The Hackney Council meeting on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, saw the approval of the 2026/27 budget and Council Tax rates, with a 4.99% increase for general spending and adult social care. A key decision was the adoption of the Right to Grow principle, committing the council to work with local groups to identify and make suitable council-owned land available for community cultivation.

2026/27 Budget and Council Tax Approved

The Council has approved its budget and Council Tax rates for the 2026/27 financial year. This includes a 4.99% increase in the Council's element of Council Tax, comprising a 2% increase for adult social care and a 2.99% increase for other services. This decision was made following a recorded vote where 37 councillors voted in favour, two against, and seven abstained. The substantive Labour Group budget proposal was declared carried.

The budget aims to approve directorate estimates and general finance account items, noting that the budget reflects the priorities set out in the Strategic Plan. The Council's projected 2025/26 General Fund balance of £19.0m will be brought forward into 2026/27, with the aim of increasing this to £22m - £24m over the medium term. Similarly, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) projected 2025/26 balance of £13.5m aims to increase to £16.8m by the end of March 2027.

The approved General Fund fees and charges are set out in Appendices 7a and 7b, for implementation from 1 April 2026. The Council also approved the allocation of resources to the 2026/27 capital programme and the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy for 2026/27, with a maximum expenditure limit of £19.3m. Prudential indicators for Capital Expenditure, including the Capital Financing Requirement, Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary for External Debt, Affordability Prudential Indicators, and Treasury Management Prudential Indicators for 2026/27 were also approved.

The Council Tax base for 2026/27 was agreed at 80,163.35 Band D equivalent properties, representing an estimated collection rate of 94.5%. The Council Tax requirement for 2026/27 is £124.236m, resulting in a Band D Council Tax of £1,549.79 for Hackney purposes, with a total Band D Council Tax of £2,060.30 including the Greater London Authority (GLA) precept. The Council confirmed that the proposed increase in Council Tax requirement is not excessive and does not require a referendum.

Labour Group Motion - Right to Grow Adopted

The Council has unanimously resolved to adopt the principle of the right to grow on council-owned land considered suitable and in agreement with the Council. This motion, proposed by Councillor Lynne Troughton and seconded by Councillor Gilbert Smyth, acknowledges Hackney's commitment to resident health and well-being, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and the borough's climate emergency declaration.

The Council will work with local resident groups and external partners, including Hackney Food Network, Incredible Edible, Sustain Hackney, Made in Hackney, and Hackney School of Food, to identify suitable land for community cultivation and make it available. Furthermore, the Council will collaborate with these partners to embed the principles of right to grow across the borough and share best practices. The Hackney Food Network will be utilized as a platform to promote this initiative, fostering opportunities for shared learning and support.

Other Business

The Council also noted the fourth and final annual update of the current Strategic Plan for 2026. The proposed Council meeting calendar for 2026/27 was also noted. Amendments proposed by the Hackney Independent Socialist Group and the Green Group to the Labour Group Motion were not carried. The Council also resolved to approve the Pay Policy Statement for Chief Officers for 2026/2027.

The meeting also included a resolution that the press and public be excluded during the discussion of remaining agenda items, on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Council Tax Increase Approved

The Council approved a 4.99% increase in the Council Tax for 2026/27. This increase is composed of a 2% rise for adult social care and a 2.99% rise for other services. This decision is expected to generate approximately £5.9 million in additional resources, which will help protect adult social care services and other vital council services. The Council Tax base for 2026/27 was set at 80,163.35 Band D equivalent properties, with an anticipated collection rate of 94.5%.

Strategic Plan Annual Update Noted

The Council noted the fourth and final annual update of the current Strategic Plan for 2022-2026. The report highlighted the progress made in areas such as housing delivery, tackling poverty and inequality, and climate action, despite significant financial pressures and increasing demand for services. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to working with residents, community organisations, partners, and staff to achieve its strategic objectives.

Council Calendar 2026/27 Noted

The proposed Council meeting calendar for 2026/27 was noted by the Council. The Annual Meeting has been rescheduled to 28 May 2026 to allow for additional consultation following the local elections.

Amendments to Labour Group Motion - Right to Grow Not Carried

Amendments to the Labour Group's Right to Grow motion, proposed by the Green Group and the Hackney Independent Socialist Group, were not accepted by the proposer and seconder and were therefore not carried.

Pay Policy Statement for Chief Officers 2026/2027 Approved

The Council approved the Pay Policy Statement for Chief Officers for 2026/2027, as recommended by the Corporate Committee. There were no major changes proposed from previous years.

Declarations of Interest Noted

No declarations of interest were made by councillors during the meeting.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting Agreed

The minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 28 January 2026 were agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

Exclusion of Press and Public

A resolution was passed to exclude the press and public during the discussion of remaining agenda items, as these items were likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. An exempt appendix to the 2026/27 Budget and Council Tax Report was also noted.