Council Constitution
The law requires us to have a Constitution. This is a document that sets out how we operate, how we make decisions and the procedures we follow to ensure that these are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. The law requires some content, while other content is for us to choose.
The Constitution was adopted on 24 July 2023. It was updated and approved by council at its Annual Meeting on 14 May 2025, with the changes taking effect from 22 May 2025.
We have divided the Constitution into parts and sections. We’ve published each separately to assist you in navigating through the document.
There are paper copies of the Constitution at the Town Hall and in libraries.
If you would like your own printed copy of the Constitution, email monitoringofficer@hackney.gov.uk for pricing.
The Constitution is a living document and is subject to change from time to time.
Glossary for the Constitution
The glossary provides definitions of the key terms used throughout the Constitution. In addition to this glossary, you can find micro glossaries in Part Five, Sections A and B which contain more terms relevant to those particular sections.
Table of contents for the Constitution
See Table of contents for the Constitution (google doc).
Part 1 – Your council
Part 2 – Articles of the Constitution
This part of the Constitution sets out the basic rules around how we conduct our business.
Read Part 2A – articles of the Constitution (google doc).
Part 3 – Responsibility for council and executive functions
This part of the Constitution explains who is responsible for the various areas of responsibility (known as executive and non-executive functions) that we have and details how the ability to make decisions can be delegated to Officers.
Read Part 3A – responsibilities for council and executive functions (google doc).