The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 18 April 2023 to endorse the council's Corporate Plan for 2023-2026, agree to the conversion of Padnall Hall into a youth centre subject to grant funding, and endorse the Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2023-2026. The Cabinet also agreed that the Council proceeds with the procurement of a managed training provider.

Corporate Plan 2023-2026

The Cabinet unanimously endorsed the new Corporate Plan for 2023-2026, which sets out the council's key priorities, aims, and objectives for the next three years. The plan, developed in collaboration with local partners and the community, maintains the council's vision of One Borough: One Community: No-One Left Behind. It outlines seven main priorities: supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis, ensuring safety and protection for the vulnerable, promoting healthier and independent lives, fostering education and employment opportunities, driving inclusive growth and regeneration, creating safer and greener neighbourhoods, and ensuring good housing while preventing homelessness. The plan also emphasises the importance of equality and diversity, and a collaborative working culture. The Cabinet recommended the plan for approval by the Assembly and delegated authority for the development of an Outcomes Framework.

Conversion of Padnall Hall for Use as a Youth Centre

The Cabinet agreed to the conversion of the derelict Padnall Hall in Marks Gate into a new youth centre, subject to a successful grant application to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's (DCMS) Youth Investment Fund (YIF). This funding, which is a once in a generation opportunity, will fully fund the conversion project. The Cabinet also agreed to the procurement of architectural, engineering, surveying, and building works contractors for the refurbishment. The Marks Gate area was identified as lacking bespoke youth facilities, and Padnall Hall, disused for 15 years, was chosen as the preferred site. The project aims to provide a much-needed capital investment in youth facilities, with a consortium of local voluntary and community sector organisations, including Future Youth Zone, set to run the facility.

Community Safety Partnership Plan 2023-2026

The Cabinet endorsed the Community Safety Partnership Plan (CSPP) for 2023-2026, which outlines the borough's priorities for reducing crime and disorder. The plan retains the five key priorities from the previous strategy: keeping children and young people safe; tackling safety in neighbourhoods and communities; reducing offending; standing up to hate, intolerance, and extremism; and tackling violence against women and girls. The plan was developed following a Crime and Disorder Strategic Assessment and extensive public consultation. Cabinet members noted concerns raised during consultations, including the need for increased police visibility, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on crime, and issues such as fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. The Cabinet recommended the plan for adoption by the Assembly.

Procurement of a Managed Training Provider

The Cabinet agreed that the Council proceeds with the procurement of a contract for a Managed Training Provider through the ESPO Managed Training Services Framework. This contract, valued at up to £780,000 over three years with a potential one-year extension, will ensure the council can access high-quality and value-for-money training for its staff. The managed service provider model offers advantages in sourcing approved trainers quickly and efficiently. The training will cover a range of areas, including leadership, mandatory training, and equalities. The Cabinet authorised the Director of Workforce Change to conduct the procurement and award the contract.