Agenda and minutes

1.1  Apologies for absence from Cllr Potter, Cllr Webb and Cllr Turbet-Delof.

1.2  No apologies for lateness.

1.3  No officer apologies for absence.

2.1  No urgent items.

2.2  Order of business is as laid out in the agenda.

3.1  No declarations of interest.

4.1  The Chair introduced the item and explained that a key element of the scrutiny function is to hold the Mayor and Cabinet to account in public as part of a cabinet question time session. 

4.1.1  In the municipal year the Commission holds a question time session with the Cabinet and Senior Officers to ask questions about performance and decisions taken within the Council related to their portfolio area and the remit of the Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission.

4.1.2  The Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities was asked to provide information to the scrutiny commission about the work the Council was doing in relation to the following topic areas.

·  Employment and Skills for the green and circular economy

·  Adult Learning - a look at the redevelopment and changes to adult learning courses and support to refugees and migrants entering the UK.

4.2  The discussion commenced with a verbal update from the Cabinet Member in response to the topic areas outlined above.

4.3  The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Carole Williams Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities, Stephen Haynes, Strategic Director Economy, Regeneration and New Homes and Dujon Harvey, Head of Employment, Skills and Adult Learning.

4.4  The Cabinet Members commenced her presentation by outlining the points in relation to employment and skills and the green and circular economy.

4.4.1  The Cabinet Member informed that to shape the plan and deliver on the commitment to a) double the size of the green economy and b) help local businesses to transition to become a low carbon business.  The council was mapping the green skills gaps and identifying the newer opportunities in Hackney’s economy. 

4.4.2  The Green Skills and Circular Economy Commission was being set up.  There had been a hiatus following a change in officer for the employment, skills and adult learning the head of service.  The new head of service was now in post and would be developing the Green Skills and Circular Economy Commission.  A draft work plan and terms of reference for the Commission was being drafted.

4.4.3  The Cabinet Member highlighted that the work by the Diversity Tech Commission will be used to inform this work as well as drawing on the expertise from across the council.  A timetable for this work is currently being drafted.

4.4.4  The Council would also be drawing on the learning from other boroughs and public sector bodies including Central London Forward (CLF) and ReLondon.

4.4.5  The Cabinet Member pointed out this has been the largest number of crises that she has witnessed the council needing to respond too at one time throughout all her years in local government.  The Cabinet Member commended the work of all the officers who have been provided a response to all the migrants and refugees moving into the borough for the previous Syrian and Afghanistan crisis to the most recent Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

4.4.6  The work was initial support work was carried out by the Policy and Partnerships  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.1  The Chair referred to the draft minutes from 9^th January 2023 on pages 89-117 of the agenda and asked Members to agree the minutes.

Members agreed the minutes.

6.1  The Chair proposed the items outlined below for the new municipal year.

6.1.1  SEG June 2023

1.  Sustainability and licensing – an update on the council’s exploration in relation to finding an alternative to glass that is not single use plastic and is reusable.  This would also look at the potential for boroughs to use licensing powers to drive behaviour of local businesses. 

2.  An item on about how the markets in Hackney are managing post pandemic and the interventions for support.  A review of the council’s work to support markets, check if they are sustainable or if they will need further support.  Review the learning and best practice.

6.1.2  SEG July 2023

1.  Climate action plan – A review of the Council’s engagement and consultation with businesses during the climate action plan consultation period.

2.  HCVS – work and role of HCVSdiscussion with them about their future strategy as the key institution that oversees the voluntary sector in the borough.

6.1.3  The Chair also informed the Commission that she was keen for them to probe further in relation to the effectiveness of the Planning department to meet its manifesto commitment on the Conservation Area Planning Policy.  To ensure it is aligned with net zero and enabling conservation areas to contribute to net zero.

Members agreed.

7.1  None.