The council meeting on 29 February 2024 saw the approval of the 2024/25 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy, following a debate on proposed amendments. The meeting also addressed numerous questions from members of the public and councillors on a range of topics including environmental policies, housing, and community safety.

Budget Proposals 2024/25 and Medium Term Financial Strategy

The council approved the General Fund Budget for 2024/25 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA) Budget was agreed, and the HRA MTFS was noted. This included agreeing to a 4.99% increase in council tax, comprising 2% for adult social care and 2.99% for all expenditure. The proposed 2024/25 net budgets by directorate were agreed, as were the savings for 2024/25, with it being noted that individual savings may be subject to consultation. The capital programme for 2024/25 to 2026/27 was also agreed, alongside the Capital Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement, Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, and Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy.

An amendment to the budget proposals, moved by Councillor Benali Hamdache and seconded by Councillor Ernestas Jegorovas-Armstrong, was lost. The amendment was supported by two councillors and opposed by 39, with two abstentions.

Questions from Members of the Public

Several members of the public submitted questions to the council. Rebekah Kelly inquired about the budget proposal for the Green Garden Waste subscription service. Councillor Rowena Champion, Executive Member for Climate, Environment & Transport, explained that the new permit system would cost residents approximately £2.88 per collection, with a 50% concessionary rate for those receiving certain benefits. This change aims to separate food and garden waste for more efficient disposal and aligns Islington with the majority of other London boroughs that charge for this service.

Patricia Niclas questioned the publication of data from the St. Peters Liveable Neighbourhoods (LTN) consultation, suggesting it appeared selective and that pollution monitors were not used on Essex Road. Councillor Champion stated that the council had sufficient information to make decisions based on published monitoring and consultation reports from December 2021 and that air quality on Essex Road is monitored and detailed in the Air Quality Annual Status Report.

John Hartley asked about the steps being taken to ensure health benefits, particularly for children and vulnerable people, are realised through the Liveable Neighbourhoods initiative. Councillor Champion responded that the council aims to create street environments where residents can socialise and build communities, and that Climate Change and Transport teams will continue to work with Adult Social Care, Children's services, and Public Health teams to maximise these benefits.

Roderik Gonggrijp raised concerns about a non-material amendment to planning application for the former Holloway Prison site, which involved the installation of second staircases and affected social housing, family, and wheelchair-accessible units. Councillor Diarmaid Ward, Executive Member for Finance, Planning and Performance, assured that the delivery of affordable homes is a priority and that while the committee weighed the safety benefits of the new staircases against the loss of some units, Peabody committed to seeking reprovision of the lost family and wheelchair homes.

David Harrison asked about plans to promote walking routes in the borough. Councillor Champion outlined several initiatives, including walk leader training, the Footways digital map, and the development of a Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Action Plan. Eilidh Murray enquired about reducing the cost of bike hangar places, which are currently the highest in London. Councillor Champion noted that the council is reviewing subscription costs and that nearly half of the secure cycle facilities offered on estates are free of charge.

Ollie Steadman asked about the council's efforts to raise awareness and encourage responses to the consultation on the potential closure of the Whittington Hospital's maternity unit. Councillor Nurullah Turan, Executive Member for Health and Social Care, stated that the council wholeheartedly supports the unit remaining open and has publicised the risk through social media, e-bulletins, and an online petition. Peter O’Garr raised concerns about leaseholders on Highbury Quadrant Estate requesting breakdowns of caretaking costs. Councillor John Woolf, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, stated that cost breakdowns are available on request and that service interruptions are accounted for in the calculation of charges.

Jonathan Ward asked for an assessment of the impacts of the newly built Cycleway 50 on businesses and residents, particularly children, older, and disabled people. Councillor Champion explained that Transport for London (TfL) is treating Cycleway 50 as an experimental scheme and will gather feedback. TfL will also undertake regular quarterly traffic surveys, with findings shared with the council. Pete Gilman questioned the timeframe between local authorities being informed of government funding allocations and the requirement to set annual budgets. Councillor Ward acknowledged that the absence of multi-year funding commitments is problematic and that the settlement is often announced late, leaving insufficient time for adjustments.

Questions from Members of the Council

Councillor Nick Wayne asked about the council's commitment to maintaining a robust trading standards department and deterring rogue traders. Councillor John Woolf responded that Islington's Trading Standards Department employs a prevention, intelligence, and enforcement strategy, with a strong record of prosecuting offenders and issuing significant fines.

Councillor Clare Jeapes inquired about supporting the Sit with Hope campaign, which aims to place plaques with QR codes on benches to direct bereaved residents to support services. Councillor Champion stated that while the benefit of the campaign is recognised, the council could not support the installation of plaques on its numerous park benches due to the precedent it would set for other charitable campaigns.

Councillor Caroline Russell asked about ensuring diverse representation in the council's decision-making processes. Councillor Roulin Khondoker, Executive Member for Equalities, Culture, and Inclusion, highlighted the diversity of Islington's councillors and outlined measures such as equalities impact assessments, community consultations via Let's Talk Islington, and efforts to increase the diversity of the senior leadership team.

Councillor Claire Zammit asked about specific measures to support young people into work. Councillor Santiago Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Culture & Jobs, detailed the work of the youth progression service, including the World of Work programme in schools, targeted interventions for vulnerable young people, and the Youth Employment Hubs.

Councillor Mick Gilgunn questioned how the council is protecting the rights of working people and strengthening collaboration with trade unions. Councillor Bell-Bradford mentioned a Community Unionism Research Project and the signing of a Partnership Agreement with trade unions in November 2023, which aims to foster trust and transparency.

Councillor Toby North asked how the council will continue to work with the Mayor of London and TfL to ensure more people feel safe cycling. Councillor Champion outlined various initiatives, including free cycle training for children and adults, maintenance classes, and new programmes such as Positive Spin for people with dementia and Cycle Connect for those with mobility restrictions.

Councillor Benali Hamdache raised concerns about cost-saving and revenue-raising measures absent from the budget, such as a workplace parking levy and fortnightly non-recyclable waste collection. Councillor Ward stated that the council is exploring a workplace parking levy and is committed to a waste reduction plan that includes investigating fortnightly residual waste collections.

Councillor Asima Shaikh asked about the council's stance on reducing the number of 3-bedroom flats for social rent and adapted homes on the Holloway development site. Councillor Ward reiterated the commitment to social rent homes and stated that Peabody has publicly committed to seeking reprovision of the lost family and wheelchair homes.

Councillor Janet Burgess inquired about the council's campaign to keep the Whittington Maternity Unit open. Councillor Turan confirmed the council's full support for the unit and detailed efforts to publicise the consultation, including social media campaigns, an online petition, and a campaign session.

Councillor Heather Staff asked for specific examples of how the council has worked with local businesses and the police to crack down on spiking. Councillor Woolf highlighted the unique partnership between the council and Police Licensing Teams, called Operation Nightsafe, which promotes the Women's Night Safety Charter, supports venues in adopting safety initiatives, and provides training on welfare and vulnerability engagement.

Councillor Ernestas Jegorovas-Armstrong asked what the council has learned about getting money into the hands of residents, referencing the hardship fund. Councillor Ward detailed the distribution of over £4.4 million from the household support fund and £665,000 via a council tax hardship grant, alongside other support schemes.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Review and Quarterly Monitoring Report

The council noted the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review and the Quarterly Monitoring Report, and it was noted that the recommendations in both reports were carried.

Council Appointments Report

The council resolved the appointment of Nick Turpin as the Church of England Diocese Representative, Susie Graves as the Secondary Parent Governor Representative, and Sophie McNeill as the Primary Parent Governor Representative to the Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee, each for a four-year term, or until a successor is appointed.