Mayor asks Cabinet to halt library hours review following funding boost

The Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, has today asked Hackney Council’s Cabinet to halt its review into reducing library opening hours.

This announcement follows the confirmation of the Local Government Finance Settlement and the outcome of the Fair Funding Review, which resulted in a higher-than-expected funding allocation for the borough.

Earlier this year the Council launched a consultation on proposals to reduce opening times across Hackney’s libraries.

However following the confirmation of extra funding from the central government, the Council’s financial outlook for the coming year has improved. The Mayor is recommending Cabinet uses this additional funding to halt the proposed changes to library schedules.

“I know how much our libraries mean to our residents. They are safe havens, study spaces for young people, and vital hubs for digital access and community support.

“We had to consider changing library opening hours in the face of the financial pressure we faced. However, I have always said that if our financial situation changed, I would act.

“Thanks to a fairer funding agreement from central government we now have the breathing space to reconsider. That is why I am asking the Cabinet to halt the review into reducing library hours. 

“We are listening to residents, and we are acting to protect the services that make Hackney a fair and inclusive place to live.”

Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley

The proposal will be formally presented to Cabinet at its next meeting. If approved, the current consultation on reducing hours will be halted and libraries will maintain their current opening times.

“This is fantastic news for our library staff and the thousands of residents who visit our branches every week. We know our libraries are a lifeline for many people in many different ways.

“We are proud to have kept all of Hackney’s libraries open during years of austerity, and we are committed to keeping them at the heart of our communities. This settlement allows us to do just that for the years ahead.”

Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture