There are tensions. Inevitably. Some are old, some new. Some are deep seated, some contextual. Some reflect the particular history and conditions of Barking and Dagenham. Some can be found in more or less every local authority in the country. Here are some examples:
- Large versus small organisations: There is a sense that the odds are stacked in favour of the large organisations
- Barking versus Dagenham: Prior to 1965 there was Barking and there was Dagenham, two local authorities. Some of the street signs reflect the history.
- Formal versus Informal activity: We don’t have an accurate count yet. But if Barking and Dagenham is like other local authorities we will find five informal, unconstituted organisations -making a significant contribution to connection and belonging- for every one formal social sector organisation
- In Barking and Dagenham versus out of Barking and Dagenham: This is a place where living in the Borough matters. It conveys a status and a sense of commitment.
- Money corrupts!: There are many collaborative conversations about the future of the Borough and its residents that become more difficult when there is money on the table.