The Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission met to discuss the Hackney Council Green Skills and Circular Economy Initiative and the Licensing and Nighttime Economy. Key decisions included the agreement to continue monitoring the progress of the green skills initiative through existing scrutiny committees and the development of a new Evening and Night Strategy for Hackney.

Hackney Council Green Skills Commission

The Commission received an update on Hackney Council's Green Skills and Circular Economy Initiative. Councillor Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities, and Nicola Joyce, STEM Project Manager, presented the council's strategy to strengthen the local jobs and skills ecosystem within the green economy. The initiative aims to raise community awareness, build skills, and provide accessible pathways into green jobs, ensuring no community is left behind in the transition to a decarbonised economy.

The council is focusing on upskilling the current workforce through accredited courses and new learning places in areas such as recycling, repair, reuse, and retrofit. Partnerships, including one with Build East, are being established to provide practical training and work placements, particularly for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. The council is also developing a Circular Economy Hub and a Green Skills Hub to foster innovation and connect local businesses with residents.

Discussions highlighted the abstract nature of the term green skills and the need to reframe the conversation to resonate with residents by focusing on familiar sectors like plumbing and construction. The council's approach is to build pathways into existing industries and upskill the current workforce, rather than solely focusing on newly defined green jobs. The importance of a phased approach, starting with immediate job opportunities and then looking towards future workforce needs, was emphasised. The Commission was informed that an independent commission is not currently planned, but the existing scrutiny committees will monitor progress.

Licensing and the Nighttime Economy

The Commission reviewed the work of the Licensing Service in relation to the nighttime economy (NTE). Samantha Mathys, Late Night Levy Manager, and Gerry McCarthy, Assistant Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Business Regulation, presented an overview of Hackney's vibrant NTE, noting its significant contribution to the local economy and employment.

The presentation highlighted Hackney's status as a hub for licensed premises, including a high number of grassroots music venues, and its strong performance in night-time footfall and spending, particularly in areas like Shoreditch. Challenges faced by businesses, including rising costs, the impact of the pandemic, and increased resident sensitivity to noise, were discussed.

The council's Hackney Nights programme was presented as a successful safety and regulation initiative, which has seen a reduction in crime and incidents. The Hackney Nights accreditation scheme sets high operational standards, incorporating climate action, health and wellbeing, and inclusivity, beyond traditional licensing objectives. The council has also secured funding for a business-friendly regulation project, including a noise alert system and a pre-application advice service for businesses seeking licenses.

A new Evening and Night Strategy is being developed through a collaborative, grassroots approach, involving 14 council services and extensive public consultation. The strategy aims to make the borough more welcoming at night, boost the local economy, improve transport, and promote a diverse and inclusive culture. Key objectives include crime reduction, supporting businesses, enhancing late-night transport, and promoting cultural investment.

The Commission heard that Dalston is considered the most successful nighttime economy area due to high local participation and business investment, offering a model for other areas. Discussions also touched upon the challenges of balancing resident needs with business growth, particularly in areas like Shoreditch, and the importance of street cleaning and waste management. The council is committed to supporting independent and diverse businesses and is exploring ways to transfer learnings from successful areas to more problematic ones.

Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission Work Programme 2024/25

The Commission discussed and agreed on a shortlist of items for its work programme for the upcoming year. Key topics to be explored include Adult Learning, Employment and Skills, Growth Plans and Economic Development, Hackney Light and Power, Libraries, the Voluntary Sector Strategy, Transport, and Corporate Properties with a focus on Net Zero targets. The Commission also expressed interest in exploring the development of a social value economy, supporting small and independent businesses, and examining large-scale regeneration projects.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 March 2024 were also approved.