ALT Canal boats in the distance parked on the River Lea

ALT I welcome today's announcement regarding the Fair Funding multi-year settlement for local councils. I’ve been working with leaders across London to help secure funding where we have the greatest need, that allows us to plan ahead, and enables us to serve all our residents. In Hackney, the funding announced today sets out a 25% increase in core funding over the 2024/25–2028/29 period. This will help us to continue providing the hundreds of vital services – from street cleaning to parks, libraries, youth clubs and community hubs – at the heart of what makes Hackney thrive. I look forward to working with the government on my priorities for Hackney, tackling the housing crisis, poverty and climate change and especially welcome the ongoing commitment to reform children’s services and adult social care. Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney

ALT Caroline Woodley, the Mayor of Hackney, said: “I am shocked to hear of the deadly attack in Australia and am thinking of everyone affected there and also here in Hackney. This terrible event, coming as Jewish communities gather to mark Hanukkah, must strengthen our resolve and make us more determined than ever to ensure people can celebrate faith in safety. “Our local police and partners will carry out extra patrols in Hackney, and we will together engage with our Jewish communities to understand what further help and reassurance we can offer. “Now more than ever Hackney stands with its communities. We will always remain no place for hate.”

ALT In Hackney we’re proud of our nightlife and live music and performance scene, and we know just how vital spaces like MOTH Club are for the communities in our borough. I have not seen any planning proposals that suggest the closure of MOTH Club. As far as I’m concerned MOTH Club will remain a treasured space for the Hackney community to gather. The proposals for new development close to MOTH Club have been put forward by private developers on land that they own. Like every council, Hackney’s planning authority has a duty to consider planning applications against planning policies, and unfortunately the Council cannot comment on proposals whilst this process is occurring. However, Hackney’s planning policies include an ‘agent of change’ principle, which places responsibility on a new development to mitigate for noise, rather than existing venues to change how they operate. Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney

ALT Ann-Marie, founder of Kindhaus, a participant in the last round of Hackney Impact

ALT “Hackney is home to thousands of people who have family, friends and loved ones in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. “We know the devastation emerging as a result of Hurricane Melissa is deeply concerning for local residents, and our thoughts are with all those who have been affected or will now need to come to terms with the impact. “We continue to support our many staff who are affected. “We know people in Hackney are keen to offer whatever help they can, and are encouraging people to visit the Hurricane Melissa Relief website.” Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, and Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities

ALT Hackney is no place for hate poster

ALT “It has been a day of overwhelming emotion, not only for people finally reunited with their loved ones, but for everyone impacted by two years of immeasurable loss and immense suffering in Israel and Gaza. “There are people in Hackney who have directly or indirectly been deeply affected by events since 7 October 2023, and beyond. Some are reliving the loss of their loved ones. Some will need support as those who have not returned are remembered. “We strive to support our communities and will work together to ensure that Hackney is a place where people of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds can be safe, feel safe and belong.” Carolien Woodley, Mayor of Hackney

ALT “As we mark two years since the terrorist attacks of 7 October in Israel, we come together in solidarity with our Jewish friends and communities. The increase in antisemitism and the traumatic events in Manchester have shown us once again the importance of uniting against hate and division in our boroughs. “We know these events have caused deep pain for our communities, and it's why we will continue to work closely with you to protect our boroughs as places people of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds can be safe, feel safe, belong and thrive. “This year, the anniversary also lands as Jewish communities celebrate Sukkot, the Jewish festival of thanksgiving. Despite recent events we hope this special time brings moments of connection with family, friends and loved ones. On behalf of our boroughs, we wish our Jewish communities Chag Sameach as they celebrate Sukkot. '' Read more on Hackney news