Lord Kerslake to chair council-owned company

Lord Kerslake, who was head of the civil service from 2012 to 2014 and is the current chair of housing association Peabody, will become the chair of Be First, the regeneration company established by Barking and Dagenham Council.   

He said: “Barking and Dagenham is already known as one of the capital’s hottest investment areas and promises huge opportunities for further growth.”

Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “Lord Kerslake was a giant in central and local government and an expert in housing and now he will be chairing what will be a regeneration giant.

“Our borough is already renowned as one of London’s premier growth areas, with hugely exciting developments such as Barking Riverside and our plans for Made In Dagenham studios.”

The council expects the company, which will be operational in October, to attract new investment for development in the east London borough.

It will offer pre-planning services and project delivery as well as setting up joint ventures and other special purpose companies to deliver regeneration. The council will, however, continue to make final decisions on planning applications and to approve strategic plans.

The council’s existing regeneration, planning and capital delivery staff will transfer to the new organisation during the summer.