Surveying London residents prior to budget reductions in housing allocation
In the heart of East London, Hackney Council is facing challenging times as it grapples with the consequences of government policies on council housing. With the looming threat of funding cuts, the council is now tasked with making difficult choices about the future delivery of housing services, affecting more than 23,000 households living in Hackney Council's homes.
To gather valuable insights from those most affected, Hackney Council has launched an eight-week survey inviting council housing tenants to voice their opinions. The survey allows participants to allocate a total of 100 points across services provided by Housing Services to highlight what is most important to them.
The consultation comes at a critical juncture, with the government's 7% cap on council housing rent rises in 2023/24 meaning that rental income will not keep pace with rising costs for housing services. This has created an £11m black hole in Hackney Council's housing budget, necessitating savings to the housing budget.
Councillor James Peters, the cabinet member for Housing and Resident Involvement of Hackney Council, has expressed concerns about the long-term implications of the rent cap for the council's budget. He stated, "We are urging as many residents as possible to participate in the survey and face-to-face conversations to provide their opinions on the council's budget allocation."
The goal of the survey is to help Hackney Council make decisions on how to cut £11m from its housing budget over the next four years. The council will provide information on what certain decisions could mean for service delivery, including potential delays in enhancing residents' lives through planned improvements to estates, longer wait times for routine repairs and improvements, and delays in addressing anti-social behavior.
Residents may have to wait longer for routine repairs and improvements, such as replacement windows and kitchens. Day-to-day repairs may take longer to complete than they currently do. However, Councillor Peters emphasised, "We believe that by working together, we can make informed decisions that will best serve the needs of our residents."
The survey is just one part of a broader engagement strategy, with Hackney Council committed to fostering open dialogue and involving residents in the decision-making process. By participating in the survey, residents can play an active role in shaping the future of housing services in Hackney.
In these uncertain times, Hackney Council is calling on its residents to come together to ensure that the council's housing services continue to meet the needs of the community. The survey can be found on the Hackney Council website, and residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and priorities to help guide the council's decisions.
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