The Council meeting on 2 July 2026 addressed a range of important issues for Islington residents, including the closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre, the future of the Holloway Women's Building, and the council's approach to housing development. Key decisions were made regarding motions on remembering Jo Cox, enhancing paternity leave, and opposing emergency housing measures.

Paradise Park Children's Centre and IPA

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the impending closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre, operated by Islington Play Association (IPA). Catherine Shee, representing parents, presented a petition with over 5,200 signatures calling for a halt to the closure and protection of IPA staff. Shee highlighted the distress caused to families, particularly those struggling to find alternative childcare, and questioned the democratic process surrounding the decision. Councillor Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, explained that the decision to close was unilateral by IPA due to financial difficulties. She assured that the council would provide emergency transition childcare at Paradise Park over the summer and was considering a new proposal from IPA, though communication with the organisation had been challenging. The council also confirmed that no decision had been made regarding the future use of the building and its garden, but that it would remain in use for Bright Start Universal Services.

Holloway Women's Building

Polly Creed, speaking on behalf of the Holloway Women's Building Collective, presented a petition with over 2,000 signatures advocating for the delivery of the women's building on the former Holloway Prison site. Creed emphasised the building's potential for life-saving support and early intervention for women. Councillor Jason Jackson, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, acknowledged the importance of the project and confirmed that the shell of the building is under construction as part of the Holloway Park development. He stated that Peabody, under a Section 106 legal agreement, is responsible for identifying an operator, and encouraged Peabody to consider a proposal from a coalition of women's and community organisations.

Youth Council Questions

The Youth Council posed several questions to councillors. Young Mayor Zakaria Yahya asked about reducing the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), with Councillor James Potts, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Planning, outlining the council's three-pronged approach: early identification, targeted support, and strong pathways into employment. Youth Councillor Thomas Brown inquired about advertising and accessibility of summer opportunities, to which Councillor Chapman highlighted the Summerversity programme and efforts to reach diverse groups. Youth Councillor Ayman Yousouf asked how the council would act on young people's environmental ideas, with Councillor Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, discussing current engagement methods and limitations in reaching older teenagers. Finally, Youth Councillor Milo Flett asked about further support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), following a positive inspection. Councillor Chapman affirmed the council's commitment to SEND provision and outlined plans for improvement, including enhanced listening and co-production with families.

Public and Councillor Questions

Questions from the public and councillors covered a range of topics. Oliver Knight raised concerns about lift maintenance at Finsbury Park Estate, with Councillor Jackson assuring that the new contract would include robust performance indicators and financial penalties for underperformance. Tom Pilgrim questioned the future of the Paradise Park Nursery building, with Councillor Chapman reiterating that no decision had been made on its sale or private leasing. Councillor Jonathan Ward asked about committing to the Right to Grow initiative, with Councillor Champion expressing support for food growing projects and encouraging residents to suggest spaces. Councillor Giulio Ferrini raised concerns about the parking of dockless hire bikes, and Councillor Champion outlined plans for expanding dedicated bays and moving towards mandatory bay parking. Councillor Hayden Banks questioned the council's actions on rent control and raising awareness of the Renters' Rights Act, with Councillor Jackson confirming engagement with partners and government. Councillor Joe Peck congratulated the council on its SEND provision, and Councillor Chapman detailed plans to build on this success. Councillor Devon Osborne asked about support for the Holloway Women's Building, with Councillor Jackson encouraging Peabody to consider the proposal from community organisations. Councillor Michael O'Sullivan inquired about the impact of the Clear, Hold, Build initiative in Finsbury Park, with Councillor Heather Staff, Executive Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, detailing its success in reducing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour. Councillor Alex Nettle asked about support for trans-friendly organisations navigating new EHRC guidance, with Councillor Saiqa Pandor, Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships, promising advice and support. Councillor Claire Zammit asked about the impact of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, with Councillor Potts highlighting its potential positive impact and engagement opportunities. Councillor Carlos Valero raised concerns about the closure of Paradise Park Children's Centre, with Councillor Chapman guaranteeing that affected children would not be left with less suitable provision. Councillor Oliur Rahman asked about the use of High Street Rental Auction powers for empty shops on Caledonian Road, with Councillor Potts indicating that more information would be forthcoming following public consultation.

Motions Passed

Three motions were debated and passed by the Council.

• Remembering Jo Cox and her legacy: Proposed by Councillor Una O'Halloran and seconded by Councillor Benali Hamdache, this motion called for a recommitment to respectful engagement in public debate, pushing back against divisive rhetoric and hate crimes, and supporting the LGA's Debate Not Hate campaign. It also urged support for the Mayor of London's campaign against online misinformation.
• Paternity Leave: Proposed by Councillor Oliur Rahman BEM and seconded by Councillor Fin Craig, this motion called for the council to explore introducing enhanced paternity and adoption leave for council employees, aiming for a minimum of six weeks fully paid leave. It also resolved for the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Business and Trade urging the Government to introduce a national minimum of six weeks' fully paid paternity leave.
• Opposing the emergency housebuilding measures: This motion, initially proposed by Councillor Sheridan Kates and seconded by Councillor Patrick Brighty, expressed opposition to the Mayor of London's emergency housebuilding measures, which cut affordable housing targets and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions. An amendment, proposed by Councillor Hannah McHugh and seconded by Councillor Maia Hamilton, was passed. The amended motion welcomed the legal challenge to the measures, committed to lobbying the Mayor of London and government to overturn them, and pledged to explore alternatives to the developer-led model of housing delivery, including community land trusts and municipal house building.

The meeting also included the appointment of various committee chairs and members, as well as representatives to outside organisations. Paul Clarke was formally appointed as the Permanent Chief Finance Officer/Section 151 Officer.