The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 15 July 2025, approving a new strategic direction for the borough through the Our B&D vision and the development of a Neighbourhood Plan, alongside significant investments in specialist children's homes and the approval of Be First's business plan. Key decisions also included amendments to financial terms for housing disposals and the continuation of vital advice services for residents.

Lessons Learned from Austerity in Barking and Dagenham

Cabinet resolved to note the lessons learned from the period of austerity, acknowledging the significant impact of government cuts on deprived areas like Barking and Dagenham. The council agreed to a new direction of travel, which will inform proposals for a Neighbourhood Plan and Our B&D, a new place-based vision for the borough. This new direction aims to place residents at the heart of all council activities, focus on tackling long-term social and economic inequalities, and foster greater partnership working with residents and other institutions.

Our B&D - Building Communities and Driving Opportunities

Cabinet approved the commencement of consultation with partners regarding the draft outcomes and indicators for Our B&D, a new place-based vision for the borough that will replace the existing Borough Manifesto. This initiative will set the strategic direction for the next iteration of the Corporate Plan, the forthcoming Neighbourhood Plan, and transformation and partnership working. Following consultation, Our B&D will be presented to the Assembly for adoption in September 2025. The report highlighted that the new vision is narrower in scope than its predecessor, focusing on six outcomes and 15 indicators to ensure priorities are clear and resources are effectively targeted.

Developing Barking and Dagenham's Neighbourhood Plan

Cabinet agreed to the direction of travel for developing Barking and Dagenham's Neighbourhood Plan, which will build upon the learning from the Neighbourhoods Programme. This plan aims to improve how the council provides information, advice, guidance, and preventative support, taking a public health approach to prevention at a neighbourhood level. A programme of engagement with staff, residents, and key stakeholders will take place over the summer, alongside data and financial analysis, to develop an outline business case for Cabinet's consideration later in the year. The plan is envisioned to tackle significant issues and move towards a community-led organisation by improving digital resources and collaboration with residents and the voluntary and faith sectors.

Be First (Regeneration) Ltd Business Plan 2025/30

Cabinet approved the Be First (Regeneration) Ltd Business Plan for 2025/30. This plan outlines a transition for Be First away from reliance on council funding towards attracting private sector development finance and a stronger role in supporting the council to maximise value from its assets. The plan acknowledges a period of transition with projected losses in the first two years, aiming for profitability from 2027/28 onwards. Authorisation was given to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, to take necessary actions to enable Be First to implement its proposals, subject to the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

Proposal for Council-Owned Specialist Children's Homes

Cabinet approved the building and commissioning of three specialist children's homes across seven properties, creating up to 16 placements. This invest to save initiative aims to improve care for looked-after children with complex needs, particularly girls under 16 who are at risk of deprivation of liberty orders. The project is expected to reduce reliance on expensive out-of-borough placements and improve outcomes and stability by providing local, regulated, psychologically informed care. The capital cost is expected to be £10.8 million, with a significant portion potentially covered by a Department for Education match-funding bid. Projected savings over 10 years are £23.6 million. Authority was delegated to progress the purchase of properties, tendering for building work, and staffing agencies.

Amended Financial Terms for Disposal of Schemes into Reside

Cabinet agreed to amended Heads of Terms for several housing schemes to optimise financial terms and ensure compliance with legislation. This included changing the tenure of 79 properties at Ewars Marsh Court from shared ownership to discounted market rent (DMR) and transferring them to Barking and Dagenham Homes Ltd (BDHL), due to viability challenges with shared ownership. Amendments were also agreed to increase loan amounts for Challingsworth House and Farriers to cover Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) liabilities, and the disposal route for 33 shared ownership properties at Mercia Peak was amended to B&D Reside Regeneration LLP for tax efficiency. Authority was delegated to relevant Strategic Directors and the Head of Legal to finalise terms and execute necessary documents.

Corporate Plan 2023-2026 - Outcomes Framework Performance Report Q3 and Q4 2024/25

Cabinet noted the performance against the Corporate Plan Outcomes Framework for quarters three and four of the 2024/25 financial year. The report highlighted performance across the seven key priorities of the Corporate Plan, using a Red, Amber, Green rating system and direction of travel indicators. Cabinet also noted changes to the Corporate Plan Outcomes Framework, including adjustments to targets and measures for various indicators related to cost of living support, child protection, placement stability, education, housing, and crime.

Disposal of 20, 22 and 28 Whalebone Lane South, Dagenham

Cabinet approved the sale of the Council-owned premises at 20, 22 and 28 Whalebone Lane South, Dagenham, on terms set out in the report. This decision follows a request from the current tenant to purchase a long leasehold of the retail units. The sale is considered an asset realisation that makes sense to support a local business and generate a capital receipt. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, in consultation with the Leader and Head of Legal, to agree final terms and execute legal agreements.

Contract for Provision of Specialist Information and Advice Services in Key Areas of Welfare Benefits, Debt and Housing

Cabinet agreed to the direct award of an 18-month contract to Citizens Advice Bureau Dagenham (CABD) for the continued provision of specialist information and advice services. This contract, funded by the Household Support Fund, will run from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2027, with a total value of £513,000. The direct award is justified due to CABD's established track record, borough-specific expertise, and unique service model, which is not readily replicated in the wider market. This ensures continuity of crucial advice services for vulnerable residents.

Contract for Supply of Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings for Early Years Education Settings and Temporary Residential Accommodation

Cabinet agreed that the Council should proceed with the procurement of a contract for the supply of furniture, fixtures and fittings for Early Years education settings and temporary residential accommodation. This procurement, estimated at £4.111 million over five years, will be conducted via an open tender route with a multi-lot approach. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, in consultation with the Head of Legal, to conduct the procurement and award the contract(s). This aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective furniture and ensure the well-being of vulnerable residents.