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Council - Tuesday 28 July 2026 7.00 pm
July 28, 2026 at 7:00 pm Council View on council website Watch video of meetingSummary
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The Council meeting on Tuesday 28 July 2026 saw significant decisions made regarding Hackney's international twinning relationships, with a resolution to initiate a review of existing partnerships and, in principle, terminate the long-standing civic twinning agreement with Haifa, Israel. The Council also agreed to proposed name and remit changes to its Scrutiny Panel and Commissions and noted the results of recent by-elections.
Hackney's Twinning Relationships Reviewed
A key decision made by the Council was to initiate a review of Hackney's twinning policy and its existing relationships, with the aim of aligning them with the Council's values. This review will include a formal process to terminate the 1968 civic twinning agreement with the City of Haifa, Israel. This decision was made in principle, subject to a period of engagement with interested parties and a full equalities impact assessment. The Mayor of Hackney, Mayor Zoe Garbett, was authorised to formally write to the Mayor of Haifa to seek their views on the proposed termination. A cross-party Twinning working group will be established to oversee this review, with a report to be presented to a future Full Council meeting for final decisions on Hackney's twinning agreements. This move reflects the manifesto commitment of the current administration to ensure international partnerships reflect Hackney's values.
Changes to Scrutiny Commission Remits Approved
The Council agreed to proposed name and remit changes to its Scrutiny Panel and Commissions. These changes aim to better align the work programmes with the Council's organisational structure and strategic priorities, and to address issues of importance to local communities. The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will be renamed the Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission, and the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission will become the Adults, Health & Integration Scrutiny Commission. The Skills, Economy & Growth Scrutiny Commission will be renamed the Skills, Place & Economy Scrutiny Commission. Remit changes were also agreed for the Housing & Homelessness and Skills, Place & Economy Scrutiny Commissions to encompass a broader range of responsibilities, including planning, community safety, and environmental matters.
By-Election Results Noted
The Council formally noted the results of the by-elections held in June 2026 for the Dalston and Hackney Central wards. In Dalston, Manal Massalha of the Green Party was elected, and in Hackney Central, Noah Birksted-Breen, also of the Green Party, was elected.
Deputation Received on Gambling Impact Assessments
The Council received a deputation regarding delays to Gambling Impact Assessments (GIAs). The deputation highlighted concerns about the increasing number of gambling premises operating in Hackney, despite the recognised harms they can cause to vulnerable residents. They urged the Council to make representations to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to expedite the necessary legislation and to update Hackney's Gambling Statement. The Council resolved to note receipt of this deputation.
Council Constitution Amendments Agreed
Proposed name and remit changes to the Council's Scrutiny Panel and Commissions were agreed. The Monitoring Officer was authorised to make any necessary typographical or grammatical corrections and to amend all relevant parts of the Council's Constitution to reflect these changes.
Political Balance Review and Appointments Approved
Following two by-elections in June 2026, the Council noted the revised political proportionality across its Committees, Sub-Committees, Commissions, Panels, and Boards. Consequently, the Council approved appointments to these bodies for the remainder of the municipal year, ensuring compliance with the rules on political balance.
Dispensation Granted for Maternity Leave
A dispensation was approved for Councillor Florence Cullen Davies from the statutory requirement to attend Council meetings for a period up to 27 January 2027, to accommodate her maternity leave. This decision ensures that Councillor Cullen Davies does not cease to be a member of the Council due to her absence.
Appointments to Outside Bodies Agreed
The Council agreed to appointments, or nominations for appointments, of Councillors to various outside bodies on behalf of the Council, as detailed in the relevant appendix. These appointments are for roles that contribute to the Council's strategic functions, partnership working, and knowledge sharing.
Appointment to Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission
The appointment of Esther Abe as the Parent Governor Representative to the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission was agreed. This appointment is in line with legislative requirements for parent governor representation on this commission.
Audit Committee Annual Report Noted
The Council noted the Annual Report of the Audit Committee for the 2025/26 municipal year. The report detailed the Committee's activities and achievements in overseeing the Council's governance, internal control, risk management, and financial reporting. The report highlighted the Committee's role in ensuring financial resilience and effective management of resources.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Speaker's Announcements
Recommendations Approved -
Annual Report of the Audit Committee 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Hackney approved the Annual Report of the Audit Committee 2025/26 on 28/07/2026. The report details the Audit Committee's activities and achievements in overseeing the Council's governance, control, risk management, and financial reporting. The decision noted the report and confirmed the Audit Committee fulfilled its role effectively.
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Appointments and Nominations to Outside Bodies
Recommendations ApprovedHackney Council's Council on 28/07/2026 approved the appointments and nominations of Councillors to outside bodies as set out in Appendix 1. The decision formally agreed the list of Councillors appointed to various outside bodies for a four-year term.
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Dalston and Hackney Central By-Election Results June 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Hackney Council on 28/07/2026 approved recommendations to note the results of the by-elections for Dalston and Hackney Central wards. The decision noted the declared elected councillors for Dalston ward and Hackney Central ward.
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Hackney Council decided to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 March 2026. The Council also approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 28 May 2026 as a true and accurate record. The Council approved the proposed calendar of meetings for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.
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Deputation - Delays to Gambling Impact Assessments
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Hackney Council decided on 28/07/2026 to approve recommendations regarding delays to Gambling Impact Assessments. The Council resolved to note receipt of the deputation and agreed to make representations to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, update the Gambling Statement, and offer Hackney as a pilot for Gambling Impact Assessments.
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Appointment to the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Hackney Council decided to approve the appointment of Esther Abe as Parent Governor Representative to the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission on 28 July 2026.
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Hackney’s Twinning Relationships
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council decided to initiate a review of Hackney's twinning policy and existing relationships, and to agree in principle to terminate the 1968 civic twinning agreement with the City of Haifa, Israel. The Council also agreed to create a Twinning working group composed of cross-party members to review the policy and inform decisions on existing relationships.
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Political Balance Review
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Hackney approved recommendations regarding political balance on committees, sub-committees, commissions, panels, and boards on 28/07/2026. This included noting revised political proportionality and approving consequential appointments for the remainder of the municipal year. The decision followed a review triggered by two by-elections in June 2026.
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Council Constitution - Proposed Changes to Scrutiny Commission Remits
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council decided to approve proposed name and remit changes to the Council's Scrutiny Panel and Commissions on 28/07/2026. The Monitoring Officer was authorised to make typographical or grammatical corrections and to amend the Council's Constitution to reflect these changes.
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Section 85 Local Government Act 1972 – Resolution To Extend Six Month Rule
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council of Hackney approved a dispensation for Councillor Cullen Davies from the statutory requirement to attend meetings until 27 January 2027 to accommodate her maternity leave. This decision was made on 28 July 2026. Councillor Cullen Davies' committee and ward duties will be considered by the Green Group Convenor and her ward colleagues.
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