Hackney Council has approved its first Evening and Night-Time Economy Strategy, designed to stimulate economic growth while prioritising safety and inclusivity for all.
The strategy, built upon the three pillars of safety and security, inclusivity and diversity, and economic growth, was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including 1,403 residents, 192 visitors, 78 businesses, and 15 night workers.
Councillor Susan Fajano-Thomas, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, announced the approval at a Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission meeting on Monday, 7 July 2025. She emphasised the collaborative nature of the strategy's development.
This nighttime strategy that we develop in Hackney has three pillars it was uh before we arrive as those three pillars I'll say chair we it wasn't a nighttime strategy that was developed just by my team there are other 14 services uh in the council that were included that were involving those conversation as well as with the community,
said Councillor Fajano-Thomas.
To ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors, the strategy includes several key initiatives. The Hackney night accreditation scheme provides training to frontline staff on issues such as drink spiking, sexual harassment, and conflict management. As of July 2025, over 2,500 individuals have been trained through the scheme. The council is also working with violence against women's teams and runs the don't cross the line campaign
to tackle misogyny and ensure that night spaces are safe for women.
The Evening and Night-Time Economy Strategy is part of Hackney Council's broader effort to support economic recovery and create thriving neighbourhoods. The council's Strategic Plan, 'Working Together for a Better Hackney', outlines the administration's achievements and priorities for the coming year, with a focus on safety, inclusivity, and economic growth. While the strategy focuses on these three pillars, the specific metrics for measuring its success are not detailed in the provided text.