This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Considers New Gambling Policy: Protecting Vulnerable Residents Amidst Industry Growth

The Licensing and Regulatory Committee met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss a draft revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. This policy, a crucial document under the Gambling Act 2005, sets out how the council will manage gambling licences and aims to balance economic contributions with the need to protect the public.

• The Stakes: This policy directly influences the landscape of gambling establishments in Barking and Dagenham. The core objective is to uphold the three licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and, most importantly, protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm. For residents, particularly those in areas with higher levels of deprivation, this policy is a vital safeguard against the potential harms of gambling addiction, which can lead to severe financial distress, family breakdown, and mental health issues.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The draft policy explicitly acknowledges that Barking and Dagenham faces significant deprivation, which can heighten the risk of gambling-related harm. The revised policy aims to minimise this harm by providing clearer guidance to operators and ensuring that licensing decisions consider the local context. While the policy recognises the economic benefits of the gambling industry, the emphasis on protecting vulnerable individuals, including children and those with existing financial difficulties, is paramount.

The policy aims to:

• Prevent gambling from becoming a source of crime or disorder.
• Ensure gambling is conducted fairly and openly.
• Protect children and other vulnerable persons from harm or exploitation.

During the public consultation period, which ran from 13 July to 24 August 2026, feedback was received from various stakeholders. While many found the draft policy clear and understandable, some expressed concerns that it did not go far enough to protect children and vulnerable people. Significant concerns were also raised about the number of betting shops within the borough. The report presented to the committee indicated that minor amendments were made for clarification, but no new actions outside the council's remit were identified.

The committee was asked to consider the consultation feedback and recommend to Cabinet that it adopts the draft Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy.

Read the full details of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee meeting.

Other Matters

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Considers Extending Alcohol Sales for Popular Nightspot Amidst Resident Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 26 August 2026 to consider a significant application to extend the operating hours for Deuce Lounge, a venue located at 20-22 London Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8AG. The application, submitted by Ayodele Oshin, sought to allow the sale of alcohol, the provision of recorded music, and late-night refreshment for longer periods, including extending hours on weekends and holidays.

• The Stakes: This decision directly impacts the local community's quality of life, balancing the potential economic benefits of a popular venue with concerns about noise, public nuisance, and safety. For residents living nearby, particularly those in the building above the premises, the proposed extensions could mean increased disruption and a diminished sense of security.
• Impact on Residents: The Metropolitan Police, a Ward Councillor, and a local resident all lodged objections. The police raised concerns about preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance, especially in a residential area where previous complaints of anti-social behaviour have been linked to the venue. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, also objected, citing worries about increased noise and footfall impacting residents. A resident living directly above the lounge detailed persistent issues of noise, intimidation, and violence, arguing that extended hours would worsen these problems.

While the applicant agreed to an amendment regarding non-standard hours, which led to the Metropolitan Police withdrawing their objection, no agreement was reached with the other objectors. The Sub-Committee had to weigh the licensing objectives – preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm – against the applicant's request. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether Deuce Lounge can operate later into the night, potentially affecting the peace and quiet of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Read the full details of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Grapples with Children's Services Performance and Future Direction

The Full Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026, with a significant portion of the meeting dedicated to reviewing the Children's Care and Support Self-Evaluation 2025 report. This comprehensive report detailed the quality and impact of services for children and families in the borough, highlighting both areas of strength and those requiring further improvement.

• The Stakes: The effectiveness of children's services is paramount for the safety and well-being of the borough's most vulnerable residents. Decisions made today directly influence the support available to children in care, those on child protection plans, and families needing early help.
• Impact on Residents: The report indicated that while early help services have strengthened, leading to a 12% growth in children receiving support, the number of children on child protection plans remains high. This is attributed to factors like population growth and increased identification of neglect. For children in care, while the number entering care has reduced, placement stability was identified as an area needing improvement. The council's commitment to these services directly impacts the lives of hundreds of children and families, aiming to provide stable homes and better emotional well-being.

Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, presented the report, noting improvements in workforce retention and a reduction in agency staff use. However, areas for development include the timeliness of assessments and the need for more consistent safety planning. The report also detailed ongoing work to address the use of unregistered provision and improve placement stability.

Motions Deferred Amidst Time Constraints

Two motions, one concerning Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and another on Greater Transparency in Housing Allocations and Waiting Times, were deferred to the next meeting due to time constraints. Both motions, brought forward by Councillor Ben Suter, Leader of the Opposition and Reform UK Group, highlighted resident concerns about the impact of council policies on various groups, including disabled residents, older people, and businesses.

Recognition for Service Personnel

A motion to formally acknowledge the British West India Regiment and the service of Global Majority Service Personnel was carried. Councillor Ingrid Robinson, who moved the motion, emphasised the importance of recognising all who served, regardless of race or background, to strengthen the borough's diverse community. An amendment proposed by Councillor Ben Suter, seeking to broaden recognition and address issues around Disabled Facilities Grants for veterans, was debated but ultimately lost.

Read the full details of the Full Council meeting.

Health and Wellbeing Board Focuses on Integrated Care and Resident Voices

The Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) convened on Tuesday 21 July 2026, addressing key initiatives aimed at improving public health and social care across Barking and Dagenham. The meeting featured a powerful personal account from a resident and discussions on strategic plans for integrated care.

• The Stakes: The discussions centred on how to create a healthier borough by fostering partnerships between the council, the NHS, and the voluntary sector. The focus on prevention and early intervention is crucial for managing long-term health conditions and ensuring residents can live independently for longer.
• Impact on Residents: The It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change vision, a new strategic framework for the borough, aims to improve outcomes across ten key areas, from healthy children to better homes and cleaner neighbourhoods. This collaborative approach seeks to ensure that residents receive timely and appropriate support, particularly those with long-term health conditions or facing complex challenges. The Better Care Fund Plan 2026/27, with a budget of £37.9 million, will directly fund initiatives to support residents in remaining at home and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Resident's Story Highlights Health and Community Resilience

The meeting began with a presentation from resident Emdad Rahman, who shared his extensive experience as a community volunteer and his personal journey with diabetes and vision complications. Mr. Rahman's candid account underscored the importance of prioritising personal health, even amidst dedicated community work, and highlighted the vital role of GPs and health services. His story resonated with the board, emphasising the need for accessible health information and support for all residents.

Strategic Vision and Child Measurement Data Presented

The board discussed It Starts Here: Partnerships for Change, a new vision for Barking and Dagenham developed through extensive consultation. This vision is underpinned by ten missions, focusing on areas such as healthy children, financial resilience, access to good work, and preventing long-term health conditions.

Richard Johnston, Director of Public Health, presented the National Child Measurement Programme Dataset 2024/25. The data showed a positive trend with a decline in children classified as above a healthy weight in Reception, now below the national average. However, Year 6 children remain above national and London averages, though rates have fallen for the third consecutive year. The report also noted a convergence in weight classifications across different ethnic groups.

Arabjan Iqbal, Better Care Fund Manager, presented the Better Care Fund Plan for 2026/27, outlining priorities for integrated and preventative care, including developing neighbourhood working models and enhancing reablement services to prevent avoidable care home admissions.

The VCFSE Strategy – Equitable System Partnership (NEL VCFSE Collaborative) was also presented, aiming to transform the relationship between the voluntary sector and the health system through increased investment, simplified commissioning, and genuine power-sharing.

Read the full details of the Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) meeting.

This week in Barking and Dagenham:

Council Pledges Major Investment in Children's Services and Future Transformation

The Cabinet met on Tuesday 14 July 2026, approving a significant new strategy for council-wide transformation and a vital plan to improve outcomes for the borough's looked-after children. These decisions signal a commitment to proactive change and enhanced support for the most vulnerable residents.

A Better B&D : A New Framework for Council Transformation

The Cabinet adopted A Better B&D, a new overarching strategy designed to guide the council's transformation over the next three years. This ambitious plan aims to shift the council's approach from reacting to issues to preventing them, from dealing with complexity to embracing simplicity, and from merely surviving to enabling residents and the council to thrive.

• The Stakes: In an era of increasing demand and financial pressures on local government, this strategy is crucial for ensuring the council can continue to deliver effective services. It acknowledges that the council is a slim organisation and must innovate to meet the needs of a borough with high deprivation and demand.
• Impact on Residents: By focusing on prevention, the council hopes to stop residents reaching crisis points, which can have devastating personal and financial consequences. Simplifying processes will make it easier for people to access support, and the ultimate goal is to create opportunities for residents to lead more fulfilling lives. Councillor Rubina Siddiqui, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy & Skills, stated, The focus on prevention, simplicity, and the long-term financial sustainability is particularly encouraging.

The strategy acknowledges that this transformation will not be easy, with insufficient organisational capacity to deliver change alongside business as usual identified as a key risk. However, the council believes this proactive approach will ultimately lead to financial savings that can be reinvested in the community.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Investing in Our Youngest: A New Strategy for Looked-After Children

A comprehensive Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 was approved, outlining how the council will ensure sufficient, high-quality care and support for children in its care and those at risk of entering it. This is a critical step in fulfilling the council's legal duty to protect and nurture its most vulnerable young people.

• The Stakes: The current reliance on expensive external placements, costing over £5.75 million annually for just five children, highlights the urgent need for a more sustainable and locally-focused approach. This strategy aims to bring these costs down and, more importantly, improve the stability and outcomes for children.
• Impact on Residents: The strategy commits to building three new children's homes, providing 17 local placements by early 2028. This will reduce the need for children to be placed far from their families and support networks, which can be incredibly destabilising. Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, emphasised the importance of keeping children connected to their local communities. The plan also includes a joint venture with the NHS for a crisis centre for children with learning disabilities and autism, and a pilot scheme for children with complex needs, aiming to provide specialist therapeutic support.

The council recognises that this requires significant upfront investment but argues it is essential to avoid much higher future spending and to ensure children receive the best possible care.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.

Corporate Plan Performance: A Mixed Picture of Progress and Challenges

The Cabinet also noted the performance report for the Corporate Plan 2023-2026 for the final two quarters of the 2025/26 financial year. The report uses a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) rating system to track progress against 54 outcome measures.

• The Stakes: The Corporate Plan sets out the council's priorities for improving the lives of residents. Monitoring its performance is essential to ensure the council is on track to meet its goals and to identify areas where more effort is needed.
• Impact on Residents: The report highlighted both successes and ongoing challenges across key areas. While rent collection remained strong, performance in reducing the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) faced challenges, partly due to an increase in mental health needs among this group. Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Enforcement, highlighted efforts to tackle fly-tipping, noting that over 200 tonnes of waste had been removed and more than 1,000 incidents dealt with. However, the report indicated that performance in some areas, while rated green, still showed room for improvement, demonstrating that continuous effort is needed to meet residents' expectations.

Read the full details of the Cabinet meeting.