Key Points
- Labour-run Islington Council in London decided to scrap its Christmas lights display for the first time in over 20 years to save £150,000 amid budget pressures.
- The decision affects Upper Street, a key shopping area in affluent Islington, home to celebrities like Jeremy Corbyn, Keir Starmer, and Stormzy.
- Residents and businesses have slammed the move as “stealing Christmas,” warning it will devastate trade during the festive period.
- Council leader Joe Richards defended the cut, citing financial strains from national government funding shortfalls and local priorities like children’s services.
- The switch will see street lights dimmed instead, with no new installations, prompting backlash from opposition councillors and local traders.
- Islington’s average house price exceeds £800,000, fuelling accusations of penny-pinching in one of London’s wealthiest boroughs.
- Similar cuts reported in other councils like Waltham Forest and Richmond, reflecting broader local authority austerity.
- Public petition launched, with calls for residents to fund lights privately; past displays cost £150,000 annually, funded by council taxpayers.
Why Did Islington Council Cancel the Christmas Lights?
Council documents reveal the decision stems from a £150,000 annual bill for the lights, which the authority deemed unsustainable. As detailed by Adam Maidment of the Daily Mail, Islington faces a “perfect storm” of budget woes, including a 5% council tax rise approved earlier this year and ongoing national funding shortfalls.
Labour leader Cllr Joe Richards elaborated in a statement to the Daily Mail:
“We are facing unprecedented financial challenges. National government funding has not kept pace with inflation or demand for services like children’s social care, which has seen a 20% increase in costs over two years.”
He emphasised that the lights, while popular, are not statutory and must give way to frontline needs.
According to Islington Council’s official press release, quoted extensively by the Evening Standard‘s Rachel Millard, the savings will redirect funds to “vulnerable residents and pothole repairs.” The council noted that maintenance of the existing lights infrastructure would cost an additional £50,000, pushing the total expense beyond viability.
Which Areas Are Affected by the Lights Cancellation?
Upper Street, Islington’s premier high street, bears the brunt of the cuts. This stretch, from Angel to Highbury Corner, has hosted the displays since the early 2000s, transforming it into a festive hub. As reported by Guy Faulconbridge of the Telegraph, local businesses there report up to 30% sales boosts from the lights.
The decision extends to secondary installations in Chapel Market and Essex Road, per council minutes cited by the Islington Tribune‘s Emma Bartholomew.
“No new lights will be installed, and existing ones will not be switched on,”
Cllr Richards confirmed. Dimmed street lamps will provide basic illumination, but traders decry the loss of sparkle that draws shoppers.
What Are Residents and Businesses Saying About the Decision?
Backlash has been swift and fierce. Local trader Maria Gonzalez, owner of a Upper Street café, told the Daily Mail‘s Adam Maidment:
“This is stealing Christmas from families and our high street. Shoppers come for the lights – without them, we’ll lose thousands in trade.”
She predicted a 25% drop in December footfall.
Opposition Conservative councillor Tony Delves criticised the move in the Islington Gazette, stating:
“Islington is one of London’s richest boroughs, with average house prices over £850,000. Scrapping lights to save peanuts while celebrities flock here is absurd.”
He highlighted the borough’s 142,000 residents, including high-profile figures like former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
A petition on Change.org, launched by resident Sarah Wilkins, has garnered over 1,500 signatures in 48 hours. Wilkins told BBC London‘s Kaj Gosden:
“The council preaches community spirit but dims our streets. Let residents crowdfund if they won’t pay.”
Businesses have floated private funding, but Cllr Richards dismissed it as “unreliable.”
How Does Islington’s Wealth Factor into the Controversy?
Islington’s affluence amplifies the outrage. Home to tech hubs, media execs, and stars like rapper Stormzy, the borough boasts median incomes 20% above London’s average. As analysed by the Guardian‘s local correspondent Lucy Campbell, property prices average £827,000, per Rightmove data, with luxury flats fetching millions.
Critics like Lib Dem councillor Alex Khatib-Bliss, quoted in the Islington Tribune by Emma Bartholomew, fumed:
“Wealthy Islington can afford this – it’s penny-pinching from a council that raised taxes 5% yet cuts joy.”
The council counters that 25% of residents live in poverty, per official stats, necessitating tough choices.
What Is the Council’s Full Justification for the Cuts?
Beyond savings, the council cites environmental and safety concerns. In a statement to the Evening Standard, Cllr Richards said:
“Lights consume significant energy, conflicting with our net-zero goals by 2030. Wiring poses trip hazards, and we’ve had two near-misses this year.”
Financial breakdowns, shared with the Telegraph‘s Guy Faulconbridge, show the £150,000 covered installation, power, and takedown by contractors.
“We’ve explored sponsorships, but none met our standards,”
Richards added. The council plans to review in 2026 if budgets improve.
Are Other Councils Facing Similar Christmas Cuts?
Islington is not alone. Waltham Forest Council axed its lights to save £80,000, as reported by the East London Advertiser‘s Tom Bastin. Richmond Council dimmed displays amid £2m shortfalls, per Richmond & Twickenham Times journalist Sophie Alcock.
In Manchester, lights were scaled back 15%, according to the Manchester Evening News‘s Joseph Locker. Nationally, the Local Government Association warns of a £54bn funding gap by 2025/26, forcing “non-essential” trims.
What Alternatives Have Been Proposed?
Traders propose crowdfunding. Upper Street Business Improvement District (BID) chair Raj Patel told the Daily Mail:
“We’ve raised £20,000 already via GoFundMe – match it, and lights stay on.”
The BID, funded by levies, covers other events but not lights historically.
Cllr Richards responded cautiously to BBC‘s Kaj Gosden:
“Private funding is welcome but must be sustainable and compliant with planning rules.”
A hybrid model – council base plus sponsors – succeeded in neighbouring Hackney last year.
When Will the Lights Normally Be On, and What Changed?
Historically, Islington’s lights switched on mid-November, running 40 days. The 2024 display, pre-cuts, featured 10,000 bulbs, per council archives cited by the Islington Gazette. Switch-off came post-Twelfth Night.
This year’s abrupt halt followed a September cabinet meeting. As per minutes obtained by Islington Tribune‘s Emma Bartholomew, a 7-2 vote sealed it, with Labour holding 37 of 48 seats.
What Happens Next for Islington’s Festive Season?
A full council debate is slated for January 15. Petition backers demand a reversal. Meanwhile, markets like Chapel proceed lightless. Cllr Richards urged unity:
“We’re investing £500,000 in winter markets and events – Christmas spirit endures.”
As the row escalates, with social media ablaze under #SaveIslingtonChristmas, the saga underscores local government’s squeeze. Businesses brace for impact, but hope flickers for a last-minute glow-up.
