Islington Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee has confirmed Islington and the sense of place
as the overarching scrutiny topic for the upcoming year. The committee met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to discuss this and other council matters, as detailed in the Public reports pack.
The broad theme of Islington and the sense of place
will allow for focused reviews on various aspects contributing to residents' experience of the borough. Initial discussions identified three key strands: the role of culture and arts in fostering identity and belonging, the safety and order of public spaces, and the overall experience of living and working in Islington.
Members expressed a desire to explore how cultural organisations, from grassroots arts groups to community centres, can engage a wider audience and cultivate civic pride. Specific examples discussed included the King's Head, the Almeida Theatre, the Pleasance Theatre, VR Media, All Change, and the Union Chapel.
Concerns about fly-tipping and littering were also raised, with a focus on identifying positive solutions and learning from best practices. The evening economy was another area highlighted for investigation, with suggestions to understand why residents might not be engaging more in evening activities, considering factors such as the cost of living crisis and safety concerns.
