The Leader of Islington Council today (29 November 2006) called for a fair deal for the borough's residents, as it emerged that Islington had lost out in the Government's funding lottery for the sixth year running.
The Government yesterday announced the Local Government Financial Settlement, which funds around 75 per cent of all councils' net budgets compared with the 25 per cent raised in council tax.
Islington's settlement has increased by just 2.7 per cent this year - the lowest level for a London council. This compares with a 6.2 per cent increase in settlement for the neighbouring borough of Camden, and a 3.4 per cent increase for Hackney.
Cllr James Kempton, Leader of Islington Council, said: "Islington is a densely populated inner London borough with some of the highest levels of deprivation not just in the Capital but in the country. It doesn't make sense that we are receiving a below the London average increase to our funding for the sixth year running while our neighbouring boroughs' settlements increase by much more.
"On top of this the pressures on local authorities everywhere are increasing, and Islington is no exception. With people living longer than ever demand for council services, such as care for the elderly, is rising. Despite these pressures, Islington Council strives to deliver high-quality services in the most efficient way.
"And now more than ever before, councils have a vital role to play in addressing global issues. Islington is leading the way in tackling climate change, with ground-breaking green initiatives to help protect the environment. We have substantially reduced the amount of waste Islington sends to landfill, by increasing the amount we recycle from less than 10 per cent at the end of 2004 to 24 per cent in 2006. I also recently made a public committment to reducing carbon emissions by signing the Nottingham Declaration.
"We and our residents are doing our bit, but the Government cannot always look to our local taxpayers to shoulder the burden of funding national challenges. It is not acceptable to expect Islington's residents to foot the bill."
ENDS
For more information on this news release please contact Susie Rundle, Islington Council's Media Manager, on 020 7527 3376.
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008