Council in London initiates questionnaire prior to reductions in housing allocation budget

Hackney Council Faces £11m Housing Budget Shortfall

Hackney Council in London has launched an eight-week survey to determine savings in its housing budget, which faces a deficit of £11m over the next four years. The shortfall is a result of a government-imposed 7% cap on council housing rent rises in 2023/24, leaving the council struggling to cover rising costs for housing services such as maintenance and repairs.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, the cabinet member responsible for housing services and resident engagement, has expressed deep concern about the planned spending cuts, stating that they could negatively impact the quality of services and support for residents. He emphasized the importance of gathering as much information as possible from residents about what they consider important areas for the council to focus its budget on.

The survey, open to more than 23,000 households living in Hackney Council's homes, allows council housing tenants to allocate 100 points across services provided by Housing Services to highlight what is most important to them. The survey results will shape the decisions made to save £11m from the housing budget.

Clayeon McKenzie, Hackney Council's cabinet member for housing services and resident participation, has also expressed concern about the long-term implications of the rent cap on the council's budget. He urged residents to participate in the survey and face-to-face conversations to gather information about what areas they feel are important for the council to focus its budget on.

The survey and face-to-face conversations are tools for residents to have their say in the decisions made about the housing budget. However, the council states there is no other source of funding to invest in delivering housing services, necessitating savings to the housing budget.

Potential consequences of funding cuts include longer wait times for routine repairs and improvements and delays in tackling anti-social behavior. The council may also be unable to carry out improvements to estates due to funding cuts.

The government has refused to fund the resulting shortfall in Hackney Council's housing budget, leaving the council to find ways to make savings. The council is highlighting the potential impact of funding cuts on the lives of its residents, emphasizing that the decisions made will have a significant impact on the quality of life for many residents.

In conclusion, Hackney Council is facing a challenging period as it seeks to find savings in its housing budget. The council is urging residents to participate in the survey and face-to-face conversations to ensure that their voices are heard and that the decisions made will reflect the needs and priorities of the community.