Changing how we support Hackney's Voluntary and Community Sector

In Hackney we are incredibly fortunate to have a vibrant voluntary and community sector made up of dedicated organisations, working tirelessly to support our communities. The work of these groups has a profound and lasting impact on the lives of Hackney residents.

Everybody at Hackney Council acknowledges the contribution made by these organisations. They often work under difficult circumstances, helping those most in need. Their commitment to our borough is deeply valued by both the Council and the people of Hackney.

It is with this appreciation in mind that I must be open about a difficult decision we have had to make. Like councils across the country, Hackney is facing unprecedented financial pressures. Rising costs, reduced funding from central government, and the growing demand for essential services have left us with no choice but to make tough decisions. One of those is the need to reduce the grants we provide to voluntary and community organisations.

We understand the importance of the support these organisations provide, and we know this decision will be disappointing for many. Councillor Rob Chapman has outlined some of the challenges we face in more detail, but I want to assure residents, and our partners, that we have not made this decision lightly.

While we are reducing funding, we remain committed to working with the voluntary sector in other ways. We want to help organisations continue their critical work by helping them find new sources of funding, forming new partnerships, and offering advice and guidance during this transition. We also continue to support the sector in other ways, such as through our letting of commercial properties at reduced rates. We make over 40 such properties available to partners at heavily discounted rates and we have, for example, just handed over the keys to the new East and Southeast Asian Centre on Englefield Road. We believe that through collaboration and innovation we can find new ways of working that will help these organisations not just survive, but thrive.

Now more than ever, we must come together as a community. By working closely with the voluntary sector, we can ensure that even in challenging times, we continue to meet the needs of Hackney’s residents.

We are grateful for all that these organisations do, and we are committed to supporting them through this difficult period.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture; and Cllr Joe Walker, Deputy Cabinet Member for Strengthening Neighbourhoods