Haringey Council is considering reinstating fees for its adult learning service, Haringey Learns, for the academic year 2025/26, after having waived them since the Covid lockdown. The specific reasons for waiving the fees during the lockdown are not detailed in the provided documents.

The proposal was discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday 22 July 2025, as part of a broader review of the council's financial strategy. The council faces significant financial challenges, including a core grant funding reduction of £143 million in real terms since 2010/11, and must find ways to balance its budget. The Draft 2026-27 Budget and 2026-2031 Medium Term Financial Strategy Report highlights the financial pressures the council is facing.

The proposal to reinstate fees for Haringey Learns is outlined in the 2024/25 Provisional Financial Outturn report. According to the report, approximately 27.5% of learners would pay full fees, while 72.5% will pay a 30% concession fee. While the exact revenue expected from reinstating fees isn't specified, a Level 3 course is mentioned with fees around £250-£300 per person for cohorts of 15-20 learners.

The Appendix 7_Haringey Learns Fees Policy document states that learners may be eligible for full exemption or a 30% reduction to fees depending on the course they are taking. Exemptions apply when a learner is:

  • Unemployed and in receipt of income-based benefits
  • Has an income below £24,000 per annum
  • Is a veteran or retired
  • Receiving benefits related to disability

An equality impact assessment has been conducted, acknowledging that reinstating fees may disproportionately affect residents with low incomes, women, disabled people, and ethnic minority communities, who are generally more likely to use adult learning services. The council considers the decision proportionate and reasonable, given its overall financial position and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service.

No specific measures beyond the existing exemptions and concessionary fees are explicitly mentioned to further mitigate the impact on vulnerable learners.