The Council of Hackney Council convened for its annual meeting on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to formally elect its Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the upcoming municipal year, and to approve the composition of its various committees and the calendar of meetings. Key decisions included the election of Councillor Antoinette Fernandez as Speaker and Councillor Nisa Sharif as Deputy Speaker, alongside the establishment and appointment of members to the Council's committees, commissions, panels, and boards for the 2026/2027 municipal year.

Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker

The Council elected Councillor Antoinette Fernandez as the Speaker for the Municipal Year 2026/27. Councillor Nisa Sharif was elected as the Deputy Speaker for the same period. A vote of thanks was also extended to the outgoing Speaker, Councillor Sharon Patrick.

Mayoral and Council Election Results

The results of the Mayoral and Council elections held on Thursday, 7 May 2026, were noted. Mayor Zoë Garbett was re-elected as the Mayor of Hackney. The results for each ward detailed the number of votes received by each candidate, with the elected councillors for each ward listed. Notably, due to Mayor Zoë Garbett's re-election as Mayor, a casual vacancy arose in the Dalston ward for a councillor position.

Composition of Cabinet and Committees

The Council formally noted the composition of the Cabinet and the appointments of Cabinet Members and Deputy Cabinet Members for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year, as presented by the Mayor. This included the establishment of and appointments to Cabinet Committees, and the Elected Mayor's Scheme of Delegation.

Furthermore, the Council resolved to establish its Committees, Sub-Committees, Commissions, Panels, and Boards for the 2026/2027 municipal year. This involved approving the appointments to these bodies and the nominations for their Chairs and Vice-Chairs, ensuring political balance across the various committees in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The report detailed the calculations for political balance, with adjustments made to ensure equitable representation.

Calendar of Meetings

The proposed calendar of meetings for the 2026/27 Municipal Year was approved. The Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services was granted authority to make any necessary changes to the calendar throughout the year. The calendar outlines scheduled meetings for Full Council, various committees, and sub-committees, including specific dates for budget and council tax calculations.

Budget and Council Tax Report

The Council debated and ultimately approved the Labour Group's budget proposal for 2026/27. This budget included a 4.99% increase in Council Tax, which the Mayor stated was necessary to maintain essential services and support vulnerable communities, while also noting that Hackney would continue to have one of the lowest Council Tax rates in London. The budget prioritised investment in housing, children and education services, environmental initiatives, and maintaining parks and leisure centres. The proposal also included plans to replenish the General Fund balance and the Housing Revenue Account balance to enhance financial resilience.

Amendments proposed by the Conservative Group, which included a zero rise in Council Tax and the removal of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, were not carried. Similarly, amendments put forward by the Green Group, focusing on increased funding for the community and voluntary sector, youth services, libraries, and specific initiatives like a carnival hub and training for migrant advisors, were also not carried.

The approved budget included specific resolutions on the Council's projected financial balances, directorate estimates, fees and charges, capital programme, and treasury management strategy. The Council Tax requirement for 2026/27 was set at £124.236m, resulting in a Band D Council Tax of £2,060.30, including the Greater London Authority precept.

Labour Group Motion: The Right to Grow

The Council unanimously resolved to adopt the principle of the right to grow on suitable council-owned land. This initiative aims to provide access to fresh, healthy food, promote sustainable food production, and build community resilience. The Council committed to working with local resident groups and external partners, such as the Hackney Food Network, to identify suitable land and embed the principles of the right to grow across the borough. This motion was supported by councillors from various groups, highlighting its alignment with the Council's existing strategies on food justice, climate action, and healthy living. Amendments proposed by the Green Group and the Hackney Independent Socialist Collective, which sought to ensure broader community involvement and address systemic inequalities, were not carried.

Questions from Members of the Public and Councillors

Several questions were raised by members of the public and councillors on a range of issues. These included concerns about littering and fly-tipping, the designation of conservation areas, the future of the Pedro Club, safeguarding concerns at Mossbourne Federation schools, the impact of proposed government immigration policies, library opening hours, youth provision, housing repairs, and the Shoreditch Heat Network. Responses from Cabinet Members addressed these concerns, outlining current strategies, planned actions, and ongoing work.

Questions from councillors also covered lift maintenance at Haggerston Overground station, accessibility at Stamford Hill station, the Shoreditch Heat Network, repair backlogs in existing housing, and the embedding of nature-centric principles in planning policy. Written responses were provided for questions that could not be addressed within the meeting's time constraints.