Havering Council has announced it will “not have the funding” for Christmas events or lighting across the borough’s high streets this year.
A council spokesperson said it will instead support communities to “find sponsorship from our businesses” for festivities and decorations.
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The spokesperson told the Recorder: “We have agreed to do all we can to support Christmas in our town centres.
“Like last year, we will look at finding the money to cover the cost of Christmas trees with lights.
“We will support our local communities, if required, to find sponsorship from our businesses for any events or further lighting in our high streets as we do not have the funding to do this.”
The Christmas light switch-on that normally takes place in Romford Market Place was cancelled for the first time last year due to “urgent” budget cuts.
Funding was also cut for Christmas trees and lights in town centres, however £20,000 was later donated by council contractor Marlborough Highways to go towards festivities.
Romford Business Improvement District also put together a line-up of Christmas events, as well as installing a “ginormous” light-up reindeer in South Street.
