The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission of Hackney Council met on Monday 19 January 2026 to discuss the council's business support provision for town centres and high street businesses. The meeting also reviewed the commission's work programme for the upcoming year.

Hackney's Business Support – Town Centres and High Street Businesses

The commission was scheduled to examine Hackney's business support programmes, with a particular focus on town centres and high street businesses. This discussion aimed to build upon previous scrutiny reviews conducted in 2018, 2022, and 2023, acknowledging the significant changes in the business support funding landscape and the economic challenges faced by sole traders and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The report pack indicated that the meeting would cover:

• Retrospective and Current Programme Assessment: A review of the reach, outcomes, and outputs of Hackney's past business support programmes, including the Hackney Business Charter and signposting to funding. An update on the current programme, highlighting the achievements of Hackney Impact, was also scheduled.
• London-Wide Context and Local Impact: An update on the broader business support landscape in London and an assessment of the local impact of both borough-wide and London-wide provisions.
• Focus on High Streets and Future Vision: An examination of the Grow London Local initiative by London & Partners, specifically concerning businesses operating on high streets and in town centres. The commission was also set to explore Hackney's future vision for supporting high street businesses, subject to future funding.

Presentations were expected from invited guests including Vanesa Perez Sanchez, Director – Small Business Service Delivery at London & Partners, and Paul Wright, Programme Manager for Hackney Impact at Allia. Representatives from Renaisi and various officers from the London Borough of Hackney, including Councillor Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Regeneration, and Councillor Sam Pallis, Deputy Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, were also scheduled to contribute.

Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission Work Programme 2025/26

The commission was also scheduled to review and discuss its work programme for the municipal year 2025/26. This included noting the proposed items for future meetings, such as discussions on Hackney's Transport Strategy and collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) in December 2025, and Green Skills and the Green Skills Hub in February 2026. The commission was asked to make suggestions for the work programme.