Extra financial support for the borough's least well off

We are distributing more than £2m of financial support to people most in need. This money will be used to ensure all Islington school children eligible for free school meals do not go hungry during the Christmas and Easter holidays this academic year. As well as to help low-income households who were not eligible for previous cost of living support payments.

We are in the process of writing to residents who we have identified to receive support.  

Are you eligible for money off your council tax bill?

Did you know that you may be eligible for help paying your council tax? You might be paying more than you need to on your current bill. 

There are a wide range of reasons you may be overpaying. Are you on a low income or receiving benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support? Are you a single person living alone? Or are you a full-time student? Depending on your course you may not need to pay. Visit our website to make sure you are not missing out on reductions to your council tax bill. 

Are you claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to?  

We know that many local people are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to. In fact, millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed by people who are entitled to receive them each year. These benefits include Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance, Housing Benefit, uniform grants and childcare bursaries, Winter Fuel Payments, Pension Credits and transport concessions.

The best way to make sure you are not missing out on what you are entitled to is check with one of our money advice experts. Call 020 7527 8222 or email heretohelp@islington.go.uk. You can also complete a benefits check using the online benefits calculator. 

Community spaces offering a warm welcome 

A range of local community spaces are opening their doors this winter and offering free, non-judgemental spaces where people can go to stay warm, and maybe enjoy some company and a hot drink. You can visit our website to see a list of the warm community spaces across Islington. 

Cheap and thoughtful gift ideas 

Giving gifts this Christmas should not mean breaking the bank, from secret Santa, meaning you need to buy for one person rather than many, to reused, recycled and homemade gifts there are lots of ways to save money and you can help the environment at the same time.  

Shopping locally 

Now more than ever, we need to get behind our local businesses by shopping locally. It also means spending less on travel to find the things that you need. 

This doesn’t mean you’ll be making a compromise! We are lucky enough to have a fantastic array of small independent businesses and markets here in Islington, where you’ll discover unique products and services for every budget on your doorstep or from the comfort of your home. Visit the IslingtonLife website for more reasons to shop local and to see our range of businesses in Islington.

Supporting businesses who pay fairly  

Stop before you shop 

It may be the season to bag a bargain, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up, but it is important to stop and check that you are getting a good deal. It is also important to check that the things you’re buying meet safety standards, a good deal should not mean an unsafe product. Visit the Government’s website for guidance on buying safe this Christmas. 

Plan ahead and don’t overspend 

Many people will get paid early in December which will mean a longer time until your January pay comes in, so don’t overspend in December and make sure to still pay your bills on time. Worried about overspending? Visit our website for money and debt advice. 

Remember it’s much better to live within your means than head into the new year with financial difficulties. However, if you do need to borrow a little extra in the form of a loan, make sure you do it responsibly. Contact the Archway based credit union for more information via email or call them on 0207 2561 1786. Or speak to the London Capital Credit Union.

'Tis the season for free Christmas events 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Islington. Our streets are lighting up across the borough with free festive events. The first Christmas light events took place last week in Angel and the Nag’s Head Market and next it is Cally’s turn. 

Head down to the Cally this Saturday (26 November) for face painting, arts and crafts, a live DJ, free refreshments and mince pies, as well as a special visit from Mr Clause himself. The lights will be turned on at 4.30pm by the Mayor of Islington. You can sign up to our local bulletins to find out about the different events and developments in your local area or visit IslingtonLife for a list of the upcoming Christmas events in Islington. 

Help someone wrap up warm this winter 

Wrap Up London is asking for your old coats that can be donated to people who really need them this winter. That old coat that you have hanging in the back of your closet or tucked away in your loft could really make a difference to someone struggling to fight the cold this year. 

You can drop off your coats to Self Store, 451/453 Holloway Road, N76NZ or help by becoming one of their fantastic volunteers who collect and distribute the coats across London. For more details and for opening times of your local drop off point visit the website. 

Giving to those in need and reducing waste  

We all head into the new year with good intentions, after overindulging at Christmas. It is hard not to overdo it during the holidays, buying and eating more than we need. Rather than wasting or overbuying why not give to those who really need it? 

The ELBA and Big Alliance Toy appeal is back again for 2022, you can visit their website for information about last year's appeal and the impact that your toy donations have had. Alternatively, you could drop off some non-perishable food items to a local food bank. And it is not just food items, you can also donate some money or even your time to Islington Food Partnership which brings together the different charities all working to fight food poverty in the borough. 

Beware of scams 

Christmas is a time for joy and laughter, but unfortunately it is also a time that criminals may try to exploit you via cold calls, emails, texts and online ads. It is important to remain vigilant and to look out for possible scams.  

This is exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, which scammers are using as an opportunity to steal people's personal information. If you think you’re being scammed, always contact the supposed organisation directly to check – but do not reply directly to the message. Remember, your bank (or any other official source such as the council) will never ask you to supply personal information via email or text.  

If you think you are being scammed, please report it to Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office, using their online fraud reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040. 

Fighting loneliness this Christmas

Christmas is a time to be with friends and family, but it is important to spare a thought for those who are on their own. The holidays can be a time of extreme loneliness for people and with this added to the financial strain many of us are feeling it is important to look out for one another. 

If you know someone who is struggling or by themselves this Christmas, why not pay them a visit, arrange to meet up or if they need further support then let them know about the wide range of support that is available in Islington. Visit the Find Your Islington directory for information about organisations offering free, confidential and independent advice and support for people dealing with loneliness.