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

879 homes were completed by the authority in 2023/24, beating far larger council’s including Leeds City, Southwark and Sheffield. 

Building more homes in Barking and Dagenham is a priority for the borough, with a need to lower the housing waiting list being a key factor. Inside Housing’s research also showed that a further 1,901 homes are due to be completed in the next five years in the borough. 

In Barking and Dagenham, the council works with regeneration company Be First and housing company Reside to deliver, complete and rent out new homes. Both companies are wholly owned by the council.  

Cllr Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “These figures show that what we’re doing is working, and that through our partnership with Reside and Be First, we’re setting the standard for housebuilding in Britain.

“A lack of housing in B&D and across the country is a big issue, so I’m proud to say that we’re building the high quality, affordable homes people deserve.”

Geoff Raw, Managing Director of Be First, said: “We are thrilled to see Barking and Dagenham leading the way in council housebuilding.  

“This achievement is a testament to our dedicated team’s hard work and the strong partnership with the council.  

“We remain committed to continuing this momentum and we’re on track to completing over 900 homes before the end of the year, continuing our mission to deliver high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of our residents”