Hackney market traders are facing increased fees and charges amid concerns that the proposed changes could jeopardise their livelihoods.

The Hackney Council Cabinet met on Monday 24 November 2025, and approved capital costs for the Kings Hall Leisure Centre Refurbishment project and the implementation of standard fees and charges for markets, street trading and shop fronts from 1 January 2026.

However, the decision to increase fees, with individual increases ranging from 2.2%–20% and a weighted average increase across the service of 19.72%, has been met with resistance from traders, who fear the changes will disproportionately affect small businesses and impact the unique character of Hackney's markets.

According to the Cabinet Report Markets Shop Fronts Street Trading Services Fees Charges Proposals 2025_26 3, the Council is legally required under Section 32 of the London Local Authorities Act 1990 to recover the full costs of operating its markets and street-trading services from licence fees rather than through the General Fund. The report notes that over the past five years, no inflationary or cost-based uplifts have been applied, despite significant increases in the service's core operating costs.

These include:

  • Waste-management charges rising from £667k in 2020/21 to £926k in 2025/26. These increases reflect higher tonnage, expanded trading days, and new statutory waste-separation duties. The annual North London Waste Authority (NLWA) disposal charge will also be applied to traders starting from 1 April 2026.
  • Electricity costs almost doubling since 2021/22, reaching around £250k annually.
  • Increased equipment, infrastructure, and compliance costs.

The report stated that continuing to absorb these costs would generate an unlawful deficit.

The report also stated that the revised modelling forecasts total revenue of £3.478 million in 2025/26 based on current occupancy levels, which is expected to eliminate the historic £193,000 subsidy, cover the £258,000 operational cost increases for waste & cleansing, and offset £154,000 in electricity and infrastructure inflation.

However, the proposals have faced strong opposition, with 58.93% of respondents disagreeing with the Council's decision to review and update fees and charges, according to Appendix 5_ Hackney Markets and Street Trading Fees and Charges 2026 Report - DRAFT 1.

Key concerns raised by traders include:

  • The impact of the fees on traders, with many stating they are struggling to break even and may need to close.
  • The belief that fee increases are not justified in these financially difficult times.
  • The perception that they are not receiving enough in return for fees, with some services charged for not being used or received, and the service is inadequate.

There were also concerns raised regarding the new payment process and advance invoicing.

In response to the consultation feedback, the Council has:

  • Established a Waste Costs Working Group, bringing together representatives from Markets, Waste Services, Legal, Finance, and trader groups. The Waste Costs Working Group and a revised Waste Audit, suggesting an exploration of waste disposal methods.
  • Held five online and in-person meetings with stakeholders and the working group members
  • Visited Millfields Depot (8 July 2025)
  • Carried out and published a revised Waste Audit (March 2025)
  • Reassessed the recharge model, which informed the recalibration of the original recharge proposal, reducing the overall Markets waste charge from £1.325m to £925,986.
  • Conducted a second consultation on a reduced increase in fees & charges.

According to the Supplementary Agenda - Item 20 Implemnentation of Standard Fees and Charges for Markets Street Trad, the implementation of the revised fees and charges will follow a phased programme to ensure stability, clarity and continued engagement with traders. The council will use the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor the success of the phased programme:

  • Occupancy rate maintained above 90%
  • Collection rate of arrears at >85% within 11 months
  • Reduction in outstanding debt vs 2024/25 baseline
  • Trader satisfaction measured through survey feedback

The key stages are as follows:

  • Preparation: Nov 2025 – Jan 2026
  • Engagement & Training: Jan – Mar 2026
  • Implementation: 1 January 2026

In response to the consultation feedback the following support measures will be implemented:

  • Transitional Period: Arrears will be recovered over 11 months to minimise impact on traders' cash flow.
  • Hardship Fund: Available to traders facing acute financial difficulty, assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Communications Toolkit: Multilingual comms, FAQs, step-by-step guides, and infographics to explain fee changes.
  • Direct Officer Support: Drop-ins, phone lines, and email support to answer queries and troubleshoot issues.
  • Digital Enablement: Procurement of an online booking and payment system for temporary traders, improving accessibility and efficiency.

Benchmarking data indicates that Hackney's market fees remain mid-range compared to other London boroughs and private operators. Broadway Market and Ridley Road are still priced competitively for their footfall levels.

Any remaining funds after covering costs will be ring fenced for reinvestment into the service. This will support continued growth, maintain a self-financing model, and deliver initiatives such as business support, infrastructure upgrades, and inclusive trading programmes in line with the Council's Markets Strategy and the Mayoral Manifesto. It also mentions supported trading schemes (e.g. Trading Places).