This week in Hackney:

Noise Complaints Prompt Review of Two Popular Hackney Venues

The Licensing Sub Committee E met on Tuesday, July 14th, to consider two significant applications for the review of premises licences, both stemming from concerns about public nuisance. The venues in question are the popular entertainment hub Boxpark in Bethnal Green Road and Sevente on Hackney Road. These reviews highlight the council's ongoing efforts to balance vibrant nightlife with the right of residents to peace and quiet.

Boxpark Faces Scrutiny Over Noise

The committee was scheduled to examine a review of the premises licence for the four decking areas on the first floor of Boxpark, located at 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6GY. The review was initiated by a local resident, Joanna Gray, who cited public nuisance as the grounds for her complaint.

The application for review pointed to a shift in Boxpark's operation since 2023, moving from a restaurant-focused model to one heavily featuring amplified music and events. This change, according to the applicant, has led to persistent noise disturbances, particularly low-frequency bass, audible in nearby homes. Boxpark's open structure and construction were noted as factors contributing to sound transmission. Five local residents supported the review, while Boxpark Limited reportedly engaged in noise testing and resident outreach to address concerns. The committee had to consider Hackney's Statement of Licensing Policy, including provisions on cumulative impact, and could have chosen to modify licence conditions, suspend, or even revoke the licence.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee E meeting

Sevente Licence Under Threat Due to Persistent Noise Nuisance

Also under review was the premises licence for Sevente, located at 283 Hackney Road, E2 7JQ. This review was brought forward by Charlene Thorneycroft on behalf of the Environmental Protection Authority, also citing public nuisance.

Sevente has a documented history of 56 official noise complaints received by Environmental Protection between March 2023 and March 2026. Despite repeated engagement and advice from officers, statutory noise nuisance and complaints persisted. A Noise Abatement Notice was served in September 2024, followed by breaches of this notice and a subsequent prosecution. C&B Hospitality Limited, the licence holder, pleaded guilty and was fined £2,500 in January 2026 for two breaches of the abatement notice. The report indicated that the applicant was seeking the revocation of the premises licence due to the licensee's failure to uphold licence conditions, particularly regarding sound limiters. The officer's recommendation was for revocation, a decision that would significantly impact the venue and its patrons.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee E meeting

Major Investments Approved for SEND Provision, Heat Networks, and Children's Services

The Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee met on Wednesday, July 15th, approving significant investments that will directly benefit vulnerable children and contribute to Hackney's environmental goals. The committee greenlit refurbishments for a special educational needs school, the development of a low-carbon heat network, and the recommissioning of vital children's therapy services.

New SEND Places at Baden Powell Primary School

The committee approved the appointment of a contractor to refurbish the former Baden Powell Primary School to create 48 new places for secondary-aged pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). This is a crucial step in addressing the growing demand for SEND provision in Hackney, where approximately 20% of children and young people have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or receive Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support, exceeding both London and national averages. The project, costing £3.8 million, will also incorporate sustainable technologies, aligning with the council's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Colville Heat Network to Boost Green Energy

A Design, Build, Operate and Maintain (DBOM) contract was approved for the Colville Heat Network, a project valued at an estimated £34.81 million over 15 years. This initiative is vital for transitioning the Colville and Britannia developments away from individual fossil fuel heating systems towards a more efficient, low-carbon heat network. This decision directly supports Hackney's Climate Action Plan and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, offering a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for residents.

Recommissioning of Children's Therapy Services

The committee also approved the procurement of Integrated Children's Occupational Therapy (ICOT) and Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) services. These contracts, valued at up to £4.7 million for ICOT and £12.2 million for SaLT, aim to streamline service delivery, reduce duplication, and improve outcomes for children and young people. The preferred approach is joint commissioning with the North East London Integrated Care Board (NEL ICB), ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to children's health and wellbeing.

Family Group Conferencing Brought In-House

In a move to enhance family support, the committee agreed to insource the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) service, creating an in-house Family Led Decision Making (FLDM) Team. This decision, effective from October 1st, 2026, aims to increase family choice and improve the delivery of support packages for families, ensuring better outcomes for children and young people.

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

Libraries Strategy Praised for Community Impact, Work Programme Focuses on Resident Concerns

Hackney's libraries are evolving into vital community hubs, offering more than just books, according to an update presented to the Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission on Monday, July 13th. The commission also began shaping its work programme for the upcoming year, identifying key resident concerns such as traffic management and waste services.

Libraries as Thriving Community Hubs

The commission reviewed the Libraries Strategy 2022-2026, highlighting significant achievements in increasing community engagement, staff satisfaction, and the overall impact of libraries as one-stop shops for residents. Despite a temporary dip in footfall due to the closure of Hackney Central Library, overall usage is rising, with digital engagement surging. Libraries are increasingly offering health and wellbeing programmes, digital inclusion support, and acting as a crucial point of contact for council services.

Councillor Siobhan MacMahon inquired about the progress of the Stoke Newington Library refurbishment, which is facing delays due to the building's condition but is expected to provide an updated timeline in the autumn. The commission also discussed the role of libraries as cooling spaces during extreme heat, noting that while Shoreditch Library is no longer designated as such, Hackney Central and Homerton libraries are equipped with cooling systems.

Shaping the Scrutiny Agenda

The commission also began planning its work programme for 2026/27, informed by extensive public feedback. Key areas of concern identified by residents include:

• Traffic Management: Persistent issues with gridlock, longer commutes, and traffic displacement due to Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and road closures.
• Waste Management: Dissatisfaction with bin collection frequency, litter, and fly-tipping.
• Safety and Antisocial Behaviour: Ongoing concerns about public disorder and drug dealing in specific areas.
• Housing and Development: Worries about the impact of new housing developments on local services and rent inflation.
• Governance and Consultation: A feeling among residents of being excluded from decision-making processes.

Councillor Jasmine O'Connor suggested scrutinising the pressures on the voluntary and community sector and the challenges faced by local businesses. Councillor Izzy Castello-Cortes proposed reviewing the council's communication and consultation processes, particularly concerning LTNs. The commission's remit is set to expand to include community safety and the environment, renamed the Skills, Place & Economy Scrutiny Commission.

Read the full report on the Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission meeting

This week in Hackney:

Safeguarding Concerns at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy Spark Scrutiny

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission convened on Wednesday, July 8th, to delve into the critical findings of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review concerning Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA). The review, initiated due to parental concerns about the school's behaviour policy, highlighted serious issues including shouting, desking (a sanction involving pupils sitting at desks in corridors), a lack of reasonable adjustments for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and a pervasive culture of fear.

Jim Gamble, Independent Safeguarding Children Commissioner for the City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership, expressed disappointment that MVPA had not explicitly acknowledged the review's findings or recommendations, stating, it's very hard to identify any impact, any evidence of actual change. He stressed the need to test the veracity of the findings and expressed concerns about constructively ambiguous language used by the school's leadership. The absence of the Department for Education (DfE), the academy's regulator, from the meeting was noted as a significant hurdle to effective scrutiny.

Toby Campbell-Gray, Chair of the Mossbourne Federation Board, asserted that enormous progress had been made, with confidence in the executive team to implement recommendations. However, he acknowledged that the full impact might take around about a year to be able to see the real evidence of the difference made. The Federation's approach centres on listening, understanding, and assurance, with improvements to the complaints process and the development of a why booklet to explain school policies.

Councillor Daniel Rea raised concerns about the disproportionality of sanctions, particularly for Black boys and pupils with SEND, questioning the £400,000 spent on legal representation and a competing review. Councillor Cathy Troupp, a child psychotherapist, voiced concern about the culture of fear and questioned whether shouting constitutes abuse. Councillor Janet Lee highlighted MVPA's higher-than-national average pupil retention loss rate.

The commission expressed frustration at the perceived deflection of questions and the lack of direct answers, particularly regarding the application of the behaviour policy and its impact on vulnerable pupils. The absence of the DfE, the regulator for academies, was a recurring point of concern, highlighting an accountability gap. The commission plans to write to the Secretary of State regarding this issue and will revisit behaviour management and inclusion in schools as a focus for their future work programme.

Read the full report on the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission meeting

Housing Services Face Scrutiny Over Rising Complaint Escalation Rates

Hackney Council's Housing Services are under scrutiny following a slight decrease in overall complaints but a significant rise in the escalation rate of these complaints to Stage 2. The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission met on Monday, July 6th, to review the Housing Services Annual Complaints Performance Report for 2025/26.

While Stage 1 complaints saw a 1.8% decrease, the escalation rate to Stage 2 jumped to 27.5%, up from 20.1% in the previous year. Key drivers for complaints included issues with repairs, particularly gas and plumbing, and a rise in complaints related to Housing Management and Income Services.

Commission members raised concerns about contractor management, the effectiveness of short-term versus long-term solutions for issues like damp and mould, and the potential for waste from repeat visits. Officers outlined plans to address these challenges, including hiring additional staff, implementing a new behavioural framework to improve service delivery, and enhancing data analysis to better understand complaint trends. The commission also began developing its work programme for 2026/27, with a strong focus on temporary accommodation, retrofit and energy efficiency, resident engagement, and the specific needs of vulnerable residents.

Read the full report on the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission meeting

NHS Data Platform and Community Pharmacy Services Under Review

The Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday, July 9th, to discuss the future of the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), changes to community pharmacy services, and the annual report of Healthwatch Hackney.

NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP)

Tom Nettle, Deputy CEO of Homerton Healthcare, provided an update on the FDP, a national initiative by NHS England. Homerton Healthcare currently uses the FDP in a limited capacity for non-patient data on A&E admissions to the London Ambulance Service. While adoption is encouraged, it is not mandated. Homerton Healthcare would be obliged to use it if required by NHS England or NHS London for performance data. Nettle stated there were no current plans for further utilisation beyond existing use, and uncertainty surrounding the platform's future had not led to significant internal planning or expenditure. The commission noted that any mandate would require Homerton Healthcare to comply.

Community Pharmacies in Hackney

Shilpa Shah, CEO of Community Pharmacy North East London, discussed the impact of recent changes to the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework. She highlighted the vital role of community pharmacies in offering services beyond dispensing, including support for minor illnesses and crucial contraception services. A significant upcoming change is the introduction of independent prescribing by community pharmacists from autumn 2026, allowing them to prescribe for a wider range of conditions. A Meningitis B vaccination service for eligible university students will also be available. Shah noted financial pressures on pharmacies and advocated for greater government support. The discussion also touched upon the reduced scope of the Minor Ailment Scheme and the discontinuation of funding for monitored dosage systems.

Healthwatch Hackney Annual Report

Deborah Cohen, Chair of Healthwatch Hackney, and Sally Beaven, Executive Director, presented their annual report. Despite the impending abolition of local Healthwatch bodies, the organisation has continued its work, collecting feedback from residents and publishing reports on GP practices and Homerton Hospital services. Positive feedback indicated improvements in GP patient experience, though concerns were raised about the declining reliability of telephone access to GP practices. The commission expressed concern about the potential loss of Healthwatch's expertise in gathering resident feedback and advocating for co-production.

The commission also began scoping a review into improving outcomes for Black women in NHS acute and community mental health services, acknowledging the complex inequalities that contribute to poor mental health outcomes.

Read the full report on the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission meeting

Pension Fund Sees Improved Funding Level Despite Market Volatility

The Hackney Pension Fund's funding level has improved to 138% at the 2025 valuation, up from 106% in 2022, according to a training session delivered to the Pensions Board on Wednesday, July 8th. Rhys Notman from Hymans Robertson explained that this improvement is largely due to a reduction in the Fund's liabilities, driven by expectations of higher future investment returns influenced by changes in the economic environment and interest rates.

Catherine Pearce was appointed Chair of the Pensions Board for the Municipal Year 2026/27. The Board also reviewed the 2025 valuation results, the funding strategy set for different employer types, and the governance audit trail. While the overall funding level is positive, the Board noted that market volatility, including geopolitical tensions, has impacted the fund since the valuation date, with the estimated funding level now at 132%.

The Board also reviewed public papers from the Pensions Committee meetings, noting an unqualified audit opinion on the 2024/25 Pension Fund accounts and the resolution of a system glitch affecting journals. Updates on administration, projects, and the Treasury Management Strategy were also provided. The Board acknowledged the importance of the new mandatory training strategy and the updated Conflict of Interest Policy.

Read the full report on the Pensions Board meeting

Licensing Sub Committee B Considers Variation to Premises Licence for The Talbot

The Licensing Sub Committee B met on Tuesday, July 7th, to consider a variation to the premises licence for The Talbot, located at 109 Mortimer Road, London, N1 4JY. The application sought to extend hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment until 00:30 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and to include hours for live and recorded music on the same days.

The application faced significant opposition, with representations received from the Environmental Health Authority on the grounds of public nuisance, and from 47 local residents concerned about crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. One email in support was also received. The committee had to balance the applicant's request against the substantial concerns raised by residents and the potential impact on the licensing objectives.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee B meeting

This week in Hackney:

Council Approves Major Regeneration Projects, Including New Homes and Community Spaces

Hackney Council's Cabinet met on Monday, June 29th, making significant decisions on capital investments and regeneration projects that will shape the borough's future. The meeting saw the approval of substantial funding for new children's homes and extensive regeneration schemes, including the Woodberry Down development.

New Homes and Improved Facilities for Children

The Cabinet approved an additional £350,000 for the refurbishment and repurposing of two council-owned properties at 38 Firsby Road and 15 Triangle Road to create two much-needed children's homes. This investment is vital for providing safe and supportive environments for vulnerable young people in the council's care.

Further capital investments totalling £1.9 million were approved for Section 106 (S106) schemes. These funds will support public realm improvements in areas like Hackney Wick and Red Path to the Canal, enhance green spaces in Shoreditch, and expand residential solar power across council homes. An additional £800,000 of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) revenue was also allocated to the council's cultural programme for 2026/27, promising to enrich community life.

Woodberry Down Regeneration Moves Forward

Key decisions were made regarding the ongoing Woodberry Down regeneration scheme. The Cabinet approved the appropriation of land for planning purposes at Woodberry Down Phase 4 and authorised a 999-year lease to Berkeley Homes. This paves the way for the construction of 511 new homes, with 222 designated as affordable housing.

For Phase 5 of the regeneration, the Cabinet authorised the service of Initial Demolition Notices to suspend the 'Right to Buy' for secure tenants. Residents will be awarded 'Decant Status', and the preparation of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was authorised. This process aims to secure land for approximately 800 new homes, with 40% being affordable. The Cabinet also approved payments for home loss and disturbance for secure tenants in Phases 6-8 who may need to relocate within the development.

Local Plan Development Begins

The Cabinet approved the publication of the Local Plan Notice of Intention and Timetable. This marks the initial step in developing a new Local Plan for Hackney, a process that will involve extensive community and stakeholder engagement over the next 30 months. This new plan will guide future development and planning decisions across the borough.

The meeting also included noting the Mayor's nominations for appointments to various Outside Bodies and approving nominations for Local Authority Governors at several schools. Discussions on other agenda items were held in private due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Read the full report on the Cabinet meeting

New Premises Licence Application for Bohemia Place Under Review

The Licensing Sub Committee D met on Monday, June 29th, to consider a premises licence application for Unit 3 (Arch 167) Bohemia Place, London, E8 1HA. The application, from Bread and Butter Collection Limited, sought authorisation for regulated entertainment, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol.

The proposed hours included live and recorded music until 1 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with late-night refreshment also available until 1 am on those days. The sale of alcohol was requested until 1 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

While the Environmental Health Authority and the Police withdrew their objections after agreed conditions were met, a representation was received from local residents. Their concerns centred on the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The committee had to weigh these resident concerns against the applicant's proposals, considering the potential impact on the local community.

The committee also reviewed the procedure for Licensing Sub-Committee hearings.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee D meeting

Planning Permission Granted for New Residential Developments

The Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday, July 2nd, and granted planning permission for two new residential developments.

Furrow Lane Development Approved

Permission was granted for the demolition of former garage buildings at 1-2 Furrow Lane, Hackney, London, E9 6JS. A new building will be constructed, comprising one supported co-living unit and eight self-contained residential units, along with shared amenities and community spaces. This decision is subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement.

Orsman Road Development Approved

Planning permission was also granted for the demolition of existing buildings at 16-24 Orsman Road, London, N1 5QJ. A new building will be erected, featuring flexible commercial floorspace and nine residential units, along with roof gardens and landscaping. This development is also subject to conditions and a legal agreement.

The committee also confirmed the appointments of its Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming municipal year and approved the minutes of its previous meeting.

Read the full report on the Planning Sub-Committee meeting

This week in Hackney:

Council Pledges £53 Million to Integrate Health and Social Care Services

Hackney Council is set to invest over £53 million in the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2026-27, a significant sum aimed at integrating health and social care services to help residents live independently for longer. The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, June 25th, to approve the BCF Plan, which pools budgets from the council and the NHS. This funding is crucial for shifting care from hospitals to community-based prevention, directly impacting the lives of vulnerable residents by aiming to reduce hospital admissions and speed up discharge.

The plan prioritises embedding services within a hyper-local neighbourhood model and tackling health inequalities. Key goals include reducing non-elective hospital admissions and addressing delayed discharges, with a focus on integrated Home First approaches. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Hackney Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy, which also focuses on improving mental health and supporting financial stability.

Read the full report on the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting

Pension Fund Navigates Market Volatility with £1.76% Underperformance

The Hackney Pension Fund experienced a return of -2.20% for the quarter ending March 31st, 2026, underperforming its benchmark by -1.76%. The Pensions Committee met on Wednesday, June 24th, to review the fund's investment performance and governance. While the past year's return was 9.39%, it still fell short of its benchmark by 0.11%.

The committee approved an updated Conflict of Interest Policy, a vital step in ensuring transparency and managing potential conflicts for all involved in the fund's management. They also noted changes to the Risk Register, with particular attention to governance risks as the fund prepares for new regulatory requirements by the end of 2026. The draft Business Plan for 2026-27 to 2028-29 outlines priorities including implementing the McCloud remedy and improving member data.

The underperformance was attributed to several funds, including the LCIV Global Alpha Growth Paris Aligned fund and the LCIV Sustainable Equity Fund. Despite market volatility, the committee received updates on responsible investment efforts and the ongoing transition of assets to the London CIV. The committee also reviewed the training plan for members, ensuring they meet the knowledge and skills requirements for their roles.

Read the full report on the Pensions Committee meeting

Adult Social Care Strategy Focuses on Prevention and Independence

Hackney's draft strategy for Adult Social Care, covering 2026-2031, was presented to the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission on Tuesday, June 23rd. The strategy aims to strengthen preventative services, improve access to support, and promote independence for residents, aligning with the principles of the Care Act 2014.

The strategy was developed through extensive engagement with residents, carers, staff, and partners. Key priorities include embedding a reablement first culture, eliminating access barriers, and working more closely with health partners for earlier intervention. The council is committed to co-production, where residents and carers help design services and lead their own care plans.

Concerns were raised about workforce strains and staff turnover, a national issue acknowledged by the council. Efforts to address this include investing in staff wellbeing, an apprenticeship scheme, and support for newly qualified social workers. The strategy also addresses the need for better visibility of services, particularly in different languages, to reach Hackney's diverse communities. The commission also reviewed the draft Quality Account for Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, highlighting achievements in patient safety and clinical effectiveness, while also noting areas for improvement such as nursing staff shortages and data quality.

Read the full report on the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee E Considers Extended Alcohol Sales for Local Supermarket

The Licensing Sub Committee E met on Wednesday, June 24th, to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Local Supermarket at 140-142 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2NS. The applicant sought to extend alcohol sales from midnight to 1 am from Sunday to Wednesday, and until 2 am from Thursday to Saturday.

The application faced objections from the Police and the Licensing Authority, citing concerns about increased anti-social behaviour, street drinking, and the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area. Residents also submitted numerous objections, detailing issues with noise, public nuisance, and littering. The Police highlighted a recent warning letter issued to the premises for selling counterfeit cigarettes, expressing a lack of confidence in the applicant's ability to operate responsibly with extended hours.

After deliberation, the committee considered a compromise of extending the hours by one hour across all days, from midnight to 1 am. The applicant indicated they would accept this compromise. The final decision was to be communicated to the applicant within five working days.

Read the full report on the Licensing Sub Committee E meeting