Haringey Council requests £37m from the government amid rising service demands, funding gaps, and concerns of financial instability and potential cuts.
Haringey faces a funding problem. The council wants to protect key services.
Demands on the council keep growing. More people need more services. These services also cost more now.
The council gets outer London funding, but the borough has inner London needs. The council has less money these days, and they must serve more people now. This situation creates a funding emergency for them.
They predicted a £32 million gap for 2025/26. The government gave them £16 million in December. Demands grew, creating problems. They need £37 million for daily costs.
Councils can seek extra financial support if they struggle financially. Otherwise, bankruptcy might occur; it would happen via a Section 114 notice.
A council member criticized financial management. He stated that only poorly managed councils need bailouts. He blamed past government chaos as well.
The council leader expects government aid. She wants to cut pressure on key services. They plan further savings proposals this year. This should reduce the needed support amount.
Another council member cited “unprecedented borrowing.” He mentioned poor contract and data handling. Using reserves increased the problems, too.
He thinks it is like getting a payday loan. He fears more borrowing and bigger repayments. Residents will suffer in the end, he said.
The council leader blamed austerity policies. She wants fairer government funding. This would better address local population needs. More resources would help the council fulfill duties.
