park Station, Thames Avenue, Dagenham - Non-Material Amendment

The committee considered a non-material amendment to Condition 71 of the existing outline planning consent for the Beam Park development. The amendment allows for the station's construction to occur concurrently with the development of phases E, F, and G, with safeguards ensuring station delivery. This change aims to accelerate housing delivery and was approved unanimously.

Personnel Board - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Personnel Board met on Tuesday 17 March 2026. The meeting was held in private to consider an appeal against dismissal. The Board resolved to dismiss the appeal.

Appeal Against Dismissal

The Personnel Board considered an appeal against dismissal from an employee of the Council's Core Service, who had been dismissed for sickness absence. After reviewing the report and representations, the Board resolved to dismiss the appeal.