New Year Message from James Kempton, the Leader of Islington Council: Together for a Better Borough

5.23.22pm GMT Fri 4th Jan 2008

Cllr James Kempton: listening to residents is top priority

We recently asked Islington residents to tell us their priorities for the council. A record number of people responded - and we are acting on what you said.

You told us we should do more to improve the environment.

In June we held the country's first-ever referendum on climate change - on the introduction of green residents' parking charges. With almost as many people voting as in local elections, there was a clear majority in favour. So we now have a financial incentive to choose a less polluting vehicle.

In another green first, we are working with more than 60 local businesses and organisations helping them to achieve a 15 per cent reduction in their own carbon footprint by 2010. And we've established the UK's first Climate Change Fund, making £3 million available for green projects. More than 1,300 local people have backed it with their own money too - choosing to donate the £20 discount they receive by paying their council tax by direct debit.

Thanks to this fund, residents can apply for money to help install renewable energy systems in their own homes. Solar panels have now been unveiled on the roof of a local school. And, to set the right example, a wind turbine now stands on top of our council offices, generating power for the council's electric vehicle fleet.

And our Green Living Centre of Upper Street now provides free advice to any resident on how they can save money and help save the planet at the same time.

You told us you were concerned about crime.

Our concern about this issue has been renewed by the tragic death of Nassirudeen Osawe in Upper Street on December 28. Following the stabbing of Martin Dinnegan earlier last year, Islington Council set up a Commission on Young People and Safety to help tackle gang culture. It brings together leading figures from across Islington's communities - and, crucially, young people themselves. The commission is due to publish its recommendations in March.

I know how concerned residents are about crime and anti-social behaviour. We're continuing to work closely with the local police- for example by making sure that there are as many police out on the streets as possible. And all the evidence now points to crime falling in Islington.

You told us you want a better education for the children of Islington.

This year saw the opening of two brand new schools. The £7 million New North Community School, the first to be built in Islington for two decades, was barely completed before the hugely oversubscribed St. Mary Magdalene Academy opened its doors in Septembers. And 2008 will see building start on a massive programme to rebuild and refurbish all secondary schools in Islington.

Exam results are up too: this year's GCSE results were Islington's best ever - double what they were just a few years ago. No wonder three-quarters of parents are now choosing to send their children to an Islington secondary. I am determined to see this improvement continue.

You told us we need better facilities for older residents.

Serving disabled and older residents will never make the headlines but that has not stopped us pushing hard to make this the best service the council provides to residents. For example, we are one of the best councils in London for supporting people to live in their own homes for as long as they wish to do so. Our adult social care services were recently given the highest possible grade by the independent Commission for Social Care Inspection. Developing services to give people more choice and independence is a high priority for us in 2008.

You told us more affordable housing is needed across Islington.

One of the biggest challenges we face is housing that local people can afford. Over the past few years we have secured more affordable homes in Islington than in our neighbouring boroughs. But next year we'll be going further- and building Islington's first new council houses for decades. I'm particularly proud of being able to help overcrowded families in this way because we'll be one of the only councils in London who have made the tough decision to find the money to do this.

You told us you wanted us to provide good value for money.

You said that it's a priority to cut council waste and bureaucracy and keep council tax down. We have pledged to keep Islington's council tax below the London average, a promise that we intend to keep again in 2008. Not that the government is making it easy for us to achieve this with a below-inflation increase in their grants that make up two-thirds of our budget.

When I became leader of Islington Council in May 2006 I said that I was determined to turn this into a council that really listened to residents, shared the difficult decisions more openly, and acted on people's concerns and aspirations. I hope you can see that we are making progress.

I am deeply privileged and proud to serve this borough - the place where I was born and where my family have lived for generations. As 2008 begins you have my pledge to listen even harder to residents, working with you to address future challenges and to improve Islington for everyone.

May I wish all residents a happy new year.