Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 25 January 2023

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 25 January 2023 were agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

The deadline for questions from members of the public is 12 noon, four clear working days before the meeting (Wednesday, 22 February). If you wish to submit a question you can do so by emailing governance@hackney.gov.uk

or via the Council’s website.

A supplementary agenda setting out any public questions received after the publication of the main agenda will be circulated shortly after this deadline.

To the Mayoral Advisor for Housing Needs and Homelessness from Emmanuel Akin

Over the years I’ve seen the social mobility of the demographic in Hackney change and impacted for many reasons; one being housing and homelessness. What plans does the Council have to prevent and support young people from becoming homeless?

6.1  From Cllr Binnie-Lubbock to the Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Delivery, Inclusive Economy & Regeneration

London World reported a net-loss of 431 Hackney council homes in the last 10-years - can you commit to demolition as a last resort as per guidance and where retrofit/refurbishment is not possible, council homes should be replaced and built to high enough standards to reach Hackney's net zero targets?

6.2  From Cllr Patrick to Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service

The Money Hub has been running for 4 months now. Please can the Cabinet Member update us on progress with the Council's new Money Hub and the impact this is having for residents suffering from the cost of living crisis?

6.3  From Cllr Garbett to the Mayor

Which parts of the council are currently establishing co-ops to challenge market failures and how many will be set up by 2026?

6.4  From Cllr Gilbert Smyth to the Mayor

On 27 January part of a privately owned building on Stoke Newington High Street collapsed onto the street and pavement below. Thankfully there were no injuries but many residents and businesses had to vacate their homes and premises to ensure their and the public's safety. Stoke Newington High Street also has to close for more than 3 weeks now. Going forward, will the Council be offering further support helping those affected get back to their normal lives after this traumatic and upsetting experience?

6.5  From Cllr Binnie-Lubbock to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport

It's great to have Lime e-bikes in Hackney but residents are concerned that too many of them are not being parked correctly. How many fines have been issued & does the council receive any proportion?

6.6  Cllr Ifraax Samatar Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Young People and Children’s Social Care

What actions are being taken to support groups most affected by the introduction of photo voter ID (young people, older people, people with disabilities and those blocked by language barriers and has the process of raising awareness about the new requirement started?

6.7  From Cllr Conway to the Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities

In light of the forthcoming 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush arriving in the UK, what representations has the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Windrush made to the Home Secretary regarding comments she has made about Wendy Williams' recommendations in the Lessons Learned Review?

6.8  From Cllr Adams to the  Cabinet Member for Families, Parks and Leisure

In Hoxton East and Shoreditch we have been closely following the progress of improvement works at Shoreditch Park since works began last spring. Can the lead member for Families, Parks and Leisure provide an update on how community-led designs have been built into the park and confirm when we will see it fully open up to the public?

6.9  From Cllr Pallis to the Cabinet Advisor for Private Rented Sector and Housing Affordability

Can the Mayoral Advisor provide an update  ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

An amendment was proposed by Cllr Garbett and seconded by Cllr Binnie-Lubbock.

On a recorded vote, there being;

2 Members for: Cllrs Binnie-Lubbock and Garbett

36 Members against: Mayor Glanville and Cllrs Adams, Adebayo, Baffour, Bramble (Deputy Mayor), Chapman, Coban, Conway, Desmond, Etti, Fajana-Thomas, Garasia (Speaker),Hayhurst, Kennedy, Lisser, Maxwell, Moema, Nicholson (Deputy Mayor), Narcross, Ogundemuren, Pallis, Patrick, Potter, Race, Rathbone, Sizer, Smyth, Steinberger, Suso-Runge, Troughton, Turbet-Delof, Walker, Webb, Williams, Woodley, Wrout.

No abstentions

The amendment to the MOTION was lost and the amendment to the proposed budget was NOT CARRIED

A second amendment was proposed by Cllr Steinberger and seconded by Cllr Lisser.

On a recorded vote, there being;

2 Members for:  Cllrs Lisser and Steinberger

36 Members against: Mayor Glanville and Cllrs Adams, Adebayo, Baffour, Binnie-Lubbock, Bramble (Deputy Mayor), Chapman, Coban, Conway, Desmond, Etti, Fajana-Thomas, Garasia (Speaker), Garbett, Hayhurst, Kennedy, Maxwell, Moema, Nicholson (Deputy Mayor), Narcross, Ogundemuren, Pallis, Patrick, Potter, Race, Rathbone, Sizer, Smyth, , Suso-Runge, Troughton, Turbet-Delof, Walker, Webb, Williams, Woodley, Wrout.

No abstentions

The amendment to the MOTION was lost and the amendment to the proposed budget was NOT CARRIED

The substantive MOTION was put to the vote.

On a recorded vote, there being;

34 Members for: Mayor Glanville and Cllrs Adams, Adebayo, Baffour, Bramble (Deputy Mayor), Chapman, Coban, Conway, Desmond, Etti, Fajana-Thomas, Garasia (Speaker), Hayhurst, Kennedy, Maxwell, Moema, Nicholson (Deputy Mayor), Narcross, Ogundemuren, Pallis, Patrick, Potter, Race, Rathbone, Sizer, Smyth, Suso-Runge, Troughton, Turbet-Delof, Walker, Webb, Williams, Woodley, Wrout.

2 Members against: Cllrs Lisser and Steinberger

2 Members abstained: Cllrs Binnie-Lubbock and Garbett

RESOLVED:

1.  To bring forward into 2023/24 the Council’s projected 2022-23 General Fund balance of £15.0m with the aim of increasing this to £20m over the medium-term period to 2026/27 noting the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) balances of £13.7m.

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 Group Director, Finance and Corporate Resources, is of the view that: The General Fund balances which currently stand at  £15.0m and the level of other reserves are adequate to meet the Council’s financial needs for 2023/24 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 2021/22 Accounts  ...  view the full decision text for item 8.

An amendment was proposed by Cllr Garbett and seconded by Cllr Binnie-Lubbock.

On a recorded vote, there being;

2 Members for: Cllrs Binnie-Lubbock and Garbett

XX Members against:

No abstentions

The amendment to the MOTION was lost and the amendment to the proposed budget was NOT CARRIED

A second amendment was proposed by Cllr Steinberger and seconded by Cllr Lisser.

On a recorded vote, there being;

2 Members for:  Cllrs Lisser and Steinberger

XX Members against:

No abstentions

The amendment to the MOTION was lost and the amendment to the proposed budget was NOT CARRIED

The substantive MOTION was put to the vote.

On a recorded vote, there being;

XX Members for:

2 Members against: Cllrs Lisser and Steinberger

2 Members abstained: Cllrs Binnie-Lubbock and Garbett

RESOLVED:

1.  To bring forward into 2023/24 the Council’s projected 2022-23 General Fund balance of £15.0m with the aim of increasing this to £20m over the medium-term period to 2026/27 noting the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) balances of £13.7m.

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 Group Director, Finance and Corporate Resources, is of the view that: The General Fund balances which currently stand at  £15.0m and the level of other reserves are adequate to meet the Council’s financial needs for 2023/24 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 2021/22 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 maintain the balance at £13.7m by 31 March 2023 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. In 2019/20 the HRA balance reduced from £15m because of the need to set up a provision for Thames Water agency refunds. There is a plan to get back up to £15m through the savings programme over the medium term to replenish reserves and in 2021/22 we were able to increase the HRA balance by £1.4m to £13.7m.

5.  The General Fund estimates are sufficiently robust to set a balanced budget for 2023/24. This takes into account the adequacy of the level of balances and reserves outlined above and the assurance gained from the comparisons of the 2022/23 budget with the projected spend  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

RESOLVED: To note the contents of the report.

RESOLVED: To note the proposed Council meeting calendar for 2023/24.

This Council believes in equity of opportunity and that human rights are the bedrock of our society. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary people are non-binary. We believe in the dignity of all people, and their right to respect and equity of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Hackney to be a safe, welcoming, and an inclusive borough for everyone, no matter their gender identity or gender expression.

This Council notes:

·  The rise in reports of violent attacks and hate crime against LGBTQIA+ people, with hate crime against trans people having quadrupled in the last 5 years.

·  The Tory Government has fallen far short of its promise to reform the Gender Recognition Action (GRA), despite the consultation yielding overwhelming support for change, the results mean the process will not be de-medicalised, the spousal veto will remain, and legal recognition for non-binary individuals will not be extended.

·  The concerning rise in transphobia in the UK, from individuals, politicians and the media, as well as the increasing severity of the threats faced by the trans community.

·  That transgender and non-binary people may require specific support to access services without facing discrimination. All council services must be equipped to welcome and provide appropriate service and good customer care to suit transgender and non-binary people.

·  Data on gender identity was gathered in the 2020 Census for the first time. More than 1% said their gender is different to their sex registered at birth. Hackney also has the highest number and the highest proportion of usual residents who described a nonbinary+ gender identity out of any of the 34 London boroughs.

·  That there are transgender and non-binary people in Hackney of all ages, and that the need for better understanding and acceptance of what it means to be transgender or non-binary is an intergenerational issue.

·  That transgender and non-binary people may face intersecting struggles due to factors like their race, religion, disability, socio-economic background, or sexuality.

·  Hackney Council has a proud and recognised history of working to achieve equality of opportunity both within the Town Hall and across the borough, whilst supporting groups and organisations to deliver essential services, projects and events.

·  The vital work done by groups in Hackney to support local trans and nonbinary people, as well as the wider LGBTQIA+ community. Including, but not limited to, Project Indigo, Rainbow Mind, ELOP, Proud Hackney (the Council’s LGBTQIA+ staff network), Pride in Education, Dalston Superstore, Shelter, Live Through This, St Paul's West Hackney, London Friend, Positive East, Mouth That Roars, Volunteer Centre Hackney, Rio Cinema, Queer China Collective.

·  The London Borough of Hackney first flew the Progress rainbow flag to mark LGBTQIA+  History Month, in February 2019, and the Intersex Inclusive Pride flag for LGBTQIA+  history month in February 2023.

·  That the London Borough of Hackney has marked the Trans Day of Remembrance since 2021.

·  That Hackney Council has taken the following  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11a

RESOLVED:

This Council believes in equity of opportunity and that human rights are the bedrock of our society. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary people are non-binary. We believe in the dignity of all people, and their right to respect and equity of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Hackney to be a safe, welcoming, and an inclusive borough for everyone, no matter their gender identity or gender expression.

This Council notes:

·  The rise in reports of violent attacks and hate crime against LGBTQIA+ people, with hate crime against trans people having quadrupled in the last 5 years.

·  The Tory Government has fallen far short of its promise to reform the Gender Recognition Action (GRA), despite the consultation yielding overwhelming support for change, the results mean the process will not be de-medicalised, the spousal veto will remain, and legal recognition for non-binary individuals will not be extended.

·  The concerning rise in transphobia in the UK, from individuals, politicians and the media, as well as the increasing severity of the threats faced by the trans community.

·  That transgender and non-binary people may require specific support to access services without facing discrimination. All council services must be equipped to welcome and provide appropriate service and good customer care to suit transgender and non-binary people.

·  Data on gender identity was gathered in the 2020 Census for the first time. More than 1% said their gender is different to their sex registered at birth. Hackney also has the highest number and the highest proportion of usual residents who described a nonbinary+ gender identity out of any of the 34 London boroughs.

·  That there are transgender and non-binary people in Hackney of all ages, and that the need for better understanding and acceptance of what it means to be transgender or non-binary is an intergenerational issue.

·  That transgender and non-binary people may face intersecting struggles due to factors like their race, religion, disability, socio-economic background, or sexuality.

·  Hackney Council has a proud and recognised history of working to achieve equality of opportunity both within the Town Hall and across the borough, whilst supporting groups and organisations to deliver essential services, projects and events.

·  The vital work done by groups in Hackney to support local trans and nonbinary people, as well as the wider LGBTQIA+ community. Including, but not limited to, Project Indigo, Rainbow Mind, ELOP, Proud Hackney (the Council’s LGBTQIA+ staff network), Pride in Education, Dalston Superstore, Shelter, Live Through This, St Paul's West Hackney, London Friend, Positive East, Mouth That Roars, Volunteer Centre Hackney, Rio Cinema, Queer China Collective.

·  The London Borough of Hackney first flew the Progress rainbow flag to mark LGBTQIA+  History Month, in February 2019, and the Intersex Inclusive Pride flag for LGBTQIA+  history month in February 2023.

·  That the London Borough of Hackney has marked the Trans Day of Remembrance since 2021.

·  That Hackney Council has taken the  ...  view the full decision text for item 11a

This Council notes:

·  The UK is facing a wave of industrial action in the wake of rising prices, a cost-of-living crisis and paltry pay offers

·  That in December, the Royal College of Nurses took the unprecedented step of holding a national strike on the 15th and 20th December 2022, and announced strikes on the 18th and 19th of January 2023 alongside other healthcare workers including ambulance workers who are striking in January

·  The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers took part in strikes on 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th December 2022, with strikes ongoing in January 2023

·  Major education unions in England are balloting their members on possible strike action over pay

·  Over 70,000 staff at 150 universities across the UK took three days of strike action over attacks on pay, working conditions and pensions

·  That under Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of their interests

·  That the Conservative government has consistently failed to make adequate pay offers to workers and has repeatedly undermined the right to strike, and has undermined pay offers which could see a successful resolution to the strikes

This Council further notes:

·  That Hackney staff have been balloting for industrial action including most recently Library staff voting to strike over the planned restructure to the service

·  That all over the country, workers are winning improved wages through the power of collective action

·  The Conservative government is undermining the right to strike by allowing employers to use agency workers to break strikes

·  That decades of anti-union laws have given us some of the tightest and most undemocratic restrictions on strikes in the advanced industrial world

·  The growing popularity of collective action outside of the workplace with community, tenants and renters unions, including ACORN and the London Renters Union, who are providing vital support to their members against the backdrop of more than a decade of Conservative decay

This Council believes that:

·  That unions already only resort to strikes after negotiations are exhausted

·  That now more than ever, many residents understand that if workers don’t fight for fair pay and conditions, they will not be able to make it through the ongoing crises

·  Collective action is a necessary tool to rebalance power away from the few to the many, in the workplace and in communities

This Council resolves to:

·  Promote trade, community and renters union membership to Hackney’s residents

·  To work collaboratively with the unions representing the Council’s workers

·  To ask Hackney residents to support striking workers in whatever way they can

·  Ensure that wherever possible, agency workers for Hackney Council are not penalised for taking part in strikes, despite lacking the same legal protections as the employees they work alongside

·  Support the attendance of Hackney’s two MPs, Diane Abbott and Meg Hillier, and councillors, and our Assembly Members at picket lines in solidarity  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11b

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

·  The UK is facing a wave of industrial action in the wake of rising prices a cost-of-living crisis and paltry pay offers

·  That in December, the Royal College of Nurses took the unprecedented step of holding a national strike on the 15th and 20th December 2022, and announced strikes on the 18th and 19th of January 2023 alongside other healthcare workers including ambulance workers who are striking in January

·  The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers took part in strikes on 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th December 2022, with strikes ongoing in January 2023

·  Major education unions in England balloted their members and an NEU national strike took place on 1 February with up to 300,000 members across 23,400 schools.

·  A ballot of 47,000 Junior Doctors who are BMA members in England has supported strike action, to take place for 72 hours between 7.00 am on Monday 13 until 7.00 am on Thursday 16 March.

·  The main union for Tube drivers, ASLEF, has announced a one-day strike for Wednesday 15 March.

·  Over 70,000 staff at 150 universities across the UK took three days of strike action over attacks on pay, working conditions and pensions

This Council further notes:

·  In January 2023 the Government announced its Strikes (Minimum Service Level) Bill - a wide-ranging set of proposals which, taken as a package, will undermine the basic right to strike and make it harder for workers to organise effectively in trade unions.

·  The proposals will also bring in new restrictions on pickets and protests during strikes. Unions will have to give the details of a lead picketer on every picket line to the police and employers - and the Government has even floated the idea of making all picketers give their details to the police. They may even be required to submit a campaign plan to the police and employers two weeks in advance - setting out what they intend to do, whether they will use a loudspeaker or carry a banner and even what strikers intend to put on social media, such as Facebook or twitter.

·  The Government has also proposed new thresholds for turnout in strike ballots, plus additional thresholds for those working in "important public services".

·  The Government wants to grant ministers the power to unilaterally cut so-called "facilities time" in the public sector. This is paid time-off mutually agreed between employers and unions for union reps to represent their members and negotiate with their employer.

·  The Government also proposes to prohibit public sector employers assisting unions collecting their membership subscriptions through payrolls - even though this is used for a variety of other staff benefits such as cycle-to-work schemes and childcare vouchers, and even though unions often meet the costs of this.

·  The Strikes (Minimum Level of Service) Bill has been rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny and does not have backing of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations’ workers’ rights watchdog.

·  The human rights organisations Liberty, Amnesty International  ...  view the full decision text for item 11b

This Council notes:

·  That the Coalition and successive Conservative governments’ “Hostile Environment” policies deliberately make life hard for refugees, asylum seekers and for those who cannot prove their right to remain in the UK.

·  During the Windrush 75th anniversary year, the government is rowing back on key recommendations made by Wendy Williams in the 2020 Lessons Learned Review: to create a the post of Migrants’ Commissioner; increase the powers of the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) to publish reports; and to run a series of reconciliation events with members of the Windrush Generation to discuss the impact of the scandal on their lives.

·  The Government’s cruel treatment of the Windrush Generation has forced many Hackney residents who were born in the UK, to go through unnecessary amounts of distress, with some being deported.

·  The Council will continue to celebrate tolerance and diversity and welcome refugees and migrants. The Council has already welcomed refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine and  through formal schemes, who have made Hackney their home over the last 5 years.

·  The Government’s underfunding of the immigration system and the impact of migrant and refugee communities results in delayed decision making on applications, unjustifiably high and unreasonable fees for immigration applications, and the harsh reality of being excluded from fully participating in society for those who are granted leave to remain in the UK, but who have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

·  The Home Office NRPF policy is inhumane and fails to comply with the legal obligation to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. It has also been found unlawful by the High Court for the third year in a row.

·  That the pandemic has brought further difficulties for refugees and migrants, including insecure work, lack of access to decent housing and digital exclusion.

This Council further notes:

·  That Hackney celebrates our borough’s history of being a welcoming borough, and welcoming everybody, regardless of their background. The Council recognises the contribution of refugees, migrants and those seeking sanctuary to the Borough of Hackney. We are committed to welcoming and including them in all of our activities and actively seek ways in which we can support them.

·  That, throughout the pandemic, Hackney Council’s support services were open to anyone who needed them, no matter their immigration status.

·  Despite limitations imposed by central government, Hackney Council continues to try to find ways to support people with NRPF. For example, the Council has extended eligibility for free school meals to include some children of groups who have no recourse to public funds.

·  The Council celebrates Refugee Week annually and publicly shares and celebrates the contribution of refugees and migrants in Hackney.

·  That the Council is committed to our refugee and migrant communities. We support the initiative to make Hackney a recognised ‘Borough of Sanctuary,’ welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution and offering them safety.

This Council resolves to:

·  Join a network of cities and towns which promote the inclusion and welfare of people who are fleeing violence  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11c

This Council notes:

·  That infertility is defined by the World Health Organisation as a disease of the reproductive system.

·  In the UK, it’s estimated approximately 1 in 6 heterosexual couples will struggle to conceive, or 3.5 million people per year. However, this number does not include same-sex couples, single or trans people who must also be afforded the right to try for a family.

·  Although often seen as a women’s health issue, the reality is that both men and women are just as likely to face fertility problems. Data from the fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, shows that male infertility is the most common reason for a couple to start treatment.

·  We welcome the sector leading work of NHS North East London in consulting on and then committing to more equitable access to treatment for all who need it. As a borough we stand on a long history of campaigning around NHS provision and believe all who face fertility issues must be treated with the same dignity.

·  There is no legal right to time off for fertility treatment. But, if a woman is refused leave, it could be regarded as unlawful sexual discrimination. It can be ruled that a failure to accommodate conditions specific to women are unlawful.

·  The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has asked the Equal Opportunities Commission to recommend leave for fertility treatment in their equality law reform submission.

This Council:

·  Welcomes the sector leading work of NHS North East London in consulting on and then committing to more equitable access to treatment for all who need it. As a borough we stand on a long history of campaigning around NHS provision and believe all who face fertility issues must be treated with the same dignity.

Hackney Council is therefore pleased to announce its commitment to becoming a fully Fertility friendly borough as endorsed by the national charity Fertility Network UK, and resolves:

·  To begin to work towards becoming a beacon of best practice via training for staff and managers, working towards policy implementation and committing to ongoing support for staff facing fertility issues.

·  To campaign for places of work within the London Borough of Hackney to be Fertility friendly, supportive to staff and to join the work of Fertility Networks own Fertility in the Workplace initiative. 

·  To write to the Government to act upon its own recommendations in the women’s health strategy and the recommendations of NICE in fully implementing three cycles of IVF for all who are eligible.

·  To call for the implementation of recommendations in the national Government’s Women’s Health Strategy that same sex couples be afforded the same access to treatment as heterosexual couples.

·  To commit to marking fertility awareness week each year as a Council thereby recognising the need to support and help many of our residents facing this issue.

Proposer: Cllr Sem Moema

Seconder: Cllr Ian Rathbone