Councillor Margaret Gordon

Pensions Committee - Tuesday 23 September 2025 6.30 pm

The Pensions Committee of Hackney Council met on Tuesday 23 September 2025, approving several key policy documents and noting updates on investment performance and ongoing projects. Decisions included the approval of the Funding Strategy Statement and associated policies, the noting of quarterly performance and responsible investment updates, and the approval of the 2024/25 UK Stewardship Code submission.

Council - Wednesday 17 September 2025 7.00 pm

The Hackney Council meeting on 17 September 2025 included discussion of climate change initiatives, scrutiny reports, and a motion regarding the two-child benefit cap, which was ultimately rejected. Councillors also approved the annual update on decarbonisation commitments, the Overview and Scrutiny annual report, the Standards Committee annual report, and noted decisions taken under special urgency provisions.

Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission - Monday 15 September 2025 7.00 pm

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met on Monday 15 September 2025 to discuss behaviour management and school inclusion, the lessons learned from previous children's centre consultations, and an update on childcare sufficiency. Key discussions included the challenges faced by schools in managing pupil behaviour, the impact of the pandemic, and the need for better external support. The commission also reviewed the findings of a lessons learned report concerning past consultations on children's centres, highlighting issues with communication and documentation. An update on childcare sufficiency revealed that while there is capacity for more children, particularly in the under-two age group, providers are proceeding with caution regarding expansion.

Scrutiny Panel - Monday 1 September 2025 7.00 pm

The Scrutiny Panel of Hackney Council met on Monday 01 September 2025 to discuss the council's budget, review the scrutiny function's work programme, and consider minutes from previous meetings. Key discussions revolved around the significant financial challenges facing the council, including a projected budget gap of £51 million and the impact of the Fair Funding Review, alongside updates on directorate budgets and savings proposals. The panel also reviewed the Housing Ombudsman's special report on Hackney Council's housing services and agreed on the terms of reference for the Budget Scrutiny Task and Finish Panel.

Pensions Committee - Tuesday 29 July 2025 6.30 pm

The Hackney Council Pensions Committee convened to discuss investment strategies, responsible investment, and the fund's overall performance. Key decisions included approving recommendations for investment strategy training, updating the voting policy, and endorsing the investment strategy review process. The committee also addressed the allocation of resources and future investment approaches, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and the fund's objectives.