Government budget offers ‘light at end of tunnel’, says acting council leader

Council leader Cllr Diarmaid Ward. Photograph: Islington Council

Islington Council’s acting leader has said the government’s budget offers cause for hope – after Chancellor Rachel Reeves today announced a package of tax rises and spending on public services.

Reacting to the autumn budget statement, Cllr Diarmaid Ward—interim council chief following the recent resignation of Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz—said the Town Hall particularly welcomed the support for housing and essential services.

In a statement given to the Citizen, he said: “Following more than a decade of austerity and funding cuts, today’s Budget offers light at the end of the tunnel.

“In particular, we welcome the much-needed extension to the Household Support Fund that we have been calling for.

“While we will continue to make the case for a long-term scheme, today’s announcement nevertheless ensures that councils like ours can continue to provide support to those most in need.”

Along with other local councils, Islington offers funding to residents struggling to buy food, pay utility bills, or afford other vital living costs.

The relief is provided by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).

Between April and September, the borough was allocated over £2million.

Islington Council has said it will use the fund to help households who may not be eligible for other government support packages.

Alongside cost-of-living, housing has been a serious pain point for the borough in recent times.

Last month, it was revealed that Islington had seen a 35 per cent increase in demand for homelessness support in the first half of this year.

A damning investigation in 2023 by the social housing ombudsman found the council guilty of “severe maladministration” of complaints well above the national average.

Housing chief Cllr Una O’Halloran has also said the borough was struggling with overcrowding.

“At a time when the delivery of genuinely affordable housing is more important than ever, the news that councils will retain Right to Buy receipts directly supports our mission to provide safe, decent homes for local people,” Cllr Ward said.

Cllr Ward also hailed the budget’s extra £600m investment in social care as “extremely welcome”.

Last week, the Town Hall signed off on plans to increase supported accommodation for elderly residents and people with physical or mental illness and disabilities.

“While we need to carefully scrutinise the budget papers themselves, today’s budget offers hope that the government is supporting our mission to create a more equal borough.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to address the issues that matter most to local people.”

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz stepped down this month to take on a new role at City Hall as deputy mayor for policing and crime.

A by-election for a new borough councillor will take place on Thursday 28 November.