Leader’s New Year message – Making it Happen in 2026

Creating a more equal Islington is at the heart of everything we do and the New Year acts as a moment to look ahead to how we make it happen, but also to take stock of what we’ve collectively achieved.  

In 2025, we faced enormous challenges – but also saw remarkable successes.  

Throughout the year, we continued to deliver improvements that make a real, tangible difference to the everyday lives of you – the residents we serve.  

Hundreds more families have been moved into safe, genuinely affordable homes – and we’ve recently granted planning permission for a once-in-a-generation project to build 1,116 new homes in Barnsbury Estate.  

Our Income Maximisation Service has also helped residents secure £16.2 million in additional income since April 2024 and remains available to anyone that is struggling, alongside our Resident Support Scheme.   

Throughout 2025, we invested in our parks and green spaces – including the full refurbishment of Barnard Park - and children across the borough benefitted from free meals and holiday activities.  

There were more than 200,000 visits to the new facilities at our state-of-the-art Sobell Leisure Centre, and our new Black Cultural Centre has hosted sessions throughout the year to celebrate diversity and opportunity.  

Whether it’s tackling food poverty, boosting safety on our streets, or supporting older and vulnerable residents with social care, we’re putting community at the heart of our work.  

A personal highlight of the year was recognising the inspiring people of Islington by awarding them Freedom of the Borough – the highest honour we can bestow. Following their UEFA Champions League win – a triumph that has helped inspire people across our borough to engage with women’s sport – we welcomed the Arsenal Women’s team to receive the honour. We also recognised John David Dade, who has raised nearly £500,000 for the people of Islington for the Poppy Appeal.  

Looking ahead to 2026, we remain focused on delivering what matters most: building more affordable homes, protecting tenants, creating healthier streets, and expanding opportunities for young people.  

We will continue to listen, to act, and to deliver progress you can see and trust. Every project, every service, every decision is about making life better for you and your neighbours – we are making it happen by working together for a more equal future. 

I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, healthy, and hopeful New Year. 

Cllr Una O'Halloran,

Leader of Islington Council