Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 4, 2026

Purpose:

Content: Labour Motion: Right to Grow   This Council notes:   1.  Hackney puts the health and well-being of residents at the heart of all we do; 2.  The cost-of-living crisis is creating real hunger, reinforcing the need for healthy fresh food at an affordable price; 3.  Hackney declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and local food growing contributes to our response to the climate emergency for those in greatest need; 4.  Social justice remains at the heart of Hackney’s Climate Action Plan, which prioritises “inclusive decision-making, prioritising accessible and affordable solutions, and tackling systemic issues, the Council aims to create a fair, equitable, and inclusive environment.” 5.  The powerful evidence demonstrates the link between people’s health and wellbeing and the availability of fresh food, fruit and vegetables. Communities coming together to grow food can improve health and reduce the demands on public services including the NHS and social care budgets, by reducing social isolation and providing healthy food; 6.  The Council has already established the Right to Food and an ambitious Green Infrastructure Strategy and Nature Recovery Plan. Food grown locally supports this work; 7.  Food growing supports our Healthy Weight Strategy and the aims of Hackney’s Food Network; 8.  Community food growing is an intergenerational activity, enabling young and old to enjoy learning cultivation skills for life and strengthening food security; 9.  There is land in Hackney which could be used for growing food.   This Council UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVES to:   10.Adopt the principle of “right to grow” on council-owned land that is considered suitable in agreement with the Council; 11.Work with local resident groups and external partners (such as Hackney Food Network, Incredible Edible, Sustain Hackney, Made in Hackney, Hackney School of Food and others) to identify land suitable for community cultivation, and to make that land available; 12.Work with local resident groups and external partners to embed the principles of Right to Grow across the borough and share good practice; 13.Work with the Hackney Food Network as a platform to promote the work around the “right to grow” developing the opportunities for shared learning and support for future     Proposer: Cllr Troughton Seconder: Cllr Smyth