This week in Hackney:

Council Eyes Major Procurement Deals for Essential Services

Hackney Council is poised to make significant decisions on crucial services this week, with the Hackney Procurement Board meeting on Tuesday, April 14th, to discuss contracts worth millions of pounds. These decisions will impact everything from how residents access early pregnancy support to the technology underpinning parking and markets services.

Supporting New Parents with a £611,000 Contract

The board is set to consider awarding a contract worth up to £611,000 to the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) for an Integrated Early Pregnancy and Infant Feeding Peer Support Service. This service is vital for providing new and expectant mothers with crucial support, particularly around infant feeding and early development. The direct award is recommended due to the NCT's satisfactory performance and the limited changes to the service, aiming to avoid the risks and costs associated with a full competitive tender. This approach prioritises continuity of care for a vulnerable group, ensuring they receive essential guidance during a critical life stage. The contract includes social value commitments, such as paying staff the London Living Wage and prioritising local recruitment.

£17 Million for Safer Streets and Digital Infrastructure

A substantial business case for a new contract covering Public Space Surveillance (PSS) and Optical Fibre network installation and maintenance is also on the agenda. This contract, estimated at £17.1 million over seven years, is critical for maintaining community safety through surveillance systems and ensuring the council's digital infrastructure is robust. The strategy aims to consolidate existing contracts, ensuring the continued operation and maintenance of these essential services, which support everything from enforcement activities to the council's core ICT functions.

£10 Million for Modernising Parking and Markets IT

The procurement of new IT systems for Parking and Markets Services, with an estimated value of £10 million, is another key item. These systems are essential for statutory service delivery, income collection, and implementing policy changes. The proposed procurement route allows for flexibility to ensure the chosen systems are deliverable and well-integrated. This investment aims to modernise services that directly affect residents' daily lives, from parking fines to market stall bookings, and is planned to incorporate social value benefits like local recruitment and apprenticeships.

Adult Skills Funding and a £1 Million Contract

The board will also discuss the procurement of adult skills courses for the 2026/2027 academic year, with an estimated contract value of £1 million. The council plans to use the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Adult Learning Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to onboard delivery partners quickly. This ensures that residents can continue to access vital adult education and skills development opportunities, which are crucial for employment and personal growth. The arrangement prioritises providers who meet financial and cyber security standards and includes social value requirements such as paying the London Living Wage and offering apprenticeships.

Read the full report on the Hackney Procurement Board meeting

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Health and Risk Management

The Audit Committee met on Thursday, April 16th, to scrutinise the council's financial performance and risk management strategies. Key discussions included the Auditor's Annual Report, treasury management updates, and the risk registers for critical directorates.

Auditor's Report Highlights Financial Oversight

The committee reviewed the Auditor's Annual Report for 2024-25, which provides an independent assessment of the council's financial statements and value for money arrangements. This report is crucial for ensuring public funds are managed responsibly and that the council is financially sustainable. It identifies any significant weaknesses in governance and financial management, offering recommendations for improvement. The findings directly impact the council's ability to deliver services and its long-term financial stability.

Directorate Risks Under Scrutiny

The committee also examined the risk registers for the Children and Education Directorate and the Adults, Health and Integration Directorate. These reports detail the key corporate risks facing these vital services and outline how they are being managed. Understanding these risks is essential for safeguarding vulnerable residents, particularly children and adults requiring social care support, and for ensuring the effective delivery of education services.

Anti-Fraud Efforts Yield Significant Savings

A progress report on audit and anti-fraud activities highlighted significant savings of an estimated £846,000. These savings were achieved through investigations into tenancy fraud, No Recourse to Public Funds cases, and Blue Badge/Parking misuse. These efforts are vital for protecting public funds and ensuring that resources are directed to those who genuinely need them, preventing fraud that can undermine essential services.

The committee also reviewed the whistleblowing annual report, reinforcing the importance of an open and accountable culture, and approved the internal audit annual plan for 2026/27, which sets out the audit service's priorities for the coming year.

Read the full report on the Audit Committee meeting

Scrutiny Commission Remits Under Review

The Constitution Committee met on Tuesday, April 14th, to consider proposed changes to the remits of the council's scrutiny commissions. These changes aim to ensure that the council's overview and scrutiny function better reflects its strategic priorities and the evolving needs of the borough.

Refocusing Scrutiny for Modern Challenges

The review, conducted by the Centre for Governance & Scrutiny (CfGS), proposed renaming and adjusting the remits of several commissions. For instance, the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission is proposed to become the Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission, with an expanded remit covering housing strategy, council housing, and homelessness prevention. Similarly, the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission would be renamed the Adults, Health & Integration Scrutiny Commission.

The Skills, Economy & Growth commission is set to be renamed the Skills, Place & Economy Scrutiny Commission, with its remit broadened to include community safety, economic regeneration, transport, environment, and arts and culture. A key proposed change is the transfer of the statutory duty to scrutinise the local Community Safety Partnership from the Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission to the Skills, Place & Economy Scrutiny Commission. These adjustments are designed to ensure that scrutiny effectively addresses current challenges, from the housing crisis to climate change, and provides robust oversight of council services.

Read the full report on the Constitution Committee meeting

Other matters

• The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee met on Monday, April 13th, to discuss plans for external works to council-owned residential properties, the refurbishment of Ridley Villas, and the procurement of an external variable data print contract. The committee also received an update on external fire safety remedial works. These decisions will impact the quality of housing stock and the safety of residents. Read the full report on the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee D met on Wednesday, April 15th, to review its hearing procedure and consider Temporary Event Notices. This committee plays a role in ensuring that licensed activities do not negatively impact public safety or create public nuisance. Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee D meeting

This week in Hackney:

Council Gears Up for Major IT System Overhaul and Property Upgrades

Hackney Council is set to make significant decisions regarding its core IT infrastructure and property maintenance in the coming week. The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee will meet on Monday, April 13th, to discuss the procurement of a new Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and Payroll hosted application, a critical system for managing staff remuneration. This comes as the current contract nears its end, prompting a need for a robust replacement. The committee will also review a business case for planned external works for property asset management, impacting the upkeep of council buildings.

Overhauling HR and Payroll Systems

The proposed new HRIS and Payroll system is described as an integral requirement to provide the facility to remunerate Council staff for their services. The current contract expires at the end of March 2026, and a full tendering process has not been feasible within the timeframe. Instead, an interim solution is proposed: a three-year contract with an option for a two-year extension. This new system aims to introduce Development and Performance Management modules, enhancing how the council monitors learning and improves staff performance.

The council is also exploring the integration of HR, ICT, and Finance systems into a single Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a move that could lead to cost savings and better data utilisation. This aligns with the council's Digital Strategy, with a discovery phase for a new ERP system expected within 12 months. The report acknowledges that the current situation is a lesson learned regarding procurement timing, highlighting the importance of proactive contract management.

Social value is also a key consideration, with plans for CV workshops, mock interviews, and work experience opportunities for local residents. The committee is being asked to approve a direct award of a contract to a specific supplier via the KCS Framework.

Read the full report on the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee meeting

This week in Hackney:

Council Cabinet Discusses Financial Health and Housing Development Plans

Hackney Council's Cabinet met on Monday, March 23rd, to address the borough's financial position, review the capital programme, and consider land appropriations for new housing developments. The meeting also included a deputation on accessible toilets and a petition against Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Hoxton.

Financial Stability and Crisis Support

Councillor Robert Chapman, Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service, presented the 2025/26 Overall Financial Position Report - January 2026. This report offered a crucial update on the council's financial standing, highlighting any overspends and the measures being taken to address them. The council's financial health is paramount, directly impacting the services available to all residents, especially the most vulnerable.

A significant discussion also focused on the Use of Hackney's Crisis and Resilience Fund allocation April 2026 - March 2029. This £6.1 million annual fund, replacing the Household Support Fund, is designed to provide a safety net for residents facing hardship. The proposed allocation prioritises prevention and long-term financial resilience, with plans for crisis payments, housing support, and grants to voluntary and community sector organisations. This fund is a critical lifeline for individuals and families struggling with rising costs and unexpected emergencies.

New Homes Programme and Land Appropriation

Councillor Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Regeneration, presented a report on the New Homes Programme Tranche 1 Sites - Appropriation of Land for Planning Purposes. This sought approval to appropriate land at four sites – Cropley Court, Buckland Court, Fellows Court, and Weymouth Court – to enable the development of new homes, including much-needed social rent and shared ownership properties. The appropriation of land is a legal step to ensure development can proceed smoothly, ultimately aiming to increase the availability of affordable housing in the borough.

Accessible Toilets and LTN Concerns

A deputation led by Gemma Peramiquel-Borjas, supported by Councillor Zoë Garbett, Dalston Ward, called for the council to commit to a comprehensive Changing Places and Accessible Toilet Strategy. The proposed strategy aims to increase the number of accessible toilets, convert existing ones, and ensure robust maintenance and supply protocols. This is a vital issue for individuals with disabilities and their carers, ensuring they can participate fully in community life.

Conversely, a petition signed by 836 residents, led by Sandra Stewart, demanded the abandonment of proposed Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in Hoxton. This highlights the ongoing debate about traffic management and its impact on different communities within Hackney.

Read the full report on the Cabinet meeting

Pensions Board Reviews Fund Performance and Future Strategy

The Pensions Board met on Thursday, March 26th, to review the performance of the Hackney Pension Fund and discuss ongoing projects and training needs. The board examined reports covering funding levels, administration, and the fund's approach to climate-related financial disclosures.

Fund Performance and Climate Action

The board reviewed papers from previous Pensions Committee meetings, which included reports on the Pension Fund's funding levels and administration updates. Notably, the report highlighted a significant achievement: the Pension Fund's carbon footprint has reduced by 30.7% since 2023. This demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability within the fund's investments, a crucial aspect of responsible financial management in the face of climate change. Updates on the external audit for the Pension Fund and the application of the Stewardship Code and climate-related financial disclosures were also on the agenda.

Project Updates and Training

Several project and work updates were presented, including progress on the external audit, the migration of the administration service, and a data improvement plan. The board also received information on the Fit for the Future initiative, which aims to ensure the fund's long-term viability and effectiveness. A discussion on training for Board members was also scheduled, with a focus on identifying suitable opportunities to enhance their understanding of regulatory matters and best practices.

Read the full report on the Pensions Board meeting

Licensing Committee Discusses Late Night Levy and Regulatory Updates

The Licensing Committee met on Wednesday, March 25th, to receive an update on the Late Night Levy and review regulatory matters. The Late Night Levy is a charge applied to licensed premises in certain areas to help fund additional services aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, directly impacting the safety and well-being of residents in nightlife areas.

Late Night Levy Performance

The committee received an update on the Late Night Levy for Year 8, Quarter 4. This report provided an overview of the levy's performance and its impact on the community during the specified period. The effectiveness of this levy is crucial for ensuring that the costs associated with late-night alcohol consumption are adequately addressed through increased policing and support services.

Regulatory Developments

The committee also reviewed regulatory updates, which likely covered any new or changing legislation that affects licensing operations within Hackney. Staying abreast of these changes is essential for the council to effectively manage licensed premises and uphold the licensing objectives.

Read the full report on the Licensing Committee meeting

This week in Hackney:

Council Pushes Forward with Major Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

Hackney Council's Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, March 19th, to chart a course for improving the health and well-being of residents across the borough. The meeting tackled critical issues ranging from future health partnerships and population health strategies to the experiences of adults accessing mental health and social care services.

Redefining Partnerships for Better Population Health

A key discussion focused on the evolving partnership arrangements for City and Hackney, aiming to integrate the Health and Wellbeing Board with a revised Place Based Partnership governance structure. The goal is to create a more effective system for delivering improved population health outcomes. The proposed model suggests that Health and Wellbeing Boards will retain their strategic role in setting health priorities, while a new Partnership Board will concentrate on delivery, including the implementation of Neighbourhood Health Plans. This strategic shift could lead to more coordinated and impactful health interventions, directly benefiting residents by ensuring services are better aligned with their needs.

Tackling Adult Mental Health and Social Care Experiences

The board was set to consider the findings of the Adult Mental Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). This assessment is vital for understanding the prevalence of mental health conditions, identifying inequalities, and evaluating the local mental health service landscape, including waiting times and service user satisfaction. The report was expected to highlight challenges in service provision and propose recommendations for improvement.

Furthermore, initial findings from a mystery shopping exercise on residents' experiences with Adult Social Care were presented. While staff received positive feedback, the exercise highlighted systemic gaps in processes and communication that left residents feeling unsupported. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable individuals who rely on these services for essential support. The report aims to inform the Adult Social Care transformation programme and improve resident experience.

Addressing Health Inequities for Black Communities

The board was also to raise awareness of the Black Health Legacy research programme, seeking endorsement for its expansion in Hackney. This programme aims to address the under-representation of Black communities in health research, which perpetuates health inequalities. The research has already identified a diagnostic bias affecting Black populations in type 2 diabetes testing. By expanding this programme, Hackney aims to become a leader in inclusive health research, contributing to more equitable healthcare advancements for Black communities.

The meeting also included discussions on Hackney Thinking Spaces, a programme addressing the impact of systemic racism on the mental health of Black and Global Majority children, young people, and families, and sought cross-system support for its implementation.

Read the full report on the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Enhancing Hackney Downs Station Area with Public Realm Improvements

The Officer Executive Decisions committee met on Friday, March 20th, to consider significant proposals for the improvement of the public realm and traffic management around Hackney Downs Station. These changes are designed to create a safer, more accessible, and pleasant environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

Key Interventions for a Revitalised Area

The proposed interventions focus on three key areas:

• Hackney Downs Station and Dalston Lane Junction: Plans include a new raised zebra crossing on Dalston Lane, wider pavements, new seating, and increased planting. Bus stops will be relocated for better convenience, and traffic filters will be adjusted.
• Amhurst Road Junction with Sandringham Road: This area will see a new zebra crossing, significantly widened pavements, and the installation of street furniture and cycle hangars.
• Wayland Avenue and Navarino Road Corridor: Proposals include a new raised zebra crossing, traffic calming measures, and extensive planting to enhance the street environment.

These improvements are part of Hackney's Town Centre Strategy and aim to align with broader council objectives, including the Hackney Transport Strategy and the Air Quality Action Plan. The scheme is also supported by funding from the Hackney Central Local Regeneration Fund.

Resident Feedback and Equalities Impact

Extensive public engagement was undertaken, with 185 responses received. While there was broad support for making streets safer and more accessible, concerns were raised about potential traffic displacement and pollution. The Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) concludes that the scheme will have an overall positive impact, particularly on health, safety, and air quality. Measures are in place to mitigate potential negative impacts, such as parking loss, including the introduction of new disabled bays.

Read the full report on the Officer Executive Decisions meeting

Other matters

• The Corporate Committee met on Wednesday, March 18th, to review the annual performance of the Noise Service for 2024/25. The report detailed how the council responds to noise nuisance, including the volume of reports, types of noise, and the demand on resources. It also highlighted the significant number of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) Hackney receives, which is second only to Westminster in London. The committee also received an update on the council's Corporate Peer Challenge, reviewing progress on recommendations made during the Local Government Association's assessment. Read the full report on the Corporate Committee meeting
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met on Monday, March 16th. Key discussions included the outcome of an Ofsted Area SEND inspection and housing support for families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The commission also engaged in Q&A sessions with Cabinet members on various policy areas and reviewed recommendations on behaviour management and school inclusion. Read the full report on the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee C meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th, was cancelled. View meeting details