London, United Kingdom – November 26, 2025 — Hackney Council is set to debut a new digital platform designed to transform how residents participate in shaping local policy, with a public pilot scheduled to begin on 1 December. The initiative marks a significant step in the borough’s ongoing efforts to foster transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration between the council and the community.
The platform, developed in partnership with technology specialists and community groups, aims to make complex policy information accessible and encourage meaningful dialogue on issues affecting Hackney’s diverse population. Residents will be able to explore local initiatives, provide feedback, and access real-time updates on council projects—all through an intuitive online interface.
Councillor Caroline Woodley, Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships, described the project as “a new chapter in Hackney’s commitment to open government and resident-led decision-making.” She added, “We want every resident to feel empowered to contribute to the future of our borough, and this platform is designed to remove barriers to participation.”
**A new approach to engagement**
Unlike traditional council websites, which often present information in dense reports or static documents, the new hub features interactive tools that translate policy details into plain English. Residents can ask questions, receive tailored explanations, and navigate visual summaries of ongoing projects. The system also offers a calendar of local events and consultations, making it easier for people to get involved in person or online.
The council’s digital team worked closely with local voluntary organisations and neighbourhood forums during the development phase. Feedback from these groups highlighted the need for clear, jargon-free communication and opportunities for residents to see how their input influences decisions.
“We heard from many people who wanted to engage but found the process confusing or time-consuming,” said project manager Amina Patel. “Our goal was to create a space where everyone—from young people to older residents—can have their say and see the impact of their contributions.”
**Building trust through transparency**
One of the platform’s standout features is its transparency dashboard, which tracks the progress of council commitments and displays key performance indicators in real time. Residents can follow the status of major projects, view timelines, and access summaries of council meetings and decisions.
The dashboard also includes a section for frequently asked questions, addressing common concerns about housing, transport, and public health. By providing clear, up-to-date information, the council hopes to build trust and encourage more residents to participate in local governance.
“Transparency is at the heart of this initiative,” said Councillor Woodley. “We want to show residents not just what decisions are being made, but how and why those decisions are reached.”
**Early results and community response**
A limited trial of the platform earlier this autumn attracted over 2,000 active users in its first two months, with session times averaging five minutes—far exceeding engagement levels on previous council websites. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the platform’s user-friendly design and the ability to access information relevant to their neighbourhood.
Local resident and community organiser Samuel Osei commented, “It’s refreshing to have a tool that actually listens and responds to our questions. I can see how this will help more people get involved, especially those who might not attend traditional meetings.”
The council has also integrated the platform with its existing voluntary and community sector grants programme, allowing local organisations to promote events, share updates, and collaborate on projects directly within the hub. This feature is expected to strengthen partnerships and ensure that a wide range of voices are represented in policy discussions.
**Looking ahead**
The public pilot, which begins on 1 December, will run for three months, during which time the council will gather feedback and make further improvements. Residents are encouraged to register, explore the platform, and share their experiences to help shape the final version.
Hackney Council’s digital strategy, adopted earlier this year, emphasises the importance of harnessing technology to create more responsive and inclusive public services. The new engagement hub is a flagship project within this strategy, reflecting the borough’s ambition to lead the way in community-centred innovation.
As the pilot gets underway, council leaders are optimistic that the platform will become a model for other local authorities seeking to strengthen democratic participation and build lasting trust with their communities.
“We’re proud to be taking this step,” said Councillor Woodley. “By working together and embracing new ways of connecting, we can ensure that Hackney remains a place where everyone’s voice matters.”
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Image Credit: Photo by grafiklink on Unsplash
