North London Citizens Ratify Agenda for Change at Delegates Assembly
North London Citizens Ratify Agenda for Change at Delegates Assembly
On Wednesday 19th November, almost 100 leaders from across North London gathered at St Cuthbert's Church in Kilburn for the North London Citizens 2025 Delegates Assembly.
The evening had three clear aims. First, to celebrate what we have won together. Second, to agree our shared agenda as we move towards the 2026 local elections. And third, to build trust and relationships across difference.
Leaders from mosques, synagogues, churches, schools, charities, community groups and universities stood side by side. Together, they ratified the campaigns that will shape our work over the next year.
Campaigns Ratified for 2026
After listening to members across our boroughs, delegates voted to take forward the following priorities:
- London Living Wage: Leaders committed to campaign for both Barnet Council and the Royal Free Hospital to become accredited London Living Wage employers. This would mean fair pay for hundreds of workers and stronger local economies.
- Preventing NEET through Work Experience: Delegates backed a campaign to win more meaningful work experience placements for students. The aim is to prevent young people from becoming NEET, not in education, employment or training, by opening real pathways into work.
- Funding for English Classes (ESOL): Members voted to campaign for increased funding and provision for English language classes. Access to ESOL is key for migrants and refugees to find work, support their children and take part in community life.
- Quality of Our Streets: Leaders agreed to act for safer, cleaner streets in areas including Hendon, Queen's Park and others. Residents raised concerns about rubbish, lighting and safety. This campaign will push local authorities to take responsibility and work with communities.
Additionally, delegates discussed proposals on homelessness. After honest reflection, leaders agreed not to launch a public campaign yet. They recognised that we do not yet have a strong enough team to win.
Instead, the focus will be on growing the number of organisations involved and deepening relationships across the alliance. This means recruiting new partners, developing leaders, and building a core team ready to act.
A key moment of the evening was a Weaving Trust exercise. Leaders met people from different backgrounds and institutions, some for the first time. They shared stories, concerns and hopes for their communities.
Because the truth is, society feels more divided than ever, but by being here, we are doing something about it. We are building power with others, not over them.
Dr Fran Zanatta, University College London
As we look ahead to the 2026 local elections, our message is clear. We are organised. We are united. And North London Citizens is ready to win change with our communities.
