Barking and Dagenham Council is working towards full compliance with building safety regulations, a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The council's Assets team is actively monitoring performance against all the main 'FLAGEL' indicators for building safety, including electrical installations and fire risk assessments. However, challenges remain in following up on assessments and completing the repairs and other actions flagged by inspections.
In a report presented to the committee, it was noted that as of January 2026, 9.2% of the local authority's housing stock failed to meet the Decent Homes standard. This figure has remained stable for most of the year. The Assets team is in the process of finalising a full planned works programme which will include projects to deliver replacement windows, roofs, and other improvements to move towards full compliance with the standard.
Councillor Phil Waker raised concerns about the pace of progress, particularly regarding fire risk assessments and electrical safety. John Knight, Director of Housing, assured the committee that while no critical risks remain outstanding, moderate risks are being addressed. He added that the council is in dialogue with the Social Housing Regulator to agree on a clear path to total compliance for all homes within the Housing Revenue Account.
Specific concerns were noted regarding follow-on works from Electrical Installations Conditions Reports (EICRs) and a range of actions which have not been completed following Fire Risk Assessments.
The report, which can be found in the Public reports pack Wednesday 11 March 2026, details the council's ongoing efforts to meet regulatory standards and improve housing conditions for residents.
