Barking and Dagenham Council is backing London Challenge Poverty Week which takes place this week (14 – 20 October).

Throughout the week, residents are being reminded that they can access support if they’re struggling. Whether it’s help with finances, food, employment, wellbeing or something else – there’s a range of support available online and in person at Community Hubs based locally across the borough.

Councillor Jane Jones, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care and Disabilities, officially opened the newly completed Greatfields Primary School in Barking on 11 October.

This marks the culmination of a decade of planning, development, and regeneration on the former Gascoigne Estate. The school has started with an initial intake of 30 students, and will eventually serve 630 pupils, significantly expanding local educational capacity and meeting the growing demand for high-quality education in the area.

The council’s Black History Month celebrations continued today with the exciting announcement of new additions to the Barking and Dagenham Hall of Fame. This year’s theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ highlights the importance of owning and telling stories that reflect the richness and diversity of Black history. As part of the celebration, the Hall of Fame honours local individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community, serving as an inspiration for all.

A new additional licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) will launch across Barking and Dagenham in the new year, following its approval at the council’s Cabinet meeting on 23 July 2024.

Barking and Dagenham Council has topped the national table of council housebuilders, Inside Housing research shows.

Seventeen tennis courts have officially reopened as part of a £403k renovation taking place across the borough’s parks, funded by the UK Government, supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation and Barking and Dagenham Council.

Paralympic swimmer Brock Whiston has been awarded Barking and Dagenham Council’s Borough Recognition Award for her outstanding contributions, both to the local community, and through her sporting achievements.

The council launched it's Black History Month celebrations today, Monday 1 October, with a special flag raising event, where community leaders gathered to share powerful speeches highlighting the significance of this month.

The council has been awarded another prestigious Investors in People Gold accreditation.

In a determined effort to combat the sale of illegal tobacco, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team have conducted a series of intelligence-led test purchase operations.