The Council is scheduled to discuss proposed changes to its scrutiny commission remits, review Hackney's twinning relationships with a view to potentially terminating the agreement with Haifa, and consider the political balance of its committees following recent by-elections. Other topics include the results of recent by-elections, a deputation regarding delays to gambling impact assessments, and a resolution to extend the six-month rule for a councillor on maternity leave.

Proposed Changes to Scrutiny Commission Remits

The Council is set to consider proposed changes to the names and remits of 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 report suggests renaming the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission to the Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission and the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission to the Adults, Health & Integration Scrutiny Commission . The Skills, Economy & Growth commission would be renamed Skills, Place & Economy . Remit changes are also proposed for the Housing & Homelessness and Skills, Place & Economy commissions to encompass a wider range of responsibilities. The report notes that these proposals were considered by the Constitution Committee and recommended for adoption by Full Council.

Hackney's Twinning Relationships

A review of Hackney's twinning relationships is scheduled, with a proposal to formally terminate the civic twinning agreement with the municipality of Haifa, Israel, established in 1968. This proposal aligns with the current administration's manifesto and follows requests from the Cabinet Member for Twinning. Before a final decision is made, a period of engagement with the municipality of Haifa and other interested parties is proposed, along with an equalities impact assessment. The report also suggests a review of Hackney's twinning policy and other existing relationships, with a view to exploring new twinning models focused on peacebuilding, climate justice, and local democracy movements, particularly in the Global South. The report details the history of Hackney's twinning relationships, noting that the Göttingen and Barbados links are dormant, and the Haifa relationship is currently considered inactive. The Hackney Anglo Israeli Friendship Association (HAIFA) currently manages the link with Haifa, primarily focusing on connections with Homerton University Hospital and Rambam Medical Centre. Representations have been made to end the Haifa twinning link, citing the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.

Political Balance Review

The Council is to consider a review of the political proportionality of its committees, panels, and boards following two by-elections held in June 2026. The report details the revised political composition of the Council, with the Green Party now having 42 councillors, Labour 9, and the Conservatives 6. The report outlines the rules for securing political balance on committees and proposes consequential appointments to ensure compliance with these rules for the remainder of the municipal year.

Dalston and Hackney Central By-Election Results

The results of the by-elections held on 25 June 2026 for the Dalston and Hackney Central wards are to be noted. The report confirms that Manal Massalha was elected as Councillor for Dalston ward, and Noah Birksted-Breen was elected as Councillor for Hackney Central ward. The turnout for the Dalston by-election was 13.81%, and for Hackney Central was 15.16%.

Deputation: Delays to Gambling Impact Assessments

A deputation is scheduled to address concerns regarding delays to Gambling Impact Assessments (GIAs). The deputation highlights that 40% of Hackney's population live in income-deprived households, yet gambling premises continue to operate with potential harms to vulnerable residents, facilitated by current legislation. The report notes that Section 87 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 will allow licensing authorities to implement GIAs. The deputation urges the Council to join the BetsOffBlackstock campaign in calling for the Government (DCMS) to expedite this legislation and to update Hackney's Gambling Statement. The deputation requests that the Council make representations to the DCMS, update its Gambling Statement, and offer Hackney as a pilot for GIAs.

Resolution to Extend Six Month Rule

The Council is to consider a resolution to extend the six-month rule for Councillor Florence Cullen Davies, who is on maternity leave. Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 states that a councillor who fails to attend any meeting for six consecutive months ceases to be a member, unless their absence is approved by the authority. Councillor Cullen Davies last attended a meeting on 8 July 2026, and the report recommends approving a dispensation until 27 January 2027 to accommodate her maternity leave. This would not prevent her from returning to meetings earlier if she wished.

Appointments and Nominations to Outside Bodies

The Council is to consider appointments and nominations to various outside bodies for which Full Council is responsible. These appointments contribute to the Council's strategic functions, support partnership working, and enable members to gain and share knowledge. The report lists proposed appointments to bodies such as the Abney Park Cemetery Trust, Bangla Housing Association, and the London Pensions CIV.

Appointment to the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission

The Council is asked to agree an appointment to the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission. The report recommends the appointment of Esther Abe as the Parent Governor Representative, in accordance with legislative requirements and the Council's Constitution.

Questions from Members of the Council

A series of questions from Members of the Council are scheduled to be addressed. These cover a range of topics including the reception of the voluntary redundancy scheme, the timeline for opening Christopher Addison House as a temporary gym, the Council's approach to housing judicial reviews, upcoming planning reforms, the response to a water supply issue on the Nisbett House estate, and the Council's oversight of Live Facial Recognition technology. Other questions relate to waste disposal, phasing out zero-hour contracts for leisure centre staff, reopening play areas on the Wenlock Barn Estate, building co-operative capacity, disruption from Green Lanes works, delays in council housing repairs, the implementation of the Right to Grow motion, actions regarding the rights of nature, commercial events in Victoria Park, the reopening of community spaces at Boscobel House and Wayman Court, opportunities for community land trusts, traffic-calming measures, a four-day workweek pilot, dockless bike parking, road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, regulation of e-scooter operators, the future of the former Chinese Community Centre, and ensuring trans, non-binary, and intersex inclusivity in services.

Annual Report of the Audit Committee 2025/26

The Council is to receive the Annual Report of the Audit Committee for the 2025/26 municipal year. The report details the Committee's activities and achievements in overseeing the Council's governance, internal control, risk management, external audit, anti-fraud, and financial reporting. It highlights the Committee's role in ensuring the integrity of financial and compliance systems and notes the unqualified opinion received from external auditors on the 2024/25 accounts. The report also outlines future challenges and the proposed work programme for the upcoming year, including continued focus on budget management, risk management, and the Council's transformation programme.

Questions from Members of the Public

Members of the public are scheduled to ask questions on various topics. These include requests for non-lane swimming sessions at London Fields Lido, progress on securing outdoor seating for Faith in Nature Café, and the Mayor's plans to maintain community relations amidst rising racial abuse. Other questions concern the protection of children from the harmful effects of smartphones and social media, ensuring school and nursery resilience during heatwaves, the Council's actions regarding leasehold managing agents, replacing social housing sold through right to buy, maximising community use of public assets, improving housing allocation for families of children with SEND, emergency actions to support community-level heat emergency responses, legal mechanisms to address commercialisation of Victoria Park, dissuading Homerton Healthcare Trust from adopting Palantir's Federated Data Platform, delivering adult safeguarding principles, and commissioning an independent review of traffic measures.