The Cabinet of Hackney Council met on Monday 15 December 2025 to discuss and determine a range of key issues. Among the decisions made were the approval of Hackney's Education Strategic Plan 2026 to 2029, and significant changes to care charging policies following a review and consultation.

Hackney's Education Strategic Plan 2026 to 2029

Cabinet approved Hackney's Education Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2029, which aims to build upon the borough's strong educational foundation. The plan addresses current challenges such as falling pupil numbers, an increase in students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), high exclusion rates, and the financial stability of educational institutions. The central vision is to enhance life opportunities and overall well-being for every child through an ambitious, anti-racist, inclusive education system that fosters a strong sense of belonging. Key commitments include a focus on anti-racism, meaningful partnerships with parents and carers, and collaborative working relationships with all education providers. The plan will be published in January 2026.

Care Charging Review - Policy Change Recommendations

Following extensive evidence from benchmarking that showed Hackney as an outlier in its care charging policies, and a 13-week consultation with key user groups, Cabinet agreed to several changes to Hackney's care charging policies. These changes aim to make the policies fairer, more transparent, and to protect those least able to pay, while ensuring the sustainability of services.

Key changes to Hackney's non-residential Care Charging Policy include:

• The removal of the maximum charge cap (currently £250 per week).
• A move from charging based on 92% of the cost of service to 100%.
• A move from 75% of assessable income taken into account to 100%.
• Agreement to align Hackney's Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) calculation with Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) minimum rates.
• Agreement to a new, flat rate arrangement fee of £162.65 for self-funders who request Hackney Council to set up or make changes to a package of care on their behalf.
• Agreement to a fee for Technology-Enabled Living Services applicable to residents who do not qualify under the eligibility criteria outlined in the Care Act.
• Introduction of a £10 administration fee for Blue Badge applications and renewals.

Crucially, following consultation and feedback from residents, Cabinet confirmed that the amount of disability benefits automatically disregarded from the financial assessment of client contributions will remain at 25%, and will not be reduced to 20% as initially proposed.

Other Key Decisions

Capital Update and Property Disposals and Acquisitions

Cabinet noted the Section 106 schemes outlined in section 11, totalling £141,000 in capital for 2025/26. The Group Director of Finance & Corporate Resources was authorised to enter into negotiations for the disposal of Council assets, with final approval remaining with Cabinet. Cabinet also approved the acquisition of two freehold sites to provide up to 174 temporary accommodation units, funded from the existing temporary accommodation budget. Authority was delegated to the Group Director of Finance & Corporate Resources to agree commercial terms for these acquisitions, and to the Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services to settle necessary documentation.

Adoption of Supplementary Planning Documents

Cabinet adopted three Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs):

• Retrofit Supplementary Planning Document: This document provides guidance for residents, businesses, and developers on retrofitting domestic and non-domestic buildings to improve energy efficiency and contribute to the borough's decarbonisation goals. It aligns with Hackney's Climate Action Plan and Strategic Plan.
• Commercial Alterations and Extensions Supplementary Planning Document: This document provides guidance on extensions and alterations to commercial buildings, focusing on design quality, sustainability, and accessibility. It aims to support business growth while respecting Hackney's planning policies and heritage.
• Residential Alterations and Extensions Supplementary Planning Document: This updated SPD provides guidance on altering and extending residential properties, addressing contemporary needs such as accessibility, bin and bike storage, and outbuildings, while also considering environmental impacts and heritage.

Article 4 Directions

Cabinet approved the making of non-immediate Article 4 Directions in two areas:

• Ridley Road, Dalston E8: This direction aims to withdraw permitted development rights for changes of use from Class E (commercial, business and services) to Class C3 (residential). This measure is intended to protect employment and commercial uses, ensuring the vitality and viability of the Dalston town centre and Ridley Road Market.
• Brownswood Conservation Area: This direction confirms the withdrawal of permitted development rights for various works within the conservation area, including alterations to dwelling houses, minor operations, and renewable energy installations. The aim is to preserve the uniform character, appearance, and original features of this late Victorian suburb.
• Beck Road Conservation Area: Similarly, Cabinet approved the confirmation of an Article 4 Direction to withdraw permitted development rights for various works within the Beck Road Conservation Area, aiming to preserve its character and original features.

Kings Hall Leisure Centre Refurbishment Project

Cabinet agreed that the land at Kings Hall Leisure Centre is no longer required for its current leisure purposes and approved its appropriation for planning purposes to facilitate the refurbishment project. Following the completion of development, the land will be re-appropriated for leisure purposes. Cabinet also authorised access licences and necessary arrangements to effect the appropriation.

Other Business

Cabinet noted the minutes of the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee held on 6 October 2025. They also noted the overall financial position of the Council as at October 2025, including an overspend and initiatives to mitigate it. The report on Hackney's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion 3 Year Strategy was also noted, with a commitment to further development and publication in January 2026.

The meeting also included a deputation regarding opposition to Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) implementation in Hoxton, which was noted. Press and public were excluded for the discussion of remaining agenda items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.