The Assembly of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 15 May 2024, with key discussions including the OFSTED inspection of Children's Services, the Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, and the Members' Allowances Scheme. Decisions made included noting the progress on the Children's Services Improvement Plan, approving the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2024/25, and appointing Sal Asghar as the statutory Scrutiny Officer.

OFSTED Inspection of Children's Services Improvement Plan

The Assembly received an update on the OFSTED inspection of the Council's Children's Care and Support service, which was rated as 'Requires Improvement to be Good'. The report detailed the Council's Improvement Plan, developed in response to eight specific recommendations from OFSTED. Progress has been made in areas such as the timeliness of strategy meetings, the capacity and quality of supervision, and life-story work and permanence planning. However, areas requiring further improvement were also noted. The Assembly resolved to note the Improvement Plan and the progress made.

Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2022/23

The Director of Public Health's Annual Report for 2022/23 was presented, highlighting the health of the community and identifying key health gaps and priorities. The report emphasised that only 20% of a person's health is determined by healthcare services, with the remaining 80% influenced by factors such as housing, employment, and the local environment. Key messages included the need to exploit opportunities within the Place-based Partnership to improve healthy life expectancy, deliver lifestyle services in a more outcome-based way, and address health inequalities. The report also noted that local residents are three times more likely to suffer an avoidable death than those in the 10 least deprived areas of England, and that 24% of Reception-age children were measured as overweight. The Assembly resolved to note the report.

Health Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2022/23

The Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee presented the Committee's annual report for 2022/23. The report outlined the Committee's work programme and key achievements, which included shaping the refresh of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, making recommendations to improve support for those experiencing miscarriage, and promoting better access to healthcare for minority groups. The Committee also focused on integrated care system arrangements, Place-Based partnerships, and the potential effects of extreme weather conditions. The Assembly resolved to note the report.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2024/25

A report was presented on the proposed Members' Allowances Scheme for 2024/25. This scheme includes the Basic Allowance for all councillors and Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for those in specific roles. The proposed changes reflect previous decisions to align allowances with the Local Government Services Pay Agreement, resulting in a 3.88% increase to Basic Allowances and SRAs. The Dependants' Carers' Allowance was also increased in line with the London Living Wage. The Assembly resolved to adopt the Members' Allowances Scheme 2024/25, effective from 16 May 2024.

Appointment of Statutory Scrutiny Officer

The Assembly designated Sal Asghar, Director of Strategy, as the Council's statutory Scrutiny Officer, with effect from 16 May 2024. This appointment is in accordance with section 9FB of the Local Government Act 2000 (amended by the Localism Act 2011), which requires the designation of an officer to promote and support the overview and scrutiny committee(s).

Leader's Statement

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, presented his statement, covering a range of topics including a serious incident in Whalebone Lane South, the results of the recent local elections, the B&D Jobs and Skills Fair, the launch of the B&D Opportunities portal, Care Experienced History Month, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the appointment of a new Deputy Cabinet Member for Co-Production, and congratulations to Councillor Saima Ashraf on her award at the British Muslim Awards 2024.

Appointments to the Political Structure and Other Bodies 2024/25

The Assembly approved the appointments to various Council committees and other internal and external bodies for the 2024/25 municipal year. Authority was also delegated to the Chief Executive to approve appointments to fill any vacant positions prior to the next meeting.

Appointment of Church Representative (Church of England) Co-optee to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Reverend Mark Adams was appointed as the Church Representative (Church of England) co-optee on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This appointment is in accordance with the Education Act 1996 and the Local Government Act 2000, ensuring the committee includes representatives to scrutinise education-related matters.

Death of Former Councillor Jeff Wade

The Assembly noted with deep regret the passing of former councillor Jeff Wade, who served as a Chadwell Heath ward councillor from 2010 to 2018. Tributes were paid to his commitment to social justice and his work on behalf of his constituents. A minute's silence was observed in his memory.