This week in Islington:

Council Performance: Mixed Results Highlight Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Islington Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to review the council's corporate performance for the fourth quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. While the overall picture is positive, with 85% of performance metrics rated green, several areas require attention, particularly concerning vulnerable residents.

Successes in Employment, Housing, and Environment

The council reported significant achievements in supporting residents into work, with nearly 7,000 individuals finding employment through the Islington Working Partnership. The Income Maximisation Team also secured over £20 million in additional benefits for residents, far exceeding its target.

In housing, a substantial £236 million was invested in improving homes, with a strong focus on fire safety and addressing damp and mould. Crucially, the council maintained its commitment to ensuring no one is housed in bed and breakfast accommodation, and all temporary accommodation is located within a 60-minute travel time of the borough. Environmental efforts have also seen progress, with over 1,400 trees planted in the last two years and a recycling rate that has increased to 35.5%, largely due to the successful food waste programme.

Persistent Challenges for Vulnerable Groups

Despite these successes, the committee heard about ongoing challenges that directly impact vulnerable residents. Persistent absenteeism in schools remains a significant concern, particularly for children with complex needs. While 48 properties were offered to care-experienced young people, this fell short of the 97 requested, highlighting a gap in provision for those transitioning out of care.

The number of households sleeping rough also remained at 16, above the target of zero. This indicates that while efforts are being made, the complex issue of homelessness continues to require intensive focus and resources.

Budget Management: A Positive Outlook

Financially, the council reported a well-managed budget, with a projected surplus of £8.5 million for the 2025-26 financial year. This surplus was achieved despite directorate overspends, thanks to corporate savings and better-than-expected investment returns. However, concerns were raised about the high cost of specific projects, including a pedestrian crossing on Thorpedale Road (£100,000) and a pavilion at Ray Crescent Park (£2.1 million), with councillors questioning the value for money.

The committee also discussed the council's reserves policy and the optimal level of reserves, suggesting further investigation by the Audit Committee. The issue of staffing vacancies, particularly in senior positions, was acknowledged as a deliberate strategy to manage the budget, but the non-financial costs of these vacancies were also noted as a consideration.

Read the full Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Shaping Islington's Future: A New Focus on Sense of Place

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee also agreed to adopt Islington and the sense of place as its overarching scrutiny topic for the upcoming year. This broad theme will allow the committee to delve into various aspects that contribute to residents' experience of living and working in the borough.

Key Areas of Focus

Initial discussions identified three key strands:

• Culture and Arts: Exploring how these can shape identity, foster belonging, and build civic pride, with a particular interest in engaging a wider audience, including those on estates.
• Safety and Order of Public Spaces: Addressing issues like fly-tipping and littering, and seeking positive solutions and best practices to improve the borough's appearance and residents' perception of their neighbourhoods.
• The Evening Economy: Investigating why residents may not be engaging more in evening activities, considering the impact of the cost of living crisis and safety concerns.

The committee aims to conduct a positive and constructive review, focusing on making tangible improvements and fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging across Islington.

Read the full Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Integrated Care System Merger: A New Era for Health Services

The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health met on Friday 17 July 2026 to discuss the significant merger of the North Central London (NCL) and North West London (NWL) Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) into a single entity: the West and North London ICB. This new organisation will serve 4.5 million residents across 13 boroughs with a substantial £12 billion commissioning budget.

Rationale and Ambitions for the New ICB

The merger is driven by a national requirement to transform ICBs, aiming for a sharper focus on population health, outcomes, and equity. The current system, where a large portion of the budget is spent on hospitals and crisis services, is seen as unsustainable and not delivering equitable outcomes. The new ICB aims to address significant inequalities in life chances across West and North London, where healthy life expectancy varies considerably between neighbourhoods.

Key priorities for the first year include:

• Delivering operational commitments and financial plans.
• Establishing the new organisation through recruitment and governance.
• Investing 1% of the budget in population health interventions.
• Developing a 10-year strategy informed by community and resident insight.

The report highlighted the importance of integrators who will coordinate services at a neighbourhood level, bridging the gap between NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary sector. This shift towards a more proactive and preventative approach, moving from hospital-centric care to community-based solutions, has the potential to significantly improve the health and well-being of all residents.

Read the full Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health meeting details here.

This week in Islington:

Quentin Blake Centre of Illustration: Balancing Community Access with Resident Concerns

Islington's Planning Committee met on Tuesday 7 July 2026, with a key decision revolving around proposed amendments to the opening hours and event parameters for the Quentin Blake Centre of Illustration. The application sought to introduce monthly late public openings, more frequent educational events, and a limited number of internal fundraising events.

While the Centre argued these changes are vital for its financial viability and long-term sustainability, local residents raised significant concerns about increased noise and disturbance. Objectors pointed to the potential for intensified use of the site, particularly regarding late-night events in a residential area, and the impact on neighbouring amenity. One resident noted that loud bass frequencies had previously resonated through nearby buildings, and another expressed frustration with excessive noise making it impossible to open windows during summer evenings.

The committee ultimately approved the application, but with amendments. A condition was added requiring a review of the Operational Management Plan after one year of full operation, and the external cafe terrace's opening hours for private events were reduced to close at 9 pm. This decision reflects a common challenge in local government: balancing the desire to support cultural institutions and community hubs with the need to protect the quality of life for residents living nearby. The agent of change principle, where the incoming development is responsible for mitigating its impacts, was a key consideration.

Read the full Planning Committee meeting details here.

99 City Road Development: Stopping Up Order Approved to Facilitate Construction

The Planning Committee also approved a stopping-up order for sections of Calpa Street, a necessary step to facilitate the consented development at 99 City Road, London, EC1V 1NQ. This order allows for the permanent closure of three small sections of the street, totalling 37 square metres, to accommodate the ground floor layout of the new development.

While the stopping-up order was considered as part of the original planning application in 2023 with no objections raised, the committee ensured mitigation measures were in place. These include the use of the 99 City Road servicing yard entrance as a turning circle, secured by a legal agreement, and a weight restriction on vehicles using Cowper Street. These measures are crucial for maintaining highway safety and ensuring that refuse collection can continue effectively. The development is expected to result in an improved public realm and wider pavements for pedestrians, demonstrating how infrastructure changes can positively impact the local environment.

Read the full Planning Committee meeting details here.

Coin Laundry Premises Licence Variation: Residents' Noise Concerns Addressed

The Licensing Sub Committee D met on Tuesday 7 July 2026 to consider a variation to the premises licence for Coin Laundry, located at 70 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QP. The application sought to remove a condition from the existing licence and replace it with new wording concerning music noise limiting devices.

However, the proposal was met with representations from three local residents who raised concerns about noise nuisance. One resident noted that loud bass frequencies had previously resonated through nearby buildings, and another expressed frustration with excessive noise making it impossible to open windows during summer evenings. These concerns highlight the direct impact that licensed premises can have on the living conditions of nearby residents, particularly concerning noise pollution. The committee would have considered these representations alongside the applicant's proposals and the council's licensing policy, especially concerning the Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Area.

Note: The outcome of this meeting is pending council publication.

Read the full Licensing Sub Committee D meeting details here.

Other Matters

The Pensions Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 8 July 2026 was postponed.

This week in Islington:

Paradise Park Children's Centre Closure Sparks Outrage and Calls for Transparency

The proposed closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre has ignited significant concern among parents and staff, leading to a referral to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on Monday 29 June 2026. Councillor Jara Falkenburg initiated the referral, citing the seriousness, urgency, and significant local impact of the nursery's planned closure on 22 July.

Parents have described Paradise Park as a trusted, affordable, and much-loved space where their children feel safe, supported, and known. The closure, driven by the independent third-sector charity provider IPA citing financial non-viability, has left families scrambling to find alternative childcare, facing deposit payments and settling-in arrangements before the council's own options are fully clarified.

Councillor Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Children, Young People & Families, explained that the decision was IPA's, not the council's. However, she acknowledged IPA's poor communication and failure to share critical information with the council, which has exacerbated anxiety. The council is exploring three options to support the 49 affected families: moving to alternative provision, providing temporary emergency care at Paradise Park, or increasing places at other council nurseries.

Parents have expressed frustration with the council's handling of the situation, particularly the timing of the communication and the perceived lack of transparency. Councillor Falkenburg urged the committee to agree to an urgent review, requesting a written briefing on timelines, options, support for families, and impact assessments, especially for children with additional needs. The committee agreed to request written updates from Councillor Chapman and to review how the situation arose.

The committee also discussed the current provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), noting significant increases in demand and complexity of need. While wait times for core CAMHS therapy have reduced, long waits for neurodevelopmental assessments remain a challenge, with 726 children waiting over two years. Initiatives like a ND sprint and monthly psychoeducation workshops for parents are underway.

The Islington Youth Safety Strategy 2025-2030 was also introduced, adopting a public health approach to youth safety. The strategy focuses on prevention, engagement, protection, and disruption, with concerns raised about the disproportionate impact of youth violence on young men.

The committee reviewed the Quarter Three 2025/26 performance report, highlighting concerns about persistent absence rates in schools, particularly for pupils with SEND and those from specific ethnic backgrounds. The number of young people diverted from the criminal justice system has fallen below target, and the number of custodial sentences for young offenders has increased.

Ultimately, the committee agreed to focus its scrutiny review for the upcoming year on looked-after children, with a particular emphasis on fostering. This decision reflects a commitment to understanding and improving the support provided to the borough's most vulnerable young people.

Read the full Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Council Debates Housing Crisis, Paternity Leave, and Remembers Jo Cox

The Council meeting on Thursday 2 July 2026 saw robust debate on critical issues affecting Islington residents, including the closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre, the future of the Holloway Women's Building, and the council's housing development strategies. Three motions were passed, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and community well-being.

Paradise Park Nursery Closure and IPA's Role

A petition with over 5,200 signatures was presented, calling for a halt to the closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre and protection for IPA staff. Parents expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and the perceived weakness of the democratic process surrounding the decision. Councillor Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Children, Young People & Families, reiterated that the closure was IPA's decision due to financial difficulties, but assured that the council would provide emergency transition childcare and was considering a new proposal from IPA. The future of the building and its garden remains undecided, but it will continue to be used for Bright Start Universal Services.

Holloway Women's Building: A Legacy for Women's Support

The Holloway Women's Building Collective presented a petition with over 2,000 signatures advocating for the delivery of the women's building on the former Holloway Prison site. They emphasised its potential for life-saving support and early intervention. Councillor Jason Jackson, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, acknowledged the project's importance and encouraged Peabody, the developer responsible for identifying an operator, to consider a proposal from a coalition of women's and community organisations.

Motions Passed: Remembering Jo Cox, Enhancing Paternity Leave, and Opposing Housing Measures

Three motions were passed by the Council:

• Remembering Jo Cox and her legacy: This motion called for a recommitment to respectful public debate, pushing back against divisive rhetoric and hate crimes, and supporting the LGA's 'Debate Not Hate' campaign. It also urged support for the Mayor of London's campaign against online misinformation.
• Paternity Leave: The council resolved to explore introducing enhanced paternity and adoption leave for council employees, aiming for a minimum of six weeks fully paid leave. The Leader of the Council will also write to the government urging a national minimum of six weeks' fully paid paternity leave.
• Opposing Emergency Housebuilding Measures: An amended motion was passed, welcoming the legal challenge to the Mayor of London's emergency housebuilding measures. The council committed to lobbying the Mayor and government to overturn these measures, which reduce affordable housing targets and CIL contributions. The amended motion also pledged to explore alternatives to the developer-led model, including community land trusts and municipal house building.

The meeting also included questions from the Youth Council on NEET figures, summer opportunities, environmental ideas, and SEND support, alongside public and councillor questions on a range of issues including lift maintenance, housing development, and community safety.

Read the full Council meeting details here.

This week in Islington:

Rough Sleeping: Mixed Progress on Long-Term Homelessness, but New Challenges Emerge

Islington Council's Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to review the ongoing efforts to tackle rough sleeping in the borough. While there's positive news on reducing long-term homelessness, an increase in new individuals presenting as rough sleepers, particularly women, is a growing concern.

Successes and Setbacks in Tackling Rough Sleeping

Ian Swift, Director of Housing Operations, reported a significant achievement: the reduction of long-term rough sleepers in Islington from 14 to just three. This exceeds the government's target of a 50% reduction and demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted interventions. The council has also been praised for its high homelessness prevention rates, preventing over 900 households from becoming homeless last year. Furthermore, no homeless households are currently being housed in bed and breakfast accommodation, a positive step.

However, the picture is not entirely positive. The committee heard that there has been an increase in new individuals sleeping rough, with 20 women identified in the last three months alone, compared to 20 over the entire previous year. This rise, particularly among women, is attributed to a complex mix of factors including domestic abuse, vulnerability, complex needs, and mental illness.

To address these challenges, the council is implementing 24-hour outreach work during periods of high temperatures and has established 21 drop-in sessions across various community settings. These sessions, held in partnership with faith-based and community organisations, aim to build trust and break down barriers that prevent individuals from accessing vital services. A forthcoming report in September will provide a map detailing homelessness presentations, including those stemming from parental and private landlord evictions.

A key project, the St John's Mansions scheme intended to provide 19 flats with 24-hour support, has unfortunately been delayed and is now expected to be completed in October. This delay, while regrettable, highlights the complexities of delivering new housing and support services.

Housing Performance: Improvements and Persistent Challenges

The committee also reviewed the quarterly housing performance report for Q4 2025/26. While resident satisfaction surveys show an improvement to 68%, the council is aiming for the national top quartile of 71%.

Areas of concern include:

• Non-decent homes: An increase from 4% to 9% was noted, attributed to a more comprehensive stock condition survey providing more accurate data. A programme is in place to address these properties.
• Antisocial behaviour and hate crime: Incidents have increased, which is partly due to more accurate reporting mechanisms.
• Complaints: Stage 1 and Stage 2 complaints have not improved, with Stage 2 complaints particularly affected by the volume of issues and limited resources. The report indicated that property conditions are a major driver of these complaints.

The committee also heard that Islington has the third highest number of homelessness presentations in London, despite having one of the highest prevention rates. The council is housing 2,091 homeless households in temporary accommodation, which is acknowledged as a failure, though the council has purchased 817 properties for this purpose, all within Islington.

The committee discussed the need for a more preventative, person-centred approach to homelessness, moving away from simply reacting to crises. The report from the 2025/26 homelessness review, which concluded that homelessness is a system-made crisis, was praised for its comprehensive nature and its potential to inform lobbying efforts.

Read the full Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Council Executive Approves Budget Monitoring and Procurement Strategies

The Executive met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to discuss a range of important financial and operational matters. Key decisions included the approval of budget monitoring reports, a procurement strategy for domestic gas boiler services, and a framework for supported housing and floating support.

Financial Health and Budget Oversight

The Executive noted a provisional underspend of £8.520 million on the General Fund for the 2025/2026 financial year, alongside a surplus of £7.866 million in the Housing Revenue Account. Councillor Paul Convery, Executive Member for Finance, presented the budget monitoring report, highlighting effective financial management. The underspend on the General Fund is largely due to corporate items, including reduced interest on borrowings and increased interest on investments. This surplus will be held as a reserve for future discussion.

The committee also approved the Quarterly Capital Budget Monitoring Report, noting a capital outturn of £186.088 million for 2025/26. Adjustments to the capital programme were approved, including the appropriation of land for the Cally Liveable Neighbourhood project.

Ensuring Essential Services: Boiler Repairs and Supported Housing

A significant decision was the approval of the procurement strategy for domestic gas boiler installations, servicing, and repairs. Councillor Jason Jackson, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, emphasised the importance of these services for resident safety and comfort. The Executive approved the strategy, including direct contract awards and variations to existing contracts, to ensure continued reliable heating services.

Furthermore, the Executive approved the procurement strategy for supported housing and floating support services. This strategy proposes a new eight-year flexible framework to commission services in response to changing local needs. These services are crucial for residents with complex needs, including mental health challenges, homelessness, and trauma, helping them to manage tenancies and move towards independence. Councillor Ruth Hayes, Executive Member for Health and Social Care, highlighted the vital role these services play in preventing escalation to more intensive and costly interventions.

Other Key Decisions

The Executive also approved the corporate performance monitoring report, noting that 85% of delivery plan metrics were rated green at the end of the period. Reports from the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on play spaces and services, and from the Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee on healthy life expectancy, were noted. The Local Initiatives Fund will continue to support hyper-local community activities.

The committee also approved the designation of an area in Caledonian Ward for the use of High Street Rental Auction powers to tackle empty shops, a measure introduced under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Read the full Executive meeting details here.