Rents
Islington Council is addressing rising rents and evictions, exacerbated by a housing benefit freeze.
Islington's Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee recently discussed a significant increase in private sector rents, with a 14% rise reported in the 12 months to December 2025, mirroring the previous year's increase. This cumulative 28% rise over two years, highlighted by Director of Housing Operations Councillor Ian Swift, is contributing to increased evictions and is exacerbated by a freeze in housing benefits.
The council is currently working to address the impact of these rising costs, which contrast with a stagnant local housing allowance, on residents. While the council offers accommodation to those identified as sleeping rough, the ongoing challenge of increasing rents continues to be a focus for the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee. No further council meetings or specific actions regarding rents are currently scheduled.
Key facts
- Islington's private rented sector rents increased by 14% in the 12 months to December 2025. Source
- This followed a similar increase, leading to a 28% cumulative rise over two years. Source
- The rent increases are exacerbated by a freeze in housing benefits. Source
- The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee discussed the rising rents in December 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.