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.

This week in Hackney:

• Molly Blooms Faces Licence Review Over Noise Complaints
• New Social Housing Approved Amidst Light and Space Concerns
• Market Traders Face Fee Hikes as Council Aims to Comply with Legislation

Molly Blooms Faces Licence Review Over Noise Complaints

The Licensing Sub Committee E convened to discuss a review of the premises licence for Molly Blooms, a pub located at 525 Kingsland Road, following numerous complaints from local residents about noise and alleged breaches of its licence. No video was provided. You can read the full report here.

The Licensing Authority requested the review, citing concerns that the pub's operation was undermining the licensing objectives¹, particularly the prevention of public nuisance. The report pack detailed a history of complaints dating back to October 2023, alleging that the pub was failing to control patrons in external areas and breaching its licence conditions.

The Licensing Authority suggested modifications to the licence, including reduced operating hours, the removal of deregulation exemptions, closure of the Bentley Road entrances, and a designated smoking area on Kingsland Road.

The sub-committee could have decided to take no action, modify the conditions of the premises licence, exclude a licensable activity from the scope of the premises licence, remove the designated premises supervisor, suspend the premises licence for a period not exceeding three months, or revoke the licence.

The sub-committee was also scheduled to discuss temporary event notices, as a standing item.

New Social Housing Approved Amidst Light and Space Concerns

The Planning Sub-Committee approved planning permission for three development projects, including new social housing at Blackwell Close and Farleigh Road. You can read the full report here.

Garages Blackwell Close, E5 0TA

The sub-committee approved the demolition of existing garages at Blackwell Close and construction of 18 social housing units, despite concerns about the size of the development and its impact on daylight for adjacent buildings, particularly Derby Court. The Hackney Society considered the proposal too large for the site and raised concerns about loss of light and privacy to neighbouring properties.

The planning officer's report acknowledged that some neighbouring properties would experience a loss of light, but argued that the benefits of providing new social housing outweighed this harm.

Rectory Road Area Office, 101-107 Farleigh Road, N16 7TE

The sub-committee also approved the construction of 19 new social rented dwellings at the Rectory Road Area Office, despite objections about overdevelopment and loss of open space. The Hackney Society raised concerns about the articulation of the facades and the balcony design.

The planning officer's report acknowledged that the proposal would result in a loss of light, outlook and privacy to some neighbouring residents, but argued that this harm was outweighed by the benefits of providing 19 new social rented units.

These decisions highlight the difficult balance the council faces between providing much-needed social housing and mitigating the impact of development on existing residents.

Former Boiler House, Belper Court, Pedro Street, E5 0BE

The sub-committee also approved variations to a previously approved permission for the demolition of an existing boiler house and erection of a building to provide 26 residential units at the Former Boiler House, located on the south-western corner of the junction of Pedro Street and Rushmore Road.

Market Traders Face Fee Hikes as Council Aims to Comply with Legislation

The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the implementation of standard fees and charges for markets, street trading and shop fronts for 2025/26. You can read the full report here.

The proposals aim to ensure the council complies with section 32 of the London Local Authorities Act 1990, which requires that the costs of operating markets are recovered through licence fees.

The proposed fee and charge revisions include:

• An inflationary uplift (circa CPI 2.2%) across all categories.
• 10–20% increases for fruit, veg & street food traders, reflecting higher waste output and setup costs.
• A revised payment model with phased arrears recovery, and a transition to real-time payment by 2027/28.
• Introduction of green bin fees and reinforcement of Fixed Penalty Notices for gully contamination.
• New fees for storage containers, shop fronts, night markets, and new permanent sites.
• Introduction of the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) disposal charge being passed onto licence holders annually from 1 April 2026, and every year thereafter.

Feedback from traders has challenged the necessity of the proposed increases, noting a decrease in market footfall and concerns about rising operational costs.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet will meet on Monday 24 November 2025 to discuss various matters, including market fees, a public spaces protection order, and landlord licensing. You can read the full report here.
• The Pensions Committee will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss pensions-related issues. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss licensing applications. You can read the full report here.
• The Council will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025 to discuss various matters. You can read the full report here.
• The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee will meet on Monday 01 December 2025. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee B will meet on Monday 01 December 2025. You can read the full report here.
• The Planning Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 03 December 2025. You can read the full report here.

This week in Hackney:

• Planning Code Delay Sparks Debate Over Councillor Impartiality
• Hackney Grapples with Voluntary Sector Funding Amidst Strategy Refresh
• Late-Night Levy and Licensing Updates on the Horizon

Planning Code Delay Sparks Debate Over Councillor Impartiality

Hackney Council's Corporate Committee deferred approval of the Planning Code of Practice, pending minor amendments. The code aims to ensure planning decisions are made openly, impartially, and with sound judgement, applying to councillors involved in the planning process. You can read the full report here.

The delay raises questions about the council's commitment to transparency and impartiality in planning decisions, especially given the ongoing development boom in the borough. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025, currently in parliament, may soon mandate standardised training for planning committee members, further underscoring the importance of this code.

The key objectives of the code are:

• To provide clarity and advice to support elected councillors
• To ensure that councillors of the Planning Sub-Committee and any other elected councillors act reasonably and openly and that planning decisions are made impartially, with sound judgement and for justifiable reasons.
• To protect the council and individual members from allegations of unfairness, findings of maladministration and any legal challenge.

Hackney Grapples with Voluntary Sector Funding Amidst Strategy Refresh

The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission discussed Hackney Council's long-term vision for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS), its grants programme, and the commission's work programme for the coming year. You can read the full report here.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by the VCS, including the need for long-term funding, capacity building, and recognition of the impact of racist systems. The council's refreshed VCS strategy aims to address these issues, with a focus on equalities and anti-racism.

The presentation noted that the VCS strategy was refreshed, not started from scratch, and that engagement in autumn 2024 confirmed what was still relevant from the previous strategy. It also incorporated learning from co-production with the sector during the pandemic, and learning from engagement with communities on equalities, as reflected in the new Equalities Plan and frameworks. Equalities and anti-racism were scheduled to be at the centre of the refreshed strategy, and an extensive Equalities Impact Assessment was undertaken.

The presentation outlined the following principles for grants redesign:

• Be strengths based and build on community assets
• Be trauma informed
• Be anti-racist
• Be community led and/or place based
• Enable collaboration and co-production
• Enable innovation and creativity
• Be transparent and accountable
• Be flexible and responsive
• Be sustainable and long term

The Hackney CVS briefing note stated that the consultation on the new VCS Strategy represented a positive and inclusive approach to partnership working, but that continued collaboration is needed to maintain transparency and trust, particularly in the context of reduced grant funding.

Late-Night Levy and Licensing Updates on the Horizon

The Licensing Committee is scheduled to meet on 13 November 2025 to discuss updates to the Late Night Levy and other regulatory matters. You can read the full report here.

The Late Night Levy allows local authorities to charge businesses that sell alcohol late at night to help pay for the costs of policing and other services related to the night-time economy. Any changes to the levy could impact businesses and residents alike, particularly those living near late-night establishments.

Restaurant Licensing Decisions Deferred

The Licensing Sub Committee C was scheduled to discuss licensing applications for QQ Grill Restaurant and Lounge and A Plaice for Lost Soles Restaurant, but no video was provided. You can read the full report here.

Air Quality Action Plan Aims for WHO Standards

The Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission discussed the health impacts of poor air quality and the new Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) 2026–2030. You can read the full report here.

Hackney Council aims to achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) interim targets and guideline values by 2030:

• Nitrogen dioxide: 30 µg/m³
• PM10: 20 µg/m³
• PM2.5: 10 µg/m³

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet will meet on Monday 24 November 2025 to discuss various matters. You can read the full report here.
• The Pensions Committee will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss pensions-related issues. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss licensing applications. You can read the full report here.
• The Council will meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025 to discuss various matters. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee E will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to discuss a premises licence review for Molly Blooms and temporary event notices. You can read the full report here.
• The Planning Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025 to discuss planning applications for Belper Court, Farleigh Road, and Blackwell Close. You can read the full report here.

This week in Hackney:

• HMO Planning Applications Refused Over Living Standards
• Licensing Sub-Committee to Review Restaurant and Bike Shop Alcohol Licences
• Pensions Committee Holds Workshop on Strategic Asset Allocation

HMO Planning Applications Refused Over Living Standards

The Hackney Council Planning Sub-Committee refused planning permission for two applications to convert properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) at 9 Clifden Road and 12 Blurton Road. The committee cited concerns that the proposed living conditions would be sub-standard and detrimental to future occupiers. You can read the full report here.

The committee voted against the officer's recommendation to grant planning permission for both applications, with six members against and one abstaining.

The primary reason for refusal was the sub-standard quality of accommodation, which the committee felt would be detrimental to the living conditions of future occupiers. This was considered to be in conflict with policies LP1 and LP22 of the Hackney Local Plan 2033 (2020). These policies aim to ensure high-quality design and protect residential amenity.

This decision highlights the council's commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to decent and safe housing, particularly those in vulnerable situations who may be more likely to live in HMOs.

Licensing Sub-Committee to Review Restaurant and Bike Shop Alcohol Licences

The Licensing Sub Committee D met to discuss licensing applications for Pedaller's Corner, a café within the London Bike Studio, and Yum Yum Thai Restaurant. You can read the full report here.

Pedaller's Corner was seeking a new premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises. Yum Yum Thai Restaurant was seeking to extend its hours for licensable activities, including live music, recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol.

The Licensing Authority had initially raised concerns about the potential for public nuisance due to the extended hours at Yum Yum Thai Restaurant, particularly given the proximity of residential properties. One representation was received from local residents, raising concerns about noise complaints and nuisance.

The sub-committee was also scheduled to discuss any temporary event notices.

The decisions made by the sub-committee will have a direct impact on the businesses involved, as well as on local residents who may be affected by noise or other disturbances.

Pensions Committee Holds Workshop on Strategic Asset Allocation

The Hackney Council Pensions Committee convened for a meeting focused on a workshop concerning strategic asset allocation. The session was open to the public, with a live stream available for remote viewing. You can read the full report here.

The core of the meeting was dedicated to a workshop on strategic asset allocation. The report pack for the meeting did not include any details about the specific topics that would be covered in the workshop.

The agenda also included standard items such as apologies for absence and declarations of interest.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting scheduled for Monday 03 November 2025 was cancelled. You can read the full report here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub Committee C will meet on Monday 10 November 2025 to discuss premises licences for QQ Grill Restaurant and Lounge and A Plaice for Lost Soles Restaurant. You can read the full report here.
• The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission will meet on Monday 10 November 2025 to discuss the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy and the commission's work programme. You can read the full report here.
• The Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025 to discuss community mental health services and air quality. You can read the full report here.
• The Corporate Committee will meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025 to discuss the pay policy for chief officers and a new planning code of conduct. You can read the full report here.
• The Licensing Committee will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss updates to the late night levy and regulatory updates. You can read the full report here.
• Licensing Sub Committee E will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. You can read the full report here.
• The Planning Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. You can read the full report here.