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Hackney Council is consulting on changes that would impact up to six primary schools in the borough, as a result of the significant fall in pupil numbers. This has caused the financial position of some of the schools to worsen to the point that it is no longer possible for the Council to maintain them. The consultation is open between 8 October and 19 November. The fall in pupil numbers has been observed in recent years in the majority of London boroughs, as a result of a series of factors including lower birth rates, the cap on housing benefits, and families leaving London, as a result of the housing crisis, the cost of living, Brexit, and the pandemic. In May 2024 there were 577 unfilled reception places in Hackney (21%), and 4,808 unfilled places across all year groups (23%). A healthy percentage of empty school places is usually around 5%. As schools are funded based on the number of pupils on roll, those with a high number of unfilled places have less money for staff, resources, equipment, extracurricular activities, to pay bills and to carry out maintenance work. Hackney’s primary schools currently receive over £28.5m less funding compared to what they would be entitled to if their classrooms were full. The permanent closure of four primary schools in Hackney on 31 August 2024, together with reductions to the planned admission numbers to other schools across the borough, are expected to reduce the percentage of empty school places to 18% by 2025/2026. However, the most recent data shows that many Hackney schools are still far from seeing sustainable pupil numbers. While our schools are recognised for their high performance and excellent results, they face significant challenges due to this reduced funding. Many schools have already told us that this is affecting their ability to fully support their pupils, especially those with the greatest needs.Like many other local authorities, Hackney Council is facing enormous financial challenges, and needs to make substantial savings to be able to continue to protect the borough’s most vulnerable residents. The Council cannot afford to financially support schools that are not sustainable, and must continue to make difficult decisions to make sure our schools are fit for the future, and to protect the high quality education that Hackney is known for.  If agreed, the proposed changes will take effect on 31 August 2025.More information about the proposals can be found in the Cabinet report and on the project’s page. Those interested can share their views by taking part in the consultation until 19 November.

“The violence of 7 October 2023 visited by Hamas upon Israel shocked people across the world. Since that devastating event we have seen a year of horrific conflict and suffering escalating across the Middle East. “More than a thousand people were killed on that day and the future of more than a hundred hostages remains uncertain. Tens of thousands of people in Gaza were killed in the attacks that have followed, and we fear for all those who are now threatened, grieving, traumatised and displaced by the ongoing conflict across the region. “There are many residents in Hackney who are directly or indirectly affected by these events and by the ongoing violence. In the strongest possible terms, I condemn the brutality and repeat the call the Council made in January: stop the violence now. “Hackney Council will continue to focus on supporting our local residents. We have seen antisemitism, Islamophobia and wider hate crime deeply impacting our communities. We recognise that feelings towards the conflict cut across many different cultures and faiths and that diversity is our strength. We are working with communities, schools and faith partners so together we can better understand and address the impact of the events of the past year. “I want to assure all those impacted that I am grieving with you, that I share your despair and anger at these terrible events, and that I will continue to engage with our communities and ensure your voices are being heard.”Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney

The exciting transformation of Kings Hall Leisure Centre could begin in autumn 2025, as the project received approval from the Council’s cabinet to progress to its next stage. Featuring beautiful new communal spaces, including an accessible entrance from Clapton Square, revamped changing facilities, more studio space, and a brand new teaching pool with a moveable floor, the proposals to transform the centre have been developed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, who designed the award-winning Britannia Leisure Centre. Under the proposals, Kings Hall will also see a new sauna, steam room and changing facilities, a fitness suite, a two-court sports hall and a refurbished main and learner pool - all set within the footprint of the existing grade II listed building and its car park. In developing the plans, the Council sought feedback from centre users and local people online and at drop-ins at the centre, with over 250 people giving their views in person or online. . Kings Hall is the only leisure facility serving residents in the east of the borough. It’s an important social and historical landmark, reflected in its Grade II listing, but the condition of the building has continued to deteriorate significantly in recent years, which means that repair costs are rising and residents’ experiences of the centre are getting worse. The investment in Kings Hall Leisure Centre will come from Council capital funding, which is used for maintaining and improving Council buildings. It does not come from day-to-day spending on key services. Despite this, financial pressures mean that the Council will prioritise a revamped Kings Hall for residents in the east of the borough over plans for a new teaching pool at London Fields lido, which have been paused. The work needed to safeguard and improve the building means that the centre would need to close while work takes place. It’s expected that work will start in Autumn 2025, with the centre reopening again in Autumn 2028. Members will be able to transfer their membership to another Better Leisure Centre in Hackney. The Council is also exploring whether it can provide temporary health and fitness facilities in another venue in the east of the borough during the closure.While the Council is pausing plans for a new teaching pool at London Fields Lido, it is continuing to prioritise investment in play, and will deliver an upgrade of the northern London Fields’ play area, following public engagement, in 2025/26. Find out more about the plans for Kings Hall: https://consultation.hackney.gov.uk/communications-engagement/kings-hall-leisure-centre/ 

Mayor Woodley has announced Councillor Sarah Young as Hackney Council’s new Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport.Councillor Young, who has represented Woodberry Down ward since 2021 and lived in Hackney most of her life, replaces Mete Coban, who stepped down in July following his appointment as the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy.Her role will include leading on the Council’s net zero commitments including delivering the ambitious Climate Action Plan, expanding the pioneering Community Energy Fund and pressing ahead with schemes to lower traffic, reduce flood risk and increase greening.Councillor Young will take over the role from 14 October.