The Council meeting on 28 January 2026 saw the approval of amendments to a motion on school exclusions, the endorsement of the Children and Families Service's full-year report, and the approval of the Council Taxbase and Local Business Rates Income for 2026/27. Key decisions also included the approval of the Pay Policy Statement for Chief Officers for 2026/2027 and the adoption of the Borough of Sanctuary Framework and Action Plan.

Ending School Exclusions and Preventing Harmful Outcomes

The Council unanimously approved amendments to a joint motion concerning school exclusions, presented by Councillor Sophie Conway and seconded by Councillor Margaret Gordon. The amended motion, retitled Renewing our Commitment to Further Strengthen School Inclusion and Reduce Exclusions, Preventing Harmful Outcomes, reaffirms Hackney Council's dedication to strengthening school inclusion through partnerships with the voluntary sector, local, and central government. It acknowledges Hackney's high rates of permanent exclusions and suspensions, disproportionately affecting Black and Global Majority pupils, and intersecting with SEND, safeguarding vulnerabilities, and involvement with social care and the Youth Justice service. The Council resolved to continue working with headteachers and governing bodies to promote compliance with guidance, implement the Education Strategy with a trauma-informed inclusion approach, and ensure no pupil with SEND is excluded unless statutory duties have been met. Further actions include strengthening peer support for parents, developing the approach to monitoring managed moves, improving transparency by publishing exclusions data, and developing an inclusion panel to review potential exclusions. The Council also resolved to continue advocating nationally for a fully inclusive education system.

Children and Families Service Full Year Report 2024-25

The Council noted and endorsed the content of the Children and Families Annual Report 2024/25. The report, introduced by Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Young People, Councillor Anntoinette Bramble, highlights significant improvements in services for vulnerable children and families, with an overall effectiveness rating of 'good' from Ofsted. Key achievements include the opening of the Sonder Space Care Leavers Hub, improved provision for care leavers, and enhanced return home interviews for children missing from care. The report details the ongoing implementation of the Families First Partnership Reforms, aiming to integrate Early Help with statutory services, and the continued development of the STAR (Systemic, Trauma-Informed and Anti-Racist) approach across children's social care, education, and health systems. The report also outlines progress in areas such as early help, family support, youth justice, domestic abuse intervention, and support for young carers.

Council Taxbase and Local Business Rates Income 2026/27

The Council approved the Council Taxbase for 2026/27, setting it at 80,163.35 Band D equivalent properties, based on an estimated collection rate of 94.5%. Delegated authority was given to the Group Director of Corporate Resources to determine the 2026/27 Business Rates Base. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026/27 will remain unchanged from the previously approved scheme. Councillor Robert Chapman, Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service, presented the report, which is a key component of setting the budget and Council Tax for the forthcoming financial year. The report details the statutory requirements for calculating the Council Tax Base and outlines the significant changes to the Business Rates system from April 2026, including a new five-tier multiplier system and a comprehensive revaluation of properties.

Borough of Sanctuary Framework and Action Plan

The Council noted Cabinet's consideration and agreement for the publication of the Borough of Sanctuary Framework and Action Plan. This plan, co-produced with residents and voluntary sector partners, articulates how Hackney Council will embed a culture of welcome and support for refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers. It aims to improve access to services, remove barriers, and uphold the rights and dignity of sanctuary seekers. The framework is underpinned by principles of anti-racist practice, co-production with residents, a trauma-informed approach, early intervention, and partnership working. The action plan outlines priorities across various directorates, including developing council services and staff understanding, ensuring accessible interpreting services, exploring employment opportunities for sanctuary seekers, and enhancing public health support.

Pay Policy Statement for Chief Officers 2026/2027

The Council approved the Pay Policy Statement for Chief Officers for 2026/2027, as recommended by the Corporate Committee. This statement, required by the Localism Act 2011, outlines the Council's policies on the remuneration of its chief officers, lowest-paid employees, and the relationship between their pay. The statement details policies on appointment, pay elements, pay increases, termination payments, and the use of pay multiples. It confirms that bonuses will not be paid to chief officers and outlines policies on redundancy, early retirement, and other severance payments, adhering to statutory guidance. The statement also includes the Council's commitment to paying at least the London Living Wage to its lowest-paid employees and maintaining transparency by publishing chief officer remuneration data.

Motion: Ending School Exclusions and Preventing Harmful Outcomes

The Council resolved to approve the joint motion, as submitted by Councillor Binnie-Lubbock and seconded by Councillor Turbet-Delof, concerning the ending of school exclusions and preventing harmful outcomes. The motion acknowledges Hackney's high rates of permanent exclusions and suspensions, disproportionately affecting Black and Global Majority pupils, and the harm caused by punitive disciplinary cultures. The Council resolves to work with schools to ensure behaviour policies comply with guidance and anti-racist principles, ensuring exclusion is a last resort. It commits to implementing the Education Strategy with a trauma-informed inclusion approach, ensuring no pupil with SEND is excluded unless statutory duties are met, and promoting trauma-informed, culturally competent practice. The Council will also strengthen support to prevent exclusions, oversee managed moves, improve transparency by publishing exclusions data, and develop an inclusion panel. Furthermore, the Council will continue to advocate nationally for a fully inclusive education system.

The original joint motion was not carried, but the Labour Group's amendments were subsequently approved.