The Executive of Islington Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday 30 July 2026 to discuss a range of important matters concerning the borough's future. Key topics include the approval of the Corporate Plan 2026-2030, a comprehensive review of community centres, and strategies for improving household recycling and waste reduction. The meeting will also address the council's response to a critical judgement from the Regulator of Social Housing regarding its housing services, alongside plans for procurement of essential insurance policies and the continuation of the North London Housing Partnership.

Corporate Plan 2026-2030

The Executive will consider the proposed Corporate Plan 2026-2030, which outlines the council's strategic direction and ambitions for a more equal future for Islington. This plan sets out five key priorities: Decent and affordable homes; Safe, clean and healthy neighbourhoods; An inclusive Islington economy; A great place to grow up and grow old; and A strong community where everyone belongs. The meeting will also review supporting documents, including the Workforce Strategy and the Communications and Engagement Strategy, which detail how the council intends to adapt its operations and engage with residents and partners to achieve these goals. The Corporate Plan is intended to guide decision-making, resource allocation, and activity across the council for the next four years.

Housing Improvement Programme

A significant item on the agenda is the Housing Improvement Programme, prompted by a recent judgement from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) which graded Islington Council's housing services as C3, indicating serious failings and a need for significant improvement. The Executive will be asked to approve a Housing Improvement Plan designed to address the RSH's findings and secure a future C1 regulatory judgement. This plan includes actions to improve the accuracy of health and safety compliance data, address overdue lift remedial actions, and strengthen the tenancy audit programme to better understand residents' needs. The report also outlines longer-term transformational changes, including a £2.426 billion investment over 30 years in the Housing Revenue Account, a £58 million buyback programme for homes, and a commitment to achieve a 100% Decent Homes Standard by 2030. A new Housing Improvement Board, with an independent chair, will be established to oversee this programme.

Review of Community Centres

The Executive will consider the findings and recommendations from the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee's review of community centres in Islington. The review examined the availability, role, condition, and management of these vital spaces, assessing how they contribute to council priorities and support residents. The Executive is being asked to agree its responses to the Committee's ten recommendations, which cover areas such as maintaining a register of community centres, mapping all community spaces, understanding utility and operating costs, developing a measurable framework for asset review, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. The Executive's responses will inform the ongoing Community Spaces Review, which aims to ensure these assets are used effectively to benefit local communities and support service delivery.

Household Recycling and Waste Reduction

The meeting will also address the Executive's response to the Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee's review of Household Recycling and Waste Reduction. The Scrutiny Committee's recommendations focused on improving recycling communications, providing targeted information for communities, strengthening food waste recycling, enhancing recycling capacity on estates and in the private sector, and improving data collection and performance monitoring. The Executive's responses will be incorporated into the forthcoming Joint Waste Strategy Delivery Plan, which aims to make Islington the lowest waste borough in London. Key actions include refreshing the Recycling Champions programme, exploring mobile reuse and recycling facilities, and assessing the feasibility of a permanent reuse and repair hub.

North London Housing Partnership & External Grant Awards

The Executive will consider the continuation of grant funding for service providers within the North London Housing Partnership (NLHP) until March 2027. Islington Council has hosted the NLHP for 12 years, and this informal arrangement of six north London boroughs has a strong track record in delivering housing and homelessness initiatives. The meeting will seek approval to accept funding from the Greater London Authority's (GLA) Ending Homelessness Accelerator Programme, specifically for the Multi-Disciplinary Hub (£1,323,256) and the Specialist Immigration Service (£659,136). The report notes that a three-year funding settlement is expected in the autumn, which will allow for a comprehensive review of all sub-regional services.

Procurement Strategy for Insurance Policies

The Executive is being asked to approve a strategy for procuring property, casualty (liability), and terrorism insurance policies. Islington has been part of the seven-borough London Insurance Consortium (ILC) for 18 years, and this collaborative approach is recommended to continue to secure economies of scale and better value for money. The proposed contract(s) will be for up to five years, with an estimated value of £10 million. The procurement will include social value and environmental performance requirements, with a 10% weighting for social value in the evaluation criteria. The estimated annual cost is £2.0 million, including a contingency.

Procurement Strategy for Insurance Policies

The Executive is being asked to approve a strategy for the procurement of contract(s) for property, casualty (liability), and terrorism insurance policies. This will be undertaken jointly with the Insurance London Consortium (ILC), a group of seven London boroughs. The current policies expire on 31 March 2027, necessitating a new procurement. The proposed contract(s) will be for up to five years, with an estimated total value of £10.0 million (£2.0 million per annum). The procurement will include social value and environmental performance requirements, with social value weighted at 10% in the evaluation. The estimated annual cost of £2.0 million includes a contingency of £0.2 million per annum.

Cleaner Islington Programme

The Executive will consider the Cleaner Islington vision and associated programme, which aims to improve the cleanliness, safety, and attractiveness of the borough's streets, estates, parks, and public spaces. This programme builds on existing services and community initiatives, encouraging greater resident involvement. It is founded on three principles: education, empowerment, and enforcement. The programme seeks to enhance resident experience, foster community pride, and reduce environmental crime. The report also includes the Lowest Waste Borough Delivery Plan, which outlines actions to reduce waste, increase recycling, and promote a circular economy. The programme's delivery will be supported by clear governance, performance monitoring, and reporting arrangements.

Response to Scrutiny Committee Review of Household Recycling and Waste Reduction

The Executive will formally respond to the recommendations made by the Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee following their review of Household Recycling and Waste Reduction. The Scrutiny Committee's review focused on data performance, behaviour change, messaging, infrastructure, and accessibility. The Executive's responses, which have been endorsed by the Executive Member for Climate, Environment & Transport, will be incorporated into the Joint Waste Strategy Delivery Plan. This includes commitments to improve recycling communications, develop targeted information for communities, strengthen food waste recycling, enhance recycling capacity on estates and in the private sector, and improve data collection and performance monitoring.

Executive Appointments

The Executive will consider appointments to various committees and outside bodies. This includes the appointment of Councillor Saiqa Pandor to the Associated Joint Committee London Councils' Grants Committee and Councillor Una O'Halloran as a deputy. Councillor Paul Convery is proposed as the Council's representative at shareholder meetings of the London Collective Investment Vehicle (London LGPS CIV Limited). Other appointments to outside bodies and a school governor nomination are also scheduled for consideration.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26

The Executive will receive the Treasury Management Outturn Report for the financial year ending 31 March 2026. This report reviews the activities of the Council's Treasury Management function, highlighting that all activities were carried out in accordance with approved limits and prudential indicators. The report notes an under-borrowed position which has provided significant savings by minimising interest expenses. It also highlights an overachievement in interest income received due to higher short-term interest rates.

Procurement Strategy for Short Breaks for Children and Young People

A joint procurement strategy with Camden Council for Short Breaks for disabled children and young people will be considered. This strategy aims to improve the experience and equity of access for disabled children and their families. The proposal is to approve a flexible framework under the light touch regime for a period of 96 months, with an estimated total value for Islington of £13,600,000. Authority to award call-off contracts will be delegated to the Corporate Director of Children's Services, following consultation with the Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families.

Decisions Taken by Officers

The Executive will note decisions taken by officers under delegated authority.

Urgent Non-Exempt Matters

Any non-exempt items that the Chair agrees should be considered urgently due to special circumstances will be discussed.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Executive will consider whether to exclude the press and public during the discussion of any remaining items on the agenda if their confidential nature requires it, in accordance with Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Confidential/Exempt Items for Decision

The Executive will consider any confidential or exempt items requiring a decision.

Urgent Exempt Matters

Any urgent exempt items that the Chair agrees should be considered due to special circumstances will be discussed.