The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to discuss and approve a new overarching framework for transformation, a strategy for looked-after children, and a performance report on the Corporate Plan. Key decisions included the adoption of the A Better B&D Change Strategy and Plan, approval of the Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030, and noting the Corporate Plan Outcomes Framework Performance Report for Q3 and Q4 of 2025/26.

Change Strategy and Plan

The Cabinet approved the A Better B&D Change Strategy and Plan, which will serve as the Council's overarching framework for transformation from 2026 to 2030. This strategy aims to address challenges such as rising demand, financial pressures, and increasing complexity by focusing on three key shifts: from reaction to prevention, from complexity to simplicity, and from surviving to thriving. The plan will guide the prioritisation, design, and delivery of change initiatives across the Council, aligning with the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the Council's wider strategic ambitions. Decision-making arrangements for funding have been delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources, supported by the Change Board.

Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030

The Cabinet approved the Council's Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy for 2026-2030. This comprehensive document outlines how the Council will ensure a sufficient range of high-quality placements and support for looked-after children and those at risk of entering care. The strategy builds upon previous work while addressing new challenges, including a reliance on high-cost external placements and a shortage of specialist foster carers. Key actions include the development of three new in-house children's homes providing 17 placements by early 2028, a joint venture with the NHS for a crisis centre for children with learning disabilities and autism, and the piloting of a Reset model for children with complex needs. The strategy emphasises a whole-system approach, including prevention, family help, fostering, residential care, and supported accommodation, with the ultimate aim of improving life outcomes for young people.

Corporate Plan 2023-2026 - Outcomes Framework Performance Report Q3 and Q4 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the report detailing the performance of the Corporate Plan Outcomes Framework for the third and fourth quarters of the 2025/2026 financial year. The report summarises performance against 54 outcome measures, using a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) rating system and direction of travel indicators. While overall performance shows areas of strength, the report highlights challenges in specific areas, such as the percentage of children in care experiencing long-term placement stability and the rate of juvenile first-time entrants to the criminal justice system. The report also detailed progress on key priorities, including support for residents during the cost-of-living crisis, efforts to improve housing and reduce homelessness, and initiatives to create safer, cleaner, and greener neighbourhoods. Deep dive reviews will be conducted for measures rated Red or Amber with a negative direction of travel.