The Council meeting on 26 February 2026 saw the approval of the council's budget for the upcoming year, alongside a proposed amendment to this budget. The meeting also addressed appointments to outside bodies and the Members' Allowances Scheme.

Budget Proposals 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy

The council approved its budget for 2026/27 and its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), following a debate on a proposed amendment. The budget was presented as a Labour budget, with Councillor Williamson, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, highlighting its focus on fairness and delivering on residents' priorities. She stated, This budget puts fairness first and delivers on what Islington residents want most. The budget includes a £5 million Making It Happen Fund aimed at creating safer communities, improving public spaces, and supporting lower-income households. Councillor Harlan, Leader of the Council, emphasized the budget's commitment to fairness, stating, This budget puts fairness first and delivers on what Islington residents want most.

The opposition, led by Councillor Hamdache, proposed an amendment that included measures such as a surcharge on parking for heavier vehicles, new posts to support renters' rights, and an expansion of the council tax reduction scheme to remove the two-child limit. Councillor Hamdache argued, With our budget amendment, we do our best to mitigate. We think the council has missed an opportunity to properly charge for the cost of parking and the explosion of mega heavy, incredibly long and tall vehicles. He also highlighted the need to address the rising tide of homelessness and temporary accommodation.

During the debate, Councillor Convery, Chair of the Pensions Committee, addressed concerns about ethical investments, stating, Members of the Pension Committee remain firmly committed to ensuring that the fund does not hold shares or bonds in companies that facilitate or exploit breaches of international law, violate human rights, or profit from conflict.

The budget also detailed significant investments in housing, with £324 million allocated to improving existing council housing stock and £58 million for acquiring new homes. A commitment to creating 1.5 hectares of new green space was also highlighted. The council tax is set to increase by 4.99%, comprising a 2.99% increase for core services and a 2% increase for adult social care.

The budget was ultimately approved with the proposed amendment lost.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2026/27

The council approved the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27, noting the application of an automatic uplift in line with the Local Government Pay Settlement. Updates to Part 7 of the Council's Constitution were also approved to reflect these changes. The scheme includes a basic allowance of £13,452.00 and various Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for councillors with additional duties. The Independent Remuneration Panel's recommendations from 2023 were considered, but due to financial difficulties, only the automatic uplift in line with the Local Government Pay Settlement was applied.

Appointments Report

The council appointed Councillor Janet Burgess and Patrick Penny-Annang as LBI Nominated Trustees to the Cloudesley Charity for a four-year term from 12 March 2026. Selina Douglas, Chief Executive of Whittington Health, was appointed as a non-voting member of the Health and Wellbeing Board. Additionally, the Labour Group and the Independent and Green Group were assigned political assistants for the remainder of the municipal year.

Mayoral Announcements

The Mayor, Councillor Jason Jackson, reflected on his term, highlighting his attendance at over 600 events and the borough's resilience and generosity. He specifically mentioned the recent flood in Caledonia Road, thanking those who supported the local communities. He also spoke about his experiences attending a meeting for people living with Parkinson's and the importance of community support. The Mayor also noted the council's diversity and connection, referencing events such as the Christmas lunch for older residents and the Lunar New Year celebration. He also attended the Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony, emphasizing the need to challenge hatred and division. On a lighter note, he expressed his support for Arsenal winning the League Cup. The Mayor concluded by reflecting on public service as an act of hope and the importance of continuing the work of serving Islington, regardless of election outcomes.

Leader's and Leader of the Opposition's Announcements

Councillor Harlan, Leader of the Council, thanked councillors for attending the final full council meeting of the term, emphasizing the importance of the budget meeting. He reiterated the council's commitment to supporting residents affected by the flooding in Caledonian Ward and criticized Thames Water for its failures. He also addressed the incident at Manchester Central Mosque, reassuring the Muslim community of the council's support. Councillor Harlan also acknowledged the contributions of councillors Matt Nathan and Asima Shaik, who were not present, and thanked all councillors for their service.

Councillor Hamdache, Leader of the Opposition, echoed Councillor Harlan's thanks to officers and highlighted Isabella's support for their budget amendment. He shared the outrage regarding the Thames Water failures and called for its renationalisation. He also paid tribute to Irma Gomez, a campaigner involved with the Sublimus Day Centre, and suggested commemorating her contribution.

Other Business

The meeting also included the formal confirmation of previous minutes, declarations of interest (none were made), and announcements regarding the order of business and length of speeches. The meeting was also noted to be webcast live.

The council also resolved to approve changes to its Constitution as set out in the report, and to note the ongoing review of the Constitution by the Constitution Working Group. Councillor Khondoker was granted an approved period of non-attendance at meetings until the end of the municipal year on the grounds of ill health. The council also noted an urgent decision detailed in the report and approved the Annual Report of the Employment and Appointments Committee.

Two motions were debated and carried: Championing inclusion for every child and Supporting people dying in poverty. An amendment to the motion A truly fair funding review for local government was carried, and the motion as amended was also carried. The motion Standing up for renter's rights was also carried.

The meeting adjourned for a short break before voting on the proposed amendment to the budget proposals and the original budget report. Both the amendment and the original budget report were subject to recorded votes. The proposed amendment was lost, and the original budget report was carried.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor thanking everyone for their participation and noting the interesting meeting and the upcoming weeks.