Hackney Council has announced it will not proceed with controversial proposals to reduce library opening hours across the borough, following a significant injection of government funding that has improved the local authority's financial outlook.
Funding Reversal Saves Library Services
Mayor Caroline Woodley confirmed she will ask the council's Cabinet to formally scrap the planned review of library hours, which had been proposed as a cost-saving measure to address severe budget pressures. The decision comes just days after a public consultation on the potential cuts closed, with the council now able to maintain current opening times at all eight Hackney libraries.
Financial Breathing Space
The turnaround follows the government's Fair Funding Review settlement in December, which provides Hackney with a 25% increase in core funding over the next three years. Mayor Woodley stated: "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."
The original proposals, announced in October 2025, would have saved approximately £773,000 annually but could have seen some libraries closed for up to three days each week. Council officials had argued this approach was necessary to avoid permanent library closures entirely.
Community Backlash and Union Response
The planned reductions had provoked strong opposition from residents and unions, with Hackney Unison urging the public to reject all consultation options and calling for increased government funding instead. Michael Burns, Hackney Unison's libraries lead, welcomed the reversal, stating: "Our hope now is that Hackney Council commits to keeping our lifeline service open, staffed and safe across the borough."
The union had criticised what it described as "salami-slicing" of essential services and expressed frustration that the potential impact of the Fair Funding Review hadn't been communicated as a possible mitigation against the cuts earlier in the process.
Recent Library Developments in Hackney
The announcement coincides with several ongoing library developments across the borough:
- Hackney Central Library recently reopened on February 2 following a comprehensive refurbishment
- Stoke Newington Library remains closed for its £4.4 million refurbishment, which began in March 2024 and is expected to continue beyond Spring 2026
- The council has faced previous controversy over library staffing, including a 2023 strike and subsequent rehiring of redundant staff on temporary contracts
Broader Service Implications
Mayor Woodley confirmed the additional government funding would support hundreds of council services beyond libraries, including parks maintenance, youth clubs, and street cleaning operations. She emphasised the importance of libraries as "safe havens, study spaces for young people, and vital hubs for digital access and community support."
The Cabinet will formally consider the Mayor's proposal to end the library hours review at its next meeting. If approved, as expected, all existing library opening times will remain unchanged, providing continuity for the thousands of residents who depend on these community facilities.
