Barking and Dagenham Council has announced ambitious plans to transform care for high-risk children in the borough, following a provisional offer of £5.4 million from the Department for Education (DfE). The funding is part of a wider £11 million capital investment by the council over the next decade to build and refurbish specialist homes for vulnerable young people. The DfE is match funding the capital portion of this investment.

Two free history events drew in the crowds on 26 and 27 July in the east London borough.

Seven Barking and Dagenham parks have once again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, a mark of excellence given to well-managed parks and green spaces that meet the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and community involvement.