The Corporate Resources and Economy Scrutiny Committee met on 11 December 2025 to discuss the Inclusive Economy and Jobs Annual Report 2024-25 and a 12-month update on the Cost of Living Crisis Scrutiny Review. The meeting focused on the council's efforts to support residents into employment, foster economic growth, and alleviate the impacts of the cost of living crisis.

Inclusive Economy and Jobs Annual Report 2024-25

Councillor Santiago Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Culture and Jobs, presented the annual report, highlighting the council's achievements in supporting residents into employment and fostering economic regeneration. Key achievements include exceeding the manifesto commitment to support 5,000 residents into employment, with 5,575 job outcomes achieved since April 2022. The council also supported 201 residents into apprenticeships and brokered over 10,000 World of Work pupil experiences.

The report detailed progress in various areas:

• Community Financial Resilience: The council secured an additional £12 million per annum in benefits for residents, six months ahead of schedule. This included significant payments in Housing Benefit subsidy and Council Tax Support. The Income Maximisation (IMAX) team successfully challenged benefit refusals, leading to substantial arrears payments for residents like Kathleen, who received an additional £170 per week and £8,500 in arrears. The council is also developing a new Crisis and Resilience Fund to replace the Household Support Fund.
• Employment: In 2024/25, 877 residents were supported into work. The Your Choice programme placed 22 young people at risk of serious youth violence into paid placements. The report highlighted case studies of successful employment for adults with learning disabilities, including Jordan, who secured a barista role at Theatre Park, and two residents who gained employment as domestics at University College London Hospital. The Holloway Park Hub project provided tailored support to over 100 local residents, with 8 trade apprenticeships on site, 5 of which were taken up by female residents.
• Lifelong Learning and Skills: Islington Adult Community Learning was assessed as 'Good' by Ofsted, with 1,749 local people enrolling on 464 free courses. The report noted that 96% of learners surveyed felt their confidence had increased and their learning experience was good or very good.
• Local Economies: Over 2,000 businesses were supported through signposting, troubleshooting, and on-the-ground assistance from dedicated Local Economies Officers. The council also delivered a £1.4 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme, resulting in increased footfall at high streets, businesses adopting new products, and public realm improvements. Initiatives included the Nag's Head Festive Event, the Finsbury Park Tri-Borough Accord, and the Archway Creative Enterprise Zone, which secured £550,000 to convert a former school into affordable workspace for creatives.
• Strategic Programmes and Partnerships: The council commissioned Action for Race Equality (ARE) to deliver a Business Resilience Programme for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Partnerships with University College London (UCL) focused on community unionism and women's safety in Finsbury Park. The LIFT (Leading Inclusive Futures Through Technology) programme supported 33 Islington residents into paid employment in tech, creative, and life sciences sectors, with 75% from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.
• Cultural Enrichment: The Community Festivals Fund supported four Islington Festivals, and the Islington Film Office generated over £138,000 in income. The 11 by 11 programme offered 6,919 free pupil experiences in creative and cultural activities. The WE Heal programme provided therapeutic arts-based sessions to over 520 women and children who had experienced violence.
• Affordable Workspace: The council delivered £1.33 million in social value through its Affordable Workspace programme, providing business support, mentoring, and startup assistance to 1,198 women, 798 individuals from BAME backgrounds, and 78 people with disabilities.
• Social Value in Progressive Procurement: The council undertook a fundamental review of its documentation, policy, and processes in preparation for the Procurement Act 2023, enhancing requirements for Social Value, particularly concerning SME supply chains and local purchasing.

Plans for 2025-26 include launching the Connect to Work programme for complex cases, expanding work experience opportunities for young people, and launching an Apprenticeship Academy. The council also plans to deliver a series of Black-owned Business Markets and a night-time economy skills pilot.

12 Month Update on the Cost of Living Crisis Scrutiny Review

The committee received an update on the progress made in delivering recommendations from the Cost of Living Crisis Scrutiny Review, which are being taken forward through the Ending Poverty Programme. The programme focuses on six key priorities: Poverty Truth Commission, income maximisation, managing and reducing debt, next generation employment support, integrated community spaces, and an improved food offer.

Key updates included:

• Communications Strategy: A refreshed cost of living communications campaign has been launched, with updated webpages and an updated Worrying About Money leaflet. Voluntary and community sector (VCS) partners are leading a campaign to promote benefit take-up, aiming to reduce the estimated £120 million in unclaimed benefits in Islington.
• Food Support: The Islington Food Partnership (IFP) has compiled a list of food aid providers, available on its website. The council is exploring options for enhanced food storage and distribution, bulk buying, and the potential for a community restaurant. FareShare has moved its head office into an affordable workspace, which will support an improved food offer in Islington.
• Energy Efficiency: The council's website content on energy efficiency has been reviewed and updated to include advice for different tenures. However, the recommendation to roll out more community laundry facilities has not been actioned due to a lack of resources.
• Financial Support Schemes: A new, streamlined application process for the Resident Support Scheme has been launched. A new Crisis and Resilience Fund will be introduced from April 2026, replacing the Household Support Fund, and will include crisis provision and funding for services to improve financial resilience. The Income Maximisation (IMAX) team has received additional funding, leading to an increase in the amount of additional benefits claimed by residents. A new banded Council Tax Support Scheme was introduced from 1 April 2024, providing up to 100% subsidy for vulnerable residents.
• Support to Tenants in the Private Rented Sector: The council's website has a dedicated webpage for private sector housing, including information on organisations like ACORN and the London Renters Union. A Tenant and Landlord Engagement Officer focuses on building relationships with private sector landlords and tenants.

The committee noted that ongoing work to help residents build financial resilience is being taken forward through the Ending Poverty Programme.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The committee noted the Forward Plan of Key Decisions, which outlines upcoming decisions to be made by the Executive and officers. Several items related to affordable workspace at various locations, including Regent's Quarter, 250 City Road, 23 Goswell Road, and Mount Pleasant, were scheduled for decision on 5 December 2025. Other upcoming decisions include those related to the Annette Road area Liveable Neighbourhood, the Young People's Supported Accommodation Pathway, and contract awards for various services.

Scrutiny Review Tracker

The committee reviewed the Scrutiny Committee Business Tracker, which outlines the progress of ongoing scrutiny reviews. Reviews in progress include those on Attendance and Persistent Secondary School Absence, Cleaner, Greener, Inclusive Streets, Adult Social Care Accommodation, Community Centres in Islington, and Supporting Islington's communities through progressive procurement.

Work Plan and Action Sheet

The committee reviewed the CRESC Work Plan for 2025-26 and the Scrutiny Committee Action Sheet. The work plan includes items such as the Budget Outturn Report, Corporate Performance reports, and various scrutiny reviews. The action sheet details outstanding queries and their responses.