Hackney Council's Cabinet met on Monday 24 November 2025 to discuss a range of important issues affecting the borough. Key decisions included the adoption of the Hackney Economic Development Plan and Circular Economy Strategy, the approval of significant capital investments in digital transformation and infrastructure upgrades, and the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order for Wick Woodland and surrounding areas. The Cabinet also reviewed the Council's overall financial position, noting a projected overspend, and discussed updates on major refurbishment projects like the Kings Hall Leisure Centre.

Hackney Economic Development Plan and Circular Economy Strategy Adopted

The Cabinet adopted Hackney's Economic Development Plan (EDP) and its associated Implementation Plan, alongside the Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan (CESAP). The EDP sets out the council's vision for inclusive economic growth, aiming to create a fairer, greener, and more resilient economy by 2035. It focuses on missions such as ensuring residents can participate fully in the economy, fostering a climate-resilient economy, promoting fairness and inclusivity, and ensuring growth benefits all areas of Hackney. The CESAP, a three-year strategy, aims to embed circular economy principles across council operations, local businesses, and the community to reduce waste, resource use, and carbon emissions. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Group Director for Housing, Climate, and Economy to make necessary amendments to these plans.

Capital Investments Approved

Significant capital investments were approved to enhance council services and infrastructure. A four-year Digital Transformation Programme received resource and spend approval of £9.378 million, aiming to deliver seamless digital services for residents and staff. In the Homes, Climate and Economy Directorate, £262,000 was approved for the Parking CCTV Camera Upgrade, £3.45 million for the EV Charge Points Refresh programme, and £1.369 million for the Dockless Cycle Hire Refresh. Additionally, £1.917 million was allocated over three years to appraise options for the future use of two historic school sites, with the aim of progressing proposals for their optimum use. The Cabinet also noted the S106 scheme summary and approved capital adjustments and re-profiling of budgets.

Public Spaces Protection Order Renewed

The Cabinet approved the renewal of the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Wick Woodland, Hackney Marshes, and surrounding areas for a further three years. This renewal aims to continue placing controls on anti-social behaviour associated with large gatherings, including the use of generators, lighting, sound systems, and decorations, as well as the consumption of alcohol and other substances. The decision was made following a public consultation, which indicated a split in opinion but highlighted ongoing concerns about noise, littering, damage to the environment, and safety. The renewal aims to ensure these green spaces can continue to be enjoyed safely and protected from nuisance and damage.

Financial Position and Budgetary Pressures

The Cabinet received an update on the Council's overall financial position as at September 2025, noting a projected overspend of £10.375 million. This represents an increase from the previous month's forecast. The report highlighted pressures within Adult Social Care, Children's Services (particularly Hackney Education), and Housing, Climate and Economy directorates. In response, several initiatives are being implemented, including a Budget Recovery Board, a CLT Resources Approval Panel to oversee agency expenditure, and dedicated Finance Improvement Panels for Adult Social Care and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Council is also continuing non-essential spend controls to mitigate the overspend and protect reserves.

Kings Hall Leisure Centre Refurbishment Project Update

The Cabinet considered an update on the Kings Hall Leisure Centre Refurbishment Project, noting an increase in the projected capital costs. The report sought approval for capital costs of up to £90.92 million, an increase of £19.478 million from the previous approval. This increase was attributed to significant general inflation in the leisure market, project-specific challenges related to the building's listed status and site logistics, and the need for wholesale renewal of aging infrastructure. The report also detailed the funding streams and revenue impact associated with the project.

Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-2029 Approved

The Cabinet approved the Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2025-2029. This strategy replaces the previous one, which expires in 2025, and is informed by extensive consultation with over 500 stakeholders, including service users, community groups, and partner agencies. The strategy outlines four priorities: preventing VAWG and tackling misogyny, supporting victims/survivors, holding perpetrators to account, and building trust and confidence. The report noted that no additional resources are required for the implementation of this strategy.

Emergency Planning and Response Review

The Cabinet noted and acknowledged the Sean Ruth Emergency Planning Review 2025. The review found Hackney's emergency planning function to be in good health but identified areas for enhancement, particularly regarding the structured reporting of resilience matters to elected Members and the provision of essential emergency planning training for all elected Members. The Cabinet approved the implementation of recommendations to introduce annual reporting on resilience matters to the appropriate committee for scrutiny and to provide emergency planning and resilience input to elected Members through their induction and training programme.

Sport England Grant Award Accepted

The Cabinet approved the acceptance of a Lottery Grant of £1,680,376 and an in-principle funding award of £293,000 from Sport England. This funding will continue the work focused on reducing inequalities in physical activity across the borough, building on previous successes in King's Park ward. The investment will support community-based delivery, strengthen local partners, improve and activate community spaces, and foster collaboration across council teams and external organisations.

Update to Planning Enforcement Policy Approved

The Cabinet approved proposed changes and revisions to the Planning Enforcement Policy. The updates aim to ensure the policy remains current, accurate, and reflective of national legislation, enforcement powers, and best practices. The revisions also aim to improve clarity for users by refining language and making clear distinctions between the policy's explanatory role and the legal basis of delegated powers. Future changes to the policy will be delegated to the Group Director for Housing, Climate and Economy in consultation with the lead Cabinet Member.

Public Spaces Protection Order Renewed

The Cabinet approved the renewal of the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Wick Woodland, Hackney Marshes, and surrounding areas for a further three years. This renewal will continue to place controls on anti-social behaviour associated with large gatherings, including the use of generators, lighting, sound systems, and decorations. The decision follows a public consultation which indicated a split in opinion but highlighted ongoing concerns about noise, littering, environmental damage, and safety. The PSPO aims to ensure these public spaces remain enjoyable and protected.

Future Shoreditch Area Action Plan Recommended for Publication

The Cabinet recommended to Full Council the approval of the proposed submission version of the Future Shoreditch Area Action Plan (AAP). This plan sets out policies and objectives for development and investment in Shoreditch until 2040, aiming to manage growth, safeguard the area's character, and deliver benefits for local communities. The AAP will form part of Hackney's Development Plan and will be submitted to the Government for independent examination.

Council Housing Acquisition Programme Funding Update Noted

The Cabinet noted the update on the Council Housing Acquisition Programme funding, which includes an additional £1.25 million in grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA). This brings the revised authority to vary the grant agreement to £16.25 million.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The press and public were excluded during the discussion of the remaining items on the agenda, as they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. This included the Council Housing Acquisition Programme Funding Update.