Ilkay Cinko-Oner

Ilkay Cinko-Oner's council service, spanning from 2022 to 2026, demonstrates a consistent and evolving commitment to vulnerable populations and the effective functioning of council services, with a pronounced focus on children's welfare and housing in recent years.

Key Themes and Priorities:

Across her tenure, Cinko-Oner has consistently prioritized the well-being of vulnerable groups, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, as well as children and young people. Housing and community development have also been recurring areas of focus. More recently, a significant and passionate advocacy for children experiencing emotional-based school avoidance (EPSA) has emerged as a central priority.

Evolution of Focus:

While Cinko-Oner's early involvement (2022-2023) saw her take on the significant role of Migrants Champion and engage in housing scrutiny, her focus has increasingly sharpened on children's services. This evolution is particularly evident in the detailed and impassioned work undertaken in 2025 and culminating in 2026. The advocacy for EPSA in 2026 represents a deep dive into a specific, often overlooked, area of child welfare, moving beyond broader themes to targeted intervention.

Most Significant Contributions (Especially Recent Years):

In 2026, Cinko-Oner's most significant contribution was her fervent advocacy for children experiencing emotional-based school avoidance (EPSA). Her passionate argument for a budget amendment in February aimed to provide a voice and much-needed support for these children, highlighting their persistent absenteeism and the council's opportunity to address their needs. She stated,

When we drafted this budget, the area that I concentrated on was emotional-based school avoidance. I welcome Islington for all its work on children, but we do have a serious problem when it comes to recognising EPSA. This budget creates an opportunity for those children that are seen but not seen, heard but not heard, to have a voice. The reason why I am asking for this amendment to be accepted is because of those children. We are not taken from one area of the Council to fund another area. We have provided a solution. These children are important. They are one of the highest number of children that have persistent absenteeism. Even the Government's White Paper still does not. I do believe that this Council, every single person in this room, shares my concern on children. I welcome everything that Councillor Guggenheim has done as chair.

In 2025, Cinko-Oner's work on the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee and Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee was marked by a focus on equitable access to services for young people, particularly ethnic minority communities. Her appointment as Deputy Leader of the Independent and Green Group also signifies a growing leadership role.

In 2024, her roles as Vice Chair of the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee and Vice Chair of the Planning Committee, alongside her continued work as Migrants Champion, underscore her dedication to accountability in housing development and community engagement.

Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:

Cinko-Oner consistently demonstrates a commitment to scrutiny and accountability, particularly within housing and children's services. Her role as Migrants Champion, initiated in 2022 and continued in subsequent years, highlights a sustained interest in supporting vulnerable populations. Her approach often involves seeking detailed information, proposing amendments, and advocating for specific strategies to improve council services, indicating a proactive and engaged style of representation. The emphasis on ensuring that marginalized groups are seen but not seen, heard but not heard is a recurring theme that underscores her dedication to inclusivity and equity.