Funding for public restrooms at the Notting Hill Carnival may be reduced due to an £82 million deficit in the local council’s budget.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), governed by the Conservative Party, has been contributing £1 million annually to support the event, which covers expenses such as sanitation, permits, and crowd management. This year, the council provided an additional £230,000, which was partially allocated for toilet facilities.

However, RBKC has indicated that this additional funding is a “one-off” and cautioned that future financial support might be limited as the council seeks to implement extensive budget cuts.

The organizers of the Notting Hill Carnival have been contacted for their response.

RBKC has launched a review of all discretionary services as it grapples with “significant financial pressures” stemming from government funding changes related to the Fair Funding Review 2.0.

Annually, the Notting Hill Carnival draws around two million attendees over the August bank holiday weekend, despite encountering safety concerns and financial difficulties in recent years.

Cem Kemahli, the RBKC’s finance lead, described the carnival as a “wonderful event for the borough” and expressed disappointment at the idea of using it as a “bargaining chip.”

Nevertheless, he emphasized the necessity for “mature discussions” regarding potential budget cuts.

At a recent oversight committee meeting, he stated, “We need to plan our budget accordingly. It might be that our contributions will be less than before or that we won’t be able to provide as many restroom facilities as desired by the public, but these are tough decisions we have to make given the larger financial shortfall.”

Labour council member Claire Simmons argued that toilets “aren’t a luxury” and should not be targeted for cuts.

Liberal Democrat councillor Linda Wade concurred, suggesting that funding for the Notting Hill Carnival should undergo scrutiny due to the urgent need to safeguard essential services.

RBKC has already revealed plans to scale back council tax relief for vulnerable residents and evaluate some community centers.

Additionally, the council aims to lease office spaces and is initiating a voluntary redundancy program.

When asked about potential reductions in carnival funding, RBKC remarked: “In light of the government’s Fairer Funding proposals, the council is now confronted with significant financial challenges over the next three years, facing budget deficits of approximately £80 million, and no decisions regarding future funding have been reached…

“We are still dedicated to supporting the Carnival and will collaborate with the organizers and our partners to ensure a safe and successful event moving forward.”

According to the government, the proposals are designed to streamline the funding process and alter the criteria for council financing.

Earlier this year, carnival organizers appealed for extra funding, warning that the event might be at risk without it.

Together with RBKC, City Hall and Westminster Council provided roughly £1 million in total contributions.