Cllr Feryal Demirci, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods was questioned about her role by the borough’s Overview and Scrutiny Board on Wednesday (January 18).

This cross-party group of councillors questioned Cllr Demirci on how successful the Council has been at leading improvements in local markets, public footpaths and highways, waste and recycling and environmental health and consumer protection in areas prioritised by the Council. Councillors on the Board focused on performance in areas including parking, transport policies, market fees and investment in environmental improvement.

Cllr Simche Steinberger, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board: “We are continuing this important piece of work to understand how local decision-makers are improving performance in the areas they are responsible for. Markets function as the hubs of local communities, and issues relating to street cleanliness and parking are of real importance to residents.”

This meeting is the sixth Cabinet Question Time to take place this year. The purpose of this approach is for lead Hackney Council Cabinet Members to demonstrate transparency and accountability in public, focusing on areas of priority, public concern, or poor performance. The Overview and Scrutiny Board will then provide helpful challenge to support their future work.

The next Cabinet Question Time will take place with Mayor Jules Pipe on February 22. For more information about Overview and Scrutiny at Hackney Council visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/scrutiny or call 020 8356 3341.