London deputy mayors visit Islington to meet resettled refugee families

Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, and Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of Housing, also met with Islington councillors during the visit, which took place as part of Refugee Week last Friday (20 June).  

The visit highlighted the transformative impact of Islington’s ambitious buyback programme - the largest in the country - which is helping to tackle the housing crisis by reclaiming former council homes and turning them into safe, secure, and genuinely affordable housing. 

Islington Council recently announced its aim to buy back another 193 homes, with the Greater London Authority (GLA) funding 150 of these homes.

By March 2026, the council aims to reclaim 907 homes, providing vital stability for families who have fled war and persecution, and enabling them to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. 

As an accredited Borough of Sanctuary, Islington is committed to being a welcoming place for all. Over the past few years, the borough has created the largest Afghan resettlement programme in London and become one of the UK’s leading local authorities for global resettlement. Since August 2021, Islington has welcomed 580 individuals across 143 families. 

Cllr John Woolf, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “As a proud Borough of Sanctuary, Islington is committed to being a place where everyone - regardless of their background or journey - feels safe, supported, and welcome.

"We're leading the way with our buyback programme, which is not only helping to ease the housing crisis but also offering a lifeline to those most in need. We will continue to do all we can to buy, build and acquire council homes for our residents, leaving no stone unturned in our ambition to maximise genuinely affordable homes here in Islington.

“These homes are more than just buildings - they are places of hope, healing, and new beginnings. We’re grateful to the GLA for their support and to the families who shared their powerful stories with us.” 

To support resettled families, Islington provides a comprehensive package of care, including housing coordination, mental and physical health assessments, English language support, employment and benefits advice, and access to voluntary and legal services.

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of Housing said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of the new Islington residents who have been helped by this ambitious scheme, which is supported by City Hall funding.

"This initiative has already made a huge difference to hundreds of families, whose stories are a powerful reminder of the importance of a safe and secure home.

"The Mayor and I are proud to support this as part of our work to address the housing crisis and build a better, fairer, safer London for everyone.”

Dr Debbie Weekes Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, said: “As we build a better London for everyone, it’s vital that we continue to create safe, welcoming spaces for those who have been forced to flee their homes.

"Islington’s pioneering buyback programme is a powerful example of how bold local action can provide stability, dignity, and hope to resettled families.

"The Mayor and I are proud to support initiatives like this, which show London at its most compassionate and inclusive.”

Notes to editor: 

Since 2018, Islington has bought back 643 former council homes, with a target of 907 by March 2026. In the past year alone, 307 homes have been reclaimed—part of a broader strategy to address the borough’s acute housing pressures, which include more than 16,500 households on the waiting list and nearly 1,800 families in temporary accommodation.