On the 5th of March, Hackney Labour officially launched the 2026-2030 manifesto.
The manifesto sets out Hackney Labour’s record of delivery, and our commitments for the future.
Throughout the autumn a series of engagements were run with councillors, candidates, local Labour Party members and key community stakeholders. This included:
– Candidates’ Away Day: A direct opportunity for candidates to provide suggestions and insights
– Members’ Ideas Summit: A collaborative forum for policy engagement and local feedback
– Digital Feedback Opportunities: Post-event surveys were shared for further input
– Ward meetings with Mayor Woodley: A series of follow-up conversations and a borough-wide survey to capture community feeling and concerns
This engagement produced a series of themes: tackling poverty and inequality; creating secure, affordable homes; standing up for renters; delivering for every child in Hackney; making Hackney safer for all; taking care of our environment; tackling the climate crisis; supporting our local economy; healthy neighbourhoods; and investing in our communities.
It also presented strong support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), keeping our streets clean, ambitious housebuilding, youth mental health support and protecting our green spaces.
The overall feedback led to developing the following 10 headline pledges:
Cut Council Tax for Low Income Residents
By 2030, we will ensure there is more money in the pockets of struggling households – people on Universal Credit or from a low income household will not have to pay a penny on their Council Tax Bill, as we increase our 90% discount scheme to 100%.
Replace Council Homes Lost to Right to Buy
Hackney Labour is on a mission to replace the 10,000 council homes Hackney sold through Right to Buy since it was introduced in the 1980s. We will deliver a ten year plan to build, buy back, renovate, refurbish and regenerate Council homes. Working with a Labour Mayor of London and a Labour Government we will tackle the housing crisis head on, creating more secure council housing, more homes for older people, investing £550m in improvements like replacing lifts, tackling damp and mould and undertaking repairs to fix our homes and make them fit for the future.
Introduce a New Generation of Rent Controlled Homes
Hackney Labour will lead the way, building a new generation of rent controlled homes, aimed at supporting key workers who cannot keep up with skyrocketing rents. Rent will be set at no more than a third of average net annual income.
Provide Two New Special Schools for Children with SEND
We will support our family of excellent nurseries and schools, continue to build new provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including two new special schools, so fewer children have to go out of the borough to secure an inclusive education, and work with community partners to help every child to thrive.
Cut Mobile Theft in Half by 2030
We will work with communities and local safer neighbourhood teams to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and tackle mobile phone theft. Deploying mobile messaging vans, organising free phone marking sessions across the borough and working with partners on crime prevention.
Keep Our Streets Clean with a 25% Increase in Street Sweepers
We will increase our street cleaning team by 25% across the borough and ramp up enforcement against fly tipping on our streets by increasing our workforce, making sure that it’s a pleasure to live, work and play in Hackney. You’ll see more street sweepers in your area, taking care of your streets.
Bring Cheaper Cleaner Energy to 4500 Council Households by 2030
We will continue to lead the country in giving residents cheaper, cleaner energy. By 2030, our residential solar programme will deliver cheaper renewable electricity to 4,500 council households.
Double Our Investment in Apprenticeships
We will create more routes into good work, by significantly boosting new apprenticeships, supported internships and paid work experience in key growth sectors using more growth and skills levy funding with employers to grow local jobs, close the skills gap and accelerate a just transition in Hackney.
Deliver an Affordable Food Network in Every Neighbourhood
We will develop a neighbourhood-based and co-operative food distribution network with residents, the voluntary and community sector, and the NHS so that everyone has access to affordable healthy food, real choice and better protection from food poverty and rising food costs. We will ensure these food networks serve the diverse cultural makeup of our borough.
Celebrate Art, Culture and Communities in Every Ward in Our Borough
We will champion the innovation and creativity of the people who make Hackney a place of pride. We will share Hackney’s story through art, culture and public events, creating a Hackney Carnival Trust, developing our libraries into community hubs, and taking a community-led approach to local services, where the people of Hackney will continue to lead the way.