Mayor Caroline Woodley responds to Autumn Statement

Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley responds to the Autumn Statement delivered by the Chancellor yesterday: 

“Last week, Cllr Rob Chapman and I wrote to the Chancellor to set out the disastrous impact of the Government’s failure to match housing benefit levels with real housing costs. Now, after years of campaigning with London Councils, Local Housing Allowance levels have finally been unfrozen. This is a huge victory for councils, campaigners and – most importantly – thousands of private renters in Hackney and across the country.

“However, the Government still fails to recognise the scale of the challenge presented by the housing crisis. The promise to help secure 2,400 Temporary Accommodation units across the country pales into insignificance when Hackney alone has 3,000 families in hostels, bed and breakfast and other short-term accommodation.

“There is a little extra help for businesses, but not enough to rectify the trashing of the economy on the Government’s watch or improve the life-chances of those struggling the most in our borough. 

“Yet again, the Government has failed to provide sustainable funding for local authorities and the vital services that our residents rely on. This means the Council faces even tougher choices when setting our budget in the years ahead.

“Sadly, yet unsurprisingly, the Autumn Statement has shown our residents that this Government continues to let them down. Nonetheless, at Hackney Council we will continue to do all we can to help residents. 

“Our Money Hub service continues to help residents maximise their income and claim the benefits to which they are entitled. We’re continuing to increase the discount on council tax to those least able to pay in full. And events like Winter Warmer and our promotion of warm hubs over the coming months will help make sure those who need it have somewhere to shelter. 

“If the Government wants Hackney’s residents to thrive it needs to help us help them. Until that time we’ll continue to do all we can to support those most in need.” 

Read the full letter setting out Hackney's priorities for the Autumn Statement.