The Council meeting on 4 December 2025 addressed the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles for 2026-2028, and proposed updates to the Council's Constitution. Key decisions included the adoption of the Council Tax Support Scheme with an inflationary increase to working age earnings bands, the approval of the Gambling Act Statement of Principles, and the adoption of numerous changes to the Council's Constitution following a review.

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 retain its current structure, including a 100% support band for pension credit age recipients and a banded scheme for working-age households. A key change is the proposal to increase the working-age earnings bands by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to keep pace with inflation, at an estimated annual cost of £72,000 to the Council. 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.

Gambling Act 2005: Statement of Principles 2026-2028

The Council agreed and resolved to publish the Statement of Principles for 2026-2028, outlining the council's approach to licensing gambling premises. This statement aims to protect vulnerable people from gambling-related harm, prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, and ensure gambling is conducted fairly and openly. The Council also resolved not to issue any casino licences during the period 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028. The Statement of Principles was developed following consultation with stakeholders, including the police, public health, planning departments, and gambling harm charities. Amendments were made based on feedback, including clarifying the definition of vulnerability, amending the title of Part 2 to Protecting Vulnerable People from Gambling-Related Harm, and refining the approach to opening hours for Adult Gaming Centres.

Review and Update of the Constitution

The Council approved significant changes to its Constitution following a review by the Constitution Working Group. These changes aim to modernise and clarify the Council's governance framework. Key amendments include revised call-in procedures for Executive decisions, updated rules for questions from the public and members, and changes to the management of Council meetings, including earlier start times for some meetings. The Employment and Appointments Committee has been re-constituted as the Appointments and General Purposes Committee, with expanded terms of reference. A new Code of Conduct for officers was also approved, effective from 1 April 2026. These changes are intended to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the Council's operations.

Resolution to extend 6-month rule – Section 85 Local Government Act 1972

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. This decision was made in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows for such extensions under specific circumstances.

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 decision was necessary due to the insolvency of the previous provider, NRS Healthcare, and the urgent 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 2024/25

The Council noted the work of the Employment and Appointments Committee over the past year. The Committee was responsible for recruiting to six permanent senior officer posts, including Corporate Directors for Environment and Climate Change, Homes and Neighbourhoods, Health and Social Care, and Directors for Family Help and Safeguarding, Planning and Development, and Education and Achievement.

Appointments Report

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

Notices of Motion

Championing Inclusion for Every Child

The Council passed a motion to champion inclusion as a core value of its education system, committing to ensuring every child thrives in their local school. The motion highlighted Islington's leadership in inclusive education and its role as a national Change Partner in SEND reform. It called on the Government to prioritise funding, training, and accountability measures to support inclusive education.

A Truly Fair Funding Review for Local Government

The Council resolved to request the Leader of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and local MPs urging for a fair funding review that distributes funding based on genuine need. The motion opposed the current children's services formula, called for updated deprivation measures to reflect housing costs and homelessness, and advocated for wealth taxes and the devolution of revenue-raising powers. The Council also committed to building a coalition of impacted councils to resist austerity measures.

Supporting People Dying in Poverty

The Council resolved to explore how it can better support and protect low-income households where someone is living with a terminal illness. This includes reviewing eligibility criteria for discretionary financial support and considering strategies to minimise winter deaths, in line with NICE guidelines. The motion highlighted research indicating a significant number of people die in poverty, with working-age individuals and certain groups being disproportionately affected.

Standing Up for Renter's Rights

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to creating a fairer, safer, and more secure rental market. It pledged to fully implement and enforce the new powers under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, including the abolition of Section 21 evictions and the application of the Decent Homes Standard. The Council also committed to working with local partners to raise awareness of new renter rights and to work with the Government to ensure councils have the necessary resources and enforcement powers.