In Hackney, we’re showing savings don’t just mean cuts
Savings of nearly £14 million have been approved by the Council's Cabinet.
The savings are part of efforts to find the more than £50 million for the Council to meet its obligations to balance its budget in the next three years.
“When we agreed the Council’s budget this year – avoiding the need for government support or extra council tax increases – we were upfront that we could not rely indefinitely on using financial reserves to balance the books. We now need to make significant savings in the years ahead.
“We’ve already started this process, with the first part of more than £50 million we need to find over the next three years agreed this week.
“This included difficult decisions, like changes to how much some adults pay towards their care while making sure the service is sustainable for those who can't afford its full cost.
“But it also included changes that will help safeguard frontline services by doing things differently, increasing income and making efficiencies. We’ve now approved proposals to look for more trading opportunities in our parks, licence street furniture on pavements and upgrade our commercial offer in Hackney Town Hall – all of which can bring in revenue, help reduce our deficit and provide benefits for our residents.
“Later this year, we will need to make even more significant changes. That will mean even tougher choices and – to minimise the impact on vital services – more radical plans to transform how the Council works.
“Already this financial year we have agreed a major refurbishment of Kings Hall Leisure Centre, progressed our upgrade of playgrounds across Hackney, secured funds to revamp Hackney Museum, reached a milestone in our latest new Council homes in Hoxton, revealed plans for much-improved Hackney Central Library and started work to transform the West Reservoir Centre.
“We can continue this investment in a better borough, and still protect frontline support for those who need it most. But only by taking action to keep our finances stable.
Cllr Robert Chapman, Cabinet Member for Finance, Insourcing and Customer Services
The Council is expected to put forward further proposals to reduce its budget gap this autumn.
Find out more: Hackney Council’s budget 2025-26