Clissold councilor Sade Etti reviewed housing needs guidance amid minor government changes – Hackney Citizen

Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley has announced the appointments of three new cabinet members and six ‘champions’.

Former deputy cabinet member Councilor Sade Etti will now be a full cabinet member for housing needs and homelessness.

Councilors Sam Pallis and Joe Walker will provide additional support as alternate cabinet members.

Six new representative members were also appointed to support the cabinet.

Cllr Gilbert Smyth is a climate and justice champion, Cllr Joseph Ogundemuren on disability and inclusion, Cllr Sarah Young on green infrastructure, Cllr Ian Rathbone on No Place for Hate and former speaker Anya Sizer on special educational needs and disability (SEND ).

Newly confirmed speaker Sheila Suso-Runge is a heritage champion.

Mayor Caroline Woodley said: “These appointments reflect our commitment to building a better Hackney for all our residents.

“The new cabinet member, his deputies and champions will bring fresh energy and perspective to our work.”

The announcement was made at last week’s annual general meeting, where Mayor Woodley also celebrated Hackney Council’s achievements over the past year.

Highlights included solar panels for council homes, the expansion of GP surgeries and tackling hate crime.

Woodley complained about a lack of funding from central government and said the council was “doing everything we can to make sure those on the lowest incomes get all the support they need”.

She added: “While we have reason to celebrate all that we have achieved, … we must recognize the context in which we work.”

The mayor also expressed her condolences to those affected by the war between Israel and Hamas.

“We continue to mourn the victims of the October 7 Hamas attack, and the death and destruction we see in Gaza are unbearable.

“Words alone cannot do justice to the truly horrific events we are witnessing.

“In this House we have called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages.

“I call on the government to ensure scrutiny and transparency to support ethical investment and respect international human rights law.”

Special tributes were paid to Dawn Carter-McDonald, who was appointed chief executive of the council on Tuesday.

Carter-McDonald has been interim chief executive since July 2023.

“I’m grateful to have had (Carter-McDonald) by my side,” Mayor Woodley said. “Her commitment to Hackney and its people knows no bounds.”