Agenda, decisions and minutes

1.1  The Speaker welcomed everyone to the Annual Meeting of Council. A special mention was given to Mr Stephen Howlett, CBE DL, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hackney.

1.2   The Speaker announced the death of former Councillor David Pollock who had recently passed away. David served as a Councillor in the late 1970’s and 1980’s and lived in the Stamford Hill area for many decades where he remained active in the local community.

RESOLVED: That Cllr Anya Sizer be elected to the office of Speaker for the Municipal Year 2023/24.

2.1  It was moved by Mayor Glanville and seconded by Cllr Race that Cllr Anya Sizer be elected Speaker of the London Borough of Hackney for the Municipal Year 2023/24.

2.2  Mayor Glanville and Cllr Race (ward colleague) both spoke in support of the nomination. Having been elected to the Hoxton East and Shoreditch ward in a by-election in June 2021 she was returned to office in the local elections in 2022. Cllr Sizer was commended for her campaigning for better equity in the health system and workplace. Her advocacy for a better care system especially in the areas of fostering and adoption and families with children with special educational needs was highlighted. Her passion for community engagement, managing casework and love of cake were referenced. It was noted that she had carried out the role of Deputy Speaker with distinction.

2.3  Cllr Woodley spoke in support of the nomination.

2.4  There were no other nominations.

RESOLVED:  That Cllr Anya Sizer be elected to the office of Speaker for the Municipal Year 2023/24.

Adjournment - there was a brief pause in proceedings during which the outgoing Speaker vacated the Chair and the newly elected Speaker, Cllr Sizer was invested in the Speaker’s robe, chain and badge of office. Cllr Sizer assumed the role of Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

2.5   The Speaker Elect made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, following which she announced that her consort would be Bernadette Bramble.

Cllr Anya Sizer, Speaker in the Chair

RESOLVED: To agree the vote of thanks to the outgoing Speaker, Cllr Humaira Garasia.

3.1  Mayor Glanville moved a vote of thanks to the outgoing Speaker. He thanked Mr Stephen Howlett, CBE DL, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hackney, her predecessor, Cllr Desmond and her consort and mother Najma Garasia all of whom had contributed to  making Cllr Garasia’s speakership a success. The Mayor spoke of her journey from Youth Parliament to Speaker as well as her passion for youth activism and empowerment.  Cllr Garasia was the youngest Councillor and the youngest and first hijabi Speaker. The grace, dignity and leadership with which she managed a very unique civic year which included the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabth ll and commemorating the Coronation of KIng Charles lll was commended.

3.2  The Mayor advised that Cllr Garasia had conducted over 200 events during her tenure. He highlighted some of the specific events which Cllr Garasia had organised which had raised over  £7,500 for her chosen charities with donations still to come. He applauded Cllr Garasia’s chairing of Council meetings which were done with “calm authority and generosity”. It was hoped that bringing together the community, including diverse Muslim communities in the borough to celebrate Eid would continue and become a permanent civic fixture and legacy of her speakership.

3.3  Cllr Levy, Leader of the Conservative Group offered a vote of thanks to Cllr Garasia, for her efforts in promoting community harmony and cohesion as well as her commitment to the charitable causes she supported. He particularly commended her “even handed” chairing of Council meetings.

3.4  Cllr Binnie-Lubbock, on behalf of the Green Group, extended a vote of thanks to Cllr Garasia for her warm welcome at many fundraising events. Thanks were also extended to Cllr Garaisa’s consort, her mother, Najma Garasia for her warmth and hospitality.

3.5  Councillors Ross (ward colleague) and Steinberger (Conservative Group Whip) also contributed to the vote of thanks.

RESOLVED: To agree on the vote of thanks to the outgoing Speaker, Cllr Humaira Garasia.

3.4   The Speaker presented Cllr Garasia with the civic album and badge and a gift for her consort Najma Garasia; following which Cllr Garasia addressed the Council. She expressed gratitude for the privilege and honour of having served as Speaker of the London Borough of Hackney, where she was born and raised and where her parents had received citizenship.

3.5  Highlighting her most memorable moments, the Speaker thanked: fellow Councillors, the Hackney Labour Group, officers, Cllr Sizer, Mr Stephen Howlett, CBE DL, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hackney, her consorts and her family for their assistance and support during her speakership.

RESOLVED: That Cllr Sheila Suso-Runge be elected to the office of Deputy Speaker for the Municipal Year 2023/24.

4.1  It was moved by Deputy Mayor Bramble and seconded by Cllr Hayhurst that Cllr Sheila Suso-Runge be elected as Deputy Speaker of the London Borough of Hackney for the Municipal Year 2023/24.

4.2  Deputy Mayor Bramble and Cllr Hayhurst (ward colleague) both spoke in support of the nomination.  Cllr Suso-Runge’s community advocacy was praised. Described as a ‘genuine community facilitator’, she had lived in Hackney for over 40 years and had served in the positions of Secretary, Chair, and Treasurer of her local Tenant and Residents’ Association. Cllr Suso-Runge’s tireless work running youth and music groups and her passion for youth engagement and ending food poverty were highlighted.

4.3  Cllr Turbet-Delof spoke in support of the nomination.

4.4  There were no other nominations.

RESOLVED:  That Cllr Suso-Runge be elected to the office of Deputy Speaker for the Municipal Year 2023/24.Adjournment - there was a brief pause in proceedings during which the outgoing Speaker and her consort vacated the dais and the newly elected Deputy Speaker, Cllr Suso-Runge was invested in the Deputy Speaker’s robe and chain.

4.4   The newly elected Deputy Speaker made the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. Cllr Suso-Runge returned thanks for her election and thanked the outgoing Speaker. She looked forward to supporting the Speaker and serving a borough that welcomed and valued all nations, that supported fairness and inclusion and celebrated diversity. Cllr Suso-Runge announced that her consort was Charmain Humphey. 

5.1  Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Etti, Lufkin, Maxwell, Selman and Webb

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

6.1  There were no declarations of interest.

8.1  The newly elected Speaker thanked the Council for her election and the opportunity to serve the London Borough of Hackney as Speaker for 2023/24. She relayed thanks to Council officers who organised the Annual Meeting and supported the Speaker’s Office and Hackney Labour Group for their encouragement and support. She thanked the outgoing Speaker for her kindness and leadership over the past year.

8.2  The Speaker was proud to call Hackney her home and was privileged to have met various people serving and shaping the borough. She praised the diverse, compassionate and determined spirit of Hackney. This persevering spirit ran through her family who had suffered adversities as Jewish and Irish immigrants. The Speaker  spoke of her advocacy work in the fertility and adoption sector as well as raising awareness of foetal alcohol disorder, all of which were charged by her personal circumstances. She committed to continue to champion the voices of others during her speakership.

8.3  The Speaker thanked her friends and family in particular her husband and three children for their unwavering support and understanding.

8.4  The Speaker announced that her consort would continue to be Bernadette Bramble and her chosen charities would be: St Joseph's Hospice, Hoxton Hall and MInistry of Stories.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting of Council held on 1 March 2023: Enclosed

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 March 2023 be agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 March 2023 be agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

Report of the Acting Chief Executive: To Follow

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Committees, Sub-Committees, Commissions, Panels and Boards as referred to in this report and the accompanying appendices be established for the 2023 / 2024 municipal year.

2.  That the appointments to those Committees etc. as set out in Appendices 2 and 3 attached to this report be approved.

3.  That the nominations for Chairs and Vice-Chairs to those Committees etc. as set out in Appendix 2 to this report be approved.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Committees, Sub-Committees, Commissions, Panels and Boards as referred to in this report and the accompanying appendices be established for the 2023 / 2024 municipal year.

2.  That the appointments to those Committees etc. as set out in Appendices 2 and 3 attached to this report be approved.

3.  That the nominations for Chairs and Vice-Chairs to those Committees etc. as set out in Appendix 2 to this report be approved.

Report of the Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services: To Follow

RESOLVED: That the appointments, or nominations for appointments, of Councillors to outside bodies on behalf of the Council as set out in Appendix 1 be agreed.

11.1  Mayor Glanville congratulated Cllr Sizer on her election as Speaker and welcomed all guests present, acknowledging the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hackney and Freemen of the Borough. He thanked the Mayor and Speaker’s Office and Governance Officers for coordinating and organising the Annual Meeting. The Mayor wished Cllr Garbett a Happy Birthday.

11.2  The Mayor praised the collective action, commitment and dedication as well as strong community relationships which he believed were evident in Hackney. He reflected on some of the challenges of the past year which had impacted Hackney’s communities. These included; inequalities highlighted by Covid, the war in Ukraine, recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the crisis in Sudan and the lack of safe and legal routes for those seeking refuge. Focussing on some of the challenges related to Central Government’s fiscal policy, the Mayor highlighted the cost of living and housing crises, 10 years plus of austerity and cuts to Local Government and Public sector funding as well as the impacts of the pandemic.

11.3  Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, he described Hackney as an internationalist place. Mayor Glanville spoke proudly of the generosity of residents who signed up to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the Council’s ongoing support to refugees and asylum seekers. The Council would continue to oppose those who stood against those seeking sanctuary and a better life. He was pleased to reaffirm the twinning relationship with Suresnes, France, a commitment made 60 years ago. Closer to home, the Mayor highlighted the Council’s commitment to support the most vulnerable in Hackney. He reported that the Council had seen an increase of 15% in the number of people presenting as homeless, with at least one child in every classroom in Hackney being homeless. He described this as a national scandal and failure of the Government. The Mayor outlined his administration's response to these issues which included: poverty reduction work (creation of the Money Hub, Free School Meals Task Force), investment in Special Educational Needs and Disability school places, tackling the climate emergency through a cohesive Climate Action Plan, investment in parks and green spaces and reviewing the housing stock; holding housing partner’s to account.

11.4  The Mayor was pleased to highlight some of the recognition and awards that the Council had received. These included: The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award to Taylor, Chatto and Wilmott Courts on the Frampton Park Estate and highlighting The Hackney School of Food (winner of the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2022). Veronica Ryan OBE won a Turner Prize for her Hackney Windrush Art Commission. The Britannia site won numerous awards and Hackney also won the ‘Circular Economy Success’ award at Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management. Hackney’s Youth Justice Service had also been recognised by Inspectors from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation for its ‘powerful anti-racist’ stance and bid to reduce the number of Black and Global Majority children impacted by racism in the justice system.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Report of the Mayor: To Follow

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Elected Mayor’s composition of Cabinet and appointments of Councillors to serve as Cabinet Members as set out in Appendix 1 is noted.

2.  That the appointments of Councillors to serve as Deputy Cabinet Members as set out in Appendix 2 is noted.

3.  That the establishment of, and appointments to, executive committees as set out in Appendix 3 is noted.

4.  That the appointment of Member Champions as set out in Appendix 4 is noted.

5.  That the Elected Mayor’s Scheme of Delegation for 2023/2024 as set out in Appendix 5 is noted.

6.  That the amendments to the Constitution set out in Appendix 6 are approved and authority is delegated to the Monitoring Officer to make any further consequential amendments that may be required to give effect to these changes.

12.1  Mayor Glanville advised that there were no significant changes to the previous year; the most notable being the change in title from Mayoral Advisor to Deputy Cabinet Member. This was a common title across London and would assist in the wider recognition of the work undertaken. The other change pertained to delegated functions in relation to school closures which were brought back under democratic control.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Elected Mayor’s composition of Cabinet and appointments of Councillors to serve as Cabinet Members as set out in Appendix 1 is noted.

2.  That the appointments of Councillors to serve as Deputy Cabinet Members as set out in Appendix 2 is noted.

3.  That the establishment of, and appointments to, executive committees as set out in Appendix 3 is noted.

4.  That the appointment of Member Champions as set out in Appendix 4 is noted.

5.  That the Elected Mayor’s Scheme of Delegation for 2023/2024 as set out in Appendix 5 is noted.

6.  That the amendments to the Constitution set out in Appendix 6 are approved and authority is delegated to the Monitoring Officer to make any further consequential amendments that may be required to give effect to these changes.

Report of the Mayor: To Follow

RESOLVED: To note the annual update of the Strategic Plan.

13.1  The Mayor explained that the commitment was to provide an annual update for  residents on the delivery of the plan. He thanked Deputy Mayor Nicholson in his role of Cabinet Member for delivery of the plan, Sonia khan, Head of Policy and Strategic Delivery and the Corporate Leadership Team. 

13.2   The Mayor highlighted the need for collaborative partnership working which was integral to the delivery of the Strategic Plan -  Working Together for a Better Hackney. The contributions of the voluntary sector, activists and trade unions were recognised within the Council system and beyond. The plan was split into three key areas and sat alongside the Mayor’s manifesto commitments. The Mayor acknowledged that many of the objectives of the plan were in direct contrast to Central Government Policy.

13.3  Mayor Glanville highlighted the measures and initiatives undertaken by the Council to achieve a safer fairer Hackney; steps to  reduce poverty and tackle inequalities which were not dependent on immigration status. These included: the creation of the Money Hub, a single point of access for emergency funding which had submitted almost £400,000 in discretionary funds;  working with refugees and migrants which had seen almost 500 Ukranians guests housed under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and 37 Afghan refugees accommodated as well as support for those with no recourse to public funds. Concluding, the Mayor outlined further measures which included refurbishment of temporary accommodation units, commitment to build new Council homes, a refresh of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy which had resulted in drug related deaths being the lowest for a decade, campaigning and investment in the private rented sector, and support to the Windrush Generation. The Mayor was pleased to report that 87% of all temporary accommodation placements were moved to registered buildings in comparison to the London average which was below one third.

13.4  Cllr BInnie-Lubbock welcomed the report. He stated that there were two areas that the Green group would like to see definitive progress in which were the expeditious delivery of retrofit and plant based eating.

13.5  The Mayor advised that the commitment to plant based eating would be demonstrated at the reception following the meeting. The carbon impact of the hospitality would be measured as a baseline with a view to reducing it. The Mayor advised that there were manifesto commitments relating to supporting decarbonising Hackney through lifestyle and food choices and the local economy. In addition, there was a task force group looking at how plant based eating could be better supported throughout the wider public sector. With regard to retrofit, the Mayor stated that it was difficult to deliver this in the current climate of Government cuts and amidst the Housing Revenue Account facing severe financial challenges. Ultimately the Council would need to deliver retrofit through external funding, match funding or service charges. The Council was applying for funding and was committed to delivering this accross its corporate estate, housing estate and partnerships with communities. The first phase of energy efficiency and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Report of the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development: To Follow

RESOLVED: To approve the amended Pay Policy Statement 2023-24.

Report of the Acting Chief Executive: Enclosed

RESOLVED:

1.  To note in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, Cllr Selmans’s non-attendance at meetings until 24 January 2024 to accommodate her maternity leave.

2.  To agree that during this time, Cllr Selman is exempted from the requirements of Section 85(1) so that she may lawfully continue to be a Member of the Authority.

Report of the Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services: Enclosed

RESOLVED:

1.  That the proposed calendar of meetings for the 2023/24 Municipal Year as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.

2.  That the Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services be authorised to make any changes to the calendar as may prove necessary from time to time.