This week in Islington:

Council Approves Budget Amidst Thames Water Woes and Financial Pressures

Islington Council's Full Council met on Thursday 26 February 2026 to approve the budget for the upcoming year and set the course for the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. This crucial decision will shape the services residents receive and how council funds are allocated. While the council has managed to avoid drawing on reserves and has prioritised frontline services, the report acknowledges the significant financial challenges facing local government.

The approved budget for 2026/27 includes detailed proposals for net revenue by directorate, outlining changes from the previous year. These adjustments account for inflation, increased demand for services, and planned savings. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and strategy were also approved, alongside proposed capital investments and treasury management plans.

A key aspect of the budget is the council tax requirement for 2026/27. While the report details the council's estimated retained business rates funding, the specific council tax increase will directly impact household bills. The council has also committed to supporting small businesses, pubs, and live music venues through proposed relief schemes.

The meeting also addressed the Members' Allowances Scheme, with the Independent Remuneration Panel Report 2023 being considered. This ensures that councillors are fairly compensated for their work, which is vital for attracting a diverse range of individuals to public service.

However, the backdrop to these financial decisions was the ongoing crisis with Thames Water. The council meeting was punctuated by discussions and resident testimonies highlighting the devastating impact of recent flooding in Caledonian Ward. Councillor Una O'Halloran, Leader of the Council, expressed outrage at Thames Water's failures, stating, Why is greed and profiteering of those at the top Thameswaters mean we see more failures in this full borough, wrecking our borough? The council is committed to holding Thames Water accountable, a sentiment echoed by many residents who have suffered property damage and distress.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee also met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to scrutinise Thames Water's operations. The committee heard about the company's investment plans, including a commitment to replace 550km of mains across the AMP8 period, with 60km specifically planned for Islington. However, the discussion was overshadowed by the reality of recent incidents, such as the mains burst on Canonbury Road in August 2025, which flooded 20 properties. Residents shared harrowing accounts of the disruption and lack of support, underscoring the urgent need for Thames Water to improve its response and investment in Islington's infrastructure.

Read the full Council meeting details here. Read the full Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 02 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Planning Sub Committee B will meet on Monday 09 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Monday 09 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 10 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 12 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health will meet on Friday 13 March 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Council Approves Budget for 2026/27, Balancing Services with Financial Realities

Islington Council's Executive met on Thursday 12 February 2026 to finalise the budget for the upcoming year and set the course for the Medium Term Financial Strategy. This crucial decision will shape the services residents receive and how council funds are allocated. While the council has managed to avoid drawing on reserves and has prioritised frontline services, the report acknowledges the significant financial challenges facing local government.

The approved budget for 2026/27 includes detailed proposals for net revenue by directorate, outlining changes from the previous year. These adjustments account for inflation, increased demand for services, and planned savings. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and strategy were also approved, alongside proposed capital investments and treasury management plans.

A key aspect of the budget is the council tax requirement for 2026/27. While the report details the council's estimated retained business rates funding, the specific council tax increase will directly impact household bills. The council has also committed to supporting small businesses, pubs, and live music venues through proposed relief schemes.

The meeting also addressed the Islington Community School Admission Arrangements for 2027-28, agreeing on co-ordinated schemes and timetables for primary and secondary school admissions. This ensures a clear process for parents and guardians when applying for school places.

The Executive also agreed to renew the joint cemetery service agreement with Camden Council, ensuring the continued provision of these essential services. Additionally, a contract extension for security services for public buildings was approved, with Mitie Security Limited continuing to provide front-of-house security, static guarding, and key holding. This extension, valued at approximately £8.4 million, will be reviewed during the contract period, with the potential for insourcing the service to be re-evaluated.

Read the full meeting details here.

Premises Licence Review for The World's End: A Test for Local Amenity

Licensing Sub Committee A convened on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to consider a review of the premises licence for The World's End, located at 21-23 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EF. This review is a critical moment for the local community, as decisions made here can significantly impact public nuisance, crime, and disorder in the area.

The committee heard presentations from the Licensing Officer, responsible authorities, and interested parties, including the applicant. The outcome of such reviews can range from imposing new conditions on the licence to, in more severe cases, suspending or revoking it. The process underscores the council's role in balancing the rights of businesses with the need to protect residents' quality of life. The detailed reports available for this item, including resident responses, highlight the depth of community engagement and concern surrounding this application.

Read the full meeting details here.

Recycling and Waste Reduction: A Deep Dive into Household Habits

The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 10 February 2026 to discuss crucial updates on household recycling and waste reduction efforts. The committee received an annual update from the North London Waste Authority (NLWA), which manages waste disposal for seven north London boroughs, including Islington.

A significant focus was placed on the Scrutiny Review of Household Recycling and Waste Reduction. Evidence gathered from resident surveys and a dedicated summit revealed key barriers to effective recycling. These include a lack of clear information, insufficient bin capacity, particularly on estates, hygiene concerns, and uncertainty about what can and cannot be recycled. The review also examined the effectiveness of the Do Your Bit, Recycle It campaign, which aims to improve resident confidence and participation.

The committee discussed potential recommendations that could lead to improved recycling infrastructure on estates, clearer signage, increased bin capacity, and more consistent provision of food waste recycling. The role of schools in promoting recycling education and the potential for reuse and repair initiatives were also considered. These discussions are vital for ensuring Islington meets its environmental targets and reduces its overall waste footprint.

The committee also reviewed its work plan for the upcoming year, outlining its priorities for scrutinising council services and policies.

Read the full meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing Sub Committee D will meet on Monday 23 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 24 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Council will meet on Thursday 26 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Executive will meet on Thursday 26 February 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Council Navigates Tight Budget, Prioritising Services Amidst Financial Strain

Islington Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 05 February 2026 to scrutinise the council's financial performance and budget proposals for the upcoming year. The committee reviewed the Draft Budget Proposals 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which aims to maintain financial resilience despite significant economic headwinds.

The council is committed to a balanced budget for 2026/27 without drawing on reserves, a notable achievement given the national financial climate. However, the report highlights increased demand in key areas like Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and Temporary Accommodation, alongside inflation growth. These pressures mean that while the council strives to avoid cuts to frontline services, residents may experience the impact of increased demand on existing resources. The Equalities Impact Assessment accompanying the budget proposals details potential impacts on residents with protected characteristics, outlining mitigation strategies to address these.

Key priorities for the next twelve months include implementing a new financial system and refreshing audit and compliance procedures. The council also plans to continue its commitment to building new council homes, investing £58 million in buying back former council homes lost under the Right to Buy scheme, and creating 1.5 hectares of green space across the borough. The Annual Presentation of the Executive Member for Finance and Performance also detailed progress in modernising operations through the deployment of a Data and Digital Strategy, including the successful launch of the 'My Islington' platform.

The committee also reviewed the Corporate Performance Q2 2025-26 report, which highlighted areas of success, such as the Income Maximisation Team securing significant benefits for residents and high satisfaction with the Bright Lives service. However, challenges remain in areas like school attendance, the implementation of national SEND reforms, and the development of Lifelong Corporate Parenting. Recycling rates also remain below target.

The Q2 Complaints, Member Enquiry and MP Enquiry Report indicated improvements in complaint acknowledgement and response times, but noted that service delays remain the primary reason for complaints, with growing concerns around communication and service quality. The report also detailed the increasing volume of Member and MP enquiries.

Read the full meeting details here.

Late-Night Licensing Applications Raise Concerns Over Public Nuisance

Licensing Sub Committee C met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to consider several applications for new and varied premises licences, all seeking extended hours for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment. These applications have drawn significant objections from residents and responsible authorities, highlighting concerns about potential increases in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Lebanon Grill, Holloway Road: Extended Hours and Nuisance Complaints

An application for a new premises licence for Lebanon Grill, 153 Holloway Road, N7 8LX, sought to permit late-night refreshment until 3:00 am seven days a week. The Metropolitan Police objected on grounds of crime prevention and public nuisance, noting the proposed hours were outside the council's policy framework. The Licensing Authority and Commercial Environmental Health also raised concerns due to ongoing investigations into odour and smoke nuisance. Local residents objected, citing worries about smoke pollution, health risks, and the potential exacerbation of existing noise and anti-social behaviour.

Marathon Restaurant, Caledonian Road: Late-Night Alcohol Sales

A variation to the premises licence for Marathon Restaurant, 193A Caledonian Road, N1 0SL, requested extended hours for alcohol sales and late-night refreshment until 2:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1:30 am on other nights. The Metropolitan Police objected, stating the hours were outside the framework and lacked clear safeguarding measures. Seven local residents also objected, citing concerns about public nuisance, crime, and disorder, including loud music, littering, and increased foot traffic. Historical issues related to violence and disorder associated with the premises were also highlighted.

Istanbul Meze Restaurant, Seven Sisters Road: Significant Hour Extensions

The committee also considered a variation to the premises licence for Istanbul Meze Restaurant, 90-92 Seven Sisters Road, N7 6AE. The application sought to extend alcohol sales and late-night refreshment hours until 2:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1:30 am on other nights. The Metropolitan Police and Licensing Authority objected, citing concerns about hours exceeding the framework, enforceability of conditions, and the lack of proposed restrictions for under-18s during extended hours.

Read the full meeting details here.

Housing Strategy and Homelessness Prevention Take Centre Stage

The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 02 February 2026 to discuss the Draft HRA Asset Management Strategy, the National Plan to End Homelessness, and draft recommendations from a homelessness strategic review. The committee also received an update on Housing Operations performance.

Investing in Council Homes and Tackling Homelessness

The committee reviewed the draft HRA Asset Management Strategy 2026/27 to 2030/31, which outlines plans for investment in the council's housing stock. Key priorities include building and fire safety, achieving the Decent Homes Standard, and improving repairs and maintenance. The strategy aims to ensure residents have A safe place to call home.

A significant focus was placed on the National Plan to End Homelessness. The committee discussed how Islington's existing services already prioritise prevention, aligning with the plan's ethos. The draft recommendations from a 12-month strategic review into homelessness advocate for a shift from crisis management to person-centred prevention, calling for increased social housing, an update to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, and enshrining housing as a human right in national legislation. The review highlighted that homelessness is a system-made crisis and not an individual failing.

Housing Operations Performance

The committee received an overview of Housing Operations Service performance for Quarter 3 of the 2025/26 financial year. While Antisocial Behaviour and Estate Services showed improved performance, Homelessness indicators presented ongoing challenges, particularly the rising number of households in temporary accommodation. Rent arrears also showed an increasing trend, reflecting the current cost-of-living pressures on residents.

Read the full meeting details here.

Health and Adult Social Care Focus on Hypertension and Service Performance

The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to discuss hypertension and its impact on healthy life expectancy, the Quarter 2 Adult Social Care Performance Report, and the committee's Work Programme.

Addressing Hypertension and Improving Healthy Life Expectancy

The committee discussed the prevalence of hypertension in Islington, noting that while the borough's rates are below London and England averages, age-standardised data reveals a higher burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertension is identified as the second leading cause of death in Islington. Challenges include the asymptomatic nature of the condition and barriers to adherence to medication and lifestyle changes, often linked to social determinants like access to healthy food, physical activity, poverty, and stress. Current work includes addressing risk factors and utilising NHS Health Checks and pharmacy case finding.

Adult Social Care Performance

The Quarter 2 performance report for Adult Social Care indicated strong performance, with 81% of residents receiving short-term support requiring no further assistance, exceeding the London average. Safeguarding outcomes remained stable, and Direct Payments uptake remained consistent, demonstrating resident choice. However, new admissions to care homes were slightly above target, prompting a review to ensure the most appropriate and least restrictive options are chosen.

The committee also considered the Executive Member for Health and Care's Annual Report, highlighting a 'Good' CQC rating for Adult Social Care, ongoing work on Dementia Friendly Islington, and the success of the carers' hub. The report also detailed the co-produced adult mental health vision and the development of the Thriving Places initiative.

Read the full meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Executive will meet on Thursday 12 February 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Islington:

Play Spaces Under Fire: Girls and Teens Left Out as Council Reviews Park Provision

Islington's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee met this week to discuss the critical state of the borough's play spaces. A review into play spaces and services revealed a stark reality: many of these vital areas are failing to meet the needs of girls, teenagers, and other marginalized groups. The evidence presented, including insights from ZCD Architects, highlighted how current designs often exclude young people, leading to a lack of belonging and opportunity for physical activity.

The committee heard how organisations like Make Space for Girls are campaigning for inclusive spaces, pointing out that teenage girls often feel unwelcome in areas like skateparks and multi-use games areas (MUGAs). This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring all young people have safe and welcoming places to play and develop. The discussion touched on the importance of chill-out and communal spaces where young people feel a sense of ownership and belonging.

Councillor Gulcin Ozdemir, Chair of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, noted the challenges faced by local authorities in balancing budgetary constraints with the need for quality play provision. The evidence suggested that even low-cost measures, such as improved seating, could make a significant difference. The committee also considered how to co-design spaces with young people to foster legitimacy and ownership, a crucial step in ensuring these areas truly serve their intended users. The potential for incorporating play into the local plan was also discussed, drawing parallels to situations where developers have resisted creative park designs.

The meeting also included an update on the Family First Programme, which aims to support families in Islington, and a review of the minutes from the previous meeting. These minutes detailed previous discussions on play needs assessments, the challenges of balancing play with residents' needs, and the importance of accessible and inclusive equipment. The ongoing scrutiny of youth services and performance reports also underscored the council's commitment to understanding and improving the lives of its youngest residents.

Read the full meeting details here.

Health Inequalities Targeted: £5 Million Fund Boosts Community Health Projects

The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Health convened to examine the impact of the North Central London (NCL) Inequalities Fund, a significant £5 million annual investment aimed at tackling health disparities across the region. This fund is crucial for supporting innovative partnerships that address the root causes of health inequalities, focusing on prevention and early intervention.

The fund's allocation is guided by the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, directing more resources to areas with higher concentrations of residents in the most deprived areas, such as Haringey and Enfield, while also supporting specific needs in Camden and Islington. Projects funded include initiatives to improve diabetes and heart failure management, and outreach for cancer screening and childhood immunisation support in Islington.

The report highlighted that in the last year, 45 projects supported over 20,000 people, with a strong success rate in meeting objectives. Crucially, the fund has demonstrated a positive return on investment, with an estimated £5.3 million in cost mitigation against £3.6 million in costs for evaluated projects. This shows how investing in community health can lead to significant savings in the long run by preventing more serious health issues.

The committee also received updates on paediatric services and the ongoing merger of North Middlesex and Royal Free Hospitals. These discussions are vital for ensuring that healthcare services are responsive to the needs of all residents, particularly those most vulnerable to health inequalities.

Read the full meeting details here.

Council Finances Under Scrutiny: Draft Budget and Audit Reports Reviewed

The Audit and Risk Committee met to review the council's financial health, examining the draft budget for the upcoming financial year and the interim reports from Internal Audit. The committee delved into the Draft Budget Report (post-settlement), a comprehensive document outlining the council's financial plans for 2026-27 to 2030-31. This is a critical process, as the budget directly impacts the services available to residents, from social care to waste collection.

The committee also reviewed the 25/26 Internal Audit Interim Report, which provides an update on the progress of internal audits. These audits are essential for ensuring that the council's operations are efficient, effective, and compliant with regulations. The reports highlighted findings related to the valuation of land and buildings, and the valuation of post-retirement benefit obligations. While no significant weaknesses were identified in the council's value-for-money arrangements, the audit process is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer money.

The discussion also covered the Council Tax Base Report and CF Forecast, which is fundamental to the council's income generation. The committee's scrutiny of these financial reports is crucial for ensuring that Islington remains financially resilient and can continue to provide essential services to its residents, particularly those who rely on council support.

Read the full meeting details here.

Planning Committee Considers Hotel Extension and Gifford Street Development

The Planning Sub Committee A met to consider two planning applications that could impact local areas. The first application concerned the Doubletree by Hilton at 60 Pentonville Road, proposing an extension to the rooftop. Residents raised concerns about the potential impact on daylight and sunlight for neighbouring properties, particularly listed buildings. One resident, Sergan Jamal, highlighted that the daylight assessment report did not include the listed buildings opposite the hotel, questioning how the applicant could conclude no negative impact.

The second application was for a property at 94 Gifford Street. The committee also discussed the pruning of an ash tree protected by a tree preservation order at this location. Councillor Clare Jeapes expressed a common sentiment: I don't like trees to be cut. But I think that you do need to prune trees to keep them going. This highlights the delicate balance planning committees must strike between development and the preservation of local amenities and green spaces.

Read the full meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 02 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee C will meet on Tuesday 03 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 03 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 05 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Sub Committee A will meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Link to meeting
• An unknown committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday 12 February 2026. Link to meeting