Investing in what matters
A fully revamped Hackney Central Library reopened this month – with a brand new children’s area, nooks for reading, bookable meeting pods and new digital resources.
It’ll be the first time this library – used by thousands of people every year – has seen a major upgrade since it opened 22 years ago. Newly commissioned artwork, murals, wallpapers and fabrics have been designed by artists in collaboration with staff and school children, taking inspiration from the rich culture, history and heritage of Hackney.
Now – as everyone is enjoying half-term – I’d urge you to go and have a look.
Like books that become folklore, it’s now a common view that councils have stopped investing in vital public amenities that are there to benefit everybody. In Hackney, I’m proud to say that this is not the case.
Whether it’s upgrades to our libraries and museum, our continued investment in the best parks in the country, or our once-in-a-generation renewal of Kings Hall Leisure Centre, our story is of a council prioritising the public services that matter to us all.
The Council is also committed to improving our 30,000 council homes and to carrying out repairs faster. We know we have to do more and so we’re dedicating more than £500 million in the next ten years to installing new lifts, lighting, doors and to improving energy efficiency in our council homes.
Like many councils, we are faced with serious financial pressures, which is why we work hard to make sure that Hackney’s finances remain stable. It’s therefore really good news that the Government is allocating Hackney a 25% increase in our core spending power over the period 2024-25 to 2028-29.
As a direct result of this additional funding, my Cabinet and I will be able to halt the Council’s recent review into reducing library opening hours - something I promised to do if our financial situation changed.
The core increase in funding will be dedicated to the services the Council is legally required to provide, such as accommodation for people facing homelessness and daily care for adults, children and older residents in need. We fund these services not just because we have to, but because they reflect the values and priorities of this Council.
It also means we can invest in clean and well-lit streets, and securing the public places that make Hackney the place we love.