URGENT UPDATE: Islington Council has just announced plans to create enough new green space to cover the Emirates Stadium more than five times. This initiative is part of a balanced budget for the upcoming year that aims to deliver value for residents while making significant cuts to back office funding.
The Labour-run council in North London claims that frontline services will remain untouched despite plans to cut £2.7 million from children’s services that are not legally required. Islington’s Executive Member for Finance and Performance, Flora Williamson, stated that the council is in a “healthy place” and assured the public that “no universal services are facing cuts.”
Under the budget proposal, Islington plans to save £700,000 through a redesign of its safeguarding and family support services. However, these cuts come at a time when the council faces rising costs projected to increase by roughly 10%, necessitating savings to balance the budget.
Williamson emphasized that the council will invest in “good technology” to automate processes, aiming to eliminate the need for excessive staffing while ensuring service quality remains intact. In her words, “we’ll allow systems to talk to each other,” which will streamline operations.
Opposition leader Benali Hamdache criticized the council’s approach, arguing that the cuts to essential backroom functions will negatively impact housing and children’s services. He referred to the budget as akin to “Tory economics,” a claim Williamson dismissed, citing a planned investment of £100 million for new council homes as a transformative measure for residents.
In a significant move, the council has allocated £59 million to buy back ex-council homes, reflecting its commitment to addressing housing needs in one of London’s most densely populated boroughs. Furthermore, the budget includes plans for a £325 million cash injection to repair the borough’s housing stock, facilitated by the government’s Spending Review.
As part of these developments, Islington is set to introduce 1.5 hectares of new green space, enhancing community access to outdoor areas. Williamson highlighted this initiative as a crucial element of the council’s commitment to improving residents’ quality of life.
Despite these ambitious plans, Islington’s chief financial officer warned that the council’s reserves are just above the “absolute minimum” threshold, indicating potential vulnerabilities as it navigates financial uncertainties. The budget report notes that Islington must prepare for a funding “cliff-edge” when the multi-year settlement expires in 2029.
As Islington Council moves forward with these budget plans, residents can expect further announcements in the coming weeks regarding the allocation of the new funds. Stay tuned for updates on how these changes will impact your community.
What’s next? Islington residents are encouraged to engage with the council to voice their opinions and expectations as the budget implementation begins. The council aims to deliver transparency and ensure that the community’s needs are at the forefront of its initiatives.
