The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Islington Council met on Thursday 18 June 2026 to discuss the committee's work programme for the upcoming year and to review its membership and terms of reference. The committee also discussed potential scrutiny topics, including the evening economy, sense of place, and procurement.

Membership and Terms of Reference

The committee formally agreed its membership and terms of reference for the municipal year 2026-27. It was also agreed that the committee's start time would be moved to 7:00 pm from the next meeting to allow for more family-friendly working hours and to reduce the burden on officers.

Discussion of Scrutiny Topic and Draft Work Programme 2026-27

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing potential scrutiny topics for the upcoming year. Several ideas were put forward by committee members, including:

• The Evening Economy: This topic was proposed due to its cross-cutting nature, impacting planning, licensing, economic growth, and community safety. It was noted that other councils have previously undertaken scrutiny in this area, and it is an evolving aspect of council work with increasing input from the Greater London Authority.
• Sense of Place: This theme emerged as a concern for residents, encompassing feelings of safety, the state of high streets and markets, and overall perceptions of Islington as a place to live. It was acknowledged that this would require a focused approach to avoid becoming an overly broad topic.
• Skills and Lifelong Learning: This area was suggested to ensure residents are equipped for the changing labour market and community needs.
• Civic Life and Civic Pride: This idea, similar to sense of place, would explore the use of community spaces, neighbourhood care, resident participation, and local events and culture.
• Resident Access, Trust, and the Council Front Door: This topic would examine how residents contact the council, how issues are triaged, and how problems are resolved, looking at various access points such as phone, digital, face-to-face, complaints, and member enquiries.
• Procurement: Concerns were raised about the cost and efficiency of council procurement processes, with an example given of a high quote for a toilet in Paradise Park. The committee discussed the possibility of a deep dive into procurement to identify areas for potential savings and improved value for money.

The committee also discussed how it would work with other scrutiny committees to avoid duplication and ensure a holistic view of the council's performance. It was confirmed that the chairs of the other scrutiny committees would be members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, facilitating coordination.

The committee agreed to focus on developing two to three main scrutiny topic ideas for further development, with a decision to be made at the next meeting.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The committee noted the Forward Plan of Key Decisions, which outlines forthcoming decisions to be taken by the Executive and Corporate Directors within the next 28 days and beyond. This plan includes a range of contract awards, procurement strategies, and policy reviews across various council services.

Verbal Update from Committee Chairs

Updates were provided by the chairs of other scrutiny committees:

• Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Hannah McHugh): The committee is concerned about housing disrepair and the council's understanding of risks within its housing portfolio, particularly in light of findings from the housing regulator. They will be scrutinising repairs, damp, mould, and the quality of housing stock, with a focus on preventative spending versus crisis spending.
• Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Shreya Nanda): This committee has chosen working with communities to transform our public spaces to improve access to nature, climate adaptation and wellbeing as its new topic, which aligns with the sense of place discussion.
• Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Joseph Croft): This committee is scoping its scrutiny review, focusing on different services and identifying who they wish to speak with.
• Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Fin Craig): This committee had not yet met to decide its topics.
• Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee (Councillor Joseph Croft): This committee is looking at how partners are working together to support healthy ageing across the borough, with a focus on prevention and maintaining independence.

The committee also noted an error in the Forward Plan of Key Decisions, which was for the wrong version, but agreed to note it nonetheless. The meeting concluded with thanks to all contributors.