Councillor Soraya Adejare

Soraya Adejare's council service, spanning from 2014 to 2026, reveals a consistent dedication to scrutiny, resident welfare, and equitable development, with a pronounced shift towards housing and community oversight in recent years.

Recent Activity and Evolving Focus (2025-2026):

In the most recent period, Adejare's documented activities in 2026 are limited to apologies for absence from the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission. This follows a pattern of noted absences or lateness in some meetings in 2025, despite her significant engagement throughout that year. In 2025, Adejare served as Vice-Chair and then Chair of the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, demonstrating a strong commitment to scrutinizing council performance across a broad spectrum of issues. Her priorities included housing quality, particularly temporary accommodation, financial projections for housing programs, and the impact of funding on service delivery. She also focused on special educational needs, children's programs, regeneration, and environmental initiatives like climate leadership and emission reduction. Adejare actively engaged with resident concerns, including those related to adult social care and housing repairs, and highlighted the council's support for refugees and migrants. Her personal experience as a housing association tenant informed her questioning of Housing Associations' Net Zero processes and affordability for vulnerable residents.

Key Themes and Priorities:

Across her tenure, Adejare has consistently prioritized:

• Scrutiny and Oversight: A core function throughout her service, particularly as Chair or Vice-Chair of the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission and a member of the Audit Committee. She has a keen eye for detail, questioning financial projections, performance metrics, and the effectiveness of council initiatives.
• Housing: This has become an increasingly dominant theme, especially in recent years. Her focus ranges from the quality of temporary accommodation and housing repairs to broader housing strategies, resident engagement, and the affordability of housing for vulnerable populations.
• Resident Welfare and Community Engagement: Adejare has consistently advocated for residents, particularly marginalized groups. This includes championing the voices of grassroots organizations, addressing concerns about social care, and highlighting the impact of crises like the cost of living.
• Social Justice and Equity: Her work has frequently touched upon issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion, including support for minoritized groups, recognition of historical connections (e.g., UN International Decade for People of African Descent), and addressing stigma faced by single parents.
• Safeguarding: Adejare played a crucial role in scrutinizing the Child Q review, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring improved practices and accountability in safeguarding matters.

Evolution of Focus:

Adejare's early council service (2014-2018) saw her involved in the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission and a significant period as Speaker. While these roles involved broad oversight, her focus has sharpened considerably in recent years, with housing and the detailed scrutiny of the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission becoming central. The emphasis has moved from broader council functions to more specific, resident-facing service delivery and strategic planning, particularly within the housing sector.

Most Significant Contributions (Recent Years):

• Chair of Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission (2023-2025): Leading investigations into critical areas like Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Arts & Culture, estate regeneration, the Private Rented Sector, and housing strategies. Her leadership in chairing the Special Joint Scrutiny meeting concerning the Child Q review was particularly significant.
• Advocacy for Ridley Road Traders (2022): Her support was instrumental in securing the lease for the indoor market and Shopping Village.
• Championing the Cost of Living Crisis (2022): Moving and speaking on a motion for an Emergency Budget to address its impact on residents.
• Motion on Stigma for Single Parents (2021): Successfully advocating for the council to recognize single parents as a protected characteristic.

Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:

Adejare's consistent interest lies in holding the council accountable and ensuring that services meet the needs of all residents, with a particular concern for those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Her commitment to scrutiny, evidenced by her repeated roles in scrutiny commissions, remains a constant. While her specific areas of focus have evolved, the underlying principle of ensuring effective governance and resident-centric service delivery has been a hallmark of her council service.