The Islington Executive convened to discuss key issues, including property licensing, blue badge exemptions, and community infrastructure levy allocations. The Executive approved borough-wide additional licensing of HMOs and selective licensing in seven wards to improve the private rented sector, and approved a trial of changes to the Blue Badge traffic filter exemption policy. Also approved were procurement strategies for electrical testing, specialist adaptations for vulnerable residents, and Angel Square affordable workspace.

Here's a breakdown of the main topics discussed:

Discretionary Property Licensing

The Executive agreed to implement discretionary property licensing schemes to improve the private rented sector, as detailed in the Report Executive - Outcome PRS Consultation V1.9. This includes borough-wide additional licensing of HMOs and selective licensing in the Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction, and Laycock wards. Further work is planned for Canonbury and Clerkenwell wards before a decision is made.

The decision was based on evidence presented in the All appendices Property Licensing document, including the Islington PRS Housing Stock Condition and Stressors Report, which highlighted problems caused by poorly managed HMOs and privately rented accommodation. The council's response to the consultation is also documented.

The council will designate the borough of Islington as an area subject to additional licensing of the following types of HMOs:

• Houses and flats occupied by three or four persons who are not members of the same family and who share kitchen and/or bathroom facilities
• Buildings converted into two or more flats where the conversion does not comply with the appropriate building standards (those applied in 1991 or later) where all the flats are privately rented and in single ownership

The council will designate the following wards within the London Borough of Islington as an area subject to selective licensing: Barnsbury, Caledonian, Tufnell Park, Mildmay, Highbury, Junction, and Laycock.

The Executive agreed the proposed property licence conditions and delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Homes and Neighbourhoods to periodically review licence conditions and the fee structure.

Blue Badge Traffic Filter Exemption Trial

The Executive approved a trial of proposed changes to the council’s Blue Badge traffic filter exemption policy, as outlined in the Blue Badge Traffic Filter Exemption Trial Exec Paper v5. This trial will allow Islington residents who are Blue Badge holders to apply for exemption from traffic filters in all existing low traffic neighbourhoods¹ (LTNs) and all future liveable neighbourhoods² (LNs).

The council will delegate the authority to make a final decision on the outcome of the trial to the Corporate Director of Environment and Climate Change, following consultation with the Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Transport.

The council will monitor impacts and engage with affected groups to fully understand the implications before making any permanent changes to the exemption policy.

Community Infrastructure Levy Allocations

The Executive agreed to a new Community Infrastructure Levy[^4] (CIL) allocation process, as detailed in the CIL Policy October Executive 23.10.25. Available sums within the new Neighbourhood Improvement Fund, after allocation of top-ups, will be used to support a continuing Thriving Neighbourhoods programme.

The Executive noted the current and forecast reduction in developer contributions until 2027/28 will delay the commencement of a new Thriving Neighbourhoods fund and that the alternative option of delivering a saving from a CIL funding swap may need to be considered in the context of the Council's overall financial position at that point. The proposal will deliver a saving of around £66,000 from reduced borrowing costs as developer contributions return to historical levels. The previous position regarding how CIL is allocated from strategic developments on ward boundaries is to be rescinded. The updated Terms of Reference of the Borough Investment Panel are noted.

Procurement Strategies

The Executive approved several procurement strategies:

• Electrical Testing, Servicing and Associated Remedial Works: The Executive approved the procurement strategy for Electrical Testing, Servicing and Associated Remedial Works, as outlined in the 2526-0133- Procurement Strategy for Electrical Testing Servicing and Associated Remedial Works. Authority to award the contract was delegated to the Corporate Director of Homes and Neighbourhoods, following consultation with the Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods.
• Specialist Adaptations for Vulnerable Residents: The Executive agreed to a direct contract award to EffectAble Construction Services and Morgan Sindall Property Services for specialist adaptations, including installations and repairs for residents with vulnerabilities and disabilities, as detailed in the Executive Procurement Strategy and Award Report for Specialist Adaptations. The Executive also approved the procurement strategy for two long term contracts for these services and delegated authority to award the contracts to the Corporate Director of Homes and Neighbourhoods, following consultation with the Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods. An EQIA Adaptations was completed for this item.
• Angel Square Affordable Workspace: The Executive approved the procurement strategy for the Angel Square affordable workspace, as set out in the Angel Square AWS - Executive Procurement Report. The Executive also approved a lease for the Angel Square affordable workspace and delegated authority to award the contract and finalise lease details to the Corporate Director of Community Wealth Building, following consultation with the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Jobs and Culture. A 31.10.24 - EQIA Screening Tool - Angel Square Affordable Workspace was completed for this item.

Councillor John Woolf, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, stated that officers should be thanked for their work on these procurements which would enable residents to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Formal Matters

The Executive approved the minutes of the previous meeting.