The Hackney Cabinet met on Monday 30 September 2024 to discuss a range of important issues, approving significant funding for the refurbishment of Kings Hall Leisure Centre and the use of the Household Support Fund. The Cabinet also agreed to consult on proposals to close or merge several primary schools dueIn addition, the Cabinet approved a new home to school travel policy and the renewal of a Public Spaces Protection Order relating to alcohol control.

Kings Hall Leisure Centre Refurbishment Project

The Cabinet approved the progression of the Kings Hall Leisure Centre (KHLC) refurbishment project, allowing it to proceed with submitting planning and Listed Building consent applications. This decision includes approving capital costs of up to £71.442 million for the project. The refurbishment aims to address the building's deteriorating condition, which is at the end of its life, and modernise its facilities to meet current operational demands and performance standards. The project will include a new training pool, a compliant two-court sports hall, additional health and fitness facilities, and an accessible entrance on Clapton Square. The decision was made after considering alternative options, including a do minimum refurbishment and do nothing (mothball) approach, with the recommended option deemed to offer the best long-term viability and value for money. The refurbishment is expected to increase net income by £272,000 per annum and will incorporate significant environmental improvements, including moving from gas boilers to Air Source Heat Pumps, saving 495 tCO2e per annum.

Use of Hackney’s Household Support Fund Allocation

The Cabinet authorised the Council to accept a grant of £2,822,258.58 from the Department for Work and Pensions for the Household Support Fund 6 programme, which will run from October 2024 to March 2025. This funding will be distributed to voluntary and community sector organisations and external bodies to provide crisis support to residents facing financial hardship. The programme's guiding principles include sustainability, early help, prevention, and building connectivity between services. The funding will focus on groups at greater risk of poverty, such as families with children, disabled residents, and older residents. A portion of the allocation will also be used to mitigate the impact of Universal Credit migration, ensuring communities are informed and supported through the transition.

School Estate Strategy Review

The Cabinet considered and approved proposals for consultation regarding the future of several primary schools due to falling pupil numbers and financial sustainability pressures. The proposals include the closure of St Dominics RC Primary School and St Mary's C of E Primary School on 31 August 2025. For Sir Thomas Abney Primary School and Oldhill Community Primary School, options for closure and amalgamation with nearby schools (Holmleigh Primary School and Harrington Hill Primary School, respectively) or outright closure were approved for consultation. These decisions are part of Hackney's School Estates Strategy, which aims to address a significant surplus of primary school places across the borough. The Council has acknowledged the potential impact on pupils and staff and has outlined mitigation strategies, including support for transitions and employment.

Home to School Travel Policy Consultation Outcome

The Cabinet approved the new home to school travel policy for Hackney, to take effect in the autumn term 2024. This updated policy takes into account new statutory guidance on travel for children of compulsory school age and reflects current guidance for young people aged over 16. The policy aims to promote sustainable and independent forms of travel while ensuring statutory duties are met, particularly for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The consultation process involved feedback from parents, carers, schools, and partner organisations, with the new policy reflecting a shift towards independent travel where appropriate.

Public Spaces Protection Order (Alcohol)

The Cabinet approved the renewal of the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) concerning alcohol control. This order, made under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, will last for three years and aims to place controls on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) in public spaces. The decision follows a consultation where the majority of respondents supported the renewal, citing concerns about noise, litter, and public urination. The PSPO allows authorised officers to confiscate alcohol from individuals engaged in ASB, with enforcement to be firm, fair, and proportionate. The Council has also outlined its approach to supporting vulnerable individuals and addressing ASB through a graduated enforcement process and partnership working.

Overall Financial Position Report - July 2024

The Cabinet noted the overall financial position of the Council as at July 2024, highlighting a forecast overspend of £36.705 million after mitigations. This overspend is primarily driven by increased expenditure in homelessness prevention, children and education, and adult social care. The report detailed initiatives to mitigate the overspend, including pausing revenue contributions to the capital programme and revising borrowing assumptions. The Council is revising its Medium Term Financial Plan to address the projected increase in the medium-term budget gap, acknowledging that difficult decisions will be necessary.

Capital Update and Property Disposals And Acquisitions Report

The Cabinet approved several capital schemes and property transactions. This included resource and spend approval for childcare expansion (£665,761k) to support new places for children aged 9 months to 3 years and wraparound provision for primary school children. Approval was also given for £1,000k to redevelop two council assets into children's homes, aiming to provide better quality and more stable care for looked-after children within Hackney. Additionally, the granting of a new 15-year lease to Sainsbury's at 245 Old Street, London EC1V 9EY, was approved, securing a stable income stream and avoiding a potentially costly void. The report also noted the Quarter 1 Capital Monitoring for the year ending 31 July 2024 and approved expenditure plans and re-profiling of budgets.

Updated Appointments and Nominations

The Cabinet agreed to the appointment of councillors to Outside Bodies on behalf of the Council, as listed in Appendix 1, and noted the Mayoral Appointed Representatives, as listed in Appendix 2. This ensures continued representation and engagement with various external organisations.