Islington Council Boosts Adult Social Care Accommodation with 217 New Units
Islington Council has significantly expanded its adult social care accommodation provision, adding 217 new units as part of its ongoing efforts to implement recommendations from a 2024-25 review. The Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee received a comprehensive 12-month update on these recommendations, detailing progress in governance, housing options, and ensuring culturally appropriate and inclusive accommodation.
Central to this expansion is a strengthened collaboration between adult social care, planning, and housing departments. An established Estates and Adult Social Care Steering Group now convenes bi-monthly to identify and maximise opportunities for developing extra care housing and supported living accommodation. This collaborative approach has already secured 100% nomination rights for the 60-unit Lindsay Apartments Extra Care scheme at Holloway Park and 10 proposed units at Mildmay Extra Care.
Efforts have also focused on optimising existing resources. This includes rigorous monitoring of vacancies, streamlined panel and allocation processes, and the repurposing of underutilised spaces. A prime example is the conversion of a property in Camden Road, which formerly housed long-term residents with learning disabilities, into accommodation for 14 young people. The original residents were successfully relocated to more suitable local housing.
New developments are also contributing to the increased capacity. Rosehip House, a supported living development for 11 adults with learning disabilities, commenced operations in March 2025. Beaumont Rise, which will offer 17 homes for individuals with complex mental health needs, is anticipated to open in Spring 2027, while the Lindsay Apartments Extra Care scheme is slated for completion in November 2027.
Furthermore, the council has secured funding for 19 self-contained studio properties aimed at individuals with a history of rough sleeping and multiple complex needs, with 12 of these units designated for Islington residents. Over the past five years, the council has also purchased 80 one-bedroom flats to provide Housing First accommodation.
The review also underscored the critical importance of culturally appropriate services. An action plan is in place to ensure services are responsive to individual needs. This involves analysing demographic data at a service level, surveying providers to understand their client base and identify skill gaps, and capturing best practices through audits and contract monitoring. This data is used to ensure services are culturally aware and responsive, recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient. The council is also exploring options to enhance awareness among social care practitioners, ensuring that statutory Care Act Assessments and support plans are centred around individual needs, including cultural considerations.
While significant strides have been made, challenges persist, particularly in providing accommodation for young people transitioning with learning disabilities and autism, especially those who may experience behaviours of concern. The council is actively developing commissioning intentions to address this gap, with the Supported Housing Strategy and associated needs assessment, due in March 2027, set to further refine understanding of future supported housing demands.
Additionally, a trial for short-term lets is underway at the Mildmay Extra Care Scheme to address the critical need for temporary accommodation for individuals with social care eligible needs who require support to leave hospital. This trial, featuring one bedsit, aims to provide a breathing space for individuals while they secure longer-term housing. The proposal ensures that all individuals in this short-term accommodation will have an exit plan, facilitating their transition to a habitable home or suitable longer-term accommodation.
For more details on the review and its progress, refer to the Public reports pack for the Health Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee meeting on 15th October 2026.