This week in Islington:

School Rolls Decline Sparks Concern, Council Grapples with Financial Impact

Islington Council is facing a significant challenge as falling school rolls threaten the financial stability of local schools. The Audit and Risk Committee discussed the issue, highlighting the need for strategic management to mitigate adverse impacts on schools, families, and communities. Read the full meeting details here.

Pupil Numbers Plummet, Finances Suffer

A report presented to the committee revealed a clear downward trend in pupil numbers, both in Islington and across London. This decline is putting immense pressure on school finances, exacerbated by inflationary cost pressures exceeding Dedicated Schools Grant increases.

• Financial Strain: Schools are experiencing declining financial positions as pupil numbers dwindle.
• Capacity Concerns: Islington currently has 19% capacity in primary schools, far exceeding the ideal 5% buffer.
• Deficit Schools: 14 schools are currently operating with a deficit.

The council has paused school closure proposals for the current academic year to assess the situation and apply lessons learned from previous phases. However, the long-term implications of falling school rolls remain a serious concern.

The challenge for the local school system is to manage within this environment and attempt to mitigate the most serious adverse impacts on schools, families and local communities.

Councillor Concerns

Councillor Caroline Russell questioned whether there were any specific parts of the borough that were more affected than others.

Councillor Paul Convery expressed concern about a potential 20% drop in primary pupil numbers over the next four years, and the need to protect the borders of the borough to prevent families from choosing schools in other areas.

All-Age Strategy

The council is developing an all-age strategy, looking at children's centres and nurseries, as well as post-16 education, to ensure young people stay on academic and vocational routes.

Standards Committee Reviews Councillor Conduct Amidst Government Reforms

The Standards Committee convened to review member conduct and discuss the government's response to a consultation on strengthening standards for local authorities. Read the full meeting details here.

Complaints and Training

The committee reviewed the Annual Report on Member Standards and Conduct, which provides an overview of councillor conduct, training, and complaints received during the 2024-25 municipal year.

• Training Attendance: Average attendance at mandatory training sessions was 66%, while highly recommended sessions saw an average attendance of 34%.
• Complaint Summary: Several complaints were received, including allegations of misdirection, failure to disclose interests, inappropriate influence, and discrimination. All complaints were closed with no finding of a breach of the Code of Conduct, except for one that was resolved informally with an apology.

Government Reforms on the Horizon

The committee discussed the government's response to the consultation on 'Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England'. Proposed changes include:

• A mandatory code of conduct for all local authorities.
• Powers for authorities to suspend elected members for serious code of conduct breaches.
• A new disqualification criterion for members suspended multiple times.
• A new national appeals function.

The implications of these reforms for Islington's local standards arrangements will be considered at a future meeting.

Mildmay Ward Polling Station to Move

The Audit and Risk Committee discussed a report about proposed changes to polling districts and polling places in Mildmay ward. Read the full meeting details here.

The polling station previously located within Highbury Quadrant School is proposed to be moved to St Augustine's Church, to accommodate residents living in properties in the NMIC polling District.

Councillor Santiago Bell-Braford had recommended using St. Augustine's Church as the new polling station, noting that the church is literally next door to the school, so it will have no impact to residents' travel times to the polling station, and their voting habits over the last few decades, and that the Church is also large enough to facilitate a polling station, and it is accessible.

Amnesty International and Morley's Face Licensing Scrutiny

The Licensing Sub Committee B met to consider new premises licence applications for Amnesty International, Morley's, and Smashio, all located within Cumulative Impact Areas. Read the full meeting details here.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International applied for a new premises licence at Peter Benenson House, 1 Easton Street to allow plays, films, live music, recorded music, performance of dance, and the on and off sales of alcohol from 16:00 until 22:00 Monday to Sunday.

Ten letters of representation from local residents objecting to the application had been received, claiming that the premises were already causing nuisance and disruption.

Morley's

Morley's applied for a new premise licence for Morley's, 197 Holloway Road to provide late night refreshment.

One representation from a local resident had been received. The Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise service had initially submitted representations, but withdrew them after conditions of approval were agreed with the applicant.

The Council's planning service noted that the proposed licenced hours exceed those hours set with the planning condition, and that the licensee would need to apply to amend the planning condition to match the proposed licensing hours, and that planning permission for such a change to hours of operation may or may not be approved.

Smashio

Smashio applied for a new premise licence for Smashio, 134 Holloway Road to provide late-night refreshment.

Six representations from local residents had been received. The Police had initially submitted a representation, but withdrew it after the applicant agreed to amend the application to reduce the hours and agree conditions.

The applicant agreed that if this licence was granted, no customers would be permitted on the premises for the final hour of trading, so late night refreshment during this final hour period would only be permitted as a delivery service.

Other Matters

• The Council meeting scheduled for Friday 21 November 2025 included a motion to award Freedom of the Borough. No video was provided. Link to meeting
• The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 18 November 2025 was cancelled. Link to meeting
• The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health discussed the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, winter planning, and an update from the London Ambulance Service. No video was provided. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Executive will meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to meeting
• Planning Sub Committee B will meet on Monday 01 December 2025. Link to meeting
• Licensing Sub Committee C will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Link to meeting
• Council will meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Link to meeting
• Council will meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Council Examines Homelessness Crisis, Temporary Accommodation Standards, and Gambling Policy

Islington Council tackled critical issues this week, from addressing the rising tide of homelessness and the quality of temporary housing to debating the future of gambling regulations in the borough.

Scrutiny Committee Focuses on Homelessness and Housing Complaints

The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee convened to address the growing challenges of homelessness, temporary accommodation standards, and housing complaints. Read the full meeting details here.

Homelessness Review: Face-to-Face Help Dwindling

The committee reviewed evidence for the Scrutiny Review on Homelessness 2025-26, highlighting the increasing difficulties people face in accessing in-person support when applying for homelessness assistance.

• Closed Doors Report: A report from King's College London, Closed Doors: The challenges of finding face-to-face help with homelessness applications, and the impact on hospitals in London, revealed that many London councils no longer offer face-to-face services, creating barriers for vulnerable individuals and increasing pressure on hospitals.
• LSE Report on Temporary Accommodation: The committee also discussed The temporary accommodation subsidy gap in London: Analysis and implications, an LSE London report, which highlighted the financial strain on London boroughs due to the gap between temporary accommodation costs and government subsidies. The report noted that London accounts for 57% of English households in temporary accommodation, and that 66% of London temporary accommodation households have dependent children.

Temporary Accommodation Survey: Mixed Results

The committee reviewed a report on surveying standards in council-owned temporary accommodation. While 72% of respondents said the accommodation met or exceeded their expectations, and 84% were happy with the support received, the survey had a low return rate of only 9%.

The committee agreed to regularly refresh the survey, merge it with a Homeless Link review, facilitate a service user engagement event, and improve the ease of reporting repairs.

Housing Complaints: Delays in Repairs a Major Issue

The Annual Housing Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report for 2024/25 revealed that delays in repairs were the top reason for complaints. While the council has implemented a new system to improve complaints management, the report highlighted the need for further improvements in response times and overall service delivery.

Licensing Committee to Consider Gambling Policy and Experience Economy

The Licensing Committee was scheduled to discuss the draft Islington Gambling Policy 2026-28 and Islington's Experience Economy. No video was provided. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.

Gambling Policy: Protecting Vulnerable People

The committee was scheduled to discuss the adoption of the Statement of Principles for 2026-2028, which explains how the council intends to meet its responsibilities under the Gambling Act 2005 as the Licensing Authority. The report pack also notes that the committee would consider renewing the council's resolution not to issue any casino licences for the next three years.

The Statement of Principles identifies the protection of children and vulnerable people as a priority, and identifies several gambling vulnerability zones in the borough, using local area profile data.

The council first passed a 'no-casino' resolution in 2007, and has renewed it every three years since.

Experience Economy: Culture, Creativity, and Nightlife

The committee was scheduled to discuss a report on Islington's experience economy, which includes its live music, theatre, food and beverage offer, cultural and creative scene, and markets.

The report pack identifies several areas as clusters of experience economy activity, including Angel, Clerkenwell, Finsbury Park, Archway, Arsenal, and Brewery Road.

The report pack highlights the importance of the Cultural and Creative sectors as a driver for economic growth and inclusion, whilst recognising that barriers to growth exist, including skills shortages, difficulty securing affordable space, and licensing and planning regulations.

Other Matters

• The Planning Sub Committee A meeting scheduled for Monday 10 November 2025 was cancelled. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub Committee B will meet on Monday 17 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Audit and Risk Committee will meet on Monday 17 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Standards Committee will meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health will meet on Friday 21 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Executive will meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Council Grapples with Rising Homelessness Amidst Funding Shortfall

Islington faces a growing challenge in supporting its most vulnerable residents, as the Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee discussed the increasing demand for temporary accommodation and the impact of No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) on residents' financial resilience. Read the full meeting details here.

Homelessness on the Rise

Despite efforts to prevent homelessness, the number of households in temporary accommodation remains high, with 1,835 households currently requiring support. The primary reason for seeking assistance is the inability to stay with friends or family.

• Domestic Abuse Impact: A concerning trend is the rise in homelessness due to domestic abuse, reaching 16% of cases in Quarter 1 2025/26, a level not seen since Quarter 3 2024/25.
• Poverty as a Driver: The report explicitly states that Poverty is the main driving force for homelessness, highlighting the need for national policy changes to address the root causes.
• Unaffordable Housing: The report also notes that There are no Private Rented Properties available at the Governments Local Housing Allowance rates in Islington

NRPF Crisis Deepens

The committee also examined the challenges faced by residents with No Recourse to Public Funds, who are denied access to essential benefits and housing assistance due to their immigration status.

• Social Care Safety Net: The council provides a safety net for children and adults with care needs who are ineligible for public funds, incurring significant costs without government reimbursement.
• Long-Term Support: Many individuals and families require support for extended periods, with some cases lasting over 1000 days.
• Increasing Demand: Referral rates and demand for social care support are increasing, particularly among asylum seekers and those with the NRPF condition.

Councillor Hannah McHugh expressed concern that costs won't be reduced by trying to move people more quickly through the borough.

This situation underscores the urgent need for increased funding and policy changes to address homelessness and support vulnerable residents with NRPF status.

Licensing Decisions Weigh Community Impact Against Business Needs

The Licensing Sub Committee A met to consider new premises licence applications for four locations, navigating the delicate balance between supporting local businesses and protecting residents from potential negative impacts. Read the full meeting details here.

Cumulative Impact Areas: A Balancing Act

All four applications were located within Cumulative Impact Areas, where there is a presumption against granting new licenses unless it can be proven that the business won't worsen existing issues.

• University of the Arts: The committee considered an application for Sketch House, aiming to facilitate student, staff, and community events. Concerns were raised by residents, but the applicant addressed them with letters and proposed conditions.
• Runway East: A co-working space sought a license to sell alcohol, with the applicant emphasizing limited sales during team hours or events. The committee had previously refused a licence for the building in 2022.
• The Horses: A new application was made for a premises already licensed as The Coach & Horses, seeking to expand the licensed area. The applicant proposed conditions to address the Cumulative Impact Area policy.
• Amnesty International: The organization sought a license for events at its national headquarters, with conditions proposed to mitigate noise and ensure responsible alcohol sales.

These decisions highlight the challenges of managing licensed premises in areas already experiencing the negative impacts of a high concentration of such establishments.

Safeguarding Children: Partnership Report Highlights Key Priorities

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Islington Safeguarding Children Partnership (ISCP) Annual Report, focusing on key priorities for protecting vulnerable children. Read the full meeting details here.

Addressing Inequalities and Supporting Vulnerable Children

The report highlights the ISCP's focus on:

• Addressing structural inequalities: Recognizing the impact of social and economic disparities on children's well-being.
• Supporting children with SEND and SEMH needs: Providing tailored support for children with special educational needs, disabilities, and social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
• Tackling neglect and parental factors: Addressing issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health problems that can impact parenting capacity.
• Strengthening early intervention and prevention: Investing in programs and services that can identify and address risks early on, preventing escalation to more serious problems.

The report also includes data on various aspects of child protection, including referrals, child protection plans, and services for looked-after children.

Other Matters

• The Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee also reviewed the Forward Plan of Key Decisions, which lists key decisions to be taken by the Executive and Corporate Directors within the next 28 days, and potential key decisions beyond that period.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub Committee B will meet on Monday 17 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Audit and Risk Committee will meet on Monday 17 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Committee will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Standards Committee will meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Health and Wellbeing Board will meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health will meet on Friday 21 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Property Licensing Approved to Improve Housing Standards, Blue Badge Exemption Trial to Begin

Islington's Executive has approved significant changes to property licensing and blue badge policies, impacting both landlords and disabled residents. Read the full meeting details here.

Cracking Down on Poor Housing

The Executive agreed to implement discretionary property licensing schemes to improve the private rented sector. This includes:

• Borough-wide additional licensing of HMOs: This targets houses and flats occupied by three or four unrelated individuals sharing facilities, and buildings converted into flats that don't meet building standards.
• Selective licensing in seven wards: Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction, and Laycock wards will be subject to selective licensing, requiring landlords to obtain a license to rent out properties. Further work is planned for Canonbury and Clerkenwell wards before a decision is made.

Councillor John Woolf, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, thanked officers for their work on these procurements which would enable residents to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

This decision follows a consultation and aims to address issues highlighted in the Islington PRS Housing Stock Condition and Stressors Report, which revealed problems caused by poorly managed HMOs and privately rented accommodation. The council hopes that these measures will improve housing standards and protect tenants from exploitation.

Blue Badge Holders to Gain Access to LTNs in Trial

The Executive approved a trial of changes to the council’s Blue Badge traffic filter exemption policy. This trial will allow Islington residents who are Blue Badge holders to apply for exemption from traffic filters in all existing low traffic neighbourhoods¹ (LTNs) and all future liveable neighbourhoods² (LNs).

This decision aims to address concerns raised by disabled residents about access and mobility within the borough. The council will monitor the impacts of the trial and engage with affected groups before making any permanent changes to the exemption policy.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Changes Approved

The Executive agreed to a new Community Infrastructure Levy³ (CIL) allocation process. Available sums within the new Neighbourhood Improvement Fund, after allocation of top-ups, will be used to support a continuing Thriving Neighbourhoods programme.

The Executive noted the current and forecast reduction in developer contributions until 2027/28 will delay the commencement of a new Thriving Neighbourhoods fund and that the alternative option of delivering a saving from a CIL funding swap may need to be considered in the context of the Council's overall financial position at that point. The proposal will deliver a saving of around £66,000 from reduced borrowing costs as developer contributions return to historical levels. The previous position regarding how CIL is allocated from strategic developments on ward boundaries is to be rescinded. The updated Terms of Reference of the Borough Investment Panel are noted.

Other Matters

• The Employment and Appointments Committee met to discuss the appointment of a Director of Education and Achievement. No video was provided. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.
• The Environment, Climate Change and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss household recycling rates and waste reduction. Read more about the scheduled meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 06 November 2025. Link to meeting