A new Corporate Plan setting out the main priorities for Barking and Dagenham Council over the next three years has been unveiled.

The document outlines the changes and challenges the area faces as a thriving London borough in the 21st century, as well as how the council will achieve its long-term vision of making Barking and Dagenham a place “people are proud of and want to live, work, study and stay.”

The publication focuses on seven key priorities, which includes supporting residents through the cost of living crisis, making residents feel safe and supported, providing good education and employment opportunities, and helping residents live healthier lives.

The new Corporate Plan arrives after the council launched a series of Community Hubs across the borough to offer safe and welcoming spaces for residents to find support and access services on their doorstep.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell, said: “This isn’t just another council document. Our Corporate Plan clearly explains our focus through up-to-date priorities and aims, as well as how we’ll achieve them and how our progress on doing so will be tracked.

“We have a great track record of making our borough an exciting opportunity for everyone. We’ve already attracted £4billion worth of investment to the area, including the capital’s newest film studios and the City of London markets, as well as having new transport links and thousands of new, affordable homes.

“We were home to the first Future Youth Zone in London, a £6m dedication to the borough’s young people, and this publication builds on all that work to demonstrate how we will continue to unlock the benefits for the people living here.

“We’ve never shied away from the serious issues we face in Barking and Dagenham, such as high levels of poverty, deprivation and health issues, but this document highlights the tools we’ll use to tackle these problems and create a place people are proud of and want to live, work, study and stay, making sure no one is left behind.”

Residents can find the full Corporate Plan document on this page.