Leader outlines commitment to “Making it Happen” for Islington
The Leader of the Council has set out her pledge to “Making it Happen” for Islington, following yesterday’s (Thursday, 7 May) local election results.
In the election, the Islington Labour Party – led by Cllr Una O’Halloran – won an overall majority of 32 seats, with the Islington Green Party forming the opposition with 19 seats.
Today, Cllr O’Halloran, who remains Leader of the Council, has outlined her commitment to building a safer, fairer, more inclusive borough.
I want to thank each and every resident that took the time to vote in these elections. Whichever way you voted, you’ve helped shape the future of the borough we’re all so proud to call home.
Islington is London’s best borough. It’s a place I’ve been proud to call home for my whole life, and I don’t take the responsibility of being your Leader lightly.
My job is simple: to get on with working to make Islington an even better place, and to deliver for you.
Over the next four years, my Executive and I will be focused on Making it Happen. We’ll be addressing the issues you raise with us time-and-time again – like safety, housing, and the cost-of-living.
I’ve heard on the doorstep that too many of you don’t feel safe in your own neighbourhoods. That’s not good enough. So, from day one, we’re investing more than £1.9m through our Making it Happen fund to improve community safety.
This month, new CCTV cameras will start going into hotspot areas, backed up by better lighting, dedicated outreach teams, and day‑and‑night patrols. No one should feel unsafe on the streets they call home, and we’ll keep pushing until that’s a reality.
We also know the housing crisis is hitting families hard. As a lifelong council tenant, I know exactly how serious the situation is.
That’s why we’re investing more than £58m to buy back ex‑council homes lost to right to buy, so more homes go to the people who need them most. And in the coming weeks, we’ll be opening new homes at St John’s Mansions - just one example of how we're turning promises into bricks and mortar.
We know that many families are still struggling to make ends meet, and we’re here to help. This year alone, around 24,500 residents will save a combined £28m on their council tax bills. We’re also helping people access the support they’re entitled to - securing £16m in unclaimed benefits since April 2024, with another £5m a year expected to reach residents who need it.
Making It Happen isn’t a slogan. It’s a commitment to real, visible change. You’ll see it in safer streets, more secure homes, and support that makes a difference to everyday life.
Over the coming years, we'll work together for a more equal Islington, because we believe a more equal Islington is better for all of us.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.