Islington is set to see the biggest investment in new council homes in the borough for over 30 years, helping to build at least 550 new council homes by 2022, as Islington Labour’s Council budget was passed last night (28th February).
Islington Labour councillors unanimously voted for a budget that includes –
- £187 million of investment in new council homes, prioritised for local people
- An extra £500,000 invested in targeted support to keep young people from being drawn into crime
- Protection for vital council services, such as keeping all libraries, council-run youth hubs, and children’s centres open, whilst also maintaining weekly bin collections and care for older people
These significant investments come despite the Council facing 70% Tory cuts to its core national government funding since 2010, and being required to save £275 million between 2010 and 2022.
Speaking during the debate, Cllr Richard Watts, Leader of Islington Council, said:
“I am angry that the Tory Government continues to hit Islington Council, and local people, with massive cuts. Once again, we have had to set a budget that will require us to make further savings due to Tory cuts and rising demand for services.
“However, I am proud that this budget will make important investments that will help to make Islington a fairer place for all.
“Our investment in council homes for local people is the biggest in a generation, and we are also providing extra resources to tackle homelessness and to keep young people safe.
“Islington Labour is on the side of local people, and this budget will help us to make a difference on the issues that matter most to them.”
The budget was passed at Islington Council’s Full Council Meeting on 28th February, with the Green Party councillor refusing to vote in favour of it.