On Monday, the Council’s Insourcing Committee agreed to insource the Market Stall Management Service ─ another service brought back into the public sector by Hackney Labour. 

The service will help the Council manage 20,000 market stalls at council-owned street markets every year, which have remained a much-loved cornerstone of Hackney’s communities for generations.

Insourcing the service will mean over £12m worth of contracts and almost 400 staff have been insourced by Hackney Labour since 2018, helping meet their manifesto commitment to review private contracts with a view to bringing them in-house. At the same time, insourcing the Market Stall Management Service will help the Council save £70,000 every year because it can deliver the service better and cheaper than a private contractor.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor of Hackney and Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Markets Service said: “Hackney Council’s street markets have been transformed under Hackney Labour over the past five years. We have invested in our street markets and supported the boroughs market traders to create nationally recognised and award-winning street markets, recognised by both the National Board of Markets and the Mayor of London.

“Insourcing the management of market stalls is the next stage in the journey to provide thriving, accessible and affordable street markets in our town centres serving local residents and visitors alike.”

Cllr Rob Chapman, Cabinet Member for Finance said: “Once again, Hackney Labour is leading the way with a progressive agenda to bring services back into the public sector. Insourcing services means more jobs for local residents with good pay and decent terms and conditions, while at the same time delivering value for money and high-quality services. It is part of our mission to rebuild a fairer borough after the pandemic.”