Islington Council pledges over £1 million daily for youth services
WHO: Islington Council, Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, and local schools and families.
WHAT: Commitment to spend over £1 million per day on services for children and young people.
WHERE: Across the London Borough of Islington.
WHEN: Announced 16 February 2026.
WHY: To maintain 'outstanding' Ofsted ratings, provide universal free school meals, and drive down youth crime while supporting employment.
Families in the borough will benefit from high-quality support and a more equal start in life through a massive daily Islington children's services investment.
Islington Council has announced it will spend more than £1 million every day this year to ensure the borough remains a premier location to grow up. The investment covers high-quality education, family hubs, and outstanding children’s services that inspectors say are "transforming children’s lives". Despite financial pressures, the authority has consistently protected its budget for younger residents.
Leading the way in education and nutrition
The borough is one of only 20 in the country where every primary and secondary school is rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. To support learning, free school meals are provided to every child in primary and nursery schools. This long-standing policy, in place for 16 years, saves local families up to £550 per year for each child.
Islington also ensures vulnerable children do not go hungry during the holidays. Last year, nearly £1 million was invested in the Holiday Activities with Food programme. This was supplemented by £2.4 million in supermarket vouchers for families in need.
Driving down youth crime and boosting jobs
Innovation in the Youth Justice Service has seen the number of young people entering the system fall by 80% since 2016. In the last year alone, knife crime among under-25s dropped by two-thirds. This proactive approach has made the borough's youth justice provision the highest-rated in London.
Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We’re creating a more equal future in Islington by investing in the things that matter most. Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do – we’re making it happen so each and every one can reach their full potential.”
Support from cradle to career
The Council’s support begins early through the Bright Start Family Hub Network. These hubs feature 52 parent champions who speak over 20 languages to engage diverse communities. The focus then shifts to older residents through two Youth Employment Hubs. These centres have already helped more than 1,000 young people move into apprenticeships or full-time work.
Enriching lives through culture and sport
Beyond essential services, the Council funds thousands of free cultural and sporting activities. The 11 by 11 programme has delivered over 58,000 cultural experiences to pupils since 2019. Meanwhile, initiatives like Summerversity offer everything from kayaking to music production. The Council has also invested £2 million in local parks and playgrounds to ensure all children have access to high-quality green space.
Related Links:
MORE: £10 million investment transforms historic Town Hall into high-tech business hub — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/07/10-million-investment-transforms-historic-town-hall-into-high-tech-business-hub/
MORE: New auction powers to fill long-term empty shops on Lambeth high streets — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/07/new-auction-powers-to-fill-long-term-empty-shops-on-lambeth-high-streets/
MORE: New crackdown as illegal dumping costs taxpayers £500,000 — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/06/new-crackdown-as-illegal-dumping-costs-taxpayers-500000/
Author
Subscribe for $2 every four weeks for the first six months
Subscribe for $20 every four weeks for the first six months
