The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to discuss the visitor policy for temporary accommodation hostels, receive an update on supported accommodation for single homeless people with complex needs, and review future plans for Carnival Arts in Hackney. The Commission also considered scrutiny reports, letters, responses, and the actions tracker.

Temporary Accommodation Hostel Visitor Policy

The Commission was scheduled to review the Council's visitor policy for temporary accommodation hostels, following a report by Shelter titled Policy vs. People: The Hidden Harms of Hostel Visitor Rules. Shelter's report asserted that the current policy was excessively restrictive and highlighted the challenges faced by families, particularly lone mothers, residing in hostels. The Council's Benefits and Homelessness Prevention service provided a briefing note outlining their operational context and data regarding visitor management in temporary accommodation. They stated that they do not operate a blanket visitor ban but rather a managed access framework essential for safeguarding vulnerable residents, including those fleeing domestic abuse, while ensuring access to critical support networks under safe conditions. The Council's report detailed the scale of their temporary accommodation provision, noting that while every resident's experience is important, the negative impact of visitor restrictions was not widespread across their temporary accommodation population. They also highlighted that many residents, particularly those fleeing domestic abuse or experiencing severe vulnerability, feel significantly safer and more secure as a direct result of the visitor policy. The Council's approach was benchmarked against the wider sector, noting that strict no unauthorised visitor rules are standard in shared environments to maintain safety. While acknowledging Camden Council's model of separating single adults and families, Hackney Council stated that their mixed-use hostels necessitate a robust managed access framework due to housing mixed cohorts. The Council clarified that professional visitors such as health and social care professionals are exempt from restrictions, and personal support is available through a formal request procedure for designated visitors for up to three months. Shelter's proposed solutions, such as mandatory DBS checks for personal visitors and allowing visitors for routine childcare while a resident is at work, were addressed by the Council, citing legal and safeguarding barriers. The Council also noted that a digital link to the TA Guide has been provided to all new placements since early 2025, and they are exploring enhanced translation services. Regarding staff conduct and training, the Council stated that since 2022, only a small percentage of complaints regarding staff conduct in temporary accommodation were upheld, and trauma-informed training has been delivered to frontline officers and is mandatory for security personnel. The Council's report included an appendix detailing case studies illustrating management decisions on temporary visitor agreements, demonstrating person-centred support for residents with disabilities, during antenatal and postnatal periods, and for parental support.

Update on Supported Accommodation for Single Homeless People with Complex Needs Review

The Commission was scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of recommendations from its February 2024 review into supported accommodation for single homeless people with complex needs. The report provided an update on achievements to date and areas of challenge or next steps. For Recommendation 1, the Benefits & Homelessness Prevention Service (BHPS) has implemented a Complex Needs Team providing targeted, trauma-informed support to single people in temporary accommodation with complex needs. This team has an active caseload of around 70 individuals at any given time and has received recognition in the London Homelessness Awards. A key challenge remains Hackney's lack of suitable supported housing for single homeless people with varied support needs. For Recommendation 2, a needs assessment for supported accommodation among homeless and rough sleeping cohorts has been commissioned from Campbell Tickell, complemented by a costed series of options to meet future demand. This assessment is intended to inform the forthcoming housing strategy. For Recommendation 3, the Housing Strategy and Policy Team has produced a draft supported housing chapter for the main housing strategy, with a standalone supported housing strategy in development. The Hackney Housing Company will be considered as a delivery vehicle, though it requires significant preparation. For Recommendation 4, the City & Hackney Safeguarding Adults Board (CHSAB) has completed a deep-dive audit into safeguarding referrals for adults in temporary and supported accommodation, identifying key insights and trends. The review made six recommendations to strengthen safeguarding practice, with progress being monitored by the CHSAB Performance and Quality Assurance Subgroup. For Recommendation 5, the City & Hackney Public Health team has explored the potential for a Housing Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) but paused progression pending clearer strategic direction. They have produced insight to inform housing and health priorities and confirmed their offer to support targeted insight projects. For Recommendation 6, the City & Hackney Place Based Partnership will need to identify a lead for supported accommodation for single homeless people with complex needs to develop a more strategic approach. For Recommendation 7, the City & Hackney Place Based Partnership will need to identify funding opportunities for the joint commissioning of supported accommodation schemes.

Update on Future Plans for Carnival Arts

The Commission was scheduled to receive an update on the work undertaken to support Carnival Arts in Hackney and follow up on suggestions made by the Commission following its meeting on 10 February 2025. The report detailed the Council's decision to discontinue annual Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding for a full Hackney Carnival road parade due to a significant financial deficit. The Council committed to working with carnival organisations to support alternative carnival activities and explore other funding options. Key progress includes a £100k transition programme for 2025/26, funded by NCIL and Arts Council England, to support strategic capacity building and a showcase event. An external sector-expert has been appointed as Strategic Lead to explore the feasibility of establishing an independent charitable trust for carnival groups. A funding landscape review concluded that securing large-scale funding for a full parade is unlikely. The exploration of a Carnival Hub is ongoing, contingent on the formation of an independent governance structure. The Council's Culture team may focus on resident-focused activities and supporting a smaller-scale Carnival Arts programme. Challenges include collaboration among the 17 stakeholder groups, communication regarding the cessation of funding for the full event, and the overall sustainability of an independent model. The Council aims to transition its role from lead facilitator to one of stewardship, influence, and advocacy.

Scrutiny Reports, Letters & Responses

The Commission was scheduled to consider draft letters to the Executive regarding the Housing Improvement Plan, the VAWG Strategy 2025-29, and Joint Social Tenancies & Domestic Abuse. These letters outline the Commission's findings and suggestions for improvement following its scrutiny of these areas.

Scrutiny Actions Tracker

The Commission was scheduled to note the actions tracker, which brings together agreed actions from previous meetings and monitors their subsequent outcomes. The tracker indicated that actions related to Services for Leaseholders, Freeholders & Shared Owners and the review of the use of an underspend in the Tenant Levy were awaiting response.

Minutes of the Meeting

The Commission was scheduled to review and agree the draft minutes of the previous meeting held on 9 February 2026.

Any Other Business

This item was scheduled for any other business that may arise.