The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 08 October 2025 to discuss fly-tipping, the progress of Be First, and the pressures on the Education, Health, and Care (EHC) process. The committee noted a reduction in reported fly-tipping incidents in 2023-24, but acknowledged that unratified data for 2024-25 indicated an increase. Be First provided an update on its transition to a new business model focused on partnerships and asset utilisation, aiming to deliver 3,650 homes by 2029-30. The committee also began a review of the EHC process, hearing evidence on national and local pressures, including a significant increase in demand for assessments and a strain on resources.

Fly-tipping update

The committee received an update on fly-tipping within the borough. Rebecca Johnson, Director of Public Realm, presented a report indicating that in 2023-24, there were 3,624 reported instances of fly-tipping, a 6% reduction from the previous year. However, she cautioned that unratified data for 2024-25 suggested an increase in reported incidents, potentially linked to changes in street cleansing frequency in residential areas. Challenges in data collection were highlighted, as street cleansing crews often collect fly-tipped waste during their regular rounds without it being formally recorded.

Several factors contributing to fly-tipping were discussed, including cost avoidance for waste disposal, lack of access to legal disposal routes, insufficient education on waste management, and the involvement of rogue waste disposal firms. The reduction in street cleansing frequency in residential areas from weekly to fortnightly was noted as a potential factor in the increased visibility and reporting of fly-tipping.

To address these issues, a year-long Days of Action programme was launched in October 2025, involving multiple agencies to tackle local issues through coordinated actions and community engagement. This programme will be supported by a Cleaner Barking and Dagenham communication campaign aimed at encouraging residents to take ownership of their areas and dispose of waste correctly. Investment in infrastructure, including the replacement of litter bins across the borough, is also planned. Collaborative initiatives between street cleansing and environmental enforcement services, such as Operation Scoop and Operation Early Waste, are in place to investigate and prevent waste crime. The use of CCTV to monitor fly-tipping hotspots and proactive enforcement is also being bolstered.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about fly-tipping on private land and the process for dealing with collected waste bags left on streets. Enforcement officers explained their engagement with private landowners and detailed a recent incident on Highbridge Road where vehicles were found dumping waste on private land. They also clarified the process for collecting bagged waste, stating that street cleansing teams designate spots for collected litter, which are then cleared by mobile crews, aiming to minimise the time bags are left on the roadside.

Concerns were also raised about businesses not disposing of their rubbish properly, with enforcement officers detailing their work with trade waste teams to issue notices under the Environment Protection Act and prosecute non-compliant businesses. The lack of a direct notification system for new businesses opening was noted as a challenge, but officers confirmed that as soon as non-compliance is identified, enforcement action is taken.

The cost of fly-tipping to the council was discussed, with officers explaining the difficulty in providing a definitive figure due to the various teams involved in waste collection. The cost of waste disposal per tonne was stated to be around £190. The cost-effectiveness of CCTV cameras versus the cost of fly-tipping incidents was also debated, with the cost of redeployable cameras being over £8,000 compared to an average fly-tipping incident cost of £500. A bid for £240,000 for 30 additional cameras was being pursued.

Suggestions were made regarding HMOs, including the possibility of landlords being allocated a set number of bulky waste drops per year. The issue of tenants being told to place waste outside blocks of flats, which can attract further dumping, was also raised, with a commitment to review designated bulk waste collection points. The process for reporting fly-tipping online and the subsequent communication to residents was also discussed, with efforts underway to improve the system.

The committee noted the significant increase in fly-tip incidence numbers compared to previous years, while tonnage had decreased, suggesting smaller household items were being dumped. The possibility of providing larger bins for larger households was raised, and it was confirmed that a policy exists for families of five or more to apply for a larger or second bin.

The committee was informed that the EHCP process is facing significant national and local pressures. Jane Hargreaves, Commissioning Director for Education, presented data showing a four-fold increase in assessments in Barking and Dagenham compared to the national average, with a significant rise in autistic spectrum condition diagnoses. The report highlighted the financial strain on local authorities due to the dismantling of school building powers and the increasing reliance on costly independent sector provision. The council's submission to the government's Solving the SEND Crisis call for evidence emphasised the need for increased funding, local provision, and incentivising inclusion.

Key points from the council's submission included that funding does not match need, and that Barking and Dagenham has worked to increase the percentage of children with EHCPs in mainstream settings, bucking the national trend. The adversarial nature of the current system and the delay in funding following families moving into the borough were identified as significant issues. The report also highlighted that inclusive schools are penalised under current funding arrangements, and called for a system that incentivises inclusion.

The inspection report for Barking and Dagenham's Local Area Partnership found inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. While leaders were ambitious and used data effectively for commissioning, and partnership working was innovative, areas for improvement included the timeliness and quality of EHC plans, preparation for adulthood, and antenatal visits. The report noted that EHC plans were not routinely updated, and health and social care advice was often lacking in specificity.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about communication with parents, the significant increase in EHCP requests, and the impact of funding shortfalls. Officers acknowledged the challenges of high caseloads and the need for improved communication systems, while also highlighting the strain on resources. The committee expressed a desire to find innovative solutions to address the service's problems, similar to approaches taken in other areas of the council facing similar pressures.

The committee also discussed the role of technology in improving communication and the potential for AI, while noting the need for caution regarding bias. The challenges of managing parents' expectations within a crisis situation were also acknowledged. The issue of health support not following children when they move between local authorities was raised, with officers explaining that this is due to the structure and funding of health services.

The committee heard that the current system for SEND provision is unsustainable, with piecemeal interventions not addressing the root causes of financial challenges. The need for a clear, costed plan with defined metrics for progress was emphasised. The report also highlighted the significant increase in the use of independent schools for children with EHC plans, and the associated costs.

The discussion also touched upon the role of Be First, the council's regeneration company. Caroline Harper, Interim Managing Director of Be First, presented an update on the company's transition to a new business model based on partnerships and the utilisation of the council's asset portfolio. Be First aims to deliver 3,650 homes by 2029-30 and is focused on securing investment partnerships, particularly in Barking Town Centre. The company's strategic plan and roadmap were approved by Cabinet in July 2025.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the accuracy of cost estimations, the realism of projections, and the potential for underestimation of risks. The shift from direct delivery to a partnership model was discussed, with questions about legally binding mechanisms to guarantee affordable housing and social value. Be First's approach to asset utilisation and risk mitigation was also explored.

The committee also discussed the governance structure of Be First, including accountability to the council and the shareholder panel. The report highlighted the company's commitment to transparency and value for money, with regular benchmarking of fees against industry standards. The potential for conflict of interest between Be First's development proposal role and its planning recommendation role was raised, with clarification that different teams within the council handle these functions.

The committee noted the work programme for the upcoming year, which includes further sessions on the EHC process, budget scrutiny, and updates on various council services.

Decisions Made

• Fly-tipping update: The committee noted the report and endorsed the Days of Action programme.
• Be First Update: The committee was asked to scrutinise the work and approach of Be First, including its performance, strategy, and recent activity.
• The EHC Process: The committee began a review of the EHC process, with the first session focusing on national and local context. The committee agreed to extend standing orders by half an hour to allow for a more thorough discussion of this item.

Key People Mentioned

• Cllr Andrew Achilleos: Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
• Rebecca Johnson: Director of Public Realm.
• Cllr Phil Waker: Raised questions about cost estimations and projections for Be First.
• Cllr Manzoor Hussain: Asked about the cost of fly-tipping collection versus CCTV installation and discounted rates for pensioners and the disabled.
• Cllr Regina Rahman: Raised concerns about businesses not disposing of rubbish properly.
• Cllr Ingrid Robinson: Asked about HMOs, blocks of flats, and reporting of fly-tipping.
• Cllr Muazzam Sandhu: Asked about legally binding mechanisms for social value in Be First's partnership model.
• Cllr Mukhtar Yusuf: Asked about the increase in fly-tip incidence numbers and the cost of fly-tipping.
• Caroline Harper: Interim Managing Director of Be First, presented the update on Be First's progress.
• Anthony Lewis: Provided information on CCTV and enforcement messaging.
• Jane Hargreaves: Commissioning Director for Education, presented the report on the EHC process.
• Elaine Allegretti: Strategic Director for Children and Adults, also involved in the EHC process discussion.
• Cllr Syed Ghani: Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Enforcement.
• Cllr Kashif Haroon: Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change.
• Cllr Jane Jones: Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools.
• Cllr Cameron Geddes: Chair of Licensing & Regulatory Committee.
• Val Masson: Raised questions about communication with parents regarding the EHC process.
• Paul Robinson: Deputy Chair, Overview & Scrutiny Committee, asked about the number of four-bedroom properties built by Be First and ward member engagement.
• Cllr Youssef: Asked about the reasons for the increase in EHCPs and the impact of the fortnightly street cleaning strategy.
• Cllr Saleem: Chair of Planning Committee.
• Cllr Sandhu: Deputy Chair of Standards Committee.
• Cllr Youssef: Deputy Chair of Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
• Sarfraz Akram, Sajjad Ali, Glenda Spencer: Co-opted members for education matters.
• Lois Taylor: Provided apologies for absence.
• David Harley: Strategic Director Inclusive Growth and Place, LBBD.
• Jahangir Mannan: Strategic Commercial Finance Advisor.
• Elizabeth Kangethe: Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment & School Improvement.