A budget to transform the borough, with record investment in building schools, housing, and leisure facilities, has been unveiled by Islington Council. <br><br>A report made public for the first time this week reveals plans for more than £540 million to be pumped into major capital projects for local people.<br><br>The cash will pay for first class educational facilities, flagship leisure centres worthy of the Olympics, improvements to roads and streets - and building Islington's first new council housing for a generation. And the council is promising to deliver these projects - while keeping council tax below the London average.<br><br>Leader of Islington Council, Cllr James Kempton, said: "I share our residents' vision to build a better Islington – and it's not about bricks and mortar. Like them I want the modern schools our young people deserve, leisure facilities where everyone can enjoy sport, and affordable homes for the families stuck on the housing waiting list. And because we've managed our money carefully for several years, we are now in a position to deliver some major projects - and still keep our promise to keep the council tax below the London average. I can't wait to see them become a reality."<br><br>Islington Council is able to fund these major capital projects because last year, it sold the freehold to more than 200 commercial properties that the council had owned historically. This gave local traders the opportunity to own the premises they occupied, while freeing up vital funds for frontline services, such as schools and housing. <br><br>Cllr James Kempton, said: "We know we're managing the council's money well and making sound decisions about our assets because the Audit Commission told us so last week. But what really matters to me is listening to our residents and whether they think we're providing excellent services and value for money. <br><br>"That's why our budget delivers the projects and services residents have told us they want. I was pleased that more than 2,200 residents took part in our budget consultation this year – more than ever before. We have listened to them and based our spending plans on their priorities"<br><br>The council has based its spending plans on the results of the borough-wide budget consultation, which was carried out in September 2007. A record number of residents gave their views on the investment priorities for 2008/9.<br><br>In line with their top priority for investment, the council is planning a major cash boost for crime prevention, working to put as many police on our streets and estates as possible - including for the first time a dedicated police team for the Nag's Head. <br><br>Refuse collection and street cleaning – two other priorities for residents – will also be getting extra investment, with more money for Area Response Teams to keep the streets clean and increased spending on waste and recycling services. Providing more housing and raising education standards - also top of the agenda - will get a boost through the capital spending on housing and schools. <br><br>And it's not just young people set to benefit from extra spending on services. The budget includes a £1.2million above inflation increase to provide adult social care to more people. <br><br>Cllr Kempton added: "At a time when other boroughs are having to cut back on social care and help fewer people, we're helping more while still keeping council tax relatively low. This is because we're working more efficiently than ever, saving money by cutting out bureaucracy so that we provide excellent value for money. We'll continue looking for innovative ways to provide good quality services as efficiently as possible."<br><br>The budget plans, outlined in the report published at www.islington.gov.uk, are to be discussed by the council's Executive on Thursday (7 February). <br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009