By Cllr Andy Hull, Ward Councillor Highbury West Ward

Ed Miliband has made ‘fairness in tough times’ a major theme of his leadership. The leaders of the other major political parties have also sought to lay claim to the ‘fairness’ mantle. They are right to suppose that much of the unfairness in our society can only be tackled at a national – or international – level. But it would be a mistake to assume that there is nothing we can do locally to make our society a fairer place.

The Islington Fairness Commission was an attempt to explore the role that civic leadership can play locally in closing the gaps that divide us.

Despite its swanky reputation, Islington is actually the country’s 14th most deprived local authority area: half its children grow up in poverty; half its older people live in fuel poverty; and over 300 families suffer severe over-crowding. But it also has more than its share of millionaires, making it one of the most unequal places in Britain: there is a seven year gap in life expectancy between men in the highest income bracket and those in the lowest; and a 10 per cent gap in attainment between the most affluent and least affluent children by the time that they leave primary school.

The Commission, inspired by the argument in The Spirit Level that a more equal society is better for everyone, not just the poor, was established in June 2010 to tackle poverty and reduce inequality, laying the foundations for a fairer Islington. Twenty cross-party, cross-sector commissioners set out to shape Islington’s agenda, strategy and budget for the next four years. After a year-long listening exercise in which over 500 local residents took part, the Commission came up with 19 radical yet realistic recommendations to make the borough a fairer place. These recommendations have now been hardwired into the council’s corporate plan, Towards a fairer Islington. Since the Commission published its final report, Closing the gap, in June 2011, the focus has moved from talk to action. In terms of tackling income inequality head-on, Islington has become the first local authority in the country to be accredited as a Living Wage Employer; it has cut its Chief Executive’s salary by £50,000; and it has got its internal pay differential down to 10:1. On the related issue of tackling problem debt, a new three-pronged approach is now in place:

1. Prevention (e.g. offering debt consolidation and work on financial literacy);

2. Alternatives (e.g. boosting the local Credit Union’s membership by 65 per cent and enhancing its capacity to lend same-day loans at reasonable rates); and

3. Enforcement (e.g. Trading Standards checking payday loan companies are abiding by their regulatory codes and the Illegal Money Lending Team investigating illegal loansharks).

To increase local employment levels, programmes of apprenticeships, mentoring and work experience have been established alongside a job brokerage team to get local people into work. To give kids the best start, a thoroughgoing review of all provision for the first 21 months of a child’s life is under way and a new Childcare Coalition has been set up to maximize the availability of affordable childcare in the borough. Islington Reads has been launched as a new borough-wide literacy drive in all schools. The Good Neighbours project has been piloted on the New River Green estate to tackle social isolation. Funding has been made available to help local residents to reclaim disused public spaces for the community.

Combine all this with the delivery of other important promises – opening a new Citizens Advice Bureau at a prime Upper Street location (now receiving 1,000+ visits a month); setting about building 1,800 new affordable homes by 2014; keeping all the libraries and children’s centres open despite unprecedented government cuts; and offering free school meals to all primary school children – and the picture is one of Islington putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to its flagship fairness agenda. Public reporting on progress towards delivering the Commission’s recommendations every six months ensures that no-one takes their foot off the gas.

Crucial as the impact of the Fairness Commission has been on both policy and practice, its political benefits matter too. Through the Commission process, Islington Council has been able to communicate clearly and powerfully what it is about: tackling poverty and reducing inequality in the areas that matter most to people’s life chances. This definition and clarity of message is something all political parties need, at every level, including at the very top. That may be part of the reason why other councils across the country have followed suit, with Fairness Commissions now under way in Liverpool, Newcastle, York, Sheffield, Blackpool, Nottingham, Leicester and soon in Tower Hamlets. The problem of inequality is local as well as it is global: the solutions must be too.

This article originally appeared in: http://shiftinggrounds.org/2012/05/fairness-in-tough-times/

The Tory Mayor’s new nominee as Deputy for Policing and Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh, has stated that he would ‘oversee a major boost to neighbourhood policing in every borough’.

Cllr Convery has welcomed this commitment to neighbourhood policing but warned that people in Islington are ‘tired of warm words coming from City Hall, but not backed up by officers on the street.’

During the Conservative Mayor’s first term in office the number of police in Islington, and London as a whole, was severely cut:

The Mayor’s own budget document produced before Cameron was even elected, showed that over the three years to 2012-13 Mayor Johnson would take over 455 police officers off our streets.  Not only have police been removed from the Borough but, due to cuts in police training and posts not being filled, we are now an overall 50 officers down across Islington.  The Mayor has imposed reductions on all our local Safer Neighbourhood Teams which has reduced the total number of SNT Sergeants by 25%.

Cllr Convery said: ‘the drastic cuts to local police during the Conservative Mayor’s first term have created confusion and undermined confidence in the local police.  On behalf of Islington I have contact Stephen Greenhalgh and demanded that he restore our local police service to its previous strength as the only way to ensure confidence in Islington.’

He was born in Moulvibazar, Bangladesh and graduated with a Batchelor of Arts.  As a student he was proactive in the student movement which was the main driver for political change, removal of the military dictatorship and restoring democracy in Bangladesh. 

Cllr Chowdhury is honoured to become Mayor of Islington during the Olympic year. He sees this as an opportunity for the borough to celebrate diversity and communities through the Cultural Olympiad. In this year of the Olympics, Jilani sees his role as promoting ‘Islington United’ for all residents.

Jilani settled in Islington when he arrived in 1992 and quickly set up home.  He became involved in local politics through supporting Jeremy Corbyn MP as a translator and then joined the Labour Party. 

He first became ward Councillor for Barnsbury in 2006, one of the most diverse wards in Islington and is committed to his constituents.

At the official Mayor-making ceremony 10 May 2012, Jilani delivered the following speech:

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, friends, colleagues and comrades…

I am greatly honoured to be standing here before you today as Islington’s Mayor and the first ever Bangladeshi Mayor. It gives me great pride and immense gratitude to be given this important role. It makes me proud to be part of a community that warmly embraces all cultures, interests and people – and makes it their own.

As the first Bangladeshi Mayor of Islington, I am dedicated to establishing myself as a hard working Mayor committed to promoting a multi cultural and integrated Islington. I have always been passionate about equality and enabling people who have been less fortunate to grow and reach their goals. I will build on this as your new Mayor.

Let me tell you a bit about my background

I grew up in Bangladesh and became active while a student in the student movement which was the main driver for democracy in Bangladesh at the time. I continued to work to improve social justice as a civil servant. I am proud of my active record in promoting democracy and free speech.

Islington has a deep rooted history of welcoming people to the borough with open arms and has welcomed many famous people over the years. Equally it welcomed the ordinary person like my father in law who came here and opened the first Indian restaurant in North London. Indian food at that time was unheard of and now it is established as part of the British cuisine. This is a mark of our integration.

Following in my father in laws footsteps; I came to the UK over twenty years ago. I was welcomed and quickly set up home here for my wife and have two children who were born and brought up here.

My Vision while I am Mayor for a year

My Mayoral theme is Islington United. This enshrines the importance of welcome and acceptance for all and supports my personal values.

I have been able to achieve my own goals in Islington and I now want as Mayor to be able to help other people to achieve theirs; to contribute their skills and experiences to their communities; to have an equal opportunity to progress and live in harmony as part of a multi cultural society.

Islington has always been welcoming to people of all walks of life and has given opportunity to different people to achieve their goals. We only need to look at the diversity of the business and community groups in Islington to see this. Today the ward I represent for example is jointly represented by people from three continents. Cllr Murray from UK, myself from Asia and Cllr Hamitouche from Africa.

This representation is an inspiration for the people of Islington, and in my Mayoral year, inspires me more than even to promote the theme of Islington United.

My Chosen Charity

I have chosen Manor Gardens Centre as my chosen mayoral Charity.

I have chosen the Manor Gardens Centre to be my Mayor’s Charity of the Year’ because it is a well respected local community organisation who provide holistic services to vulnerable people.

The Manor Gardens Centre provides a range of services to support some of the most vulnerable in the Borough and hosts other charities on its ‘campus’ on Manor Gardens, in Upper Holloway.  The services are for people of all ages, all social and cultural backgrounds, all faiths or none.  It includes and welcomes all residents, those who were born here and more recent arrivals, including new citizens who may have come as refugees or asylum seekers.

The Manor Gardens Centre is a fine example, tested over a hundred years, of the social unity and equality that is so much needed for the Borough to call it One Islington.

I will also hold fundraisers over the year to raise money for the manor gardens centre and encourage people to support me and this venture over the next year as they celebrate their centenary.

Being Mayor

For me being mayor is an honour and a proud moment in my life which will be cherished. I am particularly proud to be representing Islington during the Olympic year and the Queens Jubilee. I see this as an opportunity to celebrate the diverse communities through the cultural Olympiad and promote Islington united. It is with great pride that I take up this prestigious position and represent this fantastic borough with its proud tradition of acceptance and tolerance.

I would like to end by thanking my colleagues and friends in Islington council who have helped to make this day possible, and also thank Cllr Phil Kelly for the wonderful work he has done as Mayor. It has been a pleasure working with him as deputy mayor.

I also extend my full appreciation to the Mayor’s office staff such as John, Sue, Janet, Uma, Anna and Sylvester  – without their help I would have had  a very hard job!

I hope you all enjoy the music sponsored by the Bangladeshi Community Group….. and the food  that I have put on in your my first event as mayor.”

She will formally announce this at Islington’s Annual Council meeting tonight (Thursday 10 May).

Councillor Robert Khan said:  “I am delighted to be Islington’s new Arts Champion.

There is a lot to champion as Islington has a thriving arts scene. We’re home to some of the country’s leading arts organisations as well as a fantastic array of community arts groups, and our creative industries provide hundreds of jobs and bring millions into the local economy.

It’s an exciting time to take on this role, as this summer will see Islington host festivals, performances and open air theatre as we celebrate the Olympics coming to town.

Because of Government funding cuts the arts face a squeeze – but that doesn’t been that the Council can’t bang the drum for greater involvement and participation by all in the creative boom that Islington has enjoyed in recent years.

I hope I can encourage even more local residents to take advantage of Islington’s rich arts scene that’s right on our doorstep”

Ms Ismail won a huge 57% of the vote representing an unprecedented 14% swing from the Liberal Democrats

As recently as 2006 the Liberal Democrats had three Councillors in the Holloway Ward, but today their vote collapsed as they slumped to last place behind the Green Party.

The results fit in with the general trend of local elections across England, Scotland and Wales.  Labour are on course to win over 700 new Council seats and have regained control of Birmingham, the biggest Council in the country, from a Tory/Lib Dem coalition. 

Labour has also won a series of other Councils from the government parties.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said; “we are a party winning back people’s trust, regaining ground, but there is more work to do.”

Islington’s newest Councillor, Rakhia Ismail said: “my victory in Holloway demonstrates local people’s anger at the Tory-led Government’s failed austerity policy and the Tory Mayor’s plans to cut local police and hike up bus and tube fares.  I will be on the side of local people in these battles against the Tories.”

The Final Results are as Follows:

Lab-2352 (57%-up 12)
Tory-671 (16%-up 2)
Green-613 (15%-up 3)
LD-490 (12%-down 17)

Lab Majority-1681 (41%-up 25)

Turnout-4126 (39.4%)

Full details below or contact Richard Bennett on 0777 236 4925 or 020 7607 8373.

If you’re not sure which ward you live in, you can find out here:

Promoted by Patrick Heneghan on behalf of Ken Livingstone all at 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0HA.

The greatest show on earth right here on our doorsteps and I’m thrilled that Islington will be at the heart of it all. 

We’ve got the Czech Open House making its home in our borough – bringing with it an exciting array of arts and cultural activities, the Olympic Torch passing through on 26 July, our ‘Torch Sports Day’ on Highbury Fields and the chance to have a go at any of the 19 Olympic sports available in the borough.  Check out our full Olympic events diary at www.islington.gov.uk/olympicsLondon won the bid on the back of our young people and I want it to leave a legacy of people inspired to get involved in sports.  That’s why we told the Mayor of London we wouldn’t spend £50,000 on the disposable flags and bunting they wanted, but instead we’d put on a mini Olympics in Highbury Fields with local schools. 

It’s also why I’m delighted to announce that to celebrate this Olympic year we’re offering our young people (16 and under) free swimming over the summer holidays at Islington’s Archway, Highbury and Cally Pools.  We’ll be releasing the full details shortly.

Tickets for the Games are expensive, but we’re on the side of our community and have been working hard to make sure local people don’t miss out.  Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, who covered the cost, we’re giving away over 200 Olympic and Paralympic tickets to those special people who do so much for Islington yet don’t get the recognition they deserve. You’ve got until 30 April to nominate your Community Hero at  www.islington.gov.uk/communityheroes.

With just three months to go excitement is mounting.  For most of us this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be so close to the Olympic action.  Please don’t miss the opportunity to get involved.  

(First published Islington Gazette, Thursday 19 April)
   

Last month Islington Council adopted a 20 year transport plan designed to boost public transport, cut traffic, cut pollution and save lives. This has been widely welcomed.

At the same time, we decided to create a handful of short-term parking bays in 4 of our smaller town centres – at Archway, Caledonian Road, Newington Green and Essex Road. This is what businesses and local residents supported by Councillors of both main political parties have called for.

Some critics have said this contradicts the transport strategy. They say we are encouraging a free-for-all in parking. Far from it. Islington has about 40,000 parking bays and we will convert about 18 of them to free short-stay parking.

These critics have lost sight of the scale of what is needed in our Borough – and the scale of what we intend to do.

Islington has congested and dangerous roads. We have a severe air pollution problem which is overwhelmingly caused by vehicles. All the maps that plot pollution levels show that hotspots occur along the major roads in our Borough.

Our critics ask why we aren’t tightening the screws on our car-owning residents. Because over 80% of Islington residents make their principal journeys by public transport, cycling or walking. Our residents aren’t the cause of pollution and congestion. They aren’t driving the cars, vans and trucks passing through Islington on their way to somewhere else – traffic that makes up 90% of all vehicle movements in the Borough.

Those through roads are managed by Transport for London. The policies of the Mayor of London – who directly controls TfL – are the most significant single factor affecting pollution in our Borough. TfL currently operates to a “traffic-smoothing” doctrine. This has encouraged more traffic onto major routes and has resulted in faster speeds – especially at major junctions.

I am not arguing that it’s all down to TfL and City Hall. There’s much that we can do from Islington Town Hall too.

We intend to remove all the gyratory and one-way systems. These dangerous roads encourage high volume, high speed traffic that ruins our town centres and pollutes our air. We have taken a major step towards removal of the Archway gyratory and are currently fine-tuning a scheme to remove the roundabout at Highbury Corner. We have successfully persuaded TfL to fundamentally review the Kings Cross gyratory system. Over the longer term we intend to remove the one-way system that divides the Borough along the Seven Sisters Road and take-out the roundabout at Old Street and the Goswell Rd/City Rd “triangle” at the Angel.

We will shortly be the first London borough to introduce a 20mph speed limit on all Borough roads, not just the residential side streets.

We are also doing our best to stop rat-running through our streets – and will shortly be building a series of width restrictions which help to reduce dangers to cyclists and pedestrians. So, for the first time in 25 years we will begin to properly police the HGV ban on our streets – a ban that is widely flouted. And, we have signed-up to improve safety standards by drivers of large vehicles, including the Council’s own vans and lorries.

Less than a quarter of Islington residents own a car. But we recognise that cars, vans (and even trucks) are still necessary for families, businesses and our public services. Reducing pollution and getting safer streets will not be achieved by a few empty political gestures that make life harder for those Islington residents who happen to use a car.

The tax issue I’ve been hearing about from voters in my borough of Islington this week is that of tax credits, the cut that has kicked in this week and which Boris Johnson and his friends in the media have stayed resolutely silent on.

Because from this week at least a quarter of a million Londoners are worse off as a result of government cuts to tax credits.

Families with children stand to lose an average of £511 a year as a result of these changes, and over all 118,805 households in London have lost out. These are families on modest and middle incomes, who are already being hit hard by the rising cost of living.

And therefore these are the people who stand to benefit the most from Ken’s key pledges to bear down on the rising cost of living in the capital, by taking action on everything from childcare to energy prices. Above all these are Londoners who have been set back by the steep rise in fares on buses and tubes in the last few years which makes every day life in London a real struggle. Kens Fare Deal will fix that.

That is why I believe that we as activists must not lose sight of the issues that ordinary Londoners are telling us, when we engage with them in our local communities, in our surgeries and on our doorsteps, that really matter to them.

This week Ken launched his crime manifesto. Setting out on Monday his plans to tackle knife crime with a designated police officer in every school, on Tuesday his plan to tackle gang crime, drawing from the experience of pioneering projects in Lambeth and Glasgow, and on Wednesday making his 999 pledge, to defend and bolster Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

Watching, hearing and reading the news this week you’d be forgiven for missing this however. Yet I know that for the people I represent, these are the policies they want to hear about, which respond to their very real local concerns.

And no wonder they are concerned.

On Boris Johnson’s watch youth knife crime has soared, yet he has admitted cutting 1,700 police officer posts. This is exactly why we need to move the mayoral debate back to discussing the bread and butter issues of fares, policing and housing.

The bottom line is that this election is about London either accepting the agenda of the government, or standing up against it. An agenda explicitly reflected in the budget, where the richest 1% were rewarded with a tax cut – relentlessly lobbied for by Boris Johnson, incidentally- that pensioners paid for.

If Boris Johnson is re-elected in just over three weeks, the implication will be that the government and their damaging agenda of fast and deep cuts, which are hitting families, children and the poorest hardest are acceptable.

First published www.labourlist.org 7 April 2012

Ms Ismail said “I am proud to have lived in Islington for 19 years and raised my four children here with my husband.  I love Islington and would be honoured to be elected to the Council”

“I am inspired to stand by the work Islington’s Labour Council has been doing to make Islington fairer in face of massive cuts from the Conservative-led government. The work Labour’s doing locally to bring back a replacement for the EMA the Conservative–led government axed shows how a Labour Council makes a difference.”

“I know from my own work in the community how important education and jobs are, especially for young people and if elected I want to help Islington Council make a difference in these areas.”

“I will be a strong voice for fairness and my priorities are more affordable housing, job opportunities for local people and defending the NHS.”

“This election will be a straight choice between Labour and the Conservatives. I urge Holloway residents to send a message opposing the £335 million pounds of unfair cuts to Islington by the Conservative-led government”

About Rakhia Ismail
Rakhia Ismail is the founder and director of “Back to Basics create” an educational and arts based charity based in Manor Gardens, Holloway.  She has lived in Islington for 19 years with her husband and has raised four children who attend Islington schools.

For further information contact Paul Smith on 07939 240 228

“Promoted and published by Dan Neidle on behalf of Rakhia Ismail, both at 65 Barnsbury Street, London N1 1EJ