Barking & Dagenham Council is set to consult with residents on a new vision for the borough, dubbed 'Our B&D', aiming to address the evolving needs of the community in the wake of Brexit, the pandemic, and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The 'Our B&D' plan seeks to build upon the successes and address the shortcomings of the previous Borough Manifesto, also known as 'Barking and Dagenham Together,' which was adopted in July 2017 following a recommendation from the Independent Growth Commission in 2016. While the 2017 manifesto saw achievements in areas such as inclusive schooling, children's social care, and the development of new transport links and cultural institutions, it also faced challenges. Notably, the borough's rankings against other London boroughs on key indicators generally did not improve, demand for social care increased, and child poverty rose from 37% in 2016 to nearly half of children (46%) after housing costs were considered.
The decision to consult on this refreshed place-based vision was made at a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, 15 July 2025. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, highlighted the necessity of a new plan to replace the Borough Manifesto from 2017, citing significant events that have reshaped the local and national landscape.
The 'Our B&D' plan will focus on six key outcomes, supported by 15 indicators, designed to concentrate resources on the most pressing issues facing the borough. According to the meeting information, these indicators have been selected because they are believed to be the most important issues for the population and are supported by performance information which shows Barking and Dagenham to have the worst performances or biggest challenges of our inequality. The issues or the outcomes are also ones which drive demand across all public services, so are important financially as we need to demonstrate economy, efficiency and productivity in a challenging financial context. These outcomes are:
- Reduced child poverty
- Inclusive economy
- Independent adulthood in communities
- Stable and decent homes
- Healthier and fairer borough
- Safer and cleaner borough
Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the plan, stating that it would move the council into a community-led organisation. He also stressed the need for digital resources and collaboration with the voluntary and faith sectors to ensure the plan's success.
The consultation process will involve engaging with partners over the summer to gather feedback on the proposed outcomes and indicators. A final document will then be presented to the Assembly in September 2025 for agreement.
Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development, lauded the plan's simplicity and its focus on key themes, suggesting it would provide a clear roadmap for the borough's future.
The development of 'Our B&D' is closely linked to the council's broader neighbourhood plan, which aims to improve accessibility, share new technologies, and examine co-location opportunities. Cllr Twomey said the plan would tackle significant issues and move the council into a community-led organisation. He emphasized that this plan is about people, place and partnerships
and requires a one system approach across the council.
The Cabinet is expected to receive performance updates on the 15 indicators every six months, with the next report covering quarter one and two of 2025/26 to be presented in January 2026. Following the cabinet meeting, this report will also be presented in the overview and scrutiny committee.
