AN INVESTIGATION into how to tackle inequality in Islington is turning its spotlight onto child poverty, the challenges faced by older people and housing.

AN INVESTIGATION into how to tackle inequality in Islington is turning its spotlight onto child poverty, the challenges faced by older people and housing.

The Islington Fairness Commission will next meet on Tuesday (7) at 7.30pm at the Andover Estate Community Centre in Corker Walk, Holloway.

Established by Islington Council and chaired by Professor Richard Wilkinson, author of The Spirit Level - Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better, the commission is examining how to reduce inequality and poverty in Islington.

Despite the borough's wealthy image, Islington has starkly contrasting extremes of rich and poor and is England's eighth most deprived local authority area.

The meeting will hear evidence from community members and outside experts on child poverty, housing and the situation for older people on an evening that looks at "closing the gap from the bottom up".

Councillor Andy Hull, vice-chair of the commission, said: "We're determined to do everything we can to level the playing field in our borough.

"With cuts looming from central Government this will not be easy.

"But those of us on the commission mean business and are working hard to come up with concrete proposals to make Islington a fairer place.

"I'd encourage residents to come along, see what's happening, give their views and get involved."

Members of the public will have the chance to ask questions and make comments at the meeting.

An interim report suggesting ways in which Islington can be made less unequal will be drafted in December, with a final report in April next year.

Commissioners include senior figures from Islington Council, Islington Police, NHS, Homes for Islington, Islington Trades Council, Islington Chamber of Commerce, City and Islington College, the Cripplegate Foundation, and the London School of Economics.