The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday 17 January 2024 to discuss the implementation of the Libraries Strategy and staffing restructure, and to explore how planning policy can support the retrofitting of existing buildings for Net Zero targets. The Commission also reviewed the work programme for the upcoming year.

Libraries Strategy and Restructure Update

The Commission received an update on the implementation of Hackney Council's Libraries Strategy and the associated staffing restructure, which was approved in 2022. The restructure aimed to modernise the service, meet changing resident needs, and achieve a £300,000 annual savings target.

Key aspects of the restructure include:

• Workforce Changes: A reduction in full-time equivalent (FTE) posts from 75 to 57. This involved 36% of staff taking voluntary redundancy, with 9 compulsory redundancies. The majority of staff who applied for new roles were successful, with 33 individuals benefiting from promotions or upgraded posts. Frontline roles have been upgraded to Libraries Officer (LO) positions, offering more responsibility and autonomy.
• Management Structure: A new area-focused management structure has been implemented, with three Area Library Managers (ALMs) and three Customer Service Managers (CSMs) overseeing all seven library sites. This replaces the previous model of one manager per branch.
• Service Provision: Library opening hours have been maintained across all eight sites. The new structure aims to provide strong leadership at all levels, better skills training, and more evenly distributed responsibility.
• Investment and Development: The restructure has allowed for investment in a new Engagement & Development Team, focusing on areas such as Marketing and Events, ICT and Digital Transformation, and Volunteering.
• Health and Safety: Minimum staffing requirements remain the same, with security guards now explicitly included in these numbers. The Manager in Charge (MIC) is responsible for ensuring minimum staffing levels are met, with the option to close a branch if necessary.
• Strategy Implementation: The Libraries Strategy, developed with input from over 8,500 residents, aims to increase reading and literacy, enable cultural enrichment, support corporate priorities, improve digital access, and foster stronger communities. Progress has been made in areas such as capital investment for library refurbishments, training and workforce development, digital inclusion initiatives, and partnerships with various organisations.

Concerns raised by unions regarding health and safety during the consultation period were addressed, with assurances that minimum staffing levels have not changed and that security guards are now explicitly included. The Council is also undertaking an Equality Impact Assessment and will publish its first Annual Report on the Libraries Strategy by April 2024. A peer challenge for the library service, led by the Local Government Association and Arts Council England, is planned for summer/autumn 2024.

Planning Policy, Net Zero and Existing Buildings

The Commission explored how Hackney Council can utilise its planning powers to encourage the retrofitting of existing and heritage buildings to meet Net Zero targets. This discussion involved presentations from Westminster City Council, Lynch Architects, and Historic England.

Key themes and discussions included:

• Westminster's Retrofit Taskforce: Lauren Shevills from Westminster City Council presented on their Retrofit Taskforce, which focuses on improving building efficiency, delivering energy cost savings, and increasing the availability and affordability of low and zero-carbon energy. The taskforce works across several workstreams, including an archetype approach to retrofit, planning policy and process, partnership pilot projects, and communications, guidance, and training. They are exploring innovations in planning legislation, such as a potential 'Retrofit First' draft planning policy and Heritage Partnership Agreements.
• Hackney's Built Environment: Natalie Broughton, Assistant Director for Planning & Building Control, and Adam Dyer, Principal Conservation and Design Officer, presented on Hackney's built environment, which is largely composed of historic and traditionally constructed buildings. They highlighted the challenges and opportunities in retrofitting these buildings, particularly those within conservation areas and listed buildings. The presentation detailed the permissions required for various retrofitting measures, distinguishing between unlisted buildings, those in conservation areas, and listed buildings.
• Lynch Architects' Case Study: Rachel Elliott RIBA, Associate Director at Lynch Architects, presented a case study of 195 Mare Street, a Grade II* listed building undergoing conversion back to a residential dwelling with community arts use. The project aims to balance conservation and sustainability, incorporating a fabric first approach with measures such as high-performance double glazing, breathable insulation, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), and an air source heat pump. The strategy follows the London Plan energy hierarchy: Be Lean, Be Clean, and Be Green.
• Historic England's Guidance: Katie Parsons from Historic England discussed the role of heritage in supporting climate change adaptation. She addressed misconceptions about heritage being a barrier to retrofitting and highlighted common mistakes, such as the lack of specialist consultants and a failure to adopt a whole house approach. Historic England is developing new guidance on climate change and historic building adaptation, aiming to provide clarity and support consistent decision-making.

The discussion emphasised the need for clear local plan policies, encouraging the reuse and repair of existing buildings, and producing supplementary guidance for property owners. The potential for Local Listed Building Consent Orders and Heritage Partnership Agreements was also explored as mechanisms to manage common changes to listed buildings.

Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission Work Programme 2023/24

The Commission reviewed its work programme for the current municipal year. The programme includes a range of topics such as sustainability and licensing, Hackney Markets, the Climate Action Plan's engagement with businesses, working with the voluntary sector, planning policy and heritage buildings, bike hire affordability, consultation processes for Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), Cabinet Question Time, sustainable insourcing and procurement, the Levelling Up Fund, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Future items include updates on the Library Strategy and Restructure, Hackney Light and Power, Council's Corporate Properties, and the Library of Things. Members were invited to provide comments, amendments, or suggestions for the work programme.