The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to discuss several key issues affecting residents. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Temporary Accommodation Hostel Visitor Policy, an update on supported accommodation for single homeless people with complex needs, and future plans for Carnival Arts in Hackney. Additionally, the commission will consider recent scrutiny reports, letters, and responses, as well as review its actions tracker and work programme.

Temporary Accommodation Hostel Visitor Policy

A significant focus of the meeting will be the Temporary Accommodation Hostel Visitor Policy. The commission is set to review the impact of this policy on individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Hackney, following a report by Shelter. This issue has been raised by the commission previously, including visits to temporary accommodation (TA) hostels in March 2023. Reports from Benefits & Homelessness Prevention and Shelter are scheduled for discussion. Invited attendees include Cllr Sade Etti, Cabinet Member for Homelessness Prevention, Rough Sleeping & Temporary Accommodation, alongside officers from Benefits & Homelessness Prevention, and representatives from Shelter, including Stanley Harvey, Service Manager London. The report from Shelter highlights concerns that the policy is excessively restrictive and causes harm to children and families who are facing an already traumatic and difficult situation. ¹ The report also notes that Hackney's Equality Plan 2024-2026 prioritises lone parents, domestic abuse survivors and people in temporary accommodation, acknowledging that borough policies can have the greatest impact on life chances in early years. ²

Update on Supported Accommodation for Single Homeless People with Complex Needs Review

The commission will also receive an update on the implementation of recommendations from its February 2024 review into supported accommodation for single homeless people with complex needs. The Executive's response to this review, provided in July 2025, will also be considered. A report from Benefits & Homelessness Prevention is expected. A range of attendees are invited, including Cllr Sade Etti, Cabinet Member for Homelessness Prevention, Rough Sleeping & Temporary Accommodation, Cllr Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Housing Management & Regeneration, and Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector & Culture, along with various directors and heads of service from Housing Strategy, Adult Social Care, and City & Hackney Public Health.

Update on Future Plans for Carnival Arts

The meeting will also cover future plans for Carnival Arts in Hackney. This agenda item follows up on suggestions made by the commission and the Executive's response after a meeting on 10 February 2025. A report from Arts & Culture is scheduled. Invited attendees include Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector & Culture, and officers from Arts & Culture, including Petra Roberts, Assistant Director for Culture, Libraries and Heritage, and Frank Sweeney, Strategic Lead Hackney Carnival. The report notes that on 27 January 2025, the Cabinet agreed to discontinue the annual £0.5 million Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding for a full Hackney Carnival road parade due to a significant financial deficit. ³ The council committed to working with carnival organisations to support alternative activities and explore other funding options. A transition programme of £100,000 for 2025/26 has been established, funded by NCIL and Arts Council England, to support strategic capacity building, advocacy, and a showcase event.

Scrutiny Reports, Letters & Responses

The commission will review recent reports and letters issued by the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission. These documents outline the commission's findings and recommendations following in-depth reviews or discussions on specific issues. Any responses received from executive partners to these recommendations or suggestions for improvement will also be presented. Draft letters to the Executive concerning the Housing Improvement Plan 2025-29, the VAWG Strategy 2025-29, and Joint Social Tenancies & Domestic Abuse are scheduled for discussion.

Scrutiny Actions Tracker

An update on the Scrutiny Actions Tracker will be provided. This document compiles agreed actions from previous meetings of the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, along with subsequent outcomes and results, to monitor progress against requests for information or further action. The tracker is updated after each meeting, with completed actions being removed. The latest version for March 2026 is included for members to note and comment on.