Council in London initiates questionnaire preceding reductions in housing expenditure
Hackney Council Faces Challenging Decisions Amidst Funding Cuts
Hackney Council is grappling with tough choices as it looks to save £11m from its housing budget over the next four years. The decisions made will have a significant impact on the lives of residents living in Hackney Council's homes and estates.
Cllr Carole Williams, the cabinet member responsible for housing services and resident engagement, has expressed concern about the long-term implications of the government's funding refusal. She emphasizes the importance of residents having their say in the decisions made about the allocation of Hackney Council's housing budget.
To gather as much information as possible, Hackney Council is conducting an eight-week survey of council housing tenants. Participants can allocate a total of 100 points across services provided by Housing Services to highlight what is most important to them. This survey, along with face-to-face conversations, is intended to help shape savings decisions and guide the council in delivering housing services in the future.
Unfortunately, rising costs for housing services such as maintenance and repairs will not keep pace with the government-imposed rent cap. As a result, residents may have to wait longer for replacement windows, kitchens, and day-to-day repairs. Moreover, delays in tackling anti-social behaviour could occur due to funding cuts in Hackney Council's housing budget.
Clayeon McKenzie, Hackney Council's cabinet member for housing services and resident participation, is urging as many residents as possible to participate in the survey and face-to-face conversations. He stresses that the government refuses to fund the resulting shortfall in Hackney Council's housing budget, leaving the council with an £11m black hole.
This funding refusal could also result in delays in carrying out improvements to estates. With more than 23,000 households living in Hackney Council's homes set to be affected by the decisions made due to the funding cuts, it is crucial that residents make their voices heard.
In light of these challenging circumstances, Hackney Council warns that funding cuts could mean longer wait times for routine repairs and improvements. The survey and face-to-face conversations are a crucial step in ensuring that the council can make informed decisions about how to deliver housing services in the future.
