Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, has detailed a series of immediate investments in public safety and social housing following the Islington Labour Party’s victory in the local elections held on Thursday, 7 May. The administration, which secured a majority of 32 seats, will prioritize a £1.9 million safety fund and a £58 million housing acquisition program as part of its “Making it Happen” strategy for the borough.
The Islington Green Party will form the official opposition with 19 seats. Cllr O’Halloran, who remains at the helm of the council, emphasized that the election results provide a mandate to focus on safety, housing, and the cost-of-living crisis. The leader noted that the feedback received from residents during the campaign highlighted a significant concern regarding neighborhood security, prompting an immediate fiscal response from the executive team.
Community safety fund targets hotspot areas with £1.9m investment
The council has confirmed that more than £1.9 million will be released through the Making it Happen fund to enhance community safety across the borough. This initiative focuses on tangible infrastructure improvements and increased personnel presence in areas identified as crime hotspots.
Implementation begins this month with the installation of new CCTV cameras and upgraded street lighting to improve visibility. These physical measures are supported by dedicated outreach teams and the introduction of day-and-night patrols. The administration stated that the goal is to ensure no resident feels unsafe on their own streets, with the fund serving as a first-day priority for the new term.
Council allocates £58m to reclaim homes and increase social housing stock
Addressing the ongoing housing crisis, Islington Council is investing over £58 million to buy back ex-council homes previously lost through the Right to Buy scheme. This strategy aims to return these properties to the social housing pool, ensuring they are allocated to families on the borough’s waiting list.
Cllr O’Halloran, a lifelong council tenant, noted that the situation requires turning policy promises into physical housing. In addition to the buy-back program, the council will soon open new homes at St John’s Mansions. This development is cited as a primary example of the borough’s commitment to increasing the availability of secure, high-quality social housing for local residents.
Financial support measures aim to offset rising living costs for residents
The council’s strategy also includes a significant financial support package designed to assist families struggling with inflation. For the current year, approximately 24,500 residents are expected to save a combined £28 million on their council tax bills through various relief schemes.
Beyond tax reductions, the council has focused on maximizing resident income by identifying unclaimed benefits. Since April 2024, the local authority has helped residents secure £16 million in entitled support, with an additional £5 million per year projected to reach those in need. This proactive approach to financial advocacy is a core component of the council’s plan to foster a more equal borough over the next four years.
| Investment Area | Funding Amount | Key Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Community Safety | £1.9 million | CCTV, lighting, and patrols |
| Housing Buy-backs | £58 million | Reclaiming ex-council homes |
| Council Tax Relief | £28 million | Support for 24,500 residents |
| Unclaimed Benefits | £16 million | Direct support secured since April |
What this means locally
- Enhanced Security: Residents in hotspot areas will see increased patrols and improved lighting starting this month.
- Housing Availability: The £58m buy-back scheme will gradually increase the number of social homes available for local families.
- Financial Relief: Eligible households should check their council tax status to ensure they are benefiting from the £28m relief pool.
- Benefit Checks: The council is encouraging residents to use local services to identify any unclaimed financial support they are entitled to.
Islington’s executive team has stated that these measures represent the start of a long-term commitment to visible borough change. The administration will continue to work alongside the opposition to address the core issues of safety and affordability throughout the 2026-2030 term.
Source: Islington Council
/linkComments