The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission of Hackney Council met on Monday 23 February 2026 to discuss the critical issue of green skills within the construction sector and review the commission's work programme. The meeting was scheduled to include presentations on green skills provision and the construction industry's response to national skills needs, as well as a review of the commission's planned activities for the upcoming year.

Green Skills and Construction

The commission was scheduled to receive an update on the provision of green skills and the construction industry's response to national skills needs. This discussion was intended to address the skills gap within the construction industry, particularly concerning retrofit and green skills. Presentations were expected from New City College, focusing on their skills provision and facilities for retrofit training, and from the London Borough of Hackney's Employment, Skills and Adult Learning team. Background information was to be provided through reports from TrustMark and the National Retrofit Hub, detailing research on the skills gap and policy recommendations for a national retrofit workforce strategy. The aim was to examine the skills required for the transition to greener construction practices, the current formal and informal qualifications available, and strategies for developing these necessary skills.

Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission Work Programme 2025/26

The commission was also scheduled to review its work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year. This included a discussion on the focus for the upcoming meeting on 19 January 2026, which was planned to centre on business voice and support for high street businesses. The agenda for this future meeting was to include an outline of previous business support programmes, an assessment of their impact, and a broader context of London-wide business support. Additionally, the commission was to consider suggestions for its future work programme, with specific attention to the business voice survey and a planned focus group for businesses.

The meeting was also scheduled to include standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, urgent items, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous meeting.