This week in Hackney:

• Hackney Cabinet Approves Education Plan Amidst Falling Pupil Numbers
• Council to Purchase 174 Dwellings for Temporary Accommodation
• Hoxton Residents Deputation Against Low Traffic Neighbourhood Implementation

Hackney Cabinet Approves Education Plan Amidst Falling Pupil Numbers

The Hackney Council Cabinet met on Monday to discuss a range of issues, with a key focus on strategies for the future, aiming to improve the lives of residents. You can read the full report here.

A major item on the agenda was the approval of Hackney's Education Strategic Plan 2026-29. This plan aims to address significant challenges, including falling pupil numbers and the increasing complexity of special education needs. The Hackney Education Strategic Plan 2025-28 sets out how the council will cultivate a future where every child and young person can access an excellent education.

The report pack states that the council engaged with residents, schools and settings to co-create the plan. The plan's core commitments are to be resolutely anti-racist, to work in genuine partnership with parents and carers, and to champion the health and wellbeing of all young people. These principles guide priorities such as enhancing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, ensuring equity for underserved groups, and fostering a sustainable school system.

Also discussed was the Hackney Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion 3 Year Strategy, which aims to ensure that all children and young people with SEND in Hackney receive high-quality education and support as close to home as possible. According to the report pack, around 20% of children and young people in Hackney have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or receive SEN Support, which is greater than the London and national averages. The report pack states that the strategy is a product of extensive co-production, adhering to the principles of the Lundy Model¹.

Council to Purchase 174 Dwellings for Temporary Accommodation

The Cabinet also discussed the Capital Update and Property Disposals and Acquisitions Report. According to the report pack, this includes a proposal to purchase two sites comprising 174 self contained dwellings to add to the Council's supply of much needed Temporary Accommodation. You can read the full report here.

The acquisitions are described as an investment to save initiative , which will reduce the cost to the Council of providing temporary accommodation as well as improving the quality of accommodation for the families occupying the dwellings. This decision could significantly impact vulnerable families in Hackney who are in need of temporary housing.

The report pack also mentions a £0.141m investment in Road safety improvements at Green Lanes, which will seek to improve two crossings including installing a parallel crossing which will give priority to pedestrians and cyclists, allowing them to cross safely without dis-mounting and encouraging more active travel.

The report pack states that following the approval of the Council's Corporate Asset Management Strategy (CAMS) at October Cabinet, the attendees discussed a delegation to the Group Director Finance & Corporate Resources to enable the Council to take forward the financial sustainability negotiations and discussions to take place for the disposal of property assets. This delegation will support the delivery of the financial sustainability element of the CAMS, the delivery of capital receipts to fund the Corporate Transformation Programme and ensure the council obtain best values from any property asset disposals.

The report pack also advises that the Cabinet discussed a change to the council's accounting policy regarding the way they treat borrowing costs for assets under development. The council is changing its policy to capitalise the interest on borrowing costs for appropriate schemes in its housing and other regeneration programmes to take this cost pressure off both the Housing Revenue Account and the General Fund.

The Kings Hall Leisure Centre Refurbishment Project was also discussed, regarding the appropriation of the Kings Hall Leisure Centre site for planning purposes.

Hoxton Residents Deputation Against Low Traffic Neighbourhood Implementation

The Cabinet heard a deputation from Sandra Stewart, introduced by Councillor Kam Adams, regarding Opposition to Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) implementation in Hoxton. You can read the full report here.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods have been a contentious issue in Hackney, with supporters arguing they reduce traffic and improve air quality, while opponents claim they displace traffic and harm local businesses. This deputation highlights the ongoing debate and the need for the council to address residents' concerns.

Other Matters

• Planning Documents: The Cabinet discussed the adoption of several planning documents, including the Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document, the Commercial Alterations and Extensions Supplementary Planning Document, and the Residential Alterations and Extensions Supplementary Planning Document.
• Article 4 Directions: The Cabinet discussed an Article 4 Direction to Remove Permitted Development Rights for Change of Use from Use Commercial, Business & Service (Class E)² to Residential (Class C3)³ in Ridley Road, Dalston E8. The Cabinet also discussed the Confirmation of Article 4 Direction to Remove Permitted Development Rights in Brownswood Conservation Area and Beck Road Conservation Area.
• Care Charging Review: The Cabinet discussed the Care Charging Review - Policy Change Recommendations.
• Licensing Sub Committee E: The Licensing Sub Committee E met on Wednesday to address licensing matters, including a hearing regarding temporary event notices. No video was provided. You can read the full report here.

This week in Hackney:

• Parcel Locker Project Approved Despite Privacy Concerns
• Licensing Sub-Committee Hears Concerns Over Late-Night Bistro and Supermarket Alcohol Sales
• Council Reviews Housing Improvement Plan Amidst Safety and Repair Challenges

Parcel Locker Project Approved Despite Privacy Concerns

The Hackney Procurement Board approved recommendations to secure a concession contract for the Hackney Estate Parcel Locker Deployment Project, aiming to install and maintain parcel lockers on council-owned housing estates. You can read the full report here.

While the project promises annual income for the council and convenience for residents, some privacy advocates have raised concerns about data security and potential surveillance related to parcel locker usage. The board did approve the use of social media to generate market interest in the project.

Key details:

• The project is considered a spend-to-save investment with potential annual income for the council estimated between £300,000 and £500,000.
• The initial contract term is planned for four years, followed by two-year extensions.
• The contract will include break clauses for the council's convenience, likely with 24 months' notice after the initial term.

Licensing Sub-Committee Hears Concerns Over Late-Night Bistro and Supermarket Alcohol Sales

The Licensing Sub Committee E discussed applications to vary premises licences for DNA Bistro and Local Supermarket, both on Kingsland High Street. No video was provided. You can read the full report here.

DNA Bistro

DNA Bistro sought to extend its hours for alcohol sales and include various entertainment activities. A local resident stated that granting a licence to these premises would break all four of Hackney Council's licensing objectives¹. The police suggested amended times and an additional condition requiring SIA door supervisors² on an operational risk assessment basis.

Local Supermarket

Local Supermarket applied to extend its alcohol sales hours for off-sales until midnight. Four local residents submitted representations raising concerns regarding crime, public safety, nuisance, and child protection.

These cases highlight the tension between supporting local businesses and protecting residents from potential negative impacts of late-night alcohol sales and entertainment.

Council Reviews Housing Improvement Plan Amidst Safety and Repair Challenges

The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission received an update on the Housing Improvement Plan, addressing health and safety, repairs, complaints, and data management. You can read the full report here.

The report pack stated that Hackney Council self-referred to the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) in June 2024, after engagement with Pennington Choices, the council's health and safety consultants, identified that there was no assurance as to statutory and regulatory requirements in relation to building safety compliance, asset and data management, or the associated assurance framework.

Key points:

• While the council claims 100% compliance across fire, water, and asbestos safety, and >99.8% in gas safety, challenges remain in electrical safety due to procurement delays.
• Non-emergency repairs completed on time is 86.7% for the year to date.
• The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is required to identify significant mitigations in order to breakeven for 2025/26, and is forecasting to overspend on Operations expenditure by £6.886m.

Councillor Lynn Nicholson stated:

A significant quantum of work is now underway in improving the services, and rethinking and re-presenting the way in which Housing Services can be delivered over the course, from now on in, with an improvement programme that is now underway.

The report pack also notes that the current financial position and depletion of earmarked reserves places the HRA budgets under significant financial pressure and the current level of spend is not sustainable within the HRA MTFS and 30 Year Business Plan.

Other Matters

• Schools Cleaning Framework: The Hackney Procurement Board agreed to commence a tender exercise for a cleaning services framework for schools and children's centres within Hackney.
• Mosaic Social Care System: The Hackney Procurement Board approved the direct award to Supplier A for the support and hosting services for the Mosaic Social Care system.
• Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission: The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission discussed budget monitoring for children and education services, the Families First Programme, sexual and reproductive health services for young people, and the Hackney Education Strategy 2025-2028.
• Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission: The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission discussed the Hackney Transport Strategy 2026-2036.
• Licensing Sub Committee D: The Licensing Sub Committee D discussed licensing applications for 17B Kingsland Road and Projectx44, 44 Rivington Street.
• Pensions Committee: The Pensions Committee discussed the LGPS in England and Wales: Fit for the Future consultation and Pension Fund Voting Partner Procurement.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet will meet on Monday 15 December 2025 to discuss various matters. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee E will meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025 to discuss licensing applications. You can read the full report here.

This week in Hackney:

• Aldi Alcohol Licence Sparks Resident Concerns
• Leisure Centre and Park Upgrades Approved in £75 Million Spending Spree
• Security Contract Prioritises Vulnerable Residents

Aldi Alcohol Licence Sparks Resident Concerns

Hackney Council's Licensing Sub Committee B considered a premises licence application for an Aldi store at 211 Hackney Road, focusing on authorising the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. No video was provided. You can read the full report here.

The application requested permission to sell alcohol seven days a week from 08:00 to 23:00, amended from an initial request of 06:00 to 00:00 following police consultation.

Eleven representations from local residents raised concerns about:

• Increased anti-social behaviour and public nuisance.
• Public health, given the proximity to a homeless shelter and existing addiction issues.
• Conflicts with Hackney Council's Licensing Policy.
• Crime statistics in the area.
• Protection of children, given the proximity to a school.
• Impact on residential amenity, including noise and traffic.

Objectors proposed restricting alcohol sales to 08:00–23:00, limiting servicing hours, controlling noise, prohibiting single can sales, providing security, and managing the premises' frontage.

The Licensing Sub-Committee had the option to refuse the application or approve it with conditions. The decision could significantly impact the local community, particularly vulnerable groups and residents living near the store.

Leisure Centre and Park Upgrades Approved in £75 Million Spending Spree

The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee (CPIC) approved contracts totalling over £75 million for various projects, including the Kings Hall Leisure Centre refurbishment and park play area upgrades. No video was provided. You can read the full report here.

Kings Hall Leisure Centre Refurbishment

The committee approved contracts for the Kings Hall Leisure Centre refurbishment project to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Limited. This includes:

• £1,877,048.99 for asbestos removal.
• £70,939,423 for the main works contract.

This decision follows cabinet approval of the revised project budget on 24 November 2025.

Parks Play Areas Refurbishments Phase 3

A £2,332,375 contract was awarded for Phase 3 of the Play Area Refurbishment Programme, covering Clissold Park, London Fields (North), and Millfields Park.

The contractor has committed to using at least 60% local labour, paying the London Living Wage, and providing apprenticeships. The project includes community engagement events and aims for over 90% recycling of materials.

These investments aim to improve the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of Hackney's parks and leisure facilities, supporting the Hackney Strategic Plan and the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy 2021–2031.

Security Contract Prioritises Vulnerable Residents

The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee approved a framework agreement for security services with Supplier C for four years. You can read the full report here.

The agreement covers:

• Hackney Corporate Site Security and Vacant Buildings.
• Concierge Services.

The supplier proposed using recyclable textiles for uniforms and demonstrated an understanding of the difference between corporate guarding and residential concierge services, with a focus on assisting vulnerable residents.

The report noted that Supplier C distinguished themselves throughout their submission in conveying to the evaluators that they understood Hackney and were willing to commit to the high standards the tender required, and that Supplier C was the most consistent bidder .

This decision could improve the safety and well-being of residents, particularly those who are vulnerable.

Other Matters

• Google Workspace Licences: The committee approved a contract for Google Workspace licenses to Supplier C for two years, with a one-year extension option.
• Stoke Newington School Additional Resource Provision: The committee approved Contractor C for the Stoke Newington School Additional Resource Provision project, which will refit the Daniel House building to deliver a 30-student Additional Resource Provision with classrooms and therapeutic spaces, as well as spaces for the school’s Media Suite.
• Penalty Charge Notices Enforcement Agent Services: The committee approved contracts to six suppliers for collecting outstanding Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) debt for four years.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet will meet on Monday 15 December 2025 to discuss various matters. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee E will meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025 to discuss licensing applications. You can read the full report here.
• The Hackney Procurement Board will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025 to discuss the Hackney Schools Cleaning Framework, the Mosaic Social Care System, the Sanctuary Scheme, and Automated Estate Parcel/Lockers. You can read the full report here.
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission will meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025 to discuss budget monitoring for children and education services, the Families First Programme, sexual and reproductive health services for young people, and the Hackney Education Strategy 2025-2028. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee E will meet on Thursday 11 December 2025 to discuss premises licences for Local Supermarket and DNA Bistro. You can read the full report here.
• The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 08 December 2025 to discuss the Housing Improvement Plan and the Housing Revenue Account budget. You can read the full report here.
• The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025 to discuss Hackney's transport strategy. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025 to discuss premises licences for 17B Kingsland Road and Projectx44, 44 Rivington Street. You can read the full report here.
• The Pensions Committee will meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025 to discuss Pension Fund Voting Partner Procurement and the LGPS in England and Wales: Fit for the Future Technical Consultation. You can read the full report here.

This week in Hackney:

• Market Traders Face Fee Hikes Amidst Council's Financial Balancing Act
• Pensions Committee Reviews Fund Performance and Considers Future Strategy
• Licensing Sub-Committee to Decide on Black Eel Licence Variation

Market Traders Face Fee Hikes Amidst Council's Financial Balancing Act

Hackney's Cabinet approved revised fees and charges for markets, street trading, and shop fronts, effective January 1, 2026. The decision, made at a meeting on Monday, aims to eliminate a historic subsidy and cover rising operational costs, including waste management and electricity. You can read the full report here.

The move follows a statutory consultation period and is mandated by Section 32 of the London Local Authorities Act 1990, which requires the council to recover the full costs of operating its markets and street-trading services from licence fees.

While the council emphasizes the importance of markets and street trading to Hackney's local economy, some traders fear the increased fees could threaten their livelihoods. Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, stated that the changes were about securing the long term future of Hackney's markets, not short term savings.

Key changes include:

• Phased repayment of arrears and transition to real-time payment by 2027/28.
• Continued application of annual CPI-based increases, passed onto traders from April 1, 2026, and every year thereafter.
• Application of the annual North London Waste Authority (NLWA) disposal charge, passed onto traders starting April 1, 2026, and every year thereafter.

The council claims that benchmarking shows Hackney's fees remain mid-range compared to other London boroughs and private operators. However, some traders and Members, including Councillor Zoë Garbett, raised concerns that not all issues (particularly waste and staffing) were fully resolved prior to reconsultation.

The council has committed to continuing work on these items through the Markets-Waste Governance Group. A hardship fund will be available to traders facing acute financial difficulty.

Pensions Committee Reviews Fund Performance and Considers Future Strategy

The Pensions Committee met on Tuesday to discuss the 2024/25 Pension Fund Annual Report, a draft response to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) consultation, and an update on the Pensions Administration Migration. You can read the full report here.

The 2024/25 Pension Fund Annual Report provides an overview of the pension fund's performance, activities, and governance over the past year. The report includes sections on investment strategy and performance, actuarial valuation and funding levels, pension administration and member services, ESG factors¹, risk management, and governance and compliance.

The committee also discussed a draft response to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) consultation on scheme improvements, access, and protections. The consultation covers a range of proposed changes to the LGPS, including expanding access to the scheme for more part-time and low-paid workers, providing greater protection for members against inflation and other risks, simplifying the scheme's rules and regulations, and improving the scheme's governance and transparency.

Licensing Sub-Committee to Decide on Black Eel Licence Variation

The Licensing Sub Committee A met on Tuesday to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Black Eel, formerly known as Draughts, located at 41 Kingsland High Street. No video was provided. You can read the full report here.

Reach For The Oars Limited applied to vary the premises licence to change the layout of the premises, amend the capacity, and amend the number of seats or stools available for patrons.

One representation was received from local residents on the grounds of prevention of public nuisance. Environmental Health authority (Environmental Protection) confirmed that they had no representation to this application. The Environmental Health authority (Environmental Enforcement) withdrew their representations following agreed conditions.

If the Sub-Committee was minded to approve the application, additional conditions were suggested for the licence, including measures to ensure proper waste disposal, regular checks of the area outside the premises for litter, and the provision of a safe receptacle for cigarette ends.

Other Matters

• Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy: The Cabinet approved the Eliminating Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2025-2029.
• Emergency Planning & Response Review: The Cabinet considered the Emergency Planning & Response Review.
• Future Shoreditch Area Action Plan: The Cabinet considered the Future Shoreditch Area Action Plan Proposed Submission Version.
• Hackney Economic Development Plan and Circular Economy Strategy: The Cabinet considered the Hackney Economic Development Plan and Circular Economy Strategy.
• Public Spaces Protection Order: The Cabinet considered the Public Spaces Protection Order (Wick Woodland, Hackney Marshes and the surrounding areas) 2025.
• City and Hackney Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy: The Cabinet received an update on the City and Hackney Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy, 2024-29.
• Local Authority Member appointment: The Cabinet considered the Local Authority Member appointment to the New Regents College Management Committee.
• Deputation: The Cabinet heard a deputation regarding the impact of traffic schemes on Graham Road and calling for urgent investment.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee will meet on Monday 01 December 2025 to discuss various contract awards and procurement strategies. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee B will meet on Monday 01 December 2025 to discuss a premises licence application from Aldi Stores Limited and temporary event notices. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025. You can read the full report here.
• The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 08 December 2025. You can read the full report here.
• The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission will meet on Tuesday 09 December 2025. You can read the full report here.
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission will meet on Wednesday 10 December 2025. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee E will meet on Thursday 11 December 2025. You can read the full report here.