Barking & Dagenham is navigating the challenges of austerity with a focus on community-led initiatives and strategic financial planning, according to recent reports discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 15 July 2025. The council aims to improve digital accessibility through better digital resources as part of its neighbourhood plan.

The council is charting a new course that prioritises community engagement, digital accessibility, and collaborative partnerships to address key issues such as child poverty, housing, and employment. The cabinet also agreed to significantly develop better collaboration with residents and organisations in the voluntary and faith sector, with the goal of having services delivered by the groups for the community.

Cllr Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, emphasised the importance of this new direction, stating that the plan would tackle significant issues and move the council into a community-led organisation. He highlighted the need for improved digital resources and stronger collaboration with the voluntary and faith sectors.

Chart showing residents' reported food security during the cost-of-living crisis, comparing data from 2023/24 Q2 to 2024/25 Q2.
Chart showing residents' reported food security during the cost-of-living crisis, comparing data from 2023/24 Q2 to 2024/25 Q2.

The cabinet noted a report on the lessons learned from austerity1, acknowledging both successes and failures during a period of significant government cuts. Cllr Twomey noted the savage government cuts of 55% in real terms between 2010 and 2020 caused significantly more harm to deprived areas like Barking and Dagenham. The new plan focuses on attracting private and public investment to promote new homes and infrastructure. Be First will also undertake a strategic asset management plan. The report highlighted the need to address child deprivation, skills and employment, and housing.

Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, introduced 'Our B&D', a refreshed place-based vision for the borough, which will replace the Borough Manifesto from 2017. She explained that events such as Brexit, the pandemic, and the cost of living crisis have necessitated a new plan. Cllr. Ashraf noted that in the context of less resources and other challenges, it is appropriate that Our B&D...is narrower in scope than its predecessor. Hence, why settling on six outcomes and 15 indicators, this will help everyone to be focused on the priorities, resources, resources and capacity to where they will make the most difference in the outcomes.

The plan will focus on six outcomes with 15 indicators, which Cllr Ashraf said would help focus resources on the most important issues. The six key themes are:

  • Reduced child poverty
  • Inclusive economy
  • Independent adulthood in communities
  • Stable and decent homes
  • Healthier and fairer borough
  • Safer and cleaner borough

Charts showing percentage of household waste recycled and household waste per head of population in Barking and Dagenham over time.
Charts showing percentage of household waste recycled and household waste per head of population in Barking and Dagenham over time.

The cabinet also reviewed the Corporate Plan Outcomes Framework Performance Report for quarters three and four of 2024/25. Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, noted the statistics related to the cost of living crisis and its impact on residents.

The decisions made during the meeting reflect a commitment to strategic planning, community empowerment, and addressing the ongoing challenges of austerity in Barking and Dagenham.

  1. The report acknowledged both successes and failures during this period Lessons Learned Report.pdf, including the creation of council-owned entities like Be First and Community Solutions. While Be First delivered regeneration and financial returns, Community Solutions did not fully achieve its vision of prevention. ↩