Hackney Council drops Edmonton incinerator opposition
Project cost rises 80%, increasing council's budget deficit by £9m
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Hackney Council has ended its opposition to the £1.5bn Edmonton waste incinerator project, a move that will increase the authority's projected budget deficit by £9m. The decision marks a significant shift for the council, whose Green Party manifesto had previously pledged to "explore every option to cancel" the reconstruction of the ageing rubbish incinerator serving seven north London boroughs.
Councillor Jacob Cable, Hackney's cabinet member for climate and chair of the North London Waste Authority (NLWA), stated that abandoning the project now would be "devastating both financially for the seven constituent boroughs" and would "massively worsen environmental and operational outcomes". He explained that cancelling the rebuild would force waste to be transported to less efficient incinerators.
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Rising Costs and Budget Impact
The cost of rebuilding the Edmonton plant, which began in 2022, has risen by 80%. Hackney Council confirmed that this increase has directly impacted its projected budget deficit over the next three years, contributing £9m to the shortfall. The council now anticipates its budget gap will exceed £21m by 2030.
The project has faced delays due to escalating construction costs, high interest rates, and supply chain pressures. The NLWA also cited "unforeseen complications for working on an old industrial site", including the discovery of asbestos, unmapped water pipes, and a more complex than anticipated sewer diversion. The scheme has historically faced opposition due to concerns over air pollution and carbon emissions.
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According to the project's official website, the Edmonton incinerator is scheduled to enter its commissioning phase in 2027.
Questions this report answers
+Why has Hackney Council dropped its opposition to the Edmonton incinerator project?
Hackney Council has withdrawn its opposition because cancelling the project now would be financially and environmentally devastating. The cost of rebuilding the incinerator has risen significantly, and abandoning it would worsen environmental outcomes and operational efficiency.
+How much has the cost of rebuilding the incinerator increased?
The multi-year construction budget for the Edmonton plant has risen by 80%. This increase directly affects Hackney Council's finances, contributing £9m to its projected budget deficit over the next three years.
+What are the reasons for the project's delays?
Delays have been caused by rising construction costs, high interest rates, and supply chain issues. The North London Waste Authority also cited unforeseen complications on the old industrial site, including asbestos, unmapped pipes, and complex sewer diversions.
+When is the Edmonton incinerator expected to be operational?
The project's website indicates that the Edmonton incinerator is due to enter its commissioning phase in 2027. This phase precedes the full operational start of the facility.
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