This week in Hackney:

Council Moves to Secure Crucial Fire Safety Consultants Amidst Urgent Remediation Needs

Hackney Council is taking steps to address critical fire safety issues in its residential buildings, with an Officer Executive Decisions meeting on Monday, April 20th, focusing on appointing specialist consultants. This decision is vital for ensuring the safety of residents in high- and mid-rise buildings, a matter of paramount importance following national safety concerns.

£15.6 Million in Contracts to Tackle External Fire Safety

The meeting was set to consider awarding two contracts, each valued at £7.8 million, to Frankham Risk Management Services Limited and Airey Miller Limited. These contracts, totalling £15.6 million, are for specialist consultants to survey and manage the remediation of external fire safety issues. The works are essential to comply with the Building Safety Act 2022, which mandates rigorous safety standards for residential buildings.

The chosen consultants will be responsible for defining the scope of necessary building works and ensuring compliance. The contracts are being awarded via direct award through the Pretium Hyde Building & Fire Safety Framework, a route chosen to meet urgent deadlines and secure government funding. The framework itself is set to expire in April 2027.

The decision to appoint two consultants aims to distribute risk and ensure the substantial volume of work can be managed efficiently. Each consultant will oversee half of Hackney's affected estate. This initiative is fully funded by grants from Homes England, meaning no direct cost to Hackney Council's budget or leaseholders for these specific external wall assessments.

The urgency is driven by the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) programme, which has a completion deadline of September 2029. Failure to meet this deadline could jeopardise funding and incur penalties. The council rejected alternative options, such as in-house provision due to a lack of expertise, and open tendering due to time constraints. The option to do nothing was deemed unacceptable, as it would leave the estate in a non-compliant state.

This move aligns with the council's commitment to resident safety and its strategic housing priorities. The report also noted that the procurement route is influenced by the CSS's requirement to use pre-approved consultants to unlock grant funding.

Read the full report on the Officer Executive Decisions meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee A Prepares for Temporary Event Notice Hearings

The Licensing Sub Committee A was scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 23rd, to discuss procedures for handling Temporary Event Notices (TENs). While no specific decisions were made, the meeting's agenda indicates a focus on ensuring fair and efficient hearings for events that require temporary alcohol sales or entertainment licenses.

Streamlining Hearings for Temporary Events

The committee was set to review the hearing procedure for Temporary Event Notices (TENs), specifically Type E notices. These notices allow for small-scale, temporary events to take place without a full premises licence. However, if objections are raised by responsible authorities, such as the Police or Environmental Health, a hearing before the Licensing Sub-Committee is required.

The agenda item on Hearing Procedure Type E - TENs suggests a review of how these hearings are conducted under the Licensing Act 2003. This is crucial for ensuring that the process is transparent and that all parties have a fair opportunity to present their case. The committee also had a standing item on TENs, indicating ongoing oversight of these types of applications.

The effective management of TENs is important for balancing the desire for community events with the need to maintain public safety and prevent public nuisance.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee A meeting

Other matters

• The Inner North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd, was cancelled.

This week in Hackney:

Council Eyes Major Procurement Deals for Essential Services

Hackney Council is poised to make significant decisions on crucial services this week, with the Hackney Procurement Board meeting on Tuesday, April 14th, to discuss contracts worth millions of pounds. These decisions will impact everything from how residents access early pregnancy support to the technology underpinning parking and markets services.

Supporting New Parents with a £611,000 Contract

The board is set to consider awarding a contract worth up to £611,000 to the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) for an Integrated Early Pregnancy and Infant Feeding Peer Support Service. This service is vital for providing new and expectant mothers with crucial support, particularly around infant feeding and early development. The direct award is recommended due to the NCT's satisfactory performance and the limited changes to the service, aiming to avoid the risks and costs associated with a full competitive tender. This approach prioritises continuity of care for a vulnerable group, ensuring they receive essential guidance during a critical life stage. The contract includes social value commitments, such as paying staff the London Living Wage and prioritising local recruitment.

£17 Million for Safer Streets and Digital Infrastructure

A substantial business case for a new contract covering Public Space Surveillance (PSS) and Optical Fibre network installation and maintenance is also on the agenda. This contract, estimated at £17.1 million over seven years, is critical for maintaining community safety through surveillance systems and ensuring the council's digital infrastructure is robust. The strategy aims to consolidate existing contracts, ensuring the continued operation and maintenance of these essential services, which support everything from enforcement activities to the council's core ICT functions.

£10 Million for Modernising Parking and Markets IT

The procurement of new IT systems for Parking and Markets Services, with an estimated value of £10 million, is another key item. These systems are essential for statutory service delivery, income collection, and implementing policy changes. The proposed procurement route allows for flexibility to ensure the chosen systems are deliverable and well-integrated. This investment aims to modernise services that directly affect residents' daily lives, from parking fines to market stall bookings, and is planned to incorporate social value benefits like local recruitment and apprenticeships.

Adult Skills Funding and a £1 Million Contract

The board will also discuss the procurement of adult skills courses for the 2026/2027 academic year, with an estimated contract value of £1 million. The council plans to use the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Adult Learning Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to onboard delivery partners quickly. This ensures that residents can continue to access vital adult education and skills development opportunities, which are crucial for employment and personal growth. The arrangement prioritises providers who meet financial and cyber security standards and includes social value requirements such as paying the London Living Wage and offering apprenticeships.

Read the full report on the Hackney Procurement Board meeting

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Health and Risk Management

The Audit Committee met on Thursday, April 16th, to scrutinise the council's financial performance and risk management strategies. Key discussions included the Auditor's Annual Report, treasury management updates, and the risk registers for critical directorates.

Auditor's Report Highlights Financial Oversight

The committee reviewed the Auditor's Annual Report for 2024-25, which provides an independent assessment of the council's financial statements and value for money arrangements. This report is crucial for ensuring public funds are managed responsibly and that the council is financially sustainable. It identifies any significant weaknesses in governance and financial management, offering recommendations for improvement. The findings directly impact the council's ability to deliver services and its long-term financial stability.

Directorate Risks Under Scrutiny

The committee also examined the risk registers for the Children and Education Directorate and the Adults, Health and Integration Directorate. These reports detail the key corporate risks facing these vital services and outline how they are being managed. Understanding these risks is essential for safeguarding vulnerable residents, particularly children and adults requiring social care support, and for ensuring the effective delivery of education services.

Anti-Fraud Efforts Yield Significant Savings

A progress report on audit and anti-fraud activities highlighted significant savings of an estimated £846,000. These savings were achieved through investigations into tenancy fraud, No Recourse to Public Funds cases, and Blue Badge/Parking misuse. These efforts are vital for protecting public funds and ensuring that resources are directed to those who genuinely need them, preventing fraud that can undermine essential services.

The committee also reviewed the whistleblowing annual report, reinforcing the importance of an open and accountable culture, and approved the internal audit annual plan for 2026/27, which sets out the audit service's priorities for the coming year.

Read the full report on the Audit Committee meeting

Scrutiny Commission Remits Under Review

The Constitution Committee met on Tuesday, April 14th, to consider proposed changes to the remits of the council's scrutiny commissions. These changes aim to ensure that the council's overview and scrutiny function better reflects its strategic priorities and the evolving needs of the borough.

Refocusing Scrutiny for Modern Challenges

The review, conducted by the Centre for Governance & Scrutiny (CfGS), proposed renaming and adjusting the remits of several commissions. For instance, the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission is proposed to become the Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission, with an expanded remit covering housing strategy, council housing, and homelessness prevention. Similarly, the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission would be renamed the Adults, Health & Integration Scrutiny Commission.

The Skills, Economy & Growth commission is set to be renamed the Skills, Place & Economy Scrutiny Commission, with its remit broadened to include community safety, economic regeneration, transport, environment, and arts and culture. A key proposed change is the transfer of the statutory duty to scrutinise the local Community Safety Partnership from the Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission to the Skills, Place & Economy Scrutiny Commission. These adjustments are designed to ensure that scrutiny effectively addresses current challenges, from the housing crisis to climate change, and provides robust oversight of council services.

Read the full report on the Constitution Committee meeting

Other matters

• The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee met on Monday, April 13th, to discuss plans for external works to council-owned residential properties, the refurbishment of Ridley Villas, and the procurement of an external variable data print contract. The committee also received an update on external fire safety remedial works. These decisions will impact the quality of housing stock and the safety of residents. Read the full report on the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee D met on Wednesday, April 15th, to review its hearing procedure and consider Temporary Event Notices. This committee plays a role in ensuring that licensed activities do not negatively impact public safety or create public nuisance. Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee D meeting

This week in Hackney:

Council Gears Up for Major IT System Overhaul and Property Upgrades

Hackney Council is set to make significant decisions regarding its core IT infrastructure and property maintenance in the coming week. The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee will meet on Monday, April 13th, to discuss the procurement of a new Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and Payroll hosted application, a critical system for managing staff remuneration. This comes as the current contract nears its end, prompting a need for a robust replacement. The committee will also review a business case for planned external works for property asset management, impacting the upkeep of council buildings.

Overhauling HR and Payroll Systems

The proposed new HRIS and Payroll system is described as an integral requirement to provide the facility to remunerate Council staff for their services. The current contract expires at the end of March 2026, and a full tendering process has not been feasible within the timeframe. Instead, an interim solution is proposed: a three-year contract with an option for a two-year extension. This new system aims to introduce Development and Performance Management modules, enhancing how the council monitors learning and improves staff performance.

The council is also exploring the integration of HR, ICT, and Finance systems into a single Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a move that could lead to cost savings and better data utilisation. This aligns with the council's Digital Strategy, with a discovery phase for a new ERP system expected within 12 months. The report acknowledges that the current situation is a lesson learned regarding procurement timing, highlighting the importance of proactive contract management.

Social value is also a key consideration, with plans for CV workshops, mock interviews, and work experience opportunities for local residents. The committee is being asked to approve a direct award of a contract to a specific supplier via the KCS Framework.

Read the full report on the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting

This week in Hackney:

Council Cabinet Discusses Financial Health and Housing Development Plans

Hackney Council's Cabinet met on Monday, March 23rd, to address the borough's financial position, review the capital programme, and consider land appropriations for new housing developments. The meeting also included a deputation on accessible toilets and a petition against Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Hoxton.

Financial Stability and Crisis Support

Councillor Robert Chapman, Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service, presented the 2025/26 Overall Financial Position Report - January 2026. This report offered a crucial update on the council's financial standing, highlighting any overspends and the measures being taken to address them. The council's financial health is paramount, directly impacting the services available to all residents, especially the most vulnerable.

A significant discussion also focused on the Use of Hackney's Crisis and Resilience Fund allocation April 2026 - March 2029. This £6.1 million annual fund, replacing the Household Support Fund, is designed to provide a safety net for residents facing hardship. The proposed allocation prioritises prevention and long-term financial resilience, with plans for crisis payments, housing support, and grants to voluntary and community sector organisations. This fund is a critical lifeline for individuals and families struggling with rising costs and unexpected emergencies.

New Homes Programme and Land Appropriation

Councillor Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Regeneration, presented a report on the New Homes Programme Tranche 1 Sites - Appropriation of Land for Planning Purposes. This sought approval to appropriate land at four sites – Cropley Court, Buckland Court, Fellows Court, and Weymouth Court – to enable the development of new homes, including much-needed social rent and shared ownership properties. The appropriation of land is a legal step to ensure development can proceed smoothly, ultimately aiming to increase the availability of affordable housing in the borough.

Accessible Toilets and LTN Concerns

A deputation led by Gemma Peramiquel-Borjas, supported by Councillor Zoë Garbett, Dalston Ward, called for the council to commit to a comprehensive Changing Places and Accessible Toilet Strategy. The proposed strategy aims to increase the number of accessible toilets, convert existing ones, and ensure robust maintenance and supply protocols. This is a vital issue for individuals with disabilities and their carers, ensuring they can participate fully in community life.

Conversely, a petition signed by 836 residents, led by Sandra Stewart, demanded the abandonment of proposed Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Hoxton. This highlights the ongoing debate about traffic management and its impact on different communities within Hackney.

Read the full report on the Cabinet meeting

Pensions Board Reviews Fund Performance and Future Strategy

The Pensions Board met on Thursday, March 26th, to review the performance of the Hackney Pension Fund and discuss ongoing projects and training needs. The board examined reports covering funding levels, administration, and the fund's approach to climate-related financial disclosures.

Fund Performance and Climate Action

The board reviewed papers from previous Pensions Committee meetings, which included reports on the Pension Fund's funding levels and administration updates. Notably, the report highlighted a significant achievement: the Pension Fund's carbon footprint has reduced by 30.7% since 2023. This demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability within the fund's investments, a crucial aspect of responsible financial management in the face of climate change. Updates on the external audit for the Pension Fund and the application of the Stewardship Code and climate-related financial disclosures were also on the agenda.

Project Updates and Training

Several project and work updates were presented, including progress on the external audit, the migration of the administration service, and a data improvement plan. The board also received information on the Fit for the Future initiative, which aims to ensure the fund's long-term viability and effectiveness. A discussion on training for Board members was also scheduled, with a focus on identifying suitable opportunities to enhance their understanding of regulatory matters and best practices.

Read the full report on the Pensions Board meeting

Licensing Committee Discusses Late Night Levy and Regulatory Updates

The Licensing Committee met on Wednesday, March 25th, to receive an update on the Late Night Levy and review regulatory matters. The Late Night Levy is a charge applied to licensed premises in certain areas to help fund additional services aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, directly impacting the safety and well-being of residents in nightlife areas.

Late Night Levy Performance

The committee received an update on the Late Night Levy for Year 8, Quarter 4. This report provided an overview of the levy's performance and its impact on the community during the specified period. The effectiveness of this levy is crucial for ensuring that the costs associated with late-night alcohol consumption are adequately addressed through increased policing and support services.

Regulatory Developments

The committee also reviewed regulatory updates, which likely covered any new or changing legislation that affects licensing operations within Hackney. Staying abreast of these changes is essential for the council to effectively manage licensed premises and uphold the licensing objectives.

Read the full report on the Licensing Committee meeting