Islington £5M Tackles Anti-Social Behaviour, Upgrades Parks 2026

Key Points

• Islington Council has announced a £5 million investment through the Making it Happen initiative to improve community safety, enhance play spaces and parks, and support a cleaner, more equal borough.
• The funding was first outlined in the council’s 2026/27 budget proposals and prioritises actions identified by residents as most important.
• £1.9 million is committed to enhancing community safety, including new mobile CCTV vans, a specialist outreach and response van for neighbourhood issues, better lighting, and upgraded gated entries.
• The council will collaborate directly with residents to identify additional safety improvements, complementing ongoing efforts to address anti-social behaviour.
• £840,000 will upgrade play areas and parks, with £420,000 for play spaces on estates and the remainder for key parks and open spaces, featuring new slides, climbing frames, and other equipment.
• Broader community priorities include expanding the Income Maximisation Team’s support, which has secured over £16 million in unclaimed benefits since April 2024, aiming for £5 million annually.
• Additional funding supports culture, arts, sports, and community activities.
• £140,000 is allocated for resident-led projects via the participatory budgeting model.
• Environmental actions encompass community gardening schemes, spring-cleaning events, neighbourhood clean-ups, and enhanced cleaning in town centres, shopping areas, and transport hubs like Finsbury Park.

Islington, London (North London News) February 21, 2026 – Islington Council has unveiled a £5 million investment package under its Making it Happen initiative to bolster community safety, rejuvenate play spaces and parks, and foster a cleaner, more equitable borough. This funding, first detailed in the council’s 2026/27 budget proposals, targets resident-identified priorities such as reducing anti-social behaviour and upgrading public areas. The announcement underscores the council’s commitment to addressing local concerns head-on amid ongoing challenges in urban community life.

What Is the Making it Happen Initiative?

The Making it Happen initiative serves as the delivery mechanism for the £5 million investment, focusing on tangible actions that residents have highlighted as essential. As outlined directly in the official announcement from Islington Council, the programme responds to community feedback gathered through consultations and budget planning processes. It encompasses targeted interventions across safety, recreation, financial support, and environmental improvements, ensuring resources align with borough-wide needs.

This resident-centric approach builds on the council’s 2026/27 budget proposals, where the investment was initially proposed. By prioritising community input, the initiative aims to create lasting enhancements that promote equality and well-being. No external media reports beyond the council’s statement were available at the time of writing, making this the primary source for all details.

How Will the £1.9 Million Boost Community Safety?

A cornerstone of the investment is the £1.9 million allocation for community safety enhancements, designed to curb anti-social behaviour and improve public security. Planned measures include deploying new mobile CCTV vans to provide flexible surveillance across hotspots, alongside a specialist outreach and response van dedicated to neighbourhood issues. Better lighting installations and upgraded gated entries will further secure key areas, making streets safer for residents.

The council plans to work directly with residents to pinpoint additional safety improvements, ensuring measures are tailored to local vulnerabilities. These steps complement existing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as patrols and interventions, as per the council’s announcement. As reported by Islington Council in their official release, these initiatives represent a “major focus” of the fund, signalling a proactive stance against persistent urban challenges.

Why Are Play Areas and Parks Receiving £840,000?

Upgrading recreational spaces forms another key pillar, with £840,000 earmarked for play areas and parks. Of this, approximately £420,000 targets play spaces on housing estates, while the balance enhances major parks and open areas. New equipment such as slides, climbing frames, and other family-friendly features will transform these sites into welcoming environments for children and families.

This investment addresses resident calls for better-maintained public spaces, fostering community cohesion and physical activity. According to the council’s statement, the upgrades aim to make public areas “more welcoming for families,” directly responding to feedback on the need for safe, engaging play options. Such enhancements are expected to reduce idleness-linked anti-social activities by providing positive outlets for young people.

What Broader Community Support Does the Fund Offer?

Beyond safety and recreation, the £5 million supports wider priorities to promote equality and resilience. The Income Maximisation Team, which has already helped residents claim over £16 million in unclaimed benefits since April 2024, will expand its services to secure a further £5 million annually. This vital assistance alleviates financial pressures, particularly for vulnerable households facing the cost-of-living crisis.

Additional funding bolsters culture, arts, sports, and community activities, enriching borough life. A dedicated £140,000 will fuel resident-led projects through the council’s participatory budgeting model, empowering locals to shape initiatives that matter most to them. As detailed in Islington Council’s announcement, these elements ensure the fund’s impact extends to social, cultural, and economic well-being.

How Will Environmental Improvements Be Delivered?

Tackling litter and grime is central to creating a cleaner borough, with actions including community gardening schemes to beautify green spaces. Spring-cleaning events and neighbourhood clean-ups will mobilise volunteers, while enhanced cleaning targets town centres, shopping areas, and busy transport hubs like Finsbury Park station. These efforts aim to instil pride and discourage anti-social dumping.

The environmental push aligns with resident priorities for a tidier urban landscape, complementing safety measures by improving overall quality of life. Islington Council’s release specifies these as key components of the Making it Happen initiative, emphasising collaborative clean-up drives. By addressing visible decay, the council hopes to deter further degradation and enhance community spirit.

When Was This Investment First Proposed?

The £5 million package traces its origins to Islington Council’s 2026/27 budget proposals, where it was first outlined amid fiscal planning for the year ahead. This timeline reflects a deliberate process of resident engagement, ensuring funds address pressing issues like anti-social behaviour and public space neglect. The formal announcement on 21 February 2026 marks the transition from proposal to action.

Budgetary foresight allowed the council to earmark resources early, avoiding delays in implementation. As per the official council statement, the initiative’s resident-led focus was embedded from the budgeting stage, guaranteeing alignment with community voices. This structured approach exemplifies proactive local governance.

Who Benefits Most from These Measures?

Families stand to gain significantly from upgraded play equipment and safer streets, while low-income residents benefit from expanded benefit claims support. Young people and vulnerable groups will see improved safety nets against anti-social behaviour, and the wider community enjoys cleaner parks and cultural opportunities. The £140,000 for resident-led projects ensures diverse voices shape outcomes.

The initiative’s egalitarian design promotes inclusivity across Islington’s diverse demographics. Islington Council highlights that actions target “residents’ priorities,” from estate dwellers to park users, fostering a shared sense of ownership. This holistic reach maximises the fund’s ripple effects.

What Challenges Does Anti-Social Behaviour Pose in Islington?

Anti-social behaviour remains a persistent issue, prompting the £1.9 million safety push alongside complementary measures. Mobile CCTV, response vans, and lighting upgrades directly counter vandalism, graffiti, and disturbances that erode community trust. Resident collaboration ensures interventions hit the mark.

The council’s ongoing work, now amplified by this investment, addresses root causes like poor lighting and isolated spots. As stated in the announcement, these tools “complement” existing strategies, indicating a layered response to a multifaceted problem. Success hinges on sustained enforcement and engagement.

How Does Participatory Budgeting Empower Residents?

The £140,000 for resident-led projects continues Islington’s participatory budgeting model, where locals vote on allocations. This democratic tool builds accountability and innovation, from small grants for arts to sports schemes. It directly channels the Making it Happen ethos of resident priority.

By involving communities in decisions, the council strengthens ties and ensures relevance. The official release positions this as a continuation of proven practice, amplifying voices in budget delivery. Such empowerment could inspire similar models elsewhere.

What Is the Income Maximisation Team’s Track Record?

Since April 2024, the team has unlocked £16 million in unclaimed benefits, demonstrating expertise in navigating complex systems. The expansion targets £5 million yearly, aiding thousands amid economic strains. This service exemplifies the fund’s equality focus.

Residents gain tailored advice on entitlements, from Universal Credit to disability payments. Islington Council’s announcement credits the team’s success as a foundation for growth, underscoring its impact on household stability. Further reach promises broader financial relief.

Why Focus on Parks Like Finsbury Park?

Enhanced cleaning at transport hubs like Finsbury Park addresses high-footfall litter hotspots, improving commuter experiences. Neighbourhood clean-ups extend this to residential zones, creating a cohesive clean-up network. Gardening schemes add greenery, boosting mental health.

These sites, central to daily life, amplify the investment’s visibility. The council’s plan integrates them into a broader environmental strategy, per the release. Cleaner hubs deter anti-social acts, enhancing safety synergies.

In total, this £5 million infusion positions Islington as a model for resident-responsive governance, blending safety, recreation, support, and cleanliness. With implementation underway, residents anticipate measurable improvements in their borough’s fabric.