Agenda, decisions and minutes

1.1  Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Billington, Etti,

Garasia, Lufkin, Maxwell, Moema, Oguzkanli, Ross, Samatar, Selman.

1.2  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Premru.

2.1  Noting the difficult period the community had experienced and the rise

in Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia there was a minute's silence that remembered the victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine. Citing the importance of public standards, expectations and hope, the Speaker challenged all present to consider how they contributed to kinder and more compassionate politics.

2.2  The Speaker informed Full Council of recent and upcoming civic

  events which Included:

·  Marking Adoption Week, National Fertility Week and an event with the local Women's Institute.

·  George Orwell’s play, 1984, fundraising for the Speaker’s charities.

·  We See You, a neurodiverse art event by local schools and the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) community.

·  Democracy Week event that saw over 100 children involved in debates and panel discussions about political engagement.

·  Citizenship Ceremonies.

·  Numerous School visits.

Forthcoming events included:

·  Carol Singing.

·  Menorah lighting.

·  The pantomime trip.

·  Christmas Quiz.

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

3.1  Cllr Binnie-Lubbock declared that he was a member of Adblock

  Hackney, in relation to agenda item 13b.

To consider the minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 27 September 2023

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 September, be agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.

4.1  Cllr Steinberger noted under item 8.7 he had not referred to the

  Planning Sub-Committee regarding a planning application.  Cllr

  Steinberger had made a general point that the application had been

  badly handled and the inspector’s comments had been damaging.

4.2  Cllr Steinberger indicated that at item 8.8 he had given thanks to

  Jackie Moylan, Interim Group Director Finance.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 September, be agreed as a true and accurate record of proceedings, subject to the amendments noted at 4.1 and 4.2 above.

Report of the Returning Officer and Interim Chief Executive:

RESOLVED:

The results of the recent Mayor for Hackney by-election set out in

Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

5.1  The Speaker outlined the results of the election that were set out at

  Appendix 1 and extended congratulations to Mayor Caroline Woodley.

Congratulations were extended to Mayor Woodley from Cllr Steinberger

and Deputy Mayor Bramble. The Speaker acknowledged the other

candidates and reiterated comments made by Cllr Steinberger thanking

candidates and officers for a well run election.

RESOLVED:

The results of the recent Mayor for Hackney by-election set out in

Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

6.1  To the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Resident Participation From Ms Anotinette Fernandez

Why are new developments not prioritising social and affordable housing? Developments of 58 flats like the Laundry building on Mare street should not be exempt.

6.2  To the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport From Ms Louisa Hillwood

In October 2022 I asked whether Hackney Council would switch to fully plant-based catering at internal meetings and events to address food related emissions. Could the Cabinet Member provide an update on this? If Councillors still have concerns I would like to meet with them to discuss further.

6.3  To the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport From Dr. Noah Birksted-Breen

Will Hackney Council find an appropriate way of marking Earth Overshoot Day annually, the day when humanity uses up more resources than the earth can regenerate in a year, to help educate Hackney residents about the need to focus on reducing and reusing as higher priorities than recycling?

6.4  To the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Resident Participation From Mr Derek Miller

Please can the Cabinet Member for Housing provide an update on the Council’s response times for dealing with leaks in its Council homes since its launch of a new faster service in February 2023?

6.5  To the Mayor From Ms Sarah Thompson

In light of the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the previous Mayor (Philip Glanville) will you as Hackney’s newly elected Mayor lead by example and hold yourself and your Cabinet Members to account in a way that is open and transparent and puts the residents of Hackney first?

6.6  To the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Resident Participation From Ms Laura  Summerfield

Can the Cabinet Member for housing please advise of its work over the last year to better support the housing needs of Hackney’s Gypsy and Traveller community?

6.7  To the Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture  From Ms Laura Pascal

What is the Tree of Life project and why has it won an award?

6.8  To the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Resident Participation From Ifeoma Mkparu

Hackney Council dissolved Hackney Homes in March 2016. Please can the Cabinet Member explain why seven years on there are still Council run estates with old Hackney Homes branding?

6.9  To the Mayor From Ifhat Smith

Will the Mayor call on the government to call for a ceasefire in Israel / Palestine and for more support to promote community cohesion locally?

The Speaker prioritised members of the public present in the Chamber followed

by those who had requested their response to be read out in their absence.

6.1  To the Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Delivery, Inclusive

Economy and Regeneration from Antoinette Fernandez

Why are new developments not prioritising social and affordable

housing? Developments of 58 flats like the Laundry building on Mare

Street should not be exempt.

  Response from the Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Delivery,

Inclusive Economy and Regeneration

  Cllr Nicholson noted the Council had committed to delivering affordable   homes to residents for years. The Council had to balance this with other

important priorities to achieve sustainable development across the

borough. The Laundry building was located in a Priority Office Area

(POA), an area of employment floorspace. 6% of land in the borough

was in this category where workspace had been prioritised as part of

planning policy over residential development. 5000 square metres of

workspace had been delivered in the last 2 years.

This had not stopped developers bringing forward housing proposals,

however, workspace was the priority. There were 58 residential units at

the Laundry building in addition to over 4000 square metres of

employment space on the same site.

6.2  To the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport

  from Louisa Hillwood, representing Plant-based Council Campaign.

In October 2022 I asked whether Hackney Council would switch to fully

plant-based catering at internal meetings and events to address food

related emissions. Could the Cabinet Member provide an update on

this? If Councillors still have concerns I would like to meet with them to

discuss further.

Response from the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment

and Transport

Cllr Coban noted the Council had committed to move towards plant-

based options and reduce meat consumption. The Council recognised

the diverse communities across the borough and committed to work with

them on the transition to net zero by 2030. This included supporting

communities on the journey through the implementation of the Climate

Action Plan (CAP). The CAP set out 5 themes, one of which was food

consumption. It was noted that at the Council's 2023 Annual Meeting

plant-based catering alongside meat and fish options had been provided

which reduced carbon emissions at the event by over 50%.

The Climate and Sustainability Team led on a London-wide campaign,

Eat Like a Londoner, a collaboration with other London boroughs

designed to reduce waste and use more plant-based food. Cllr Coban

noted the climate emergency had been caused by fossil fuel industries.

Supplementary Question:

Will the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and

Transport meet the questioner for further discussions.

Cllr Coban welcomed the input from Louise Hillwood and the Plant-

based Council Campaign and indicated further opportunities to engage

with council forums and for their voice to be heard. The input into the

CAP from the campaign had been welcomed. Cllr Coban and Cllr

Kennedy had been in correspondence with the campaign to consider

what the Council had already  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.1  From Cllr Binnie-Lubbock to the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport

In light of the news we heard in the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Committee this month that the Council is likely to fail to meet its 2040 retrofit target and that it could take over 4 decades to retrofit the whole stock, how does the Council plan on offsetting this carbon cost to meet the Climate Action Plan’s 2030 target?

7.2  From Cllr Smyth to the Mayor

Would the newly elected Mayor publicly declare her commitment to Hackney being a Fairtrade borough?

7.3  From Cllr Garbett to the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Resident Participation

There are 111 neighbourhoods in Hackney requiring urgent adaptation to heat waves, the fourth highest level in the UK according to University of Manchester research. How is the Council prioritising this adaptation for these neighbours - with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable residents?

Ref:https://policy.friendsoftheearth.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2022-07/Heat_vulnerability_England_background_briefing_3.pdf

7.4  From Cllr Turbet-Delof to the Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Service

As we enter the winter months, the cost of living crisis continues to leave many in poverty, having a profound impact on residents’ mental health. What support is the Council making available for the winter months ahead to both support residents' financial circumstances and their mental health?

7.5  From Cllr Binnie-Lubbock to the Mayor

In the last 5 years, what is the net-loss of mature trees in Hackney?

7.6  From Cllr Walker to the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport

Balls Pond Road has been disproportionately impacted by traffic congestion. Can the Cabinet Member confirm that Balls Pond Road will remain under review, ensuring an ongoing dialogue with residents and other stakeholders to investigate long-term solutions to traffic flow and calming, air quality and noise pollution?

7.7  From Cllr Garbett to the Deputy Cabinet Member for Private Rented Sector and Affordability

What is the average time and the longest time it has taken for applications for landlord licensing to be processed, and how many are waiting to be processed?

7.8  From Cllr Anna Lynch to Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services

In light of the ongoing catastrophe in Israel and Gaza and the trauma and distress this has caused many in the communities that we represent, can the Cabinet Member for Community Safety advise on what support the Council has provided for those communities living in our borough?

7.9  From Cllr Narcross to the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport

Following the tragic death of a cyclist on Whiston Road, many residents are concerned that the road remains far too dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. What action is the Council taking to reduce traffic speed and vehicle number to ensure it remains a safe route for those who use it?

7.10  From Cllr Young to the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport

  The New River Path is a much-loved place to stroll along and enjoy nature. What is the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

7.1  From Cllr Binnie-Lubbock to the Cabinet Member for Climate Change,

Environment and Transport

In light of the news we heard in the Living in Hackney Scrutiny

Committee this month that the Council is likely to fail to meet its 2040

retrofit target and that it could take over 4 decades to retrofit the whole

stock, how does the Council plan on offsetting this carbon cost to meet

the Climate Action Plan’s 2030 target?

Response from the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment

and Transport

Cllr Coban highlighted the lack of ambition from central government on

the retrofit programme. Councils and cities were leading the way towards

climate transition in respect of retrofit.  Over 50% of Hackney’s housing

is social housing and the Climate Action Plan (CAP) set out the strategy

of how the Council was working to achieve net zero. The Council targets

were to reduce its own emissions by 45% by 2030 and borough wide by

2040. It was difficult due to the lack of central government funding and

the regulatory framework required to deliver the retrofit programme. Cllr

Coban noted GB Energy’s investment to local councils to support the

transition.

Last year the Council rejoined the UK 100 network of local leaders who

had pledged to lead a rapid transition to Net Zero. The Council had also

engaged, through London Councils, with other London boroughs in the

development of their climate action plans and with forums that

progressed net zero ambitions. Today the Council launched the second

round of the Community Energy Fund to help reduce emissions from

Council buildings. It was acknowledged that the Council had to be more

creative in supporting residents on the journey to net zero.

The Speaker briefly adjourned the meeting between 7.50pm and 7.52pm to assist a Councillor who had become unwell.

The Council Climate Action Plan had set out an implementation plan for

initiatives over the next 3 years that reduced emissions from council

buildings. The approach required the council to be smart and deploy

resources from other budgets to benefit, for example, from the Social

Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The Council considered corporate

buildings and businesses to reduce energy and grow green jobs.

Supplementary Question:

Would the Cabinet Member outline how the Council were going to offset

the 2040 retrofit target?

Technologies had changed rapidly and new funding opportunities

emerged. The Council had to set out what it was doing to meet the

emissions targets; and to be prepared for technologies when they were

unlocked which provided benefits to residents.

7.2   From Cllr Gilbert Smyth  to Mayor Woodley

Would the newly elected Mayor publicly declare her commitment to

Hackney being a Fairtrade Borough?

Response from Mayor Woodley

Mayor Woodley reconfirmed Hackney was a fair trade borough. Social

justice was key for fair and equitable trade which recognised climate

change impacted everyone on the planet. It was noted that not everyone

suffered to the same degree and climate change further exacerbated the

inequalities in society. Fair and equitable trade was key  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.1  Mayor Woodley expressed gratitude to be elected as Mayor of Hackney

and acknowledged the other candidates.  Mayor Woodley thanked

Deputy Mayor Bramble, the Interim Chief Executive, Cabinet colleagues

and Councillors for their dedicated work. The Chamber showed their

appreciation to all Hackney officers, staff, partners and communities who

support and challenge the Council.

8.2  The Mayor noted that many residents had connections to the Middle

  East and sent her condolences to residents who lost loved ones in the

  conflict.  The rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate crimes were

  acknowledged. The Council had committed to keeping people safe and

  Hackney was a borough where people of all faiths and none lived side

by side. November was Islamophobia Awareness month and the Council

had offered staff training and reached out to residents to become Hate

Crime Prevention Champions or to join the Hate Crime Prevention

Forum. The adoption of the renewed Hate Crime Strategy at Cabinet this

week was welcomed and the Mayor thanked Cllr Fajana-Thomas and

officers for the work they had done in Community Safety.

8.3  The Mayor highlighted the work that had been ongoing in the borough

  and thanked young people with special educational needs and

  disabilities (SEND) for the We See You event she attended which

  provided an opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The Mayor

  indicated that she had written to the Secretary of State for Education

  about concerns for SEND funding provision in Hackney. The Mayor had

  also sent a letter to the government, through the Cabinet Member for

  Health, Adult Social Care with Cllr Turbet-Delof about the need for

  further support to vulnerable residents.

8.4  The Mayor outlined various Council and community partner events

  attended. These included: black history season, Diwali, Transgender

Day of Remembrance, Mental Health Week, various interfaith events

and Clapton Common vigil. The Mayor remained conscious of the

challenges communities faced and had, as part of the Mayoral

campaign, pledged to drive forward better renting, housing, and

economic justice to support a more inclusive and anti-racist borough.

The Mayor had joined the rough-sleeping count alongside officers and

outreach workers and acknowledged the fantastic work that supported

vulnerable rough sleepers. The Mayor attended the Council’s Anti-Racist

Partnerships Day and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to being

inclusive, welcoming and kind. She thanked Cllr Williams for sharing the

Equalities Plan with community partners. This plan reflected the lived

experience of many who had experienced racism and recognised anti-

Black racism and maintained a focus on all forms of racism,

antisemitism, Islamophobia, or bias against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller

people and communities.

8.5  The Mayor spoke about housing developments over the next 12 month

with  585 new homes anticipated. This included completion of Buckland

and Wimbourne schemes where over 50% of the 113 new homes were

for social rent. Residents were encouraged to attend the Winter Warmer

Event on 7 December and the Poverty Reduction Team and Money Hub

continued to help residents to get community and financial support. The

housing repairs service had a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Report of the Elected Mayor: TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Mayor’s re-appointment of Councillors to Cabinet and

re-appointment of Deputy Cabinet Members and Member Champions is

noted, as set out in Appendix 1.

2.  That the establishment of, and appointments to, Executive Committees

as set out in Appendix 2 is noted.

3.  That the Elected Mayor’s Scheme of Delegation for 2023/2024 as set

out in Appendix 3 is noted.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Mayor’s re-appointment of Councillors to Cabinet and

re-appointment of Deputy Cabinet Members and Member Champions is

noted, as set out in Appendix 1.

2.  That the establishment of, and appointments to, Executive Committees

as set out in Appendix 2 is noted.

3.  That the Elected Mayor’s Scheme of Delegation for 2023/2024 as set

out in Appendix 3 is noted.

Report of the Acting Director of Legal, Democratic & Electoral Services and Monitoring Officer

RESOLVED:

That Full Council notes the Standards Committee Annual Report

2022/2023 appearing at Appendix 1 to this report.

10.1  Deputy Mayor Bramble introduced the report which provided an

  overview of the work of the Committee in 2022-2023.  The Committee’s

remit ensured that Councillors maintained high ethical standards in their

duties and considered concerns or complaints received about Councillor

conduct. The role of Councillor had to be held with integrity, diligence,

and compassion with care for residents. Members of the Committee

were thanked for their work.  The Committee had received 13

complaints, none of which met the threshold for further investigation.

10.2  Cllr Suso-Runge thanked Deputy Mayor Bramble for the report and

indicated that local authorities are required to establish a Standards

Committee, to have a Constitution, and a Code of Conduct. Rules and

structures had to be underpinned by an organisational culture that

valued high standards and a shared understanding. This required

constant vigilance and the report reminded the Chamber of this

framework and outlined the importance of good governance, personal

responsibility and respect for each other.

10.3  Cllr Rathbone noted that standards in public life and in democracy had

been key to democracy. However, self-righteousness had sometimes

taken over to advance a cause and moved into name-calling, shaming,

and violence.  Social media had been used and hatred blinded people

to how far they had gone to achieve their cause. The Pensions

Committee on Tuesday evening was disrupted and caused the meeting

to be moved elsewhere which had undermined democratic values of

discussion and debate.

10.4  Cllr Rathbone believed that it was the responsibility of Councillors

to set an example to the public as custodians of democracy. Councillors

had been democratically elected by residents to run local services that

improved the lives of people in the area.

10.5  Councillor Binnie-Lubbock noted the Chair’s Foreword to the report

  indicated the opposition group had not taken up its place on the

Standards Committee in 2022-2023 and he requested this was amended

to indicate that it referred to the majority opposition group as the Green

Group was keen to participate in the scrutiny process as much as

possible. In addition, it was noted that one of the 13 complaints listed

related to transphobia and he considered that this had not been covered

adequately in the Equalities Plan.

10.6  Deputy Mayor Bramble noted the report had made clear there had been

a Conservative Group vacancy on the committee and encouraged the majority opposition group to take up this position. Reassurance was given that the transphobia complaint had not met the evidential threshold for further action. Deputy Mayor Bramble noted that councillors represented the whole community and had to hold that integrity at the heart of the work of the Council.

RESOLVED:

That Full Council notes the Standards Committee Annual Report

2022/2023 appearing at Appendix 1 to this report.

Report of the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

RESOLVED:

To note the Appointment Sub-Committee’s decision that the roles of Dawn Carter-McDonald, Interim Chief Executive and Louise Humphreys, Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services and Monitoring Officer are extended for a further 6 month period from 1st February to 31st July 2024.

11.1  The Speaker noted the Interim Chief Executive, Dawn Carter-McDonald,

  and the Acting Director of Legal Services and Governance, Louise

  Humphreys declared an interest in the item.

RESOLVED:

To note the Appointment Sub-Committee’s decision that the roles of Dawn Carter-McDonald, Interim Chief Executive and Louise Humphreys, Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services and Monitoring Officer are extended for a further 6 month period from 1st February to 31st July 2024.

Report of the Interim Chief Executive

RESOLVED:

To agree the appointments and membership changes to Committees

and the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission as set out

at paragraph 1.3 of the report.

RESOLVED:

To agree the appointments and membership changes to Committees

and the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Commission as set out

at paragraph 1.3 of the report.

Cllr Binnie-Lubbock raised a procedural motion in accordance with Part 4 Rule 15 paragraph 15.1 (c ) of the Council’s Constitution.  He moved to vary the order of business set out in the agenda to bring forward agenda item 13e - The Crisis in Israel and Palestine: Call For a Ceasefire, Release Of All Hostages and more Support for Local Community Cohesion. He believed it was the most pressing matter on the agenda and how important it was to residents.

This was seconded by Cllr Garbett.

Cllr Adams spoke against the motion

Following a vote, the Speaker declared the motion NOT CARRIED

Cllr Binnie Lubbock raised a procedural motion in accordance with Part 4 Rule

15  paragraph 15.1 (g) for the Green Group to withdraw motions 13a,

13b, 13c, 13d.

The Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services and Monitoring Officer advised Council that the Constitution allowed a proposer of a motion to propose that it be withdrawn. However, only the proposer of a motion could do so, therefore an en-masse proposal to withdraw a number of motions was not allowed and Cllr Garbett would need to put forward a similar proposal for those motions where Cllr Garbett was listed as the proposer Cllr Garbett confirmed that she similarly requested that those motions she had proposed be withdrawn.

The seconder for each motion acknowledged their consent to the withdrawal of the motions.

The Acting Director of Legal, Democratic and Electoral Services and Monitoring Officer responded to Cllr Rathbone’s point of order and advised that the Constitution required that Full Council must decide whether to agree to the motion being withdrawn following a request from the proposer of that motion. If the meeting indicated, when a vote was called, that they did not consent then the motions would be debated in the usual manner.

Following a vote on Motion 13(a) the Speaker declared the proposal to

withdraw the motion was NOT CARRIED.

Following a vote on motion 13(b) the Speaker declared that the proposal

to withdraw the motion was NOT CARRIED.

Following a vote on motion 13(c ) the Speaker declared that the proposal

to withdraw the motion was NOT CARRIED.

Following a vote on motion 13(d) the Speaker declared that the proposal

to withdraw the motion was NOT CARRIED.

This Council notes:

·  The former Mayor of Hackney tendered his resignation on the 15th of September 2023

·  He had misled the public in relation to his actions in the immediate aftermath of being informed by the council of Mr Dewey’s arrest.

·  The former Mayor was under investigation by the Labour Party for his behaviour.

·  The Mayor failed to live up to at least four of the seven Principles of Public Life. He has avoided accountability, failed to act with openness and transparency, been dishonest with the public, and failed to show leadership by exhibiting these principles in his own behaviour.

·  The former Mayor called partying with Mr Dewey after learning about his arrest “an error of judgement” and has apologised and has stated that he takes full responsibility for ”not being as transparent as [he] should have been”.

·  That Hackney Council has commissioned an independent review into its handling of “events surrounding” the resignation of former Labour councillor Tom Dewey

The Council believes that:

·  An independent investigation is still required into who knew what and when about Mr Dewey’s arrest and what actions they took, within the Labour Party.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·  Write to the chair of the Hackney Labour Party to call for them to hold an independent investigation into who knew what, when and what actions they took following the raid on Mr Dewey’s home by the NCA, in the Labour Party.

Proposed by: Cllr Zoë Garbett

Seconded by: Cllr Alastair Binnie-Lubbock

RESOLVED:

That in accordance with Part 4, Rule 15, paragraph 15.1(d) of the Constitution, the matter to be referred to the Monitoring Officer on the grounds that an independent review had started and several members had spoken to the investigator. The Monitoring Officer should therefore consider whether the motion be the subject of debate once the outcome of the independent review was known.

Proposed by: Cllr Kam Adams

Seconded by: Cllr Ian Rathbone

Cllr Garbett introduced the motion. The ongoing distress to residents

was noted and she considered transparency and truth helped towards

closure and restored faith. The Green Group had called for an

independent review when details had become public. An independent

inquiry had been required to establish what the Mayor, Councillors, and

Hackney Labour knew about the circumstances surrounding the

resignation of Mr Dewey. The Green Group continued to press for

transparency and had been informed about the independent review

commissioned by the Council. This motion reflected the gap in the

independent review for Hackney Labour Party to hold an independent

investigation into who had known what, when, and the actions taken.

Following Cllr Garbett’s introduction of this motion and prior to Cllr

Binnie-Lubbock’s seconder speech, Cllr Adams proposed a motion

without notice in accordance with Part 4, Rule 15, paragraph 15.1(d) of

the Constitution, for the matter to be referred to the Monitoring Officer on

the grounds that an independent review had started and several

members had spoken to the investigator. The Monitoring Officer should

therefore consider whether the motion be the subject of debate once the

outcome of the independent review was known. Cllr Rathbone seconded

the motion.

Following a vote of the procedural motion without notice proposed by

Cllr Adams and seconded by Cllr Rathbone, the Speaker declared the

motion CARRIED

Proposed by: Cllr Zoë Garbett

Seconded by Cllr Alastair Binnie Lubbock

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

·  The former Mayor of Hackney tendered his resignation on the 15th of September 2023

·  He had misled the public in relation to his actions in the immediate aftermath of being informed by the council of Mr Dewey’s arrest.

·  The former Mayor was under investigation by the Labour Party for his behaviour.

·  The Mayor failed to live up to at least four of the seven Principles of Public Life. He has avoided accountability, failed to act with openness and transparency, been dishonest with the public, and failed to show leadership by exhibiting these principles in his own behaviour.

·  The former Mayor called partying with Mr Dewey after learning about his arrest “an error of judgement” and has apologised and has stated that he takes full responsibility for ”not being as transparent as [he] should have been”.

·  That Hackney Council has commissioned an independent review into its handling of “events surrounding” the resignation of former Labour councillor Tom Dewey

The Council believes that:

·  An independent investigation is still required into who knew what and when about Mr Dewey’s arrest and what actions they took, within the Labour Party

This Council therefore resolves to:

·  Write to the chair of the Hackney Labour Party to call for them to hold an independent investigation into who knew what, when and what actions they took following the raid on Mr Dewey’s home by the NCA, in the Labour Party.

Proposer: Cllr Zoë Garbett

Seconder: Cllr Alastair Binnie-Lubbock

This Council notes:

·  That the Council’s Corporate Advertising and Sponsorship Policy 2022 was adopted by the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee on 16/01/2023. However, to date, it has not been implemented across sites run by the Council.

·  The policy outlines a number of products and services which will not be accepted on council-owned media, including the promotion of products high in fats, sugars and salts (HFSS), alcohol, knives or weapons and gambling services. These proscribed products and services would undermine the Mayor’s priorities as set out in the strategic plan for a fairer, safer, healthier Hackney working together for every child. However none of the products or services currently banned address the “greener” priority.

·  The policy states that it “will be subject to ongoing updates made by the Council on a regular and reasonable basis.”

This Council believes that:

·  Advertising can be used to induce demand for products and services where there may be no actual need, and where the products and services run counter to the council’s stated policies, aims and objectives.

This Council also notes that:

·  London borough of Hackney declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 committing to reach net zero emissions by 2040. In 2022, the Council passed the Climate and Ecology Bill, declaring its intention to bring forward its net zero target to 2030 so it can join the UK100 network.

·  Hackney’s Climate Action Plan emphasised the Council is only directly responsible for 5% of the borough’s territorial emissions and that the Council must take a leading role in encouraging and supporting behavioural change in individuals, institutions and businesses.

·  Hackney’s Climate Action Plan notes that 15% of Hackney’s emissions are from transport and aviation accounts for 7% of that amount.

·  One of Hackney's Climate Action Plan goals is for goods to be repaired and reused, and for us only to buy what we need.

·  Last year a nationally representative survey of UK public attitudes found that over two-thirds (68%) of UK adults said that they would restrict the advertising of environmentally harmful products.

In addition this Council notes:

·  The legal opinion, as part of the due diligence in addressing the role of advertising in fuelling the climate emergency, of Richard Wald KC of 39 Essex Chambers, commissioned by the New Weather Institute on behalf of Badvertising and Adfree Cities, which provides legal advice to local councils implementing policies to restrict advertising for environmentally-damaging, high-carbon goods and services.

·  Richard Wald KC’s legal opinion outlines how:

o  The adoption of an advertising policy banning ‘high-carbon’ advertising is squarely within the powers available to local authorities and therefore prima facie lawful.

o  The legal risks of adopting a high-carbon advertising ban are limited and the prospect of a successful challenge is low.

o  Councils have broad scope to design a policy according to their discretion, despite a lack of a national definition of ‘high carbon’, with effective precedents already set and working in practice.

·  In broad terms ‘high-carbon’ products and services, are those which are environmentally damaging and which  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13b

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

·  That the Council’s Corporate Advertising and Sponsorship Policy 2022 was adopted as Appendix 4 of the External Advertising Contract by the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee on 16/01/2023.

·  The policy outlines a number of products and services which will not be accepted on council-owned media, including the promotion of products high in fats, sugars and salts (HFSS), alcohol, knives or weapons and gambling services. These proscribed products and services would undermine the Mayor’s priorities as set out in the strategic plan for a fairer, safer, healthier Hackney working together for every child.

This Council further notes:

·  That it has adopted a Climate Action Plan which acknowledges that consumption emissions - the things we buy, use and sell - currently represent 73% of the borough’s emissions

·  That one of the five themes of the climate action plan is a reduction in consumption of goods and services that contribute to those emissions

·  Such goods and services include “high carbon” items, such as fossil fuels, internal combustion engines and aviation, which must be reduced or phased out to help reach our carbon reduction targets

This Council believes that:

·  Advertising can be used to induce demand for  “high carbon” products and services where there may be no actual need, and where the products and services run counter to the council’s stated policies, aims and objectives.

The Council resolves to:

·  Include in the Advertising and Sponsorship Policy 2022 at paragraph 2.3, an additional subsection ix. reading [Advertising will not be accepted if, in Hackney Council’s opinion, it is reasonably objectionable on the grounds that it:......] could promote goods or services that contradict the council’s Climate Action Plan, for example by encouraging the use of fossil fuels.

·  Encourage event partners to consider their advertising and sponsorship policies in light of the borough's carbon reduction goals, and where possible, stipulate that a policy on high-carbon advertising and sponsorship is a requirement in negotiations about the council’s support.

Proposer  Cllr Chris Kennedy

Seconder: Cllr Clare Potter

Amendments to the motion had been received from the Labour Group

and contained in the supplementary papers circulated. None of the

amendments had been accepted by the Green Group.

Cllr Binnie Lubbock introduced the motion and noted that the Green

Party’s national conference had proposed introduction of legislation to

ban high carbon product advertising. The Council had to discourage

these products and promote sustainable products on its advertising

sites. Cllr Binnie-Lubbock suggested Councillors considered

applications on the Council's planning portal where high carbon product

advertising applications had sought approvals.

Cllr Zoë Garbett, as seconder to the motion, reserved her right to speak

until later in the debate.

Cllr Kennedy proposed amendments to the motion. He outlined that the

Council already had an advertising policy which supported principles of   control over advertising which countered Council policy and principles.

The amendments to the motion was seconded by Cllr Potter.

Following a vote, the Speaker declared the amendments to the motion

CARRIED

The Speaker proceeded to the substantive motion which was not

debated.  Cllr Garbett had reserved her right to speak and highlighted the need for leadership and commitment. She believed that sustainable measures represented a very small percentage of their overall work, however, sustainable measures were over represented in their advertising spend.

Following a vote, the Speaker declared the motion as amended

CARRIED

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

·  That the Council’s Corporate Advertising and Sponsorship Policy 2022 was adopted as Appendix 4 of the External Advertising Contract by the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee on 16/01/2023.

·  The policy outlines a number of products and services which will not be accepted on council-owned media, including the promotion of products high in fats, sugars and salts (HFSS), alcohol, knives or weapons and gambling services. These proscribed products and services would undermine the Mayor’s priorities as set out in the strategic plan for a fairer, safer, healthier Hackney working together for every child.

This Council further notes:

·  That it has adopted a Climate Action Plan which acknowledges that consumption emissions - the things we buy, use and sell - currently represent 73% of the borough’s emissions

·  That one of the five themes of the climate action plan is a reduction in consumption of goods and services that contribute to those emissions

·  Such goods and services include “high carbon” items, such as fossil fuels, internal combustion engines and aviation, which must be reduced or phased out to help reach our carbon reduction targets

This Council believes that:

·  Advertising can be used to induce demand for “high carbon” products and services where there may be no actual need, and where the products and services run counter to the council’s stated policies, aims and objectives.

The Council resolves to:

·  Include in the Advertising and Sponsorship Policy 2022 at paragraph 2.3, an additional subsection ix. reading [Advertising will not be accepted if, in Hackney Council’s opinion, it is reasonably objectionable on the grounds that it:......] could promote goods or services that contradict the council’s Climate Action Plan, for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13b

This Council notes that:

·  On 2 May 2023 the final stages of the Public Order Bill passed through the House of Lords, which gives the Police greater powers to restrict people’s democratic right to protest in England and Wales.

·  The Act grants the Police new powers to prevent protests occurring outside of major transport networks, oil and gas and energy supplies, making “locking on” a new criminal offence, expanding Stop and Search to include suspicionless stop and search, and enacts new individual protest bans under ‘Serious Disruption Prevention Orders’.

·  Article 11 of the Human Rights Act 1998 enshrines the Right to Peaceful Assembly into British law, guaranteed by Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

·  A Legislative Scrutiny Report published by the Joint Committee on Human Rights called for key measures in the Public Order Bill to be amended or removed in order to reverse the “chilling effect” it is likely to have on the right to protest.

·  This report found that these offences have a very wide scope and criminalise those legitimately exercising their Article 10, 11, 8 and Article 6 rights.

This Council also notes that:

·  The Public Order Act 2023 has been criticised by Amnesty International, Liberty, Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), and the UN Human Rights Commissioner.

·  It follows on from the Police, Crime, and Sentencing Act 2022 which was also accused of infringing upon democratic freedoms by human rights organisations.

·  The Government lost a vote in the Lords on the Public Order Bill 2023 to change the interpretation of ‘serious disruption’ of other people’s day-to-day activities to mean ‘anything more than minor’. The Lords opposed this change by 254 votes to 240 in May

·  The government reintroduced the change by Statutory Instrument.

·  Green peer, Jenny Jones, put forward a fatal motion to stop this unprecedented and anti-democratic move by the government. Unfortunately, Labour peers abstained, so it passed.

The Council further notes that:

·  The Right to Protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy.

·  The objective of a protest is to peacefully disrupt and agitate for change. The anti-apartheid and Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage, Gay Pride, workers’ rights and a government commitment to carbon zero by 2050 have been achieved through protest and public disruption.

·  The Public Order Act is already having a ‘chilling effect’ on our right to protest.

·  The King's Coronation in May saw over 60 people arrested by the Police, many of those on grounds of public nuisance and breaches of the peace for holding signs, chanting, reporting on the protests and standing in close proximity to those protesting.

·  The police initially used the ‘lock on’ ban in the Public Order Act to justify some of these arrests and deployed the largest ever use of live facial recognition technology in the UK

·  Police have written to residents of the Hackney area, warning them that Live Facial Recognition will be deployed at an unknown time and location in September 2023.

·  This technology is over 80% inaccurate according  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13c

RESOLVED:

That this motion stand referred, without discussion, to the next ordinary meeting of Full Council to be listed at the relevant agenda item in order received.

RESOLVED:

That this motion stand referred, without discussion, to the next ordinary meeting of Full Council to be listed at the relevant agenda item in order received.

Hackney Council notes that:

·  The pressure on organisations to pay their fair share of tax has never been stronger.

·  Polling from the Institute for Business Ethics finds that “corporate tax avoidance” has, since 2013, been the clear number one concern of the British public when it comes to business conduct.

·  Two thirds of people (66%) believe the Government and local councils should at least consider a company’s ethics and how they pay their tax, as well as value for money and quality of service provided, when awarding contracts to companies.

·  Around 17.5% of public contracts in the UK have been won by companies with links to tax havens.

·  It has been conservatively estimated that losses from multinational profit-shifting (just one form of tax avoidance) could be costing the UK some £17bn per annum in lost corporation tax revenues.

·  The Fair Tax Mark offers a means for business to demonstrate good tax conduct, and has been secured by a wide range of businesses across the UK, including FTSE-listed PLCs, co-operatives, social enterprises and large private businesses.

Hackney Council believes that:

·  Paying tax is often presented as a burden, but it shouldn’t be.

·  Tax enables us to provide services from education, health and social care, to flood defence, roads, policing and defence. It also helps to counter financial inequalities and rebalance distorted economies.

·  As recipients of public funding, local authorities should take the lead in the promotion of exemplary tax conduct; be that by ensuring contractors are paying their proper share of tax, or by refusing to go along with offshore tax dodging when buying land and property.

·  Where councils hold substantive stakes in private enterprises, influence should be wielded to ensure that such businesses are exemplars of tax transparency and tax avoidance is shunned.

·  More action is needed, however, as current and proposed new UK procurement law significantly restricts councils’ ability to either penalise poor tax conduct (as exclusion grounds are rarely triggered) or reward good tax conduct, when buying goods or services.

·  UK cities, counties and towns can and should stand up for responsible tax conduct - doing what they can within existing frameworks and pledging to do more given the opportunity, as active supporters of international tax justice.

·  The following local authorities have approved the “Councils for Fair Tax Declaration” to date: Barnet, Brent, City of Westminster, Enfield Council, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Lambeth, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Southwark Council in addition to thirty-nine other Councils across the UK and the London Assembly.

Hackney Council resolves to:

·  Approve, and publicly declare its support for, the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration and enact the Declaration through the points below.

·  Lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities.

·  Ensure IR35 is implemented robustly and contract workers pay a fair share of employment taxes.

·  Not use offshore vehicles for the purchase of land and property, especially where this leads to reduced payments of stamp duty.

·  Undertake due diligence to ensure  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13d

RESOLVED:

That this motion stand referred, without discussion, to the next ordinary meeting of Full Council to be listed at the relevant agenda item in order received.

This Council notes:

1.  Across Hackney residents have been horrified by the violent conflict in Israel and Palestine and are grief stricken at the loss of lives, including thousands of children. Many, especially in Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities, are concerned for the safety of friends, family and work colleagues in the region.

2.  Previous conflicts in the region have been associated with increases in community tensions, Islamophobia, antisemitism and hate crime in the UK.

3.  There has been a worrying rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crime in Hackney since the attacks by Hamas on Israelis on 7th October and the latest siege, bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza.

4.  A range of international humanitarian organisations have been calling for a ceasefire, including Oxfam, Save the Children, Medecins Sans Frontières, Muslim Aid, War on Want, War Child and Amnesty International.

5.  Hackney is twinned with Haifa city in Israel. Haifa is 160km from the Gaza Strip.

6.  The brilliant work by faith and community groups and leaders across the borough to hold our community together, provide solace for today and hope for the future.

This Council believes:

7.  There must be an immediate ceasefire to end the violence. Humanitarian aid and basic services must be immediately restored. Hostages must be immediately released.

8.  A just and lasting peace in the region cannot and will not be brought about through violence, but will only be the result of a political negotiation based on democratic principles, equal rights for all and an end to occupation negotiated by the people of the region. Peace, justice and reconciliation in the region is likely to have a positive impact on community cohesion in Hackney.

9.  There can be no place for hate in our Borough. Hackney must be a safe place for those of all faiths and nationalities. We must support those whose families and loved ones are caught up in this conflict. And as a Borough of Sanctuary we extend a special welcome to those fleeing war and persecution and must do all we can to avoid that journey becoming a necessary last resort of many who would not otherwise wish to leave their homes.

This Council resolves:

10.To ask the Mayor to write to the UK government to:

a)  Ask them to call for an immediate ceasefire and immediate release of all hostages.

b)  Ask them to call for a renewed peace process to establish a political settlement that guarantees freedom, justice and safety for both Israelis and Palestinians.

c)  Request central government funding to support community cohesion and peace-making at a local level.

11.To continue to work with borough partners to ensure safety for our Muslim and Jewish communities, hold interfaith events more regularly, and to be ready to welcome refugees from the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

12.Encourage interfaith and community groups to bid for funding, like Local Initiative Funding, to support community cohesion, peace-making and celebrating how Hackney fosters harmony between our diverse communities.

Proposed by:  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13e

RESOLVED:

That this item stand referred, without discussion, to the next ordinary meeting of Full Council to be listed at the relevant agenda item in order received.

RESOLVED:

That this item stand referred, without discussion, to the next ordinary meeting of Full Council to be listed at the relevant agenda item in order received.