The Assembly of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Wednesday 24 September 2025. The meeting noted the formation of a new Green Party group and discussed the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, which the council has joined as a pilot area. The Assembly also considered a Memorandum of Understanding with Queen Mary University London's SHAPE Institute for Health and a motion to appoint a new Chair of the Standards Committee.

New Green Party Group Formed

The Assembly was advised of the formation of a new Green Party group, comprising Councillors Faruk Choudhury, Victoria Hornby, and Moin Quadri, who had previously resigned from the Labour Party Group. The report indicated that the current allocation of seats on council committees remains politically balanced in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Councillor Moin Quadri, as the Leader of the new Green Party Group, is entitled to a Special Responsibility Allowance of £1,370 per annum.

National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme Update

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care & Health, provided an update on the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). Barking and Dagenham has been selected as one of 43 areas nationally to participate in the first wave of this programme, which aims to shift healthcare towards a more preventative, community-based model. The programme will focus on integrating health and social care services, working with the voluntary sector and communities to help residents live healthier, more independent lives. The council's application highlighted its strong existing partnerships and innovative approaches, including work on AI and care technology. The programme will be rolled out across four neighbourhoods within the borough, building on existing initiatives and aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce demand on acute services. The Assembly noted this success and the council's next steps in launching the programme locally.

Memorandum of Understanding with Queen Mary University London

The Assembly considered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham and Queen Mary University London's SHAPE Institute for Health. This 10-year partnership is intended to focus on collaborative education and research to address health and healthcare issues affecting residents. The collaboration aims to expand the public health approach to prevention, address wider determinants of health such as housing and employment, improve access to information, and foster community-led support. Councillor Worby explained that this partnership aligns with the council's developing Neighbourhood Plan and will support future funding bids by providing an evidence base for preventative and early intervention services. The SHAPE Institute brings together expertise from social sciences, humanities, and arts to offer a transdisciplinary approach to understanding and improving health and wellbeing.

Leader's Statement

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, delivered a statement that welcomed Councillor Lucy Lee to her first Assembly meeting. The statement also addressed the recent formation of the Green Party group, with Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Business & Engagement, offering a perspective on the timing and motivations behind the defection. Councillor Twomey also spoke about national politics, including the UK government's recognition of a Palestinian state and the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizing the council's commitment to fostering unity and preventing hate crime within the borough. Locally, he highlighted the recent approval of the anti-poverty and equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies, the allocation of £150,000 in Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding to community organisations, and celebrated the borough's record GCSE results and improved A-level outcomes. The statement also commemorated Pakistan and Indian Independence Days, Victory Day, and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, while looking ahead to Black History Month. Finally, he reaffirmed the council's respect for national symbols and its commitment to inclusivity.

Appointment of Chair of Standards Committee

In a motion moved by Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader, and seconded by Councillor Tony Ramsay, Chair of the Labour Group, Councillor Muhib Chowdhury was appointed as the new Chair of the Standards Committee. This change was presented as a necessary step due to exceptional circumstances following the defection of councillors to the Green Party. Councillor Moin Quadri, Leader of the Green Party Group, argued against the motion. The Assembly agreed to the motion.