Locals tell council ‘don’t take us as idiots’ over new budget announcements 

Islington residents are calling for a systematic change in how council budgets are spent, warning councillors not to “take us as idiots”. 

The appeal follows announcements of increased investments into local priorities in Islington Council’s 2026/27 budget which was passed on 26 February.  

This included an additional £324m investment in current council housing and £5m for the Make it Happen fund, which pledges to reduce anti-social behaviour, improve play spaces, and clean public areas.   

Yet residents complain that similar investments have been wasted in the past, with accusations that councillors are using the new budget to bolster their campaigns for the upcoming May elections.  

Barbara Ferguson, a resident of Finsbury Park, said: “It is very obvious it’s only for the local election. Why don’t we hear from you regularly?”  

The £5m Make It Happen fund is a “drop in the ocean”, she said. “A lump sum of money is great … but if you think of how they want to split it, on new homes, safety, it gets so watered down that it doesn’t do anything good for the community.”  

“Everything comes the few months before an election,” she added. “Don’t take us for idiots. We’re not.” 

Jeremy Cox, of Tufnell Park, said: “For the problems that beset this borough £5m may not be enough, and where the money ends up is a moot question.” 

Some residents living in social housing on Finsbury Estate, Clerkenwell, are concerned the increased funds won’t be used to improve living conditions. 

“I know people who have still got ongoing damp problems, mould problems, that are still trying to get them fixed. It seems like an endless cycle – it never really gets done,” said Gary Bendle, who has lived on the estate for 30 years with his husband Xavier Bendle.  

They said money has been wasted in the past and urge the council to carefully consider where they spend their funds.  

Xavier said: “When we moved 30 years ago, it had wooden flooring, wooden ceilings, and an electric shower. When we moved in, they ripped all that out. It was beautiful.” 

He said that expensive and unnecessary changes were made, including a half bath that was installed and then shortly removed as it was too small for the couple’s needs.  

“I can understand them upgrading it to their standard, but if it’s above their standard, why are they downgrading it? That would save money,” Xavier said. 

Chaya Nathan

+ posts Bio

This author does not have any more posts.

Evie Selby

+ posts Bio

This author does not have any more posts.