The Assembly meeting of Barking and Dagenham Council on Wednesday 24 September 2025 saw the formalisation of a new political group and significant agreements on health and wellbeing initiatives. A new Green Party group was officially recognised, and the council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Queen Mary University London's SHAPE Institute to advance health and social care research. Additionally, the council endorsed its participation in the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, aiming to enhance local health and social care services.

New Political Group Formed

The Assembly formally noted the formation of a new Green Party group, comprising Councillors Faruk Choudhury, Victoria Hornby, and Moin Quadri. This change in party affiliation led to a discussion regarding the allocation of seats on council committees to maintain political balance, as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Councillor Moin Quadri was nominated and subsequently appointed as the new Chair of the Standards Committee, a move proposed by Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, due to exceptional circumstances. Councillor Quadri's nomination was seconded by Councillor Tony Ramsay, Chair of the Labour Group. Councillor Quadri, however, voiced his opposition to the proposal, stating it was utterly immoral and questioned the Labour values of those proposing it.

National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, presented an update on the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). Barking and Dagenham has been selected as one of only 43 areas nationally to participate in the first wave of this programme, which aims to deliver a more integrated and preventative approach to health and social care services. The programme's ethos is to bring together health, social care, the voluntary sector, and the community to help residents live healthier, more active, and independent lives. The initiative will be rolled out across four neighbourhoods within the borough: North, South, East, and West. Councillor Worby highlighted the potential for innovation through collaboration with South Korean partners in AI and care technology, noting that Barking Community Hospital would be a key site for the pilot.

Several councillors commented on the report. Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment & School Improvement, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its potential to improve educational outcomes for young people. Councillor Victoria Hornby, Deputy Leader of the Minority Group, spoke about the involvement of residents and the voluntary sector in developing the programme, assuring that it was created with residents, by residents. Councillor Cullius inquired about the potential for expanding the pilot to other health centres in the borough, to which Councillor Worby confirmed that the model would be rolled out across all identified centres, not just the pilot site at Barking Community Hospital.

Memorandum of Understanding with Queen Mary University London

Councillor Maureen Worby also presented a report on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham and Queen Mary University London's SHAPE Institute. This partnership aims to foster collaboration on education and research to address health and healthcare issues affecting residents. The SHAPE Institute, which stands for Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy, will work with the council on a transdisciplinary approach, combining academic expertise with the lived experiences of local residents and public services. The 10-year agreement is intended to support the council's Neighbourhood Plan, focusing on prevention, addressing wider determinants of health, improving access to information, and fostering community-led support.

Councillor Phil Waker expressed interest in the research projects, particularly the living with waste initiative, which he understood to be related to cross-boundary environmental issues. Councillor Moin Quadri, Leader of the Minority Group, sought assurance that the MOU would actively involve more deprived communities, especially those with technological disadvantages. Councillor Worby responded that the programme would indeed target deprived communities and that while technology access is a consideration, it is not as significant a barrier as sometimes perceived, with efforts to help residents utilise existing technology more effectively.

Visitor Permits and Technology Access

In response to a question from Councillor Lynda Rice regarding how residents who cannot use technology or have no Wi-Fi can apply for visitor permits, Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement & Community Safety, explained that a dedicated telephone service is available. Residents can call 0203 307 4967 to arrange for visitor permits, with proof of residency required, and scratch cards will be posted to them. Councillor Rubina Siddiqui added that community hubs also offer assistance with online services. Councillor Rice raised a supplementary point about the availability of booklets, which Councillor Ghani confirmed could be obtained from libraries.

Leader's Statement

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, delivered the Leader's statement. She welcomed Councillor Lucy Lee to her first Assembly meeting. The statement touched upon national politics, including the UK government's recognition of the Palestinian state, and reiterated the council's commitment to addressing concerns regarding Gaza and the West Bank while promoting unity and preventing hate crimes locally. Locally, Councillor Ashraf highlighted the recent approval of the anti-poverty strategy and the equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy. She also announced that £150,000 in Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding had been awarded to community organisations supporting men's mental health, women fleeing domestic abuse, and young people. The statement also celebrated the borough's record GCSE results and improved A-level outcomes, alongside commemorations for Pakistan and Indian Independence Days, VG Day, and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Looking ahead, Black History Month in October was mentioned, with a focus on the theme standing firm in power and pride. Finally, Councillor Ashraf addressed Operation Raise the Colours, emphasizing respect for national symbols and stating that attempts to use national flags for political division or to sow hate would not be tolerated in Barking and Dagenham.