Islington safety patrols and housing buy-backs lead new council term
Cllr Una O’Halloran, re-confirmed as Leader of Islington Council, has initiated a multi-million-pound investment strategy targeting community safety and social housing following the local election results. The administration’s focus for the upcoming four-year term centers on a “Making it Happen” manifesto, which prioritizes immediate visible changes to the borough’s infrastructure and resident support systems.
Following the elections held on Thursday, 7 May 2026, the Islington Labour Party secured an overall majority with 32 seats. The Islington Green Party will form the official opposition with 19 seats. Cllr O’Halloran, a lifelong resident and council tenant, stated that the election outcome provides a mandate to address specific concerns raised by residents regarding local security and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Investment in community safety and CCTV hotspots
The council has authorized the immediate release of over £1.9 million through the newly established Making it Happen fund. This capital is earmarked specifically for community safety enhancements. Residents across the borough have reported feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods, a sentiment the council leader acknowledged as a primary driver for this policy shift.
The rollout includes the installation of new CCTV cameras in identified crime hotspots starting this month. These technical upgrades will be supplemented by improved street lighting and the introduction of dedicated outreach teams. Furthermore, the council plans to implement day-and-night patrols to provide a visible deterrent and increase the sense of security for those living in high-traffic urban areas.
Expansion of social housing through property buy-backs
To combat the local housing shortage, Islington Council is committing more than £58 million to a strategic property acquisition program. This funding is dedicated to buying back ex-council homes that were previously lost to the Right to Buy scheme. By returning these properties to the social housing stock, the council aims to provide secure accommodation for families currently on the waiting list.
In addition to acquisitions, the council is finalizing the construction of new-build social housing. St John’s Mansions is scheduled to open in the coming weeks, serving as a primary example of the administration’s move to convert policy promises into physical housing units. This approach seeks to mitigate the impact of the wider London housing crisis on Islington’s most vulnerable residents.
| Initiative | Allocated Funding / Impact |
|---|---|
| Making it Happen Safety Fund | £1.9 million |
| Housing Buy-back Program | £58 million |
| Council Tax Savings (24,500 residents) | £28 million |
| Unclaimed Benefits Secured | £16 million |
Financial relief and benefit support for residents
Economic support remains a core pillar of the council’s agenda for 2026. Approximately 24,500 residents are set to benefit from a combined £28 million in council tax reductions this year. This measure is designed to provide direct relief to households struggling with inflationary pressures and high utility costs.
The council’s Maximising Income team has also reported significant success in identifying unclaimed financial support. Since April 2024, the borough has helped residents secure £16 million in benefits they were entitled to but had not previously accessed. Projections suggest that an additional £5 million per year will reach residents as outreach efforts continue. These funds are often vital for families managing the transition between different economic cycles.
Political landscape and election outcomes
The current council composition reflects a clear division of local priorities, with the Islington Labour Party holding 32 seats and the Islington Green Party holding 19. This structure places the Green Party in a significant opposition role, tasked with scrutinizing the delivery of the “Making it Happen” pledges over the next four years.
Cllr O’Halloran emphasized that the administration’s job is to deliver tangible improvements across the borough’s diverse wards. The focus on safety, housing, and financial stability is intended to create a more equal environment for all residents, regardless of their voting preferences in the recent election. The council’s executive team will now begin the formal implementation of these funded programs across Islington.
Source: Islington Council
