The Barking and Dagenham Assembly met on 24 September 2025, and addressed the formation of a new Green Party group on the council, approved a new health implementation programme, and agreed to a memorandum of understanding with Queen Mary University London (QMUL). Councillor Mohib Chowdhury was appointed as the new Chair of the Standards Committee, replacing the previous chair.

National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme

The Assembly noted the success of the council's bid to be one of 43 areas selected to implement the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, explained that the programme aims to integrate health, social care, the voluntary sector, and the community to help residents live healthier and more independent lives.

The NNHIP will establish a proactive model of care, integrating local government with health partners such as GPs, midwives, community nurses, hospitals and mental health trusts. The programme will be delivered through neighbourhood networks divided into north, south, east and west areas of the borough, building on the council's pop-up clinics. The pilot will be based at Barking Community Hospital.

Councillor Worby highlighted the council's strong partnerships and its work with AI and care technology, including relationships with South Korea, as key to the successful bid.

In response to a question from Councillor Victoria Hornby, Deputy Leader of the Minority Group, Councillor Worby said that the programme would target those most in need, with early intervention and diagnosis, and that anyone was welcome to attend the Committee in Common to take part in debates.

Councillor Warby also clarified that while the national pilot would run at Barking Community Hospital, the model would be rolled out to other centres including Broad Street, Mark's Gate, Chadwell Heath Clinics, Thames View and Riverside.

Memorandum of Understanding with Queen Mary University London's SHAPE Institute

The Assembly agreed to a 10-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and Queen Mary University London's (QMUL) SHAPE Institute¹. Councillor Maureen Worby explained that the partnership would focus on education and research to address healthcare issues, enhance public health, and address the wider determinants of health, such as housing and employment.

The MOU aims to improve access to information, advice, and guidance, and foster place-based support. Councillor Worby said that the partnership would enable the council to reduce demand through early intervention, supported by research and data.

Councillor Phil Waker raised a question about the living with waste project mentioned in the MOU. Councillor Worby clarified that this research concerned the impact on residents of living near waste dumped in Rainham, and that it was a cross-boundary project with Havering Council.

In response to a question from Councillor Moin Quadri, Leader of the Minority Group, Councillor Warby said that the MOU would involve communities, including deprived communities, and that technology was not a barrier to access.

Change to the Standards Committee Chair

Following a statement by Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, a motion was passed to replace the Chair of the Standards Committee. Councillor Ashraf argued that the councillors who had defected to the Green Party had failed to secure a democratic mandate and should resign their seats. She nominated Councillor Mohib Chowdhury as the new Chair of the Standards Committee.

Councillor Moin Quadri opposed the motion, stating that the position of Chair of the Standards Committee was a non-political role and that the proposal was utterly immoral . Despite this objection, a vote was called and Councillor Mohib Chowdhury was appointed as Chair of the Standards Committee.

Formation of Green Party Group

The Assembly noted the formation of a Green Party group, consisting of Councillor Faruk Choudhury, Councillor Victoria Hornby and Councillor Moin Quadri, with effect from 16 September 2025. This followed their resignation from the Labour Party. Councillor Quadri was chosen as the Leader of the Green Party Group, Councillor Hornby as Deputy Leader, and Councillor Choudhury as Minority Group Manager.

The Assembly noted that the political balance requirements under Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 were currently being met on eligible council committees.

Other Business

Councillor Linda Rice asked how to make it easier for residents without technology or Wi-Fi to apply for visitor permits. Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement & Community Safety, said that the council offered a dedicated telephone service (0203 307 4967) for residents to buy visitor permits, and that they could also visit community hubs for assistance.