Barking and Dagenham ranked England’s least friendly borough in government study
Residents say neighbourly bonds exist but public spaces and services fall short in London’s most indebted area
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Trust 52: study cited and several residents named, but no independent outlets or detailed data sources.
Higher is stronger
Critic 79: provides context, multiple resident quotes, clear narrative, yet lacks next steps and specific figures.
Higher is stronger
Hype 22: mild headline wordplay, otherwise measured reporting.
Lower is better
Barking and Dagenham has been ranked the least friendly borough in England in a study using data from the government’s Community Life Survey. The research, published on 19 August 2026, measured neighbourly interactions, loneliness, local pride and civic participation across 296 local authority areas. Barking and Dagenham scored lowest in all categories, as reported by the Guardian.
The findings contrast with accounts from residents who told the Guardian they value their local connections. Alice Fokuo, a market trader in Barking town centre, said she exchanges keys with her neighbour and calls her "mum" because of their close bond. "Everyone who passes says hello," she said. "I don’t know about other people, but to me they’re nice."
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Public spaces and safety concerns
While some residents described strong community ties, others highlighted poor public spaces and safety concerns. Adrian Stan, a 31-year-old cleaner, said Barking’s Arboretum Place offers a rare "friendly spot" but lacks seating and activities for younger people. He also called for more support for rough sleepers in a borough with high deprivation and homelessness.
Rana Meybeci, a 33-year-old mother, said she avoids Barking town centre with her children due to antisocial behaviour, drug use and street drinking. "Sometimes people are shouting, walking towards you," she said. "I always feel I should protect them." She described Barking Riverside, where she lives, as a safer and more close-knit community but noted the area’s isolation and lack of amenities.
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Barking Riverside: praise and criticism
Barking Riverside, a residential development built on a former industrial site, has drawn both praise and criticism. George Mathew, a 69-year-old resident, said the area is "calm and quiet" with friendly neighbours who help each other. However, he agreed with concerns about limited infrastructure, saying: "The social and public spaces haven’t developed so much. At present, there are only a few shops."
Here people come, sometimes six or seven people will be standing, I won’t even have a seat to sit on. The customers are friendly to me, they bring me food.
Alice Fokuo, market trader in Barking town centre
The development has faced ongoing criticism for its isolated location and a shortage of amenities, including cafes, restaurants and GP services. Residents said the lack of local infrastructure makes daily life difficult, particularly for families and older people.
No council response yet
Barking and Dagenham Council has not issued a statement on the study’s findings or outlined any plans to address the issues raised by residents. The council’s press office did not respond to requests for comment from the Guardian by the time of publication.
Questions this report answers
+What does the study say about Barking and Dagenham?
The study, using data from the Community Life Survey, ranked Barking and Dagenham as England’s least friendly borough. It measured neighbourly chats, loneliness, local pride and civic participation across 296 local authority areas. The borough scored lowest in all categories, as reported by the Guardian.
+How do residents feel about the ranking?
Some residents told the Guardian they disagree with the ranking, citing strong community bonds. Others acknowledged issues like poor public spaces, antisocial behaviour and a lack of amenities, particularly in Barking Riverside. Many described the borough as diverse and welcoming despite its challenges.
+What problems do residents highlight?
Residents raised concerns about dirty public spaces, antisocial behaviour, drug use and a shortage of amenities like shops, cafes and GP services. Barking Riverside, a new development, was praised for its community feel but criticised for its isolation and limited infrastructure, residents said.
+Has the council responded to the study?
Barking and Dagenham Council has not issued a statement on the study’s findings or outlined any plans to address the issues raised. The council’s press office did not respond to requests for comment from the Guardian by the time of publication.
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