More on HACKNEY.GOV.UK
Council news
Rough sleeper count: council kept hundreds off streets in past year
1st December 2022
Volunteers counted 11 people sleeping on the streets of Hackney during the annual rough sleeper count – the lowest number since 2013, when the count was first introduced nationally.How we can help youIf you think you are going to become homeless or are homeless, you should try to get help from the Council as soon as possible. Contact us – if you or someone you know is at risk of homelessness How you can helpTell Street Link – if you’re concerned about someone rough sleeping or direct them to the Greenhouse in Tudor Road, E9, the Council’s one stop shop for advice and services for people facing homelessness.Tap: Donate to the Mayor of London’s rough sleeping fund, which supports local charities. There are donation points at Hackney Town Hall reception and at the cafe in the Hackney Service Centre, in Reading Lane, both in Hackney Centrtal.Time: Find out about local volunteering opportunities at Volunteer Centre HackneyTalk: A smile or ‘hello’ can make a big difference, to help someone feel less invisible and part of the community Or you can:Let your property – if you or someone you know has an unused, self-contained property that could be used as emergency accommodation contact the Housing Supply team on 020 8356 4411 or housingsupply@hackney.gov.ukCost of living support A new cost of living crisis team – called the Money Hub – has been set up for those in severe hardship and who have no other source of money, and those most at risk of homelessness.The team, co-funded by the local NHS, can help people facing:An unexpected emergency situation where you need a small amount of money to help you over the next few days;Ongoing financial issues such as rent or if you’re struggling to manage debts;Or if you need essential household items like beds, fridges or cooking equipment. Funding is limited and the Council has to target those who need it most. However, in most cases it can provide advice, support and help in other ways. The team can also check people are receiving all of the benefits to which they're entitled. To talk to a Money Hub officer, either:Complete this formCall: 020 8356 3111Or, visit a Hackney library or the Hackney Service Centre, and a staff member will help fill out the Money Hub form.
Businesses invited to have their say by applying to join Hackney Central Community Panel
30th November 2022
Businesses are being invited to apply to join a community panel designed to ensure that changes taking place in Hackney Central meet the priorities of the local community. The Hackney Central Community Panel was established by the Council in June 2021 as a way of ensuring the community has an input into strategic decisions and developments in Hackney Central from an early stage.The Council aims to help create 1,000 new jobs and 3,000 new homes in Hackney Central by 2033, centred on investment in transport infrastructure, key sites and improving public spaces. This transformation must happen in a way that is shaped by the priorities of local people, businesses and community groups, collaboratively building on what’s important and unique about Hackney Central, while addressing some of the area’s challenges.The Hackney Central Community Panel is a group of residents, businesses and representatives from local organisations who meet every two months to discuss the future of Hackney Central.We want to tap further into Hackney Central’s diverse business community so that the Panel can act as a mechanism for conversation, idea development and updates, and inspire a collective sense of custodianship for the future for the area. Businesses currently represented on the panel include textiles and crafts studio Make Town and The Five Points Brewing Company, as well as community groups such as St Joseph’s Hospice and Hackney Historic Building Trust. You can see the full list of members here. Council officers will review the applications and members will be decided based on their:Connection to the area and understanding of the local contextInterest and desire to make Hackney Central betterRepresentation of different issues and diversity of stakeholders in Hackney CentralThere are two new spaces available on the Panel for businessesWhat issues does the Panel discuss?The function of the Panel is to encourage discussion about the future of Hackney Central. Participants share their challenges and ideas with the Council to start conversations, develop ideas and work out the best way of involving different communities across Hackney Central to determine its future. The Panel were involved in informing the wider community engagement strategy, advising the Council on methods for reaching the wider community in the area.Specific discussions can focus on investments in transport infrastructure, key sites and public spaces. While the Panel provides invaluable insight, its role is solely advisory. The Council remains committed to its wider consultation and engagement work in the area. We’re committed to ensuring a fair recovery from the pandemic and rebuilding a cleaner, greener and more accessible Hackney Central. As the town centre grows, we will work with partners to safeguard what local people value most, support local businesses to continue thriving in a changing economy, and ensure local people are the first to benefit from the changes taking place.Interested businesses can apply here by 21 December 2022. For more information on the panel visit our website. For more information on applying contact business@hackney.gov.uk