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 Statement from the Mayor of London: Many Londoners are horrified by the ongoing genocide in Sudan, which has claimed at least 150,000 lives, displaced millions, and created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The videos and images of mass killings circulating online are truly harrowing and heartbreaking, as are the horrific satellite photos that have emerged in recent days. Accounts from survivors that sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war - including against children - are deeply distressing. These are crimes against humanity, and the international community must act to ensure they are urgently stopped. This senseless violence and suffering has to end. The world must not look away from this crisis. MAYOR OF LONDON, SADIQ KHAN

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