Cllr Una O’Halloran has been confirmed as the Leader of Islington Council following the local election results on May 7. Leading the Islington Labour Party to an overall majority of 32 seats, Cllr O’Halloran immediately outlined a four-year commitment titled “Making it Happen,” which prioritizes community safety, social housing standards, and financial relief for residents. The Islington Green Party will form the official opposition with 19 seats.
Following the election, the administration has signaled a shift toward visible, street-level improvements. Cllr O’Halloran, a lifelong resident and council tenant, stated that the responsibility of leadership involves addressing specific issues raised by residents during the campaign, particularly regarding the feeling of security in local neighborhoods and the ongoing housing crisis.
New political landscape for Islington Council
The recent election results have established a clear mandate for the Islington Labour Party, though the presence of 19 Green Party councilors represents a significant opposition block. This political dynamic comes at a time when the borough faces intense pressure from the national cost-of-living crisis and a shortage of affordable urban housing.
Cllr O’Halloran emphasized that the administration’s focus will remain on building a fairer and more inclusive borough. The “Making it Happen” framework is designed to move beyond policy slogans and into tangible infrastructure and service delivery over the 2026-2030 term.
Immediate investment in community safety measures
Addressing concerns over neighborhood security, the council is deploying more than £1.9 million through the Making it Happen fund. These resources are specifically earmarked for hotspot areas where residents have reported feeling unsafe. The rollout begins this month with the installation of new CCTV cameras and upgraded street lighting.
In addition to hardware, the safety initiative includes human-led interventions. Dedicated outreach teams and day-and-night patrols will be introduced to provide a more consistent presence on the streets. The goal is to reduce anti-social behavior and improve the general sense of safety for families and individuals in their own neighborhoods.
Expanding social housing through buyback schemes
The council has committed £58 million to a strategic housing acquisition program. This funding is dedicated to buying back ex-council homes that were previously lost through the Right to Buy scheme. By returning these properties to the social housing stock, the council aims to provide more secure, affordable homes to those on the waiting list.
Further developments are expected in the coming weeks with the opening of new homes at St John’s Mansions. This project serves as a primary example of the borough’s effort to convert promises into physical housing assets. The administration maintains that increasing the supply of council-managed properties is the most effective way to combat the local housing crisis.
Financial support for households facing cost-of-living pressures
Economic relief remains a core pillar of the council’s agenda for the current year. Approximately 24,500 residents are set to save a combined £28 million on their council tax bills through various support schemes. The council is also focusing on maximizing household income by helping residents claim benefits they are entitled to but have not yet accessed.
| Initiative | Allocated Funding / Impact |
|---|---|
| Making it Happen Safety Fund | £1.9 million |
| Council Home Buyback Program | £58 million |
| Resident Council Tax Savings | £28 million total |
| Unclaimed Benefits Secured | £16 million since April 2024 |
Since April 2024, the borough has already secured £16 million in previously unclaimed benefits for its residents. An additional £5 million per year is expected to reach households as the council ramps up its outreach efforts. This financial strategy is aimed at stabilizing the local economy by ensuring that the most vulnerable residents have the resources necessary to meet daily living costs.
Source: Islington Council
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