Hackney Council £24m Lifts Renewal Starts June 2026

Key Points

• Hackney Council is launching the first phase of a £24 million three-year programme to renew or replace the 120 worst performing lifts in its housing blocks, starting in June 2026.
• The initial phase targets the 41 most unreliable lifts and is scheduled for completion by February 2027, followed by two additional phases concluding by March 2029.​
• The Council’s Housing Service maintains 615 lifts across the borough, with most reliable but some prone to prolonged breakdowns impacting residents’ daily lives.​
• Lifts were prioritised following an in-depth assessment considering age, breakdown frequency, and overall performance.​
• Cllr Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Housing Management and Regeneration, highlighted the inconvenience of faulty lifts, particularly for vulnerable residents.​
• The programme forms part of a broader £24 million four-year framework agreement approved in September 2024 to modernise ageing lift stock amid rising breakdowns and maintenance costs.
• Earlier reports noted only 61 lifts renewed between 2008 and 2018, leaving much of the stock outdated, with priority given to 39 lifts initially.
• Cllr Carole Williams and Cllr Robert Chapman previously praised similar lift upgrade proposals for addressing quality-of-life issues.​
• Residents in affected blocks will receive prior notifications about works and support arrangements.​
• The initiative aligns with legal duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 and strategies like the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2019-2027.​
• Past issues include a 2020 resident death at 355 Queensbridge Road linked to prolonged lift failures and 2024 regulatory findings on housing safety failings.​

Hackney (East London Times) February 19, 2026 – Hackney Council has announced the first phase of a £24 million three-year programme to renew or replace the 41 worst performing lifts in its housing blocks, set to commence in June 2026 and complete by February 2027. This initiative targets the most unreliable among the Council’s 615 lifts, aiming to enhance reliability and residents’ quality of life after years of complaints over frequent breakdowns. The full programme will address 120 lifts by March 2029, reflecting a major investment in council housing infrastructure.

What Triggers the Launch of This Lifts Programme?

The decision stems from an in-depth assessment of all 615 lifts managed by the Council’s Housing Service, evaluating factors such as age, number of breakdowns, and overall performance. While the vast majority operate reliably, certain lifts have been out of order for extended periods, severely affecting residents who struggle with shopping, medical appointments, or even leaving their homes.​

As reported in the official council announcement on news.hackney.gov.uk, these persistent issues have trapped some residents indoors or forced them to navigate stairs, exacerbating challenges for the elderly and those with mobility needs. This £24 million commitment over three years underscores Hackney Council’s dedication to improving its housing stock, as part of broader efforts outlined in the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2019-2027.

Who Announced the Lifts Renewal Details?

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Housing Management and Regeneration, provided key statements on the programme. As quoted in the Hackney Council news release, Cllr Nicholson said:

“Living in a Council owned block where there are constant problems with lifts is as annoying as it is inconvenient and for some residents it means they are trapped in their home with the options of either not going out or having to face a struggle up and down staircases.”​

He further emphasised: “The vast majority of the Council’s 615 lifts are reliable, but not all are. This £24million programme will ensure that the 120 worst lifts are either renewed or replaced. Phase one will target 41 of the most unreliable lifts.” Cllr Nicholson added:

“This is part of Hackney Council’s commitment to invest into its homes and estates and it will go some way in improving the quality of life for those residents who have had to live with broken lifts.”​

Cllr Nicholson took over housing responsibilities in 2025 following the resignation of Cllr Clayeon McKenzie amid criticisms from Hackney Greens over service failings.​

When Does the First Phase Start and End?

The first phase launches in June 2026, focusing on the 41 worst lifts, with completion targeted for the end of February 2027. Subsequent phases will follow, ensuring all 120 priority lifts are addressed by the programme’s conclusion in March 2029.​

This timeline builds on a framework agreement approved on 2 September 2024 by the Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee, initially identifying 39 priority lifts for the first year within a four-year £24 million budget. Revised estimates project £6 million annually due to backlog pressures, up from a long-term £3.2 million yearly average for full stock replacement.

How Was the £24 Million Programme Approved?

The funding ties into a Lift Capital Framework Agreement, establishing a delivery strategy for backlog works to maximise annual renewals and support sustainable housing goals. Approved in 2024, it allocates up to £24 million over four years, with the first 12-month programme assigning 11-15 lifts per contractor across up to three providers.

As detailed in the Hackney Citizen report by an unnamed journalist, the committee report admitted that renewing only 61 lifts from 2008-2018 failed to maintain standards amid rising breakdowns and parts shortages. Cllr Carole Williams, attending the meeting, noted:

“We know from casework and experience that when a lift goes down it has a massive impact on quality of life.”

Cllr Robert Chapman, then Cabinet member for finance, insourcing and customer service, stated:

“This is such an important area to get right now, and I’m really glad we have these robust proposals to help get all our lifts working. One of the biggest bugbears our residents have is the failure of lifts in certain areas.”​

What Impacts Have Faulty Lifts Had on Residents?

Prolonged lift failures have caused significant hardship, from preventing outings and complicating shopping to missing vital appointments. Vulnerable residents, including the elderly and those with disabilities, have faced isolation or physical strain from using stairs.

Historical context includes the 2020 death of a resident at 355 Queensbridge Road tower block, where broken lifts forced elderly people to climb stairs, prompting resident challenges over “dreadful” service. Recent Reddit discussions highlight ongoing frustrations in Hackney estates. Compensation has been paid for issues like broken lifts and overdue repairs, as covered by the Hackney Citizen.

The Regulator of Social Housing’s 2024 report cited “serious failings” in gas and electrical safety, intensifying scrutiny on housing maintenance, including lifts. Cllr Alastair Binnie-Lubbock, Hackney Green co-leader, called for resignations over these lapses.

Which Lifts Are Targeted in Phase One?

The 41 worst-performing lifts were selected via comprehensive evaluation of age, breakdowns, and performance across borough blocks. Earlier frameworks pinpointed 39 priorities, distributed across wards for balanced coverage.

Tenders emphasise reducing maintenance costs, breakdowns, and improving service for over 600 lifts in stock. Contractors will handle modernisation, with social value priorities like local employment.

How Will Residents Be Supported During Works?

Residents in affected blocks will be kept informed ahead of works starting, including arrangements for support during disruptions. The council’s legal duty under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 mandates maintaining services like lifts in its 30,000+ tenant homes.

The framework promotes standardised rates, competition, and monitoring for best value, moving from ad-hoc repairs amid 24% cost rises since 2022/23.

Why Is This Part of Broader Housing Commitments?

Hackney Council views maintaining homes as “both a privilege and a duty,” with lifts central to over 30,000 residents’ lives. The programme aligns with the Sustainable Community Strategy 2018-2028 and Procurement Strategy, projecting £6.4-6.8 million whole-life costs.​

Over £7 million is allocated for the framework’s first year alone, targeting 41 priority lifts to aid mobility-impaired residents. This follows leadership changes, with Cllr Nicholson replacing Cllr McKenzie after Green calls over failings.

Demand surges and ageing stock—many beyond lifespan—necessitate this shift, as breakdowns hinder parts sourcing. Full replacement of 615 lifts would span 20 years at £3.2 million yearly, but backlog demands acceleration.