Key points

• Labour is rolling out Best Start free breakfast clubs to save working families up to £450 and set children up to start the day ready to learn
• 500 more schools to offer clubs from April, achieving Labour’s Plan for Change
• Half a million pupils in England’s most disadvantaged communities to benefit this year

It represents a campaign win for Enfield Labour, whose leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, and MPs, Kate Osamor, Bambos Charalambous and Feryal Clark, wrote to all eligible local schools to encourage them to apply to join the scheme.

The clubs come alongside a high number of measures driven forward by Labour to cut the cost of living for families in Enfield, including expanding free school meals, rolling out 30 hours of government funded childcare, bringing down school uniform costs, and securing the future of Best Start holiday clubs.

Achieving promises made to working parents in Labour’s manifesto, all primary aged children attending these nine schools will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day, helping to support parents getting into work.

Universal Best Start free breakfast clubs are key to Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking down barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn. Research shows the clubs have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment.

The scheme also plays a key role in Labour’s mission to tackle child poverty. The government is on track to secure the biggest reduction in child poverty within a single 5 year term, with targeted support reaching half a million children in England’s most disadvantaged communities and ensuring every child starts the day ready to learn.

Cllr Ergin Erbil, the leader of Enfield’s Labour council, said:

“One of my top priorities is to tackle the cost of living in Enfield. Free Breakfast Clubs are just one of the ways that we’re supporting local families to save money. 30 hours a week free childcare, the limit on how many branded items of uniform schools can charge for that’s coming in this September and more children than ever before able to get Free School Meals.

In our manifesto, we will set out how Enfield Labour will continue to further help families with the cost of living, and give every child in Enfield the best start in life when we win the elections in May.

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:

“Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.

“Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds so every child begins the day ready to learn.

“Alongside our plans to roll out school based nurseries and get thousands more children school ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.”

The Mayor’s Civic Awards recognise outstanding volunteers, campaigners, and fundraisers who go above and beyond for their community. Both individuals and groups can be nominated.

Meanwhile, the Ben Kinsella Award, created in memory of Ben Kinsella, celebrates young people aged 18 or under who are making a positive impact locally. Any Islington resident under 18 can be put forward for this award.

Last year’s awards spotlighted inspirational local heroes - from a lifelong volunteer transforming schools and community spaces, to a devoted caretaker whose passion for music brought joy for over three decades, and a young fire cadet leading safety workshops and greening our borough. Their stories remind us of the kindness that makes Islington such a caring community.

Cllr Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, said: “Every one of us knows someone who gives their time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.

“Whether they’re a volunteer, a carer, a community organiser, or a young person inspiring their peers - such commitment reflects the very best of Islington. Let’s celebrate these remarkable local heroes who make our borough such a welcoming place.”

Residents are invited to nominate those who have made a real difference in the local community by:

Inspiring and supporting children and young people
Fostering safety, inclusion, and a strong sense of community
Championing a cleaner, greener, and healthier Islington
Helping neighbours through cost-of-living challenges
Volunteering their time to enhance local life
The award winners will be announced at a special ceremony in March 2026 at Islington Assembly Hall. The Mayor will present the awards, alongside certificates and vouchers to celebrate their exceptional contributions.

To learn more about the awards and to submit a nomination, head to the council’s website. Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, 1 February, ahead of the award's ceremony on Monday, 23 March.

For details of last year’s winners, visit the council’s website.

Launch of London’s first lane rental scheme. Enfield Council becomes the first London borough approved to champion a Lane Rental Scheme, aimed at cutting traffic, congestion and reducing roadworks disruption. Utility companies and works promoters will be charged for carrying out works on the busiest roads at peak times, encouraging quicker, better-planned projects. Funds raised will be reinvested into improving the borough’s road, for example to fix potholes, ensuring long-term benefits for residents, businesses and road users.

Enfield Council has been given the green light by the Department for Transport and Transport for London to implement London’s first Lane Rental Scheme, designed to cut traffic and keep the borough’s roads moving.

Following government approval, Enfield Council can now begin implementing the scheme, which will see companies such as utility firms charged for carrying out roadworks on the busiest sections of the borough’s road network at peak times.

The aim is to reduce disruption caused by street works, encourage better planning and promote quicker completion of essential works.

The decision marks an important milestone for Enfield, which will be the first local authority in London – and one of only a handful across England – to operate a Lane Rental Scheme. Similar schemes elsewhere in the country have already delivered measurable reductions in road disruption and improved coordination.

Under the scheme, revenue collected from lane rental charges will be reinvested into initiatives that improve the local road network, including fixing potholes.

Cllr Rick Jewell, cabinet member for Transport and Waste, said: “We are proud that Enfield is leading the way in London with this new approach to managing roadworks. The Lane Rental Scheme will help us keep traffic moving, reduce disruption for residents and businesses, and ensure that those carrying out works on our roads plan more efficiently and responsibly.”

The Council developed the proposal following a consultation and detailed engagement with the Department for Transport and Transport for London. Guidance for highways authorities on developing and running lane rental schemes in England can be found on the Government’s website.

Implementation of the scheme in Enfield will begin shortly, with further details to be shared in due course.

englandtimes-The countdown to the Luton International Carnival 2024 continues to be a promising celebration of diversity, creativity, and togetherness for the entire community. Set to take place on Monday, 27 May 2024, between 12 - 6pm the carnival is gearing up to be the epitome of family-friendly, eco-friendly, and sustainable fun with the theme ‘Luton Flying High’.Spearheaded by a collaborative effort from sponsors, partners, funders, and charities, the carnival aims to showcase the best of what our town, neighbours, and friends from across the UK have to offer. The roll call of support includes: Lead Sponsor Luton Rising, alongside Luton Council, Luton BID, Step Forward Luton, TUI, Lidl, Amazon, PRS PPL, Tesco, BT Events Ltd, Arts Council of England, Bedfordshire Luton Community Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Link Community Centre, Ukraine Association, The Culture Trust, Active Luton, University of Bedfordshire, Skill Lab, Luton Association of Mas, The Mall, ACLT, BBC3 Counties and BBC Radio1, From dazzling performances to interactive activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.Among the highlights of this year’s carnival, Step Forward Luton will present an enchanting Flamingo Storytelling session in Hat Gardens. Children can enjoy an exclusive Luton-themed tale told by Taleshakers storytellers, with shows at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Attendees can also witness the unveiling of Step Forward Luton’s new flamingo character in puppet form and participate in naming them through an exciting competition.Reflecting on the significance of the carnival, Robin Porter, Chief Executive for Luton Council, remarked: "Last year’s 47th carnival was a fantastic celebration which showcased Luton’s rich diversity and sense of fun, and it was a joy to see so many different generations, cultures and communities come together on our streets. One of the highlights was a giant cycle squid, as well as roaming dinosaurs, live steel pan performances and interactive dance activities from some amazing talents - and I’m sure this year will be just as spectacular. I’m looking forward to once again taking part in the parade in a different colourful costume, with a large contingent of council staff, councillors and their families and seeing our town come alive, as thousands of people join in with the celebrations and enjoy the delicious food, entertainment and music on offer.“The carnival means a lot to so many people and gives them the opportunity to express themselves freely and creatively, whilst celebrating togetherness. It truly is an event for everyone, and I’d encourage anyone who enjoys a great community atmosphere to come along and see for yourself later this year just what makes our town, and its people, so special.”This year the carnival is going green and replacing gas-guzzling vehicles and loud generators with a cool electric truck, e-cargo bikes and push-and-pull floats powered by electric speakers.Councillor Javeria Hussain, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Luton Rising, said: “The carnival is a highlight in the town’s calendar and we are delighted to once again be supporting it. The additional green activities that promise to make the event even more eco-friendly this year, show our shared commitment to ensuring Luton is a carbon-neutral town by 2040. The carnival is a real ‘feel good’ event which gives communities the chance to showcase their culture, vibrancy and sense of fun and brings everyone in the town together – it really is a fantastic day out for all the family.”Claudette Whittingham, Executive Director for the UK Centre for Carnival Arts stated: “The collaboration between all stakeholders is what drives the success of the carnival. We are grateful for the support we have been shown and look forward to making this event a legacy for future generations.”The Luton International Carnival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of community spirit, cultural diversity, and shared joy. Save the date and be part of the magic!For additional information, visit: www.carnivalarts.org.uk/lutoninternationalcarnival2024

According to the newly launched Enfield Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy there were 6,282 domestic abuse incidents in the borough in the year ending March 2022...

Enfield Council Cllr Gina Needs, said: "We are committed to making Enfield a borough where everyone can live free of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

Enfield Council Councillor (Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion at ) Gina Needs, said: "We are committed to making Enfield a borough where everyone can live free of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. “This funding will enable us to continue and develop our work in holding perpetrators to account and engaging them in behaviour change interventions while supporting survivors and improving multi-agency working. I congratulate the team on their work in securing this important support.“We look forward to working with our partners and other boroughs to deliver this programme and make a positive impact on our communities."

The funding for the CIFA programme has been provided by the Home Office and the Mayor’s Office of Policing and Crime. 

London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Sophie Linden, said: “At City Hall, we’re determined to end violence against women and girls once and for all, and through the Mayor’s refreshed strategy, we are putting the onus on men to change their behaviour.“This includes investing over £15m in programmes focused on addressing and changing the behaviour of perpetrators of abuse, to protect those at risk from violence and help build a safer London for all.

”This will address the borough’s needs and aligns with the Mayor’s VAWG Strategy, and local VAWG strategic aims, aiming to encourage abusers to change their behaviours and reduce reoffending, through perpetrator interventions and prevention.  The nine other boroughs are Brent, Harrow, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Haringey, Barnet, Hammersmith & Fulham, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster.To download a copy of Enfield Council’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2023-2025 please visit: website. 

Public consultation could include.... 

In islington Installing a new active zone, who would create innovative, state-of-the-art facilities that people of all ages can enjoy. This would link with the already-popular trampoline park. Creating a new baby and toddler zone within the active play space, alongside a “junior” section.  Building a “ninja warrior” style inflatable and trampoline zone for older children and teenagers.  Upgrading the squash courts and gym.  Creating a new, welcoming café area, with seating.  From today, local people can provide their thoughts, ideas, and insights on the future of the centre. The public consultation will run for six weeks, ending on Friday, 7 July, and you can take part by filling in the online survey. The survey is also available in all Islington libraries and community centres...  

Nurullah Turan said: "We’re determined to create a more equal Islington"...

Islington Council Cllr Nurullah Turan, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We’re determined to create a more equal Islington, where all our residents can easily enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of exercise.“We’re determined to support and empower residents of all backgrounds to boost their physical and mental wellbeing by getting active. We also know that too many Islington children suffer from obesity and, as part of our efforts to make a child-friendly borough, we want to introduce fun, welcoming environments for youngsters to stay active.“The proposed facilities at the Sobell Leisure Centre are designed to help us achieve these ambitions, and would be a fantastic addition to the borough. If realised, our vision will attract many more Islington residents, who will benefit from the fun, inclusive, active zone, the enlarged boxing area, and the upgrades to the squash courts and gym.“Local people are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to hear from you. That’s why we’ve launched a public consultation, which will give you an opportunity to shape the future of the Sobell Leisure Centre by providing your thoughts, ideas, and insights.  

“We want to hear from residents of all ages and backgrounds on the facilities, services, and programmes that you’d like to see – so make sure you have your say before Friday, 7 July.” 

To ensure that the reopened Sobell Leisure Centre meets the needs of the local community while remaining financially secure, the council and GLL have, after much thought, taken the difficult decision to propose not to rebuild the centre’s ice rink, which was condemned following the flood...   

Islington Council Cllr Nurullah Turan: "Even before the cost-of-living crisis and rise in energy prices, the ice rink had been making a loss of £250,000 per year. It also served a relatively low number of people – approximately 600 on average per week, compared to 2,000 people per week at the trampoline park - and this number is expected to decrease with the opening of the new state-of-the-art rink at Lee Valley that has doubled in size.Furthermore, the council and GLL anticipate that by reusing the space and implementing the other proposals, usage of the Sobell Leisure Centre will rise to 250,000 people per year, with the facilities appealing to a broader demographic than before"...