The Council meeting on 4 December 2025 addressed the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, approved updates to the Council's Constitution, and debated several motions, including those on championing inclusion for every child, fair local government funding, supporting people dying in poverty, and renter's rights. The meeting also reviewed the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles for 2026-2028 and noted an urgent decision regarding the community equipment service contract.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Council agreed to adopt the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, which aims to support low-income households. The scheme will continue to offer protection to pensioners and will maintain a banded system for working-age households, with income bands to be increased by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to keep pace with inflation. The Council also resolved to retain existing empty property discounts and premium schedules, and to continue supporting households with more than two children on Council Tax Support. Councillor Flora Williamson, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, highlighted that the scheme helps nearly 25,000 households, with 14,000 low-income households paying no council tax at all, representing a significant investment in supporting residents. Councillor Benali Hamdache, Leader of the Independent and Green Group, expressed his gladness that Islington has a 100% council tax scheme but raised concerns that it still bases support on the two-child benefit cap, a policy the government has since removed. He urged the council to review this aspect for future schemes.

Gambling Act 2005: Statement of Principles 2026-2028

The Council agreed and published the Statement of Principles for 2026-2028, outlining the council's approach to licensing gambling premises. This includes identifying Gambling Vulnerability Zones and a commitment to a no casino resolution, meaning no new casino licences will be issued between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2028. Councillor Angelo Weekes, Executive Member for Community Safety, emphasised the council's robust approach to regulating gambling due to concerns about its impact on vulnerable residents, particularly in areas with high deprivation. Responses to the public consultation were noted, with amendments made to the draft statement, including removing specific planning policy references and refining wording around opening hours for Adult Gaming Centres. Industry representatives, such as Bacta and MERKUR Slots UK Limited, raised concerns about the lawfulness of resisting new gambling premises based on concentration and proximity, arguing it contradicts the Gambling Act's aim to permit principle. Betknowmore UK, a charity supporting those affected by gambling harms, supported the council's approach but recommended further measures such as mandatory data collection from premises on customer vulnerability and more frequent age verification audits.

Review and Update of the Constitution

The Council approved significant changes to its Constitution following a review by the Constitution Working Group. These updates aim to improve clarity, consistency, and governance. Key changes include revised call-in procedures for decisions, updated rules for council meetings, including question times and the number of motions allowed, and a new Code of Conduct for officers. The Employment and Appointments Committee has been re-constituted as the Appointments and General Purposes Committee, with expanded responsibilities. Councillor Fin Craig, Chief Whip of the Labour Group, moved the recommendations, highlighting the cross-party nature of the working group. However, Councillor Benali Hamdache expressed reservations, stating he would abstain due to concerns about reduced opportunities for public engagement in meetings and the rushed nature of the changes. Councillor Tricia Clarke also stated she would vote against the changes, arguing they make it harder for the public to question the council and that the review was too rushed. Councillor Santiago Bell-Bradford, Deputy Leader, defended the changes, stating the Constitution was outdated and needed updating for legal compliance, and that the working group had been cross-party.

Motions

Motion 1: Championing Inclusion for Every Child Proposed by Councillor Michelline Safi-Ngongo and seconded by Councillor Gulcin Ozdemir, this motion reaffirms Islington's commitment to inclusive education. It notes the disproportionate impact of exclusions on pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), the intersection of SEND with socioeconomic disadvantage, and the increasing costs of home-to-school transport. The Council resolved to champion inclusion, share best practices, work with national partners to strengthen inclusive provision, and call on the Government to prioritise funding, training, and accountability for inclusive education. Councillor Claire Zammit spoke in support, highlighting the need to address the needs of children with visible disabilities.

Motion 2: A Truly Fair Funding Review for Local Government Proposed by Councillor Benali Hamdache and seconded by Councillor Ilkay Cinko-Oner, this motion addresses concerns about the government's Fair Funding Review 2.0 for local authorities. It highlights the significant cuts to Islington's core spending power since 2010 and the risk that the proposed reforms could lead to London councils losing substantial funding. The motion calls on the government to ensure funding is distributed fairly based on genuine need, update deprivation measures to reflect housing costs, and reform council tax. It also urges the government to introduce wealth taxes and devolve revenue-raising powers. The Council resolved to request the Leader write to the Chancellor and local MPs, build a coalition of impacted councils, and launch a public awareness campaign if cuts proceed. Councillor Flora Williamson moved an amendment, arguing the motion was inaccurate and ignored positive changes resulting from the council's engagement with the government, such as updated data for deprivation measures and increased funding. Councillor Diarmaid Ward seconded the amendment, criticising the Green Party's motion as lazy or disingenuous. The amendment was carried, and the amended motion was subsequently carried.

Motion 3: Supporting People Dying in Poverty Proposed by Councillor Toby North and seconded by Councillor Rosaline Ogunro, this motion highlights the significant issue of people dying in poverty, particularly working-age individuals and specific demographic groups. Research by Marie Curie indicates that in Islington, 24% of people experience poverty in their last year of life, and 32% die in fuel poverty. The Council resolved to explore ways to better support low-income households with a terminally ill person, including reviewing council tax support and discretionary financial support schemes, and considering terminally ill people in strategies like the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Councillor Fin Craig spoke in support, emphasising the essential nature of this motion.

Motion 4: Standing Up for Renter's Rights Proposed by Councillor Hannah McHugh and seconded by Councillor Heather Staff, this motion welcomes the landmark Renters Rights Act, which abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, makes all tenancies periodic, and introduces new powers to tackle rogue landlords. It also notes the expansion of Islington Council's landlord licensing schemes. The Council resolved to reaffirm its commitment to a fairer rental market, fully implement and enforce the new Act's provisions, work with partners to raise awareness of renters' rights, and advocate for the necessary resources and enforcement powers from the government.

Other Matters

Resolution to Extend 6-Month Rule: The Council approved the continuing absence of Councillor Roulin Khondoker from meetings until the end of the municipal year on the grounds of ill health, as permitted by Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Quarterly Monitoring Report: The Council noted a decision taken by the Corporate Director – Health and Social Care using urgency procedures to award a contract for the community equipment service. This was necessary due to the insolvency of the previous provider, NRS Healthcare, and the need to ensure continuity of service for residents. The decision to award the contract to Provide Care Solutions Limited was made urgently to avoid disruption.

Annual Report of the Employment and Appointments Committee: The Council noted the work of the Employment and Appointments Committee over the past year, which included recruiting to six permanent senior officer posts.

Appointments Report: Selina Douglas, Chief Executive of Whittington Health, was appointed as a non-voting member of the Health and Wellbeing Board. Political assistants were also assigned to the Labour Group and the Independent and Green Group.

Appointments to Committees and Boards

Selina Douglas, Chief Executive of Whittington Health, was appointed as a non-voting member of the Health and Wellbeing Board for the remainder of the municipal year. Political assistants were also assigned to the Labour Group and the Independent and Green Group.

Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The Council agreed to adopt the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27. This scheme aims to support low-income households by providing reductions in council tax. Key features include continued protection for pensioners and a banded system for working-age households, with income bands to be adjusted annually for inflation. Councillor Flora Williamson, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, highlighted the scheme's importance in assisting nearly 25,000 households. Councillor Benali Hamdache, Leader of the Independent and Green Group, acknowledged the scheme's generosity but raised concerns about its continued reliance on the two-child benefit cap, urging its review.

Gambling Act 2005: Statement of Principles 2026-2028

The Council approved and published its Statement of Principles for 2026-2028, which guides the licensing of gambling premises. This includes identifying Gambling Vulnerability Zones and maintaining a no casino resolution for the next three years. Councillor Angelo Weekes, Executive Member for Community Safety, stressed the council's commitment to protecting vulnerable residents from gambling-related harm. The council received feedback from industry bodies such as Bacta and MERKUR Slots UK Limited, who questioned the lawfulness of certain policy elements, and from Betknowmore UK, a charity supporting those affected by gambling harms, who offered recommendations for enhanced protections.

Review and Update of the Constitution

The Council approved a series of changes to its Constitution, following a review by the Constitution Working Group. These amendments aim to enhance clarity, consistency, and governance. Key changes include revised call-in procedures, updated rules for council meetings, and a new Code of Conduct for officers. The Employment and Appointments Committee has been reconstituted as the Appointments and General Purposes Committee. Councillor Fin Craig, Chief Whip of the Labour Group, presented the changes, while Councillor Benali Hamdache and Councillor Tricia Clarke expressed concerns about the perceived reduction in public engagement and the speed of the review process.

Resolution to Extend 6-Month Rule – Section 85 Local Government Act 1972

The Council approved the continued absence of Councillor Roulin Khondoker from meetings until the end of the municipal year due to ill health, in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Quarterly Monitoring Report

The Council noted an urgent key decision made by the Corporate Director – Health and Social Care regarding the contract award for the community equipment service. This decision was taken under urgency procedures due to the insolvency of the previous provider, NRS Healthcare, and the need to ensure continuity of service for residents. The contract was awarded to Provide Care Solutions Limited.

Annual Report of the Employment and Appointments Committee

The Council noted the annual report, which detailed the Committee's work in recruiting to six permanent senior officer posts during the 2024/25 municipal year.

Appointments Report

The Council appointed Selina Douglas, Chief Executive of Whittington Health, as a non-voting member of the Health and Wellbeing Board. Political assistants were also assigned to the Labour Group and the Independent and Green Group.

Notices of Motion

Motion 1: Championing Inclusion for Every Child This motion, proposed by Councillor Michelline Safi-Ngongo, reaffirmed Islington's commitment to inclusive education for all children, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). The Council resolved to champion inclusion, share best practices, and call on the Government for increased funding and support for inclusive education.

Motion 2: A Truly Fair Funding Review for Local Government Proposed by Councillor Benali Hamdache, this motion expressed concerns about the government's proposed Fair Funding Review 2.0 for local authorities, arguing it risks underestimating London's needs and widening funding gaps. An amendment, moved by Councillor Flora Williamson, was accepted, which highlighted the council's constructive engagement with the government and the positive outcomes achieved. The amended motion was carried.

Motion 3: Supporting People Dying in Poverty Proposed by Councillor Toby North, this motion addressed the issue of people dying in poverty, particularly those with terminal illnesses. The Council resolved to explore enhanced support for low-income households facing terminal illness, including reviewing council tax support and discretionary financial aid.

Motion 4: Standing Up for Renter's Rights Proposed by Councillor Hannah McHugh, this motion welcomed the Renters Rights Act and Islington Council's commitment to enforcing its provisions, such as the abolition of Section 21 evictions and the expansion of landlord licensing schemes. The Council resolved to champion renters' rights and advocate for necessary resources and enforcement powers from the government.