Agenda, decisions and minutes

1.1   Apologies were received from Cllr McKenzie and Cllr Moema, and apologies for lateness were received from Cllr Coban.

Members are invited to consider the guidance which accompanies this agenda and make declarations of interest as appropriate.

2.1  There were no declarations of interest.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Unrestricted Business which will be considered under the agenda item where they appear.

3.1   There was no urgent business for consideration.

On occasions part of the Cabinet meeting will be held in private and will not be open to the public if an item is being considered that is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”), members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

This agenda contains exempt items as set out at the Exclusion of the Press and Public agenda item.  No representations with regard to these have been received.

This is the formal 5 clear day notice under the Regulations to confirm that this Cabinet meeting will be partly held in private for the reasons set out in this Agenda.

4.1  No representations were received.

At the  time of the agenda publication, no questions or deputations have been received and approved.

5.1   No questions or deputations were received and approved.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of Cabinet held on 22 January 2024 as a correct record.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Cabinet held on 22 January 2024 be agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee (CPIC) held on 8 January 2024.

RESOLVED: To note the minutes of the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee (CPIC) held on 8 January 2024.

RESOLVED:

1.  To note the overall financial position of the Council as at December 2023 as set out in this report.

2.  Approve the acceptance of the grant from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund of £1,360,000 and agree to enter into a grant agreement with the applicable parties in respect of such funding.

REASONS FOR DECISION

To facilitate financial management and control of the Council's finances and to approve the grant award.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

This budget monitoring report is primarily an update on the Council’s financial position. On the LEVI grant proposal, If the grant was rejected, dedicated electric vehicle charge point infrastructure for blue badge holders would not be delivered and there would be a risk to the Council’s reputation for not accepting external funding to deliver the project.

8.1  Mayor Caroline Woodley thanked officers for progressing this important piece of work, as without the ability to understand Hackney’s financial position the Council would be unable to deliver the services which residents expected.  The Mayor committed to continue to address financial challenges to ensure long term financial sustainability.

8.2  Cllr Robert Chapman, Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service, introduced the report and highlighted the increase in the underlying overspend to £11.76m, the one-off sum of £3m received from the application of the 2023/24 estimated localised business rates pool surplus, and the acceptance of £1.36m from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, which would enable the Council to provide some of the proposed 600 charge points throughout the Borough.

RESOLVED:

1.  To note the overall financial position of the Council as at December 2023 as set out in this report.

2.  Approve the acceptance of the grant from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund of £1,360,000 and agree to enter into a grant agreement with the applicable parties in respect of such funding.

REASONS FOR DECISION

To facilitate financial management and control of the Council's finances and to approve the grant award.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

This budget monitoring report is primarily an update on the Council’s financial position. On the LEVI grant proposal, If the grant was rejected, dedicated electric vehicle charge point infrastructure for blue badge holders would not be delivered and there would be a risk to the Council’s reputation for not accepting external funding to deliver the project.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the scheme for Children and Education Directorate as set out in section 11 be given approval as follows:

Daubeney Children’s Centre and Family Hub: Resource and spend approval of £150k (£73k in 2023/24 and £77k in 2024/25) is requested to enable Council Officers to progress the building adaptations to part of the building at the Daubeney Children’s Centre to become a Children and Family Hub. Daubeney Children’s Centre has been operating as a multi-agency strategic centre, but has recently been redesignated as a Children and Family Hub.

2.  That the scheme for Finance and Corporate Resources Directorate as set out in section 11 be given approval as follows:

New Telephony System Implementation: Spend approval of £50k (£14k in 2023/24 and £36k in 2025/26) is requested to enable Council Officers to progress with the implementation of a new cloud based telephony and contact centre system.

Enhancing the Council Website: Spend approval of £441k (£37k in 2023/24, £220k in 2024/25 and £184k in 2025/26) is requested to enable Council Officers to deliver the transformative improvements to the Council’s website through redesigning and improving the website content, processes and underlying technology.

3.  That the s106 Capital funded scheme summarised below and set out in section 11 be approved:

4.  That the s106 Revenue funded scheme summarised below and set out in section 11 be approved:

5.  That the S106 Capital funded scheme below and set out in section 12 be noted:

6.  That the schemes outlined in section 13 be noted.

7.  The purchase of an ex-right to buy property part funded by the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 2 and the submission of a funding application to the Brownfield Land Release Fund (Round 3) from the Department of Levelling Up, Homes and Communities (DLUHC) for a number of schemes across the Housing Supply and Estate Regeneration Programmes.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The decisions required are necessary in order that the schemes within the Council’s approved Capital programme can be delivered and to approve the property proposals as set out in this report.

In most cases, resources have already been allocated to the schemes as part of the budget setting exercise but spending approval is required in order for the scheme to proceed. Where, however, resources have not previously been allocated, resource approval is requested in this report.

To facilitate financial management and control of the Council's finances.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

None.

9.1    Mayor Woodley discussed the recent positive visit to Daubeney Primary School and Children’s Centre and Family Hub undertaken by herself and Deputy Mayor Anntoinette Bramble, Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children’s Social Care, and welcomed the proposed investment into many of the Council’s priority areas.

9.2  Introducing the report, Cllr Chapman confirmed that despite financial difficulties the Council was still able to make substantial progress to meet manifesto commitments and improve services across the Borough, and highlighted the proposed investment into Daubeney Children’s Centre and Family Hub, a new telephony contact system, and into enhancing the Council’s website, partly in response to the over 2.3m individual enquiries in the last year.

9.3  Cllr Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor for Delivery, Inclusive Economy and Regeneration, spoke in support and drew attention to the Council’s success in receiving a £1.8m grant from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund, which would unlock the final two phases of the Kings Crescent Estate regeneration project.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the scheme for Children and Education Directorate as set out in section 11 be given approval as follows:

Daubeney Children’s Centre and Family Hub: Resource and spend approval of £150k (£73k in 2023/24 and £77k in 2024/25) is requested to enable Council Officers to progress the building adaptations to part of the building at the Daubeney Children’s Centre to become a Children and Family Hub. Daubeney Children’s Centre has been operating as a multi-agency strategic centre, but has recently been redesignated as a Children and Family Hub.

2.  That the scheme for Finance and Corporate Resources Directorate as set out in section 11 be given approval as follows:

New Telephony System Implementation: Spend approval of £50k (£14k in 2023/24 and £36k in 2025/26) is requested to enable Council Officers to progress with the implementation of a new cloud based telephony and contact centre system.

Enhancing the Council Website: Spend approval of £441k (£37k in 2023/24, £220k in 2024/25 and £184k in 2025/26) is requested to enable Council Officers to deliver the transformative improvements to the Council’s website through redesigning and improving the website content, processes and underlying technology.

3.  That the s106 Capital funded scheme summarised below and set out in section 11 be approved:

4.  That the s106 Revenue funded scheme summarised below and set out in section 11 be approved:

5.  That the S106 Capital funded scheme below and set out in section 12 be noted:

6.  That the schemes outlined in section 13 be noted.

7.  The purchase of an ex-right to buy property part funded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

RESOLVED:

1.  Cabinet is recommended to consider the report and make the following recommendations to Council for approval:

2.  Council is recommended:

1.  To bring forward into 2024/25 the Council’s projected 2023/24 General Fund balance of £17.0m with the aim of increasing this to £20m over the medium-term period to 2026/27 noting the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) projected 2023/24 balance of £15m with the aim of increasing to £17.6m by the end of March 2024.

2.  To agree for approval the directorate estimates and estimates for the General Finance Account items set out in Table 2 in Section 14 of this report.

3.  To note that the budget is a financial exposition of the priorities set out within the Strategic Plan summarised at Section 6 below.

4.  To note that in line with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2003, the Interim Group Director of Finance, is of the view that:

The General Fund balances which currently stand at £17.0m and the level of other reserves are adequate to meet the Council’s financial needs for 2024/25 and that considering the economic uncertainty they should not fall below this level and that the aim is to increase these to £20m over the medium term period to 2026/27 from a review of current earmarked reserves.

This view takes account of the reserves included in the Council’s latest published 2022/23 Accounts and the movements of those reserves since that date – which have been tracked through the Overall Financial Position (OFP) Reports, and the latest OFP projections. Note also, that the projections in the HRA Budget to increase the balance to £17.6m by 31 March 2024 are also considered to be adequate at this point in time but will need to continue to be reviewed in the light of the challenges facing the HRA.

The General Fund estimates are sufficiently robust to set a balanced budget for 2024/25. This takes into account the adequacy of the level of balances and reserves outlined above and the assurance gained from the comparisons of the 2023/24 budget with the projected spend identified in the December 2023 OFP. The overall level of the corporate contingency has been set at £2m.

5.  To approve the proposed General Fund fees and charges as set out in Appendix 7 for implementation from 1st April 2024.

6.  To continue the policy requiring the Interim Group Director of Finance to seek to mitigate the impact of significant changes to either resources or expenditure requirements.

7.  To require the Mayor, Cabinet and the Corporate Leadership Team to develop robust plans to deliver against the revised Medium Term Financial Plan included at Appendix 5 taking into account the recommendation of the S151 Officer as set out in the Section 25 Statement (Appendix 11). This is needed to maintain the financial resilience of the Council and to avoid the requirement to make short-term decisions which will adversely impact on our residents.

8.  To note the summary of the HRA Budget and Rent  ...  view the full decision text for item 10.

10.1    Noting that this was her first Budget as Mayor, Mayor Woodley spoke to the difficult financial circumstances, the growing demand for key services, and the rising costs set against over a decade of underinvestment from the Government, which had put immense pressures on local services across the country.  However, the proposed Budget was still ambitious, balancing the books at a time when so many councils were unable to do so, and would ensure the Council would work for a better Hackney in these challenging times.

10.2  The Mayor highlighted that the Council’s core spending power had reduced by £156m since 2010-11, a 40% reduction in real terms, and that this year’s funding had been set through a one-year settlement from the Government with and a proliferation of one-off grants, rather than with sustainable, long-term funding needed to plan and provide the services that residents deserve.  In addition, there had also been cuts to key grants.  As a result, it would be proposed to raise Council Tax by 4.99%, but at the same time increase the discount to eligible residents on low incomes to 90%.

10.3  Cllr Chapman highlighted that the Council had had to find savings to fill a £22m revenue gap this year, which required difficult decisions that would impact services.  However, priority areas and front line services had been protected throughout that process.

10.4  Following the results of a recorded vote, as set out below, the recommendations were agreed.

For: (7 Members) Deputy Mayor Bramble, Cllr Chapman, Cllr Fajana-Thomas, Cllr Kennedy, Cllr Nicholson, Cllr Williams, and Mayor Woodley.

Against: 0

Abstentions: 0

RESOLVED:

1.  Cabinet is recommended to consider the report and make the following recommendations to Council for approval:

2.  Council is recommended:

1.  To bring forward into 2024/25 the Council’s projected 2023/24 General Fund balance of £17.0m with the aim of increasing this to £20m over the medium-term period to 2026/27 noting the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) projected 2023/24 balance of £15m with the aim of increasing to £17.6m by the end of March 2024.

2.  To agree for approval the directorate estimates and estimates for the General Finance Account items set out in Table 2 in Section 14 of this report.

3.  To note that the budget is a financial exposition of the priorities set out within the Strategic Plan summarised at Section 6 below.

4.  To note that in line with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2003, the Interim Group Director of Finance, is of the view that:

The General Fund balances which currently stand at £17.0m and the level of other reserves are adequate to meet the Council’s financial needs for 2024/25 and that considering the economic uncertainty they should not fall below this level and that the aim is to increase these to £20m over the medium term period to 2026/27 from a review of current earmarked reserves.

This view takes account of the reserves included in the Council’s latest published 2022/23 Accounts and the movements of those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

RESOLVED:

Cabinet and Council are recommended to note and endorse the content of the Children and Families Annual Report 2022/23 (Appendix 1).

REASONS FOR DECISION

The report is for information and endorsement only.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

Not applicable.

11.1  The Mayor thanked Officers for the work reported in the Full Year Update to Members, and spoke of her pride in the quality of services protecting children, keeping them safe from harm, and helping them to thrive.

11.2  Deputy Mayor Bramble introduced the report which demonstrated the work that had been undertaken in 2022/23, the improvement within the Council, and the commitment and dedication of the Service.  This was an important responsibility for Hackney, in part because the work of the Children and Families Service touched on the work of so much of the Council.  Deputy Mayor Bramble also highlighted the important work on anti-racism, the work in relation to Child Q, the implementation of the Mosaic case recording system, and thanked members of the Corporate Parenting Board.

11.3  Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, and Cllr Sade Etti, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing Needs and Homelessness, spoke in support, recognising the Service area’s performance and thanking Officers.

RESOLVED:

Cabinet and Council are recommended to note and endorse the content of the Children and Families Annual Report 2022/23 (Appendix 1).

REASONS FOR DECISION

The report is for information and endorsement only.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

Not applicable.

RESOLVED:

1.  Recommend to Full Council to approve the proposed submission Stamford Hill Area Action Plan at appendix 1 for publication and subsequent submission to Government for an independent examination in public.

2.  Recommend to Full Council to delegate authority to the Group Director, Climate, Homes and Economy to approve administrative alterations, graphical, typographical amendments, to improve cross referencing (e.g. para numbering, page numbering) ahead of consultation or ahead of submission to Government for examination in public.

REASONS FOR DECISION

Following consultation on a draft Stamford Hill AAP, the Council has now produced the proposed submission version of the Stamford Hill Area Action Plan (Stamford Hill Area Action Plan, 2024 Regulation 19 Publication Version).  The Council is to publish this for comment before submitting it to the Secretary of State for independent examination in public.  The AAP will manage existing development pressures and shape future growth in a sustainable manner.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

The alternative is not to produce an Area Action Plan for the Stamford Hill area and rely on the adopted borough-wide Local Plan policies. This has been rejected as the AAP is considered necessary to provide an essential framework for growth which responds to the specific needs of the Stamford Hill community and safeguards the area's unique character. 

The AAP will ensure that development delivers real benefits to the community, particularly in terms of maximising the supply of larger family homes, improving open space and the public realm more broadly, and enabling the provision of new education and community facilities and improving local shopping centres in Stamford Hill. In producing the Stamford Hill AAP, the Council has engaged positively with the community and different groups and organisations within it to shape the vision for the future of Stamford Hill and inform the objectives and detailed planning policies.

12.1    Noting that Stamford Hill was a special part of the Borough and that the proposed plan was the result of over a decade of work to meet the needs of Hackney’s diverse communities, whilst respecting the character of its streets and local opportunities for growth, the Mayor thanked Cllr Nicholson, Deputy Mayor for Delivery, Inclusive Economy and Regeneration, and Officers for the progress they had made.

12.2  Cllr Nicholson confirmed that this did not represent the final Plan, but was a request to agree to start the final phase of consultation with the wider community before it would be submitted to an examination in public with the Planning Inspector.  After that process, and the Inspector had made recommendations, the Plan would be considered for adoption. 

12.3  Cllr Nicholson discussed the profound iterative stages that the Plan had been through, how it had demanded a great deal of input from the wider community in the Stamford Hill area, along with specialist advice, and that the time was now right for the Plan, which was designed to increase living space for families and provide a framework for family orientated infrastructure, to begin its final stages of development. 

Cllr Coban joined the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.  Recommend to Full Council to approve the proposed submission Stamford Hill Area Action Plan at appendix 1 for publication and subsequent submission to Government for an independent examination in public.

2.  Recommend to Full Council to delegate authority to the Group Director, Climate, Homes and Economy to approve administrative alterations, graphical, typographical amendments, to improve cross referencing (e.g. para numbering, page numbering) ahead of consultation or ahead of submission to Government for examination in public.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The reasons for the decision were included in the printed decisions, published on the 27 February 2024, and can be found here.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

The alternative is not to produce an Area Action Plan for the Stamford Hill area and rely on the adopted borough-wide Local Plan policies. This has been rejected as the AAP is considered necessary to provide an essential framework for growth which responds to the specific needs of the Stamford Hill community and safeguards the area's unique character. 

The AAP will ensure that development delivers real benefits to the community, particularly in terms of maximising the supply of larger family homes, improving open space and the public realm more broadly, and enabling the provision of new education and community facilities and improving local shopping centres in Stamford Hill. In producing the Stamford Hill AAP, the Council has engaged positively with the community and different groups and organisations within it to shape the vision for the future of Stamford Hill and inform the objectives and detailed planning policies.

RESOLVED:

1.  Approve the draft Stamford Hill Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (Appendix 1) for consultation.

2.  Delegate authority to the Group Director, Climate, Homes and Economy to approve administrative alterations, graphical, typographical amendments, to improve cross referencing (e.g. para numbering, page numbering) ahead of consultation.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The Draft Stamford Hill Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (2024) will support the implementation of the emerging Stamford Hill Area Plan.

Consultation and engagement with stakeholders and the public is integral to producing planning documents. Consultation on the draft Stamford Hill Design Guide SPD is required in accordance with Regulation 12 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and will help inform and influence the final version of the SPD.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

The alternative is not to produce a Design Guide for Stamford Hill and rely on the adopted borough-wide Local Plan policies, the Stamford Hill AAP and the boroughwide Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD. This has been rejected as the Stamford Hill Design Guide is considered an essential tool to support implementation of planning policies for the Stamford Hill area.

13.1    Cllr Nicholson explained that the draft Stamford Hill design guide would provide guidance for architects and homeowners to design extensions to provide additional bedroom space and living space for families, within existing buildings across the neighbourhood.

RESOLVED:

1.  Approve the draft Stamford Hill Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (Appendix 1) for consultation.

2.  Delegate authority to the Group Director, Climate, Homes and Economy to approve administrative alterations, graphical, typographical amendments, to improve cross referencing (e.g. para numbering, page numbering) ahead of consultation.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The reasons for the decision were included in the printed decisions, published on the 27 February 2024, and can be found here.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

The alternative is not to produce a Design Guide for Stamford Hill and rely on the adopted borough-wide Local Plan policies, the Stamford Hill AAP and the boroughwide Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD. This has been rejected as the Stamford Hill Design Guide is considered an essential tool to support implementation of planning policies for the Stamford Hill area.

RESOLVED:

1.  Approve the draft London Borough of Hackney Woodberry Down (Phase 4) Compulsory Purchase Order 2024 as attached at Appendix 1 ("the Order"), the map identifying the Order Land ("the Order Land") as attached at Appendix 2 and the Statement of Reasons made in support of that Order and attached at Appendix 3 ("the Statement of Reasons") and the Equality Impact Assessment Report attached at Appendix 4.

2.  Authorise the Group Director of Climate, Homes and Economy, after consultation with the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services to make any minor changes considered necessary to the Order, the Order Land, or the Statement of Reasons, and to approve the schedules of land and interests to be attached to the Order.

3.  Authorise the making of the Order under Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 ("the 1990 Act") and authorise the confirmation of the Order if the Council is given the power to do so by the Secretary of State under Section 14A of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981.

4.  Authorise the Group Director of Climate, Homes and Economy after consultation with the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services, to issue notices and carry out actions under Section 172 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and, where necessary, to enter onto land and carry out surveys of any land which the Council proposes to acquire compulsorily.

5.  Authorise the Group Director of Climate Homes and Economy  after consultation with the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services and following confirmation of the Order, to publish and serve notice of confirmation of the Order, together with notice of the Council’s intention to make a General Vesting Declaration (“GVD”), and to make one or more GVDs (and to serve all appropriate notices in connection therewith) or to serve notices to treat and notices of entry (as appropriate) in respect of the Order Land.

6.  Authorise the use of powers under the 1990 Act to secure the removal of any apparatus of statutory undertakers or communication code operators from the Order Land shown within the red line in the map in Appendix 2.

7.  Authorise the acquisition by agreement of all third party interests in and over the Order Land under Section 227 of the 1990 Act before or after confirmation of the Order and in respect of any new rights required for the development or use of the Order Land.

8.  Authorise the Group Director of Climate Homes and Economy after consultation with the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services to take all necessary steps to override  all third party interests and rights over the Order Land under Section 203 of the Housing & Planning Act 2016, and to pay such compensation and costs as is agreed between the parties or determined by the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).  This authorisation includes the publication and advertisement of the Order, serving appropriate notices, seeking  ...  view the full decision text for item 14.

14.1    The Mayor confirmed that the Council placed a high priority on regeneration, which was exemplified by a Woodberry Down regeneration programme that had built new homes, a new community centre and library, commercial space,  and the provision of three new parks.

14.2  Introducing the report, Cllr Nicholson confirmed that the report recommended the acquisition of the current Right to Buy homes that sat within Phase 4 of the estate regeneration project.  It was hoped that the negotiations underway would ensure acquisitions without the need to utilise a compulsory purchase order, but to enable the project to move forward it was required to formally set out the Council’s intention to acquire the homes.

RESOLVED:

1.  Approve the draft London Borough of Hackney Woodberry Down (Phase 4) Compulsory Purchase Order 2024 as attached at Appendix 1 ("the Order"), the map identifying the Order Land ("the Order Land") as attached at Appendix 2 and the Statement of Reasons made in support of that Order and attached at Appendix 3 ("the Statement of Reasons") and the Equality Impact Assessment Report attached at Appendix 4.

2.  Authorise the Group Director of Climate, Homes and Economy, after consultation with the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services to make any minor changes considered necessary to the Order, the Order Land, or the Statement of Reasons, and to approve the schedules of land and interests to be attached to the Order.

3.  Authorise the making of the Order under Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 ("the 1990 Act") and authorise the confirmation of the Order if the Council is given the power to do so by the Secretary of State under Section 14A of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981.

4.  Authorise the Group Director of Climate, Homes and Economy after consultation with the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services, to issue notices and carry out actions under Section 172 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and, where necessary, to enter onto land and carry out surveys of any land which the Council proposes to acquire compulsorily.

5.  Authorise the Group Director of Climate Homes and Economy  after consultation with the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services and following confirmation of the Order, to publish and serve notice of confirmation of the Order, together with notice of the Council’s intention to make a General Vesting Declaration (“GVD”), and to make one or more GVDs (and to serve all appropriate notices in connection therewith) or to serve notices to treat and notices of entry (as appropriate) in respect of the Order Land.

6.  Authorise the use of powers under the 1990 Act to secure the removal of any apparatus of statutory undertakers or communication code operators from the Order Land shown within the red line in the map in Appendix 2.

7.  Authorise the acquisition by agreement of all third party interests in and over the Order Land under  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

RESOLVED:

1.  To approve the launch of the Hackney Community Municipal Investment - Green Loan in May 2024 to finance green initiatives.

2.  To approve the conditions of the first Hackney Community Municipal Investment launch as set out at paragraph 9.3.5 and to delegate authority to the Interim Group Director Finance, in consultation with the Acting Director, Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services, to enter into any agreements that may be necessary.

REASONS FOR DECISION

Hackney CMI Green Loan will enable the Council to finance some of its green initiatives, thereby supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and positively impacting the environment. The CMI benefits from Individual Savings Account status with its associated tax advantages to smaller investors.

The Abundance platform provides access to a community of ethical investors keen to support environmentally friendly projects.  By financing environmentally friendly initiatives with a CMI Green Loan, the Council can engage and involve residents in local projects which will contribute to achieving our net zero targets.  The interest rate on the CMI Green Loan will be lower than the borrowing rate for PWLB.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

The Council could choose an alternative source of borrowing to raise £1m to fund the projects in line with our Treasury Management Strategy, such as borrowing through the PWLB.  This would result in the projects being funded but the financial impact to the Council would potentially be a slightly higher cost of borrowing as the CMI should match or undercut the PWLB certainty rate.  In addition, this would test the opportunity to raise funding from a wider range of sources.  This CMI is the Council’s chance to engage in a new way of funding work to reduce carbon emissions and increase resident participation.

Council aims to test a range of approaches to increase funding available for wider climate-related projects.

15.1    Noting that Hackney had a pioneering approach to climate action, which included tree planting, traffic reduction, and the use of renewable energy, the Mayor welcomed the proposals that would give residents an opportunity to support the green transition, and help the Council to fill the current gap in Government funding.

15.2  Cllr Mete Coban, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, introduced the report on behalf of himself and Cllr Chapman and highlighted the successes of Hackney’s Climate Action Plan, and that the Borough was leading on tackling climate change.  The Green Loan proposal, which was an innovative way of bringing additional funding to Hackney, had already seen over 4,500 people in other local authorities investing, raising money for community climate projects.

RESOLVED:

1.  To approve the launch of the Hackney Community Municipal Investment - Green Loan in May 2024 to finance green initiatives.

2.  To approve the conditions of the first Hackney Community Municipal Investment launch as set out at paragraph 9.3.5 and to delegate authority to the Interim Group Director Finance, in consultation with the Acting Director, Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services, to enter into any agreements that may be necessary.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The reasons for the decision were included in the printed decisions, published on the 27 February 2024, and can be found here.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

The Council could choose an alternative source of borrowing to raise £1m to fund the projects in line with our Treasury Management Strategy, such as borrowing through the PWLB.  This would result in the projects being funded but the financial impact to the Council would potentially be a slightly higher cost of borrowing as the CMI should match or undercut the PWLB certainty rate.  In addition, this would test the opportunity to raise funding from a wider range of sources.  This CMI is the Council’s chance to engage in a new way of funding work to reduce carbon emissions and increase resident participation.

Council aims to test a range of approaches to increase funding available for wider climate-related projects.

RESOLVED:

1.  Approve the proposal to take the relevant steps in order to revoke all existing Smoke Control Orders across the London Borough of Hackney, which will then go to the Secretary of State for confirmation/approval;

2.  Approve the proposal to publish, and seek public comment on, a new draft Smoke Control Order which covers the entire borough and which extends the smoke control provisions to include moored vessels (hereafter, Order);

3.  Approve a cap of £2,300 per vessel to those who are eligible, for the purpose of upgrading appliances to meet compliance standards should the Order be approved.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The burning of solid fuel is a significant contributor to levels of particulate matter in the ambient air, especially the finer particles (PM2.5). According to the 2019 Clean Air Strategy, it is estimated that 38% of the UK’s primary PM2.5 emissions arise from wood / coal burning associated with residential heating. In London, this figure is estimated to be less but a recent study for the London Wood Burning Project has reported that domestic wood burning is the second biggest source of PM2.5 emissions in London.

Numerous scientific studies have provided evidence of the potential harm to health from exposure to emissions from solid fuel burning, especially the fine particulates which are capable of reaching further into the airways. Pollutants can be dispersed so concentrations will vary over distance. However, the highest concentrations are likely to occur close to the source so the health impacts arising from exposure will also be felt by those burning the solid fuel.

A total of 27 Smoke Control Orders are in place which relate to the London Borough of Hackney. The Smoke Control Orders are accompanied by Schedules which describe the area that is covered. These use features such as railways and canals, as well as roads, to describe the boundaries. As there have been changes since the date of their creation, both in terms of administrative boundaries and new developments changing road layouts, the descriptions are becoming less accurate over time.

The Smoke Control Orders cover almost the entire borough, but apply to fixed properties only. Among the Orders, one exemption has been found. This is a small geographical area that is believed to have been occupied at the time by commercial and industrial premises and which were exempted from the regulatory controls.

The Regulations are contained within the Clean Air Act 1993, which states that ‘a Smoke Control Order in England “applies” to a building, fireplace, fixed boiler or industrial plant’. These controls do not apply to boats. The Environment Act 2021 introduced new provisions which allow local authorities to include moored vessels within a Smoke Control Order. Amending a Smoke Control Order to include moored vessels is optional and the decision whether or not to do so rests with each local authority.

The number of complaints that the Council receives each year about solid fuel burning is relatively low compared to the numbers received about other environmental issues. However,  ...  view the full decision text for item 16.

16.1    The Mayor highlighted the increased awareness of the impact of air pollution, which was why the Council was proposing to consolidate the 27 existing smoke controls into one comprehensive regulation to protect the Council from legal risk and protect our residents’ health.

16.2  Agreeing that air pollution was a significant public health issue, Cllr Coban highlighted evidence that showed that it didn’t just impact hearts and lungs, but also impacted low birth-rates and saw declines in cognitive functions.  It was important to take action, as laid out in the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan, and the proposals would help Hackney tackle toxic air pollution.

RESOLVED:

1.  Approve the proposal to take the relevant steps in order to revoke all existing Smoke Control Orders across the London Borough of Hackney, which will then go to the Secretary of State for confirmation/approval;

2.  Approve the proposal to publish, and seek public comment on, a new draft Smoke Control Order which covers the entire borough and which extends the smoke control provisions to include moored vessels (hereafter, Order);

3.  Approve a cap of £2,300 per vessel to those who are eligible, for the purpose of upgrading appliances to meet compliance standards should the Order be approved.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The reasons for the decision were included in the printed decisions, published on the 27 February 2024, and can be found here.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

Do Nothing. Although the Smoke Control Orders continue to be valid and can be used to enforce the provisions, the changes in administrative boundaries and road layouts, etc. which have occurred since they were made make the area covered less clear. As further changes over time are expected, this may result in legal challenges. Also, the Smoke Control Orders that currently exist do not include moored vessels and recent changes to the legislation now allow these to be included within the scope. If no changes are made, it will not help to achieve the targets for particulate matter that Hackney Council has committed to meet by 2030. Therefore, the option to do nothing was rejected.

Consolidate the existing historical Smoke Control Orders into a single Order without extending the scope to include moored vessels. To revoke the historical Smoke Control Orders and replace them with a new single boroughwide Order without extending the current provisions was considered. As set out above, the opportunity to include moored vessels within the provisions has recently become available. There is not a requirement for local authorities to adopt these powers and, before doing so, a process of engagement would be required. A decision on whether to include moored vessels within the scope would be made following this process of engagement and would be dependent on the feedback received. It would be more efficient and practical to undertake this process at the same time as consolidating the Orders. Therefore, the option to not include this amendment was rejected.

RESOLVED:

1.  Note the strategic context set out in this report, including the increasingly challenging shortages of temporary accommodation, growing demand, rising costs, and the need to secure longer term and more sustainable supply of temporary accommodation properties in order to meet the Council’s statutory obligation. 

2.  Note the principles and structure of the proposed contractual arrangement for the acquisition and letting of properties, together with the reasoning supporting its implementation, both as described in this report;

3.  Give delegated authority to the Director of Strategic Property Services, in consultation with the Interim Group Director, Finance, to:

·  negotiate the detailed terms of an Agreement for Lease (or a broadly equivalent contractual instrument with the same commercial effect) with the REIT (and any necessary ancillary agreements)

·  agree that the Council enters into the Agreement for Lease (or a broadly equivalent contractual instrument with the same commercial effect) with the REIT.

·  negotiate the detailed terms of the individual leases on each property.

4.  Give delegated authority to the Director of Strategic Property Services, in consultation with the Interim Group Director, Finance, the authority to negotiate the detailed terms of, and the authority to agree that the Council enters into, a management agreement with the appointed managing agents.

5.  Authorise the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic & Electoral Services to prepare, agree, settle and sign the necessary legal documentation to effect the proposals contained in this report and to enter into any other ancillary legal documentation as required.

REASONS FOR DECISION

As outlined within the report, there is a significant need to expand the stock of longer term temporary accommodation available to the Council. As set out within Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Council has a statutory duty to provide interim temporary accommodation to homeless households to whom it has a duty to provide permanent housing.

As set out in the report, the Council has an acute and growing pressure on supply of the temporary accommodation needed to fulfil our statutory duties. Entering into the proposed agreement for lease of 300 properties will make a significant contribution to the number of Temporary Accommodation units in the Council’s long term control and at more affordable levels than comparative short term accommodation options.

Whilst the 300 properties covered by the proposed agreement will only represent an additional 30% to the Council’s owned and leased portfolio, the number of properties that become available through other sources is continuing to decline, with particular shortages for family sized accommodation - resulting in homeless residents needing to relocate outside of the borough and often well beyond London.

The proposed leasing scheme will include criteria to ensure that properties are within 75 minutes journey time by foot and public transport to Hackney Central, helping to enable residents to retain local connections.

Discussions with other potential partners as well as Chalkhill have taken place over a number of years however they have been around longer lease commitments typically of 40 + years. Only  ...  view the full decision text for item 17.

17.1    The Mayor explained how Government inaction on housing had left thousands of people in need of temporary accommodation, forcing Councils to spend more on housing that is often not fit for purpose.  That was why the Council was proposing to invest in long-term, better quality accommodation to help manage the crisis.

17.2  Cllr Chapman spoke to the housing crisis in the country, which in Hackney saw over 8,000 people on the waiting list, with 3,000 families in temporary accommodation, and nationally since 2010 there had been a 175% increase in the number of people now homeless.  It was regrettable that the Council needed additional temporary accommodation, but this proposal would help ensure better quality housing was available.

17.3  Cllr Sade Etti discussed how this was a bold decision, but it was based on previous successes, such as at Cape House and Ivy House.

RESOLVED:

1.  Note the strategic context set out in this report, including the increasingly challenging shortages of temporary accommodation, growing demand, rising costs, and the need to secure longer term and more sustainable supply of temporary accommodation properties in order to meet the Council’s statutory obligation. 

2.  Note the principles and structure of the proposed contractual arrangement for the acquisition and letting of properties, together with the reasoning supporting its implementation, both as described in this report;

3.  Give delegated authority to the Director of Strategic Property Services, in consultation with the Interim Group Director, Finance, to:

·  negotiate the detailed terms of an Agreement for Lease (or a broadly equivalent contractual instrument with the same commercial effect) with the REIT (and any necessary ancillary agreements)

·  agree that the Council enters into the Agreement for Lease (or a broadly equivalent contractual instrument with the same commercial effect) with the REIT.

·  negotiate the detailed terms of the individual leases on each property.

4.  Give delegated authority to the Director of Strategic Property Services, in consultation with the Interim Group Director, Finance, the authority to negotiate the detailed terms of, and the authority to agree that the Council enters into, a management agreement with the appointed managing agents.

5.  Authorise the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic & Electoral Services to prepare, agree, settle and sign the necessary legal documentation to effect the proposals contained in this report and to enter into any other ancillary legal documentation as required.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The reasons for the decision were included in the printed decisions, published on the 27 February 2024, and can be found here.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

Do nothing and lose this opportunity to increase the number of Temporary Accommodation units in the Council’s long term control at more affordable levels than alternative short term accommodation options

This option has been rejected on the grounds that it will:

·  continue to leave the Council with significant uncertainty of provision of temporary accommodation

·  increase the likelihood that homeless residents will be required to relocate outside of London for temporary accommodation

·  increase cost pressures for the Council

·  increase the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

RESOLVED:

1.  To agree to adopt the 2024-2029 City and Hackney Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy.

2.  To request an annual update on progress in implementing the strategy

REASONS FOR DECISION

The Strategy will help improve the health and wellbeing of local residents and ensure services are better coordinated to enable improved outcomes and user experience.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

To continue to commission and provide for services without an overarching strategy. This would perpetuate current inequalities and poor sexual and reproductive health.

Not to have a local strategy but adopt the North East London Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy. The NEL strategy is still in development and will not have the same level of detail or local control that adopting a specific local City and Hackney strategy will bring.

18.1   The Mayor reconfirmed that the Council took its public health responsibilities seriously, and that working in partnership with the NHS and community partners, had developed a new strategy that would help improve sexual and reproductive health in the Borough.

18.2  Cllr Christopher Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture, reported on the consultation process that had helped to inform the proposed strategy, and that the strategy had been agreed at the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB).  After highlighting the five themes, Cllr Kennedy confirmed that delivery would be complex, but a HWB sub-committee would meet quarterly to ensure implementation, and Cabinet would receive an annual update.

RESOLVED:

1.  To agree to adopt the 2024-2029 City and Hackney Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy.

2.  To request an annual update on progress in implementing the strategy

REASONS FOR DECISION

The Strategy will help improve the health and wellbeing of local residents and ensure services are better coordinated to enable improved outcomes and user experience.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

To continue to commission and provide for services without an overarching strategy. This would perpetuate current inequalities and poor sexual and reproductive health.

Not to have a local strategy but adopt the North East London Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy. The NEL strategy is still in development and will not have the same level of detail or local control that adopting a specific local City and Hackney strategy will bring.

RESOLVED:

1.  Approves a revised Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control) in relation to the renewing and varying of the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control), which would place controls on dog fouling, dog exclusion, dogs on leads, dogs on leads where requested and on the maximum number of dogs that can be walked by one person. A copy of the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control) is attached to this report as Appendix 1.

REASONS FOR DECISION

A PSPO is a tool to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces safe from activities which have a detrimental effect on the quality of their life in that area. The proposed PSPO (Dog Control) should ensure that Hackney has an effective response to ASB in the areas covered by the PSPO.

PSPOs are intended to be used to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in an area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life by putting in place conditions on the use of that area that apply to everyone. They are designed to ensure people can use and enjoy public spaces safe from activities which have the requisite detrimental impact.

Councils can make a PSPO after consultation with the Police and other relevant bodies and communities. The legislation sets out a two-pronged test of which a Local Authority has to be satisfied on reasonable grounds before a PSPO can be made. These conditions are as follows:

2.  That the activities carried out in a public place have had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality; or that it is likely that they will have such an effect.

3.  That the effect or the likely effect of the activities:

·  Is (or is likely to be) persistent or continuous.

·  Is (or is likely to be) unreasonable.

·  Justifies the restriction imposed by the notice.

A PSPO must identify the public place in question and can:

a)  prohibit specified things being done in that public place;

b)  require specified things to be done by persons carrying on specified activities in that place; or

c)  do both of those things.

The only prohibitions or requirements that may be imposed are ones that are reasonable to impose in order to prevent or reduce the risk of the detrimental effect continuing, occurring or recurring.

Prohibitions may apply to all persons, or only to persons in specified categories, or to all persons except those in specified categories.

The PSPO may specify the times at which it applies and the circumstances in which it applies or does not apply.

Unless extended, the PSPO may not have effect for more than 3 years.

The breach of a PSPO without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. The Police or a person authorised by the Council can issue fixed penalty notices, the amount of which may not be more than £100. A person can also be prosecuted for breach of a PSPO and, on conviction, the Magistrates’ Court  ...  view the full decision text for item 19.

19.1   The Mayor reminded the Cabinet that the Council maintained a number of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) to make sure that green spaces were welcoming to everyone.  The PSPOs needed to be updated so they were fit for purpose and responded to how people used Hackney’s parks after the Covid pandemic.

19.2  Introducing the report, Cllr Fajana-Thomas restated that PSPOs were intended to deal with nuisances or problems in public areas that were detrimental to local communities and quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of specific areas and ensuring that Community Safety Enforcement Officers and Police had the necessary powers to respond.  Cllr Fajana-Thomas shared with Cabinet details of the consultation, including that it had received almost 4,000 responses, and thanked Officers for their hard work preparing the proposed PSPO.

RESOLVED:

1.  Approves a revised Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control) in relation to the renewing and varying of the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control), which would place controls on dog fouling, dog exclusion, dogs on leads, dogs on leads where requested and on the maximum number of dogs that can be walked by one person. A copy of the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control) is attached to this report as Appendix 1.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The reasons for the decision were included in the printed decisions, published on the 27 February 2024, and can be found here.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

Not having a PSPO in place regarding dog control will have a detrimental impact on the experience of residents and other users of parks, open spaces, play and other areas across the borough. Furthermore, the ability of Community Safety and Enforcement Officers to enforce dog-related nuisance across the borough would be significantly restricted; leading to increased dog fouling, dogs being a nuisance and not being adequately controlled, dogs entering children’s play areas, sports areas and other areas.

Officers can enforce by-laws relating to Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces, which were first made in 1932 and transferred to the Council from The Greater London Council in 1971. The by-laws are outdated and hold a maximum penalty of £20, which is not a sufficient deterrent to those who would breach them.

This option would be contrary to the need for the PSPO and public support for the PSPO.

Renewing the current PSPO without any changes was also considered. However, this option would not have allowed the adding of prohibitions / requirements stipulated in the PSPO, the updating of locations from which dogs are excluded and in which dogs must be kept on a lead. It was therefore rejected.

RESOLVED:

1.  To recommend to Full Council that the Equality Plan be adopted, along with the anti-racism framework and LGBTQIA framework:

·  Appendix 1: Equality Plan

·  Appendix 2: the anti-racism framework

·  Appendix 3: the LGBTQIA framework

2.  To agree that a full action plan for the Equality Plan will be brought to Cabinet later this year

3.  To agree that the Equality and Cohesion Policy is also brought to Cabinet later this year, so it can reflect the new objectives

REASONS FOR DECISION

In November 2022 Hackney adopted a new Strategic Plan at Cabinet and Council. An equality plan is needed to support the ambitions of the strategic plan and political priorities and consider these ambitions through an equality prism.  The new Equality Plan will replace the existing Single Equality Scheme 2018-2022 and so we are at a key point of change in policy which requires consultation and engagement.  It is a statutory duty to publish equality objectives, and consult on them.  In the interests of transparency, we published and consulted on a summary plan, rather than just the objectives. Consultation and engagement on the Draft Equality Plan took place between 20th November 2023 and 21st January 2024 This has informed the final draft of the equality plan.

The last Equality Scheme included a commitment to developing a refreshed LGBTQIA plan. In July 2020, a motion was passed to work towards being an anti-racist organisation. This helped strengthen the focus on what we need to change within institutions.  Both the LGBTQIA Strategic Framework and Anti-Racism Framework are presented in these papers, along with the Equality Plan. They are discrete documents within the wider Equality Plan.  In appending these frameworks, we are not diluting these documents but situating these plans in a wider frame and justification.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

We could have done what is statutorily required and only published draft objectives, without developing the more detailed plans that flow from these objectives. In the early consideration of the Equality Plan this option was rejected by corporate leadership so that sufficient attention could be given to the positive actions needed to tackle inequality of outcomes, build opportunity and celebrate diversity and to address the challenges for us as an institution, and for statutory partners.

We could have incorporated objectives into the wider Strategic Plan.  An equality plan was considered to be needed in order to consider the Strategic Plan ambitions for fairer outcomes through an equality prism.

20.1    The Mayor stated that equality was at the heart of Hackney’s mission.  The proposed new Equality Plan would put that into practice with new evidence, analysis, and clear actions to make Hackney fairer.  At a time of pressure on services and funding, it was more important than ever that the Council considered how to support residents dealing with inequalities and inequities and embed that throughout its services.

20.2  Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities, discussed how the Equality Plan, the anti-racism framework and the LGBTQIA framework were an articulation of the Council's Strategic Plan which itself was drafted when the deep inequalities in the Borough were clear, following austerity and national Government cuts, and the Covid pandemic. 

20.3  Cllr Williams restated the protected characteristics as being; age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation.  In addition, Cllr Williams also provided details of the work that the Council had already undertaken, including the passing of motions on anti-racism; supporting trans rights; the impact of menopause and perimenopause; understanding the needs of single parents; tackling Islamophobia and anti-Semitism; becoming an age friendly and dementia friendly Borough; and a commitment to the right to food.

Deputy Mayor Bramble left and returned to the meeting during this agenda item.

RESOLVED:

1.  To recommend to Full Council that the Equality Plan be adopted, along with the anti-racism framework and LGBTQIA framework:

·  Appendix 1: Equality Plan

·  Appendix 2: the anti-racism framework

·  Appendix 3: the LGBTQIA framework

2.  To agree that a full action plan for the Equality Plan will be brought to Cabinet later this year

3.  To agree that the Equality and Cohesion Policy is also brought to Cabinet later this year, so it can reflect the new objectives

REASONS FOR DECISION

The reasons for the decision were included in the printed decisions, published on the 27 February 2024, and can be found here.

DETAILS OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED

We could have done what is statutorily required and only published draft objectives, without developing the more detailed plans that flow from these objectives. In the early consideration of the Equality Plan this option was rejected by corporate leadership so that sufficient attention could be given to the positive actions needed to tackle inequality of outcomes, build opportunity and celebrate diversity and to address the challenges for us as an institution, and for statutory partners.

We could have incorporated objectives into the wider Strategic Plan.  An equality plan was considered to be needed in order to consider the Strategic Plan ambitions for fairer outcomes through an equality prism.

RESOLVED:

Cabinet to;

1.  approve the nominations of Councillors to Outside Bodies, on behalf of the Council, as set out in Appendix 1

2.  note the change in Cabinet Procurement Insourcing Committee membership, as set out in Appendix 1;

21.1    The Mayor confirmed that the Council had the power to appoint or nominate people to represent it on various Outside Bodies, which enabled Hackney to build even stronger connections with key partners.

RESOLVED:

Cabinet to;

1.  approve the nominations of Councillors to Outside Bodies, on behalf of the Council, as set out in Appendix 1

2.  note the change in Cabinet Procurement Insourcing Committee membership, as set out in Appendix 1;

Note from the Governance Team Leader:

Items 23 - 26 allow for the consideration of exempt information.

Proposed resolution:

That the press and public be excluded during discussion of the remaining items on the agenda, on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

22.1  The Cabinet agreed that the exclusion of the press and pubic was not required to consider exempt items 23-26.

23.1  The Cabinet agreed that no further consideration of the exempt appendix in relation to agenda item 14 was required

24.1  The Cabinet agreed that no further consideration of the exempt appendix in relation to agenda item 15 was required.

25.1  The Cabinet agreed that no further consideration of the exempt appendix in relation to agenda item 17 was required.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Exempt Business

26.1  There were no new exempt items for consideration.