The Hackney Council meeting on 24 January 2024 saw councillors debate and vote on several key issues, including changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, the calculation of the Council Tax base, and motions concerning democratic rights, responsible tax conduct, and the crisis in Israel and Palestine. The meeting also included updates on the Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap, the Members' Allowances Scheme, and annual reports from the Licensing and Pensions Committees.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme Changes Approved

Hackney Council has approved changes to its Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS), reducing the minimum contribution for working-age claimants from 15% to 10% of their Council Tax liability from 1 April 2024. This decision was made following a recorded vote, with 43 members voting in favour and none against. The move aims to provide further support to low-income households during the ongoing cost of living crisis, aligning with the council's manifesto commitment to offer greater discounts on Council Tax bills. Councillor Robert Chapman, Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service, introduced the report, highlighting the financial pressures on residents and the council's efforts to balance support with financial sustainability. Concerns were raised by Councillor Simche Steinberger regarding the implementation of recommendations due to the ramifications of a previous cyber-attack, but the motion was ultimately carried.

Council Tax Base and Business Rate Income Calculations Approved

The Council also approved the calculation of the 2024/25 Council Tax base and local business rate income. This includes setting the Council Tax base at 77,766.9 Band D equivalent properties, assuming a 93.5% collection rate. The report also detailed the estimated non-domestic rating income for 2024/25 at £179,559,273. Key proposals approved include levying a 100% Council Tax premium on properties unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for at least one year, and signalling an intent to levy a second homes premium from April 2025. Councillor Chapman explained these measures are intended to encourage empty properties back into use and generate revenue. The report was carried with 41 members voting in favour.

Motions Passed

Several motions were debated and passed during the meeting:

Defending Our Democratic Rights

A motion concerning the defence of democratic rights, originally proposed by Green councillors Zoë Garbett and Alastair Binnie-Lubbock, was amended by the Labour Group and subsequently passed. The amended motion resolves to ensure Hackney's local action plan on policing considers alternative ways to keep communities safe and includes community education on the Police, Sentencing and Crimes Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023. It also states that the Council will not agree to the deployment of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) in Hackney until satisfied that potential crime reduction benefits do not erode trust in policing. Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, proposed the amendments, arguing that the Public Order Act strengthens police powers to tackle dangerous tactics and protect victims. Councillor Binnie-Lubbock expressed disappointment that the amendments did not fully oppose government regulations he felt criminalised protest.

Standing Up for Responsible Tax Conduct – Councils for Fair Tax Declaration

A Green motion proposed by Councillor Alastair Binnie-Lubbock and seconded by Councillor Zoë Garbett, calling for Hackney Council to support the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration, was unanimously carried after amendments proposed by the Labour Group were accepted. The motion reaffirms the council's commitment to leading by example in its tax conduct, ensuring robust IR35 implementation, shunning offshore vehicles for property purchases, demanding clarity on beneficial ownership, promoting Fair Tax Mark certification, and supporting calls for reform of UK procurement law. Councillor Robert Chapman spoke in support, highlighting that the amendment would update the Council's Sustainable Insourcing and Procurement Strategy to recognise fair tax principles.

The Crisis in Israel and Palestine: Call for a Ceasefire, Release of All Hostages & More Support for Local Community Cohesion

A Green motion calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine and more support for local community cohesion, proposed by Councillor Alastair Binnie-Lubbock and seconded by Councillor Zoë Garbett, was amended by the Labour Group and subsequently passed. The amended motion notes the horror of the conflict, the rise in hate crime, and the work of council officers, faith groups, and partners in maintaining community cohesion. It resolves to continue working with borough partners to ensure safety for Muslim and Jewish communities, hold interfaith events, and welcome refugees. Deputy Mayor Guy Nicholson proposed the amendments, stating that elected councillors' primary responsibility is to ensure Hackney remains a safe and diverse place. Councillor Garbett expressed disappointment that the amended motion lost the element of lasting peace.

Reduce Glyphosate to Zero Now

A Green motion proposed by Councillor Alastair Binnie-Lubbock and seconded by Councillor Zoë Garbett, calling for the reduction of glyphosate use to zero, was referred without debate to the next ordinary meeting of Full Council due to time constraints.

Other Key Discussions and Decisions

• Cazenove Ward By-Election Results: The Council welcomed Councillor Ian Sharer, who was elected to the Cazenove Ward following a by-election on 18 January 2024.
• Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap 2023: The seventh annual report on the gender pay gap was presented, noting that the gap remains in favour of women. The report also detailed the ethnicity pay gap, which has marginally decreased. Councillor Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities, highlighted efforts to improve data completeness and address intersectional impacts.
• Members' Allowances Scheme: The Members' Allowances Scheme for 2023/24 was approved, incorporating a 3.88% uplift in line with the national pay settlement for local government officers.
• Licensing Committee Annual Report 2022/23: The report was noted, providing an overview of the Licensing Service's activities and performance, including statistics on premises licences, personal licences, and Temporary Event Notices. Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, thanked the Licensing Committee and officers for their work.
• Pensions Committee Annual Report 2022/23: The report was noted, detailing the Committee's work in managing the Hackney Pension Fund, including its strong funding position of 106% and significant reduction in exposure to fossil fuel reserves. Councillor Kam Adams, Chair of the Pensions Committee, highlighted the committee's commitment to responsible investment and achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
• Elected Mayor's Statement: Mayor Caroline Woodley addressed the Council, reaffirming commitments to resident safety, addressing the cost of living crisis, and tackling the housing crisis. She also paid tribute to victims of recent fatalities in the borough and highlighted the administration's dedication to an inclusive and anti-racist Hackney.
• Conservative Group Response: Councillor Simche Steinberger welcomed Councillor Ian Sharer to the Conservative group and reiterated concerns about Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs).
• Green Group Response: Councillor Zoë Garbett welcomed Councillor Sharer, expressed disappointment regarding a Labour candidate's previous comments, and urged continued pressure for a ceasefire in Israel-Gaza. She also raised concerns about transparency and safeguarding issues.

The meeting concluded at 10:05 pm.