At its Cabinet meeting yesterday, Barking and Dagenham Council approved two key plans to support its long-term vision - creating the conditions and opportunities for every resident to thrive:
- Anti-Poverty Strategy
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
Together, these plans reflect the council’s commitment to improving quality of life, tackling inequality, and building a borough where everyone feels respected, included, and empowered. This work is being driven by a clear focus on three pillars: people, place, and partnerships.
The newly approved Anti-Poverty Strategy sets out how the council will address the deep-rooted challenges that affect many communities across the UK - but are especially acute in Barking and Dagenham.
The borough has the highest proportion of deprived households in England and Wales. This drives a range of challenges including poorer health outcomes, housing insecurity, and barriers to good work or social connection.
Four in ten children in Barking and Dagenham are growing up in poverty, highlighting the daily struggles families face, from food insecurity to rising living costs.
The strategy places fairness at its core, recognising that some residents face greater barriers than others. To begin addressing these inequalities, the council will pilot targeted support for those most in need, including:
- removing specific barriers to employment
- supporting new parents with the highest level of need with the costs of essentials
- supporting young people leaving care to achieve financial stability
The council will also set up an Anti-Poverty Board, bringing together key partners to develop a longer term programme to reduce poverty across the borough.
Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council said, “No single organisation can tackle these issues alone. But by laying strong foundations for change, grounded in our shared values and commitment, we can build a future where every resident has the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.
“Our residents rightly have strong ambitions. These plans are about better understanding the barriers which can prevent people from achieving their aspirations – and working together to remove them to support people to achieve their best potential. Partnerships are key. We’re strengthening collaboration across council services and with local voluntary, community, and faith organisations, and building strong, long-term partnerships that will deliver real change.
“For the last few years, regeneration and place has been a key focus for us, and our track record with building affordable homes is testament to that. Now it’s key that we focus on people and partnerships to address the root causes preventing our residents from living the best life possible.”
The Cabinet meeting also agreed its new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which reflects its commitment to fairness for all, and a determination to address inequalities in the borough.
The borough's diverse heritage has always been its strength, and the council will proudly continue to ensure Barking and Dagenham is inclusive, welcoming and respectful for all.
As part of its commitment to doing things differently, the council also agreed an outline approach to work with the sector to develop a new Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCSFE) Compact. This reaffirms the council’s commitment to working more effectively with these vital partners to deliver better outcomes for residents.
The council will work with the VCSFE sector over the next year to develop a more detailed Compact and action plan, ensuring the appropriate governance is in place to oversee delivery.
Residents can help shape the delivery of the council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, by taking part in upcoming research interviews and workshops through the Cost of Living survey.
These sessions will provide a space for residents share their experiences and views on the cost of living - helping to shape local policies and services that truly reflect community needs.
Residents can find out more about the cost of living support the council provides at: Cost of living support | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.