London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB distributes direct aid with Cash Perks messaging service

The council's cash payment system was deemed too complex and slow to help low-income households. Local officials worked with Cash Perks on a pilot program for small grants via text message. Participants without bank accounts received text messages with instructions on how to withdraw between £10 and £500 from ATMs. The Cash Perks system allowed bulk payment processing by the council and recipients instantly accessed funds for essential goods.

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London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB

United Kingdom

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB combines services and recreation in Wellbeing Hub

The Pound Barking Riverside Wellbeing Hub scheduled to open in 2024 will house general practitioners and medical specialists. A planned Home and Money Hub provides advice on household budgets. This facility includes event space, a cafe, and an indoor water park. Council leaders are working with Barking Riverside Limited to connect the hub to 10,000 new homes, a London Underground Station, and a new pier.

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London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB

United Kingdom

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB creates ethical collection service for past-due fees

Borough officials designed Becontree Collection Service for personalized and customized responses to council debts. The service extends standard repayment schedules from one week to four weeks. Residents with council debts are offered one-on-one guidance leading to flexible repayment arrangements. Becontree Collection Service also connects users to relevant council departments and financial partners with additional support services.

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London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB

United Kingdom

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB seeks ideas on how to make public spaces safer for women

The borough created an interactive map for feedback about where women feel unsafe. Respondents placed pins on the map or submitted locations with comments using an anonymous survey. The campaign also opened an Allyship suggestion box about how residents can contribute to safe locations. Borough officials will use data to shape the Safe Havens Scheme, a program where participating businesses act as shelters for people who feel threatened.

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London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB

United Kingdom

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB prepares young adults for customer support roles

The Customer Service Traineeship Programme is open to residents ages 19 to 24 who receive council assistance. This free program starts with two weeks of coursework on best practices in customer service. Participants are interviewed and placed in council departments for four-week stints. Borough officials designed the program to qualify residents for customer service certifications and positions with local firms.

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London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB

United Kingdom

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB assists domestic violence victims through DV FLAG East

The council's Legal Team volunteers time outside of work hours for one-on-one consultations alongside Citizens Advice. Solicitors may handle cases directly or connect their clients to legal aid through area family law firms. This service also refers clients to counseling services and specialists when necessary. Borough officials fund their participation in DV FLAG East using revenues from legal services offered to other councils.

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London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB

United Kingdom

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB adapts energy brand from power supply to energy efficiency

The council-owned Beam Energy initially provided 100% renewable energy for 600 local households. Beam Energy and partner Robin Hood Energy sourced electricity from solar and wind farms. Changes in the United Kingdom's energy market led Robin Hood Energy to change its operations. Borough officials responded by using the brand to connect households with solar panels, efficient heat pumps, and insulation. This shift will help the council reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

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London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, GB

United Kingdom