On Wednesday 26 February, the Royal Borough of Greenwich approved its budget for 2025 to 2026, featuring a major £1 million investment in a new Community Energy Fund (CEF).
This funding would not be possible without the tough but necessary decisions, made last year, to help deliver savings to counter the impact of 14 years of underfunding by the previous government. CEF will help local people and organisations set up projects that use renewable energy, like solar panels and wind turbines, to cut carbon emissions and lower energy bills, renewing our commitment to be carbon neutral and tackle climate change, as pledged in Our Greenwich.
The Community Energy Fund is part of a wider set of investments to improve services and quality of life for residents. We are investing to ensure we can continue to help all residents and address the increasing challenges brought on by the cost of living and temporary accommodation crises. Our budget includes:
£1.6 million to fix potholes and repair our roads
£1 million to the Greenwich Supports Council Tax Hardship Support Fund
£820,000 to upgrade adventure play centres
£680,000 to make streets safer and more sustainable
£200,000 to expand Emotional Wellbeing Hubs for children and young people
£1.7 million to open six new centres for people with special educational needs and disabilities
£12 million for services for children and young people
£20 million to improve care for older residents and those with complex needs
Over £2 million to adapt homes for residents with disabilities
Councillor Anthony Okereke, the Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “People in our borough want to see us making a real effort to tackle climate change – and we’re doing just that, while lowering their bills at the same time. The Community Energy Fund is more than just an investment, it puts power in the hands of our communities, helping them to create greener, more affordable energy.
“While we are still feeling the enormous impact of 14 years of underfunding, we refuse to let that hold us back. Despite limited resources, we are pushing forward, making bold, people-first decisions that create real change. From expanding wellbeing hubs for our children and young people to fixing potholes and building safer, more sustainable streets, we are investing in what truly matters to our residents. This is about delivering good growth, not just for today, but for future generations as well.”
Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value said: “Our communities have told us they want cleaner energy, better park facilities, safer streets, and strong support for children and older people. Last year we made tough decisions that placed us on steadier ground this year, allowing us to focus on investments that allow us to deliver on those priorities.
“This year, we’re focusing our efforts to upgrade our adventure play facilities, enhance support for children with special educational needs and disabilities and adapt homes for residents with disabilities. We are investing where it matters most.”
To fund these vital services, we have made the difficult decision to raise Council Tax by 4.99%. Support will be available for those who need help paying their bills, including through the Discretionary Hardship Fund.
If you’re worried about the cost of living crisis, you can visit our in-person Advice Hubs at community centres across the borough: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/advicehubs
