Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD. View directions
Contact: Email: democracy@islington.gov.uk
Note: The deadline for questions to this meeting is 2.00pm on Monday 9 September - please email democracy@islington.gov.uk
Media
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The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 July 2024 Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 July 2024 were agreed as a correct record and the Mayor was authorised to sign them. |
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Declarations of Interest If you have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest* in an item of business: § if it is not yet on the council’s register, you must declare both the existence and details of it at the start of the meeting or when it becomes apparent; § you may choose to declare a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest that is already in the register in the interests of openness and transparency. In both the above cases, you must leave the room without participating in discussion of the item.
If you have a personal interest in an item of business and you intend to speak or vote on the item you must declare both the existence and details of it at the start of the meeting or when it becomes apparent but you may participate in the discussion and vote on the item.
*(a) Employment, etc - Any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for profit or gain. (b) Sponsorship - Any payment or other financial benefit in respect of your expenses in carrying out duties as a member, or of your election; including from a trade union. (c) Contracts - Any current contract for goods, services or works, between you or your partner (or a body in which one of you has a beneficial interest) and the council. (d) Land - Any beneficial interest in land which is within the council’s area. (e) Licences - Any licence to occupy land in the council’s area for a month or longer. (f) Corporate tenancies - Any tenancy between the council and a body in which you or your partner have a beneficial interest. (g) Securities - Any beneficial interest in securities of a body which has a place of business or land in the council’s area, if the total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body or of any one class of its issued share capital.
This applies to all members present at the meeting.
Additional documents: Minutes: No Declarations were made |
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Mayoral Announcements (i) Apologies (ii) Order of business (iii) Declaration of discussion items (iv) Mayor’s announcements (v) Length of speeches Additional documents: Minutes: (i) Apologies
Apologies were received from Councillors Hayes, Khondoker and Chowdhury.
(ii) Order of business
The Mayor altered the Order of Business so that Motion 1: Care Leavers as a Protected Characteristic, was heard after Item 5.
(iii) Declaration of discussion items
No items were declared.
(iv) Mayor’s announcements
Over the past summer, the Mayor had engaged with various communities across the borough by attending numerous events. The Mayor celebrated the successes of local young people on GCSE and A-Level Results Day and hosted an awards presentation for local cadets at the Town Hall. One of the highlights was attending the Brickworks Community Nursery Graduation Ceremony. Additionally, the Mayor acknowledged the achievements of refugees and migrants at the Islington Refugee Centre for their participation in Speak Street’s English classes and honoured carers at the Dignity in Care Awards.
The Mayor had a commitment to diversity and inclusion during their term in office. As part of this effort, the Mayor hosted a panel discussion titled "Free to Be Me" to mark South Asian Heritage Month, which celebrated the diverse experiences of the South Asian community in Islington. The Mayor also participated in other events during South Asian Heritage Month, including a talk with author Chitra Soundar at Central Library and attended the play ENG-ER-LAND, which deeply resonated with the Mayor. Moreover, attending the launch of ‘Black Arsenal’ at the Emirates Stadium, exploring Arsenal’s connection to Black culture.
The Mayor enjoyed various street festivals and celebrations. At the Toy Projects Street festival, the Mayor tried graffiti, indulged in vegan treats, and had a fun photoshoot. The Mayor also attended the St Mary’s Festival to open a family fun day and later joined the Highbury View sheltered housing residents and Islington Pensioners Forum for a garden party. The Mayor’s involvement in the Dignity in Care awards continued, where the Mayor presented a special recognition award.
The Mayor participated in the 21st Islington in Bloom awards, celebrating the contributions of individuals and groups enhancing local green spaces, with special pride in Mitford Road winning first place in the Best Street category. The Mayor also expressed gratitude to George of Islington Tour Guides for a tour of St Mary’s Church and appreciated the members who joined and helped raise funds for the Brickworks Community Centre, the Mayor’s chosen charity.
(v) Length of Speeches
The Mayor reminded all attendees to keep within the permitted length for speeches.
The Mayor also reminded everyone of the Public Sector Equality Duty. This required the Council to consider the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those with and without protected characteristics. |
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Leader's Announcements The Leader will address the Council.
The Opposition will then be invited to respond. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader welcomed the Youth Council and thanked them for all their work over the last year. The Leader expressed pride in the borough’s young people, congratulating them on their outstanding A-level and GCSE results, which continued to show improvement. The Leader also proudly announced that the Youth Justice Service had been rated outstanding by HMIP, recognising the borough’s commitment to its young people. Additionally, the Leader welcomed Councillor Nanda, after their recent election.
While celebrating these successes, the Leader also acknowledged the difficult summer, marked by the tragic murder of three young girls in Southport, which triggered a wave of racist and Islamophobic unrest. The Leader spoke at a rally organised by Finsbury Park Mosque and Muslim Welfare House and emphasised the borough’s familiarity with the impact of far-right extremism. In response, the Council released a cross-party statement reaffirming its commitment to tackling racism and supporting affected communities. The Leader also expressed gratitude to the opposition for working together on the statement and upcoming motion, and to Finsbury Park Mosque and Muslim Welfare House for organising the rally that united the community.
Reflecting on the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Leader noted the release of the final report’s findings and the critical importance of stringent safety standards in housing. The Leader welcomed the Prime Minister's pledge to improve housing safety and prevent similar tragedies, along with the Labour government’s recent ban on Section 21 no-fault evictions, which would protect renters across the UK, including the 27,000 private renter households in Islington. The extension of the Household Support Scheme, requested by the Council, was also welcomed as a means to help vulnerable residents amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Finally, the Leader highlighted the Council's ongoing efforts, including Purpose Into Action Week, which focused on implementing the Islington Together Delivery Plan and encouraging cross-collaboration. The Leader pointed out the borough’s strong position, with a Labour-run Council, a Labour Mayor of London, and a Labour government, to influence change locally and nationally. The Leader referenced the Council's work with the Mayor of London to deliver the London Growth Plan and welcomed the announcement to make spiking a specific criminal offence, as part of efforts to ensure a safer night-time economy. The Leader reaffirmed the Council's determination to reverse the damage caused by previous governments and to create a better borough for all.
The Leader of the Majority Opposition Group responded, beginning by expressing pride in standing alongside colleagues as the opposition leader. The Leader of the Opposition acknowledged the achievements made under the manifesto on which they were elected but said that the current stance of the Labour government did not align with their values or those of the working class. The Leader of the Opposition highlighted concerns about government policies, such as cuts to winter fuel payments and the retention of the two-child benefit cap, which they said no longer reflected a government for the people.
The Leader of the Opposition expressed pride in standing with colleagues who shared a common pledge to ... view the full minutes text for item 300. |
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Petitions Additional documents: Minutes: The Council received 1 petition from the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign. This petition was presented by Elsha Tesfaye. |
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Notices of Motion Additional documents: Minutes: Motion 1: Care Leavers as a Protected Characteristic.
A deputation was received on this motion. Alan Torres, a care leaver, reflected on his journey to establishing his own photography business, attributing his success to the support of the Council. He had the opportunity to work with clients like Liam Gallagher and Tinie Tempah, which opened further doors for him. He believed many adult care leavers had untapped creative potential that could be unlocked with similar support.
Additionally, he collaborated with the Virtual School on a project called Resilient Souls, creating portraits of 10 care leavers to showcase their journeys. This initiative aimed to help care leavers recognise their talents beyond academics, with Alan emphasising the Council's role in providing valuable contacts and opportunities.
He expressed hope that other care leavers could also start their own businesses with the right support. Alan invited everyone to the upcoming Resilient Souls showcase, highlighting its impact on helping care leavers find their creative paths. In closing, he thanked the Council for helping him grow as a photographer and giving him a platform to share his talents.
Councillor Safi-Ngongo moved the motion. Councillor Zammit seconded.
Councillors Ozdemir and Jegorovas-Armstrong contributed to the debate. Councillor Safi-Ngongo exercised their right of reply.
The motion was put to a vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
(i) Agree that ‘Care Experienced’ should be considered as a local protected characteristic by the London Borough of Islington.
(ii) Note that London Borough of Islington’s senior leaders will continue to work with HR to provide opportunities for young people with care experience to obtain work experience, training and employment at Islington as part of the Council’s corporate parenting responsibilities.
(iii) Put the needs of care experienced people at the heart of decision-making through co-production and collaboration.
(iv) Review the Council’s equality impact assessment approach and guidance alongside our social value policy to identify opportunities for the whole council to improve opportunities for people with care experience.
(v) Formally call upon all other bodies to treat care experience as a protected characteristic until such time as it may be introduced by legislation.
(vi) Continue proactively seeking out and listening to the voices of care experienced people when developing new policies.
(vii)Explore further how those who have ever been care experienced is included within care experienced as a protected characteristic. |
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Questions from Members of the Youth Council Additional documents: Minutes: Youth Cllr Areeb thanked the Council for their support with the Youth Council and for allowing the Youth Councillors to attend these meetings and ask questions throughout their year in office.
Question (a) Young Mayor Tyra to Cllr Safi-Ngongo, Executive Member for Children, Young People & Families: Following the General Election which resulted in a change in National Government, how are Islington Council Leaders working with the new administration to improve the lives of young people in Islington? Are there any exciting plans Council leaders can share with the borough’s young people?
Response:
Thank you for your important
question.
Question (b) Deputy Young Mayor Ameera to Cllr Woolf, Executive Member for Community Safety: During the summer, in which racist marches and riots took place across the country, how is the council supporting and reassuring young people from all faiths/ethnic backgrounds, to feel safe in Islington?
Response:
Thank you for your important question. It is vital that young people feel safe and are safe in Islington and that is of paramount importance to this Council. Here in Islington, our ambition is to reduce the long-term scale and impact of violence – making Islington a safer, fairer borough for all. We will adopt a public health approach to tackling violence to deliver evidence-based interventions and engagement work with young people so not only are young people involved in telling us what the problems are but are also involved in some of the solutions.
For over 27 years Islington Council has been funding free activities and opportunities over the summer holidays.
‘Summerversity’ gives young people aged 13+ who live or go to school or college ... view the full minutes text for item 303. |
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Questions from Members of the Public Additional documents: Minutes: Question (a) Sheridan Kates to Cllr Ward, Executive Member for Finance & Performance: What percentage of Islington pensioners that are eligible to receive Pension Credit are known to be claiming it?
Response: Thank you, Sheridan, for your important question about pension credit. From the latest reports, there were 490 residents who would be entitled to pension credit but not receiving it. I am happy to confirm that the Council is contacting those residents to support them in making an application.
We are unable to say the total number of Islington pensioners who may be entitled to pension credit or our receiving it as we do not have the benefit and savings information for those not in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax support – this information would be held by The Department of Work and Pensions and HMRC. However, we do run public campaigns to encourage local people who might be eligible to contact us, and we will help them make an application.
Our older population is expected to grow by 30% in the next ten years. But there is an unacceptable level of older persons living in poverty – recent analysis shows that we are the 4th most deprived area for older people in London, with Finsbury Park having the highest rate of Income Deprivation Affecting Older People in London. Over the last 3 years, our Labour-run Council’s Income Maximisation team has been working with residents and has helped claim over £2,000,000 in pension credit.
To illustrate the impact of the campaign, in a recent case, the team was in contact with a 70-year old man, living alone in LBI council accommodation. Following some investigation into his circumstances, the team supported him to claim Pension Credit and he was awarded £78.45 per week. In addition, this was back-dated for 3 months and he received over £1,000 in a lump sum.
Once again, thank you for your question on this important topic.
Supplementary Question: Given the pressing issue of the Labour government removing the winter fuel payment for pensioners who are eligible but not claiming pension credit, and with many pensioners missing out on this support, would you consider working with Policy in Practice again? Their website estimates there are 13 million pounds in missed claims in Islington, affecting around 3,500 individuals. Would you consider repeating the successful work done in 2022 to help eligible pensioners access the support they're entitled to?
Response: We would absolutely be willing to work with Policy in Practice again. However, to give you more context, since 2023, our IMAX team has already helped secure an additional £9 million in benefits for Islington residents, with a target of reaching over £12 million by 2025. This isn't just limited to pension credit; we've also helped secure nearly £1 million in backdated Attendance Allowance benefits, particularly for pensioners with care needs, allowing them to remain in their communities. This, in turn, helps them access pension-related support as well. Our IMAX team has been doing incredible work, and ... view the full minutes text for item 304. |
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Questions from Members of the Council Additional documents: Minutes: Question (a) Cllr Clarke to Cllr Safi-Ngongo, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families: Islington Council is very proud of its adventure playgrounds and values the creative and important work the staff employed by the Islington Play Association does. Can we be assured that our adventure playgrounds and the conditions of staff working in them will be protected?
Response: Thank you, Tricia, for your important question about adventure playgrounds.
Islington’s Labour-run Council are proud of its adventure playgrounds. We have 12 in our borough including one that supports children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Our adventure playgrounds help our children to develop their socialisation skills and to interact and play with other children and supports cognitive development.
I would like to put on record how grateful we are to the organisations that we commission to run the playgrounds for us - Islington Play Association (IPA), Awesome and KIDS. We are aware that IPA is unfortunately experiencing difficulties at the moment and are doing what we can to support them on these matters as an independent organisation and as the legal employer for its staff members. We are aware that IPA is in the middle of a formal consultation with its staff members, and we hope that this consultation leads to positive outcomes.
Once again, I’d like to thank you for your important question
Supplementary Question: Given that Islington Play Association has been providing children with the space and freedom to explore and develop through play for decades, and considering that workers in these playgrounds are now facing a 20% pay cut or job loss as of the 27th of September, will the Council intervene and request an extension of the consultation period with the Islington Play Association to protect staff, who have been essential to our community for years, from these severe reductions?
Response: The Islington Play Association is an independent organisation, which means they have their own legal responsibilities when it comes to decisions like staff contracts and pay cuts. While the Council is engaged and supporting the association as much as possible, they cannot directly intervene in the current consultation process. The council urges all staff to actively participate in the consultation, as their input and concerns are crucial in influencing the outcome. The Council will continue to monitor the situation.
Question (b) Cllr Heather to Cllr Safi-Ngongo, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families: I was concerned to hear about a case in my ward, where a school caretaker hadbeen made redundant and given notice to vacate their home. I immediately raised my concerns on this issue with the council's executive member for children's services. In relation to school reorganisations, could I please be assured that the job security of caretakers is not being compromised and that all the council's relevant employment procedures are being followed? Please could the Executive Member also confirm how the housing security and standards of school caretakers will be protected though school reorganisations, and if it is possible ... view the full minutes text for item 305. |
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Interval The meeting will adjourn for approximately 15 minutes. Additional documents: Minutes: The Council adjourned for approximately 15 minutes. |
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Constitution Report Additional documents: Minutes: Cllr Craig moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
(i) This report proposes amendments to the Constitution to ensure that the document remains to date and fit for purpose.
(ii) The report proposes amendments to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances to reflect the formation of a new Opposition Group.
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Political Balance and Proportionality Additional documents: Minutes: Cllr Craig moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
(i) Note that the political balance of the Council is: - 44 Members of the Labour Party Group - 4 Members of the Islington Independents Group - 3 Members of the Green Party Group
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Additional documents: Minutes: Cllr Craig moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
Committee Appointments: (i) That Councillor Hayes be appointed as a Vice Chair of the Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed;
(ii) That Councillor McHugh be appointed as Vice Chair of Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until successors are appointed;
(iii) That Councillor Nanda be appointed as a member of the Planning Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed;
(iv) That Councillor Turan be appointed to the Licensing Regulatory Committee, and be appointed as Vice Chair of the Licensing Regulatory Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed;
(v) That Councillor Khondoker be appointed as a member of the Grievance Appeal Committee for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed.
(vi) That Councillor Turan has stood down as a member of the Investigating and Disciplinary Committee, and that a successor will be appointed.
Other Appointments: (i) That Cllr Clarke be appointed as Reading Champion for the remainder of the municipal year, or until a successor is appointed.
(ii) That Ian Ship be appointed to the Pensions Board as an Employer Representative for a period of three years, or until a successor is appointed.
Term of office of independent persons and co-optees: (i) That the terms of office of the Independent Persons appointed for Standards matters, and the Independent Co-Opted Members of the Audit and Risk Committee, be extended to 31 December 2024, or until a successor is appointed.
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Capital Programme 2024/25 - Quarter 1 Budget Changes Additional documents: Minutes: Cllr Ward moved the recommendations in the report.
Cllr Hamdache contributed to the debate. Cllr Ward exercised their right of reply.
The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED: (i) To agree the addition to the Capital Programme of £1.790m for Future Work Phase 2 funded by borrowing to reflect a technical accounting adjustment to capitalise existing expenditure. Note that this is not new council spend.
(ii) To agree the reduction of £1.292m from New River College SEND/Elthorne funded by borrowing.
(iii) To agree the addition to the Capital Programme of £3.366m for the Disabled Facilities Grant funded by grant to reflect a technical accounting adjustment to capitalise existing expenditure. Note that this is not new council spend.
(iv) To agree the reduction to the Capital Programme of £12.852m for the placeholder relating to Decarbonisation – Grant Match Funding funded by borrowing.
(v) To agree the reduction to the Capital Programme of £2.267m from Elmore Street & Lindsey Mews Current New Build funded by capital receipts. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Cllr Craig moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were put to the vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
(i) To note the decision detailed in this report and the attached appendix.
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Where a motion concerns an executive function, nothing passed can be actioned until approved by the Executive or an officer with the relevant delegated power.
Additional documents:
Minutes: Motion 2 – Stop Fatalities from Catastrophic Bleeding
Councillor Woolf moved the motion. Councillor McHugh seconded.
Councillors Russell and Weekes contributed to the debate. Councillor Woolf exercised their right of reply.
The motion was put to a vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED: (i) Publicly thank and congratulate Lynne Baird for her efforts in memory of her son Daniel to found The Daniel Baird Foundation which has had success in promoting the need for Bleed Control Kits across the UK.
(ii) Work with key community stakeholders to find more locations for Bleed Control Kits across Islington, so that we can extend the provision of these lifesaving kits.
Motion 3 – A Safer Nighttime Economy
Councillor Weekes moved the motion. Councillor Staff seconded.
Councillor Russell contributed to the debate. Councillor Weekes exercised their right of reply.
The motion was put to a vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED: (i) Write to the UK Government to seek clarification around changes to the law about making spiking a specific criminal offence.
(ii) Continue to support initiatives that actively challenge cultural attitudes that have made sexual assault and harassment a normal part of a night out.
(iii) Work with trade unions representing musicians, performers and entertainers to ensure that workers are best protected from spiking and the consequences of spiking.
Motion 4 – Standing together against racism and fascism.
Councillor Chapman moved the motion. Councillor Hamdache seconded.
Councillors Cinko-Oner, Ibrahim, Bossman-Quarshie, Hyde, Graham, McHugh and Gilgunn contributed to the debate. Councillor Chapman exercised their right of reply.
The motion was put to a vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED: (i) Support the call from Government Ministers to review the role of tech companies amidst the UK riots, with the emphasis that social media must ensure that there is no safe place for hatred and illegality on their platforms. (ii) Urge the Government to clearly address not just social media but crack down on the press and any instigators of hate.
(iii) Request that the Government address the rise in far right and consider that it cannot simply be attributed to social media and that 14 years of austerity has created a culture of hate and blame,
(iv) Further promote the work of the Council’s Hate Crime Prevention Champions, and engaging residents to lead on, take ownership and support our drive to tackle hate crime in Islington.
(v) Continue to actively work with our faith and community members of all backgrounds in Islington to celebrate our borough’s diversity and support community cohesion. Be purposeful and explicit in our council communications, and to always name the riots this August as racist.
As the meeting reached 10:30pm the following motions were put to a vote without discussion and deemed formally moved and seconded in accordance with procedure rule 18.2 of the Constitution
Motion 5 – Play in Islington
The motion was put to a vote and CARRIED.
RESOLVED: (i) Continue to change the way we approach place, by promoting play across our streets and open, green spaces, investing in physical activity which contributes ... view the full minutes text for item 312. |