We have opened applications for our £1million Hardship Fund to help thousands of residents struggling to make ends meet.

The fund targets one-off £250 grants at two specific groups – totalling more than 3,800 households – to help them cover the costs of essentials including rent, food and energy bills.

The funds are aimed at low-income working households, who will need to apply for a grant, and other households on benefits who were not eligible for any previous cost of living support payments – this group will automatically receive the grant.

To find out if you are eligible to apply for the fund, and for more information, visit our website using the link below. If you have difficulties accessing the internet you can also call us on 020 7527 8222.

Ground breaking zero emission minibus supports residents with mobility issues

Residents are now able to enjoy greener travel on a new electric minibus, as part of our accessible community transport fleet. 

Believed to be the first of its type in England, the 17-seater, wheelchair-accessible vehicle produces zero emissions. It is being used by our accessible community transport team, who offer invaluable support to those residents who find it difficult to use public transport due to disabilities or mobility issues, including hundreds of children with special educational needs or disabilities to travel to and from school. 

To mark the 20th anniversary of the annual Islington in Bloom competition, all 13,000 of the borough’s primary school children are being given a pack of seeds so that they can enjoy the physical, mental, and developmental benefits of planting. The seeds will be handed out in May, and can be grown anywhere - in the playground, in gardens, or at home.  

Islington is one of London’s most densely populated boroughs, with the least amount of green space. Islington in Bloom – which is open for nominations - is a brilliant way for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together to reimagine shared spaces, improve communities, and boost biodiversity.     

Taking part is easy, especially as entrants don’t need prior gardening experience. Visit our website to find out more and to enter the competition.  

With the Easter bank holiday weekend coming up we will be making some slight changes to our services. 

Bin collections will take place a day later than usual, so if your collection would normally be on a Friday, for the next two weeks it will take place on a Saturday instead. If your collection is usually a Monday, it will be on Tuesday, and so on. Collections will return to normal from Monday 17 April.  

Visit our website for a full breakdown of service changes.

How do you find carrying out council tax-related tasks – such as paying for council tax, requesting refunds and exemptions, and changing your details?  

Is it time-consuming, confusing, frustrating, or are you happy with the services that are provided? We want to hear about it!  

The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete and must be done by Wednesday 19 April. By taking part, you’ll play an important role in supporting us in our promise to make our services easy to use and accessible to all.  

Head to Jean Stokes Community Centre, N1 0DX, on Saturday 8 April, 3-7pm, for a free healthcare event organised by Choices, aimed at improving the lives of communities in Islington by encouraging healthy lifestyles and connecting residents to resources and local services.  

The event includes free blood pressure checks and healthy weight management tips. 

Call Choices on 0207 281 6428 or visit their website for more information. 

We are asking for resident’s feedback on the St Mary’s Church Low Traffic Neighbourhood to help us decide if it should be made permanent. The 18-month trial was introduced to create a more welcoming, pleasant area where it’s easier to walk, cycle, scoot, and use buggies and wheelchairs.   

Since then, we have seen traffic fall within the neighbourhood and on surrounding roads, creating more friendly, welcoming, and environmentally friendly streets.  

We want to hear how the neighbourhood has affected you. A public consultation is open until Wednesday 26 April. 

Alongside Hackney Council, we’ve announced exciting proposals to make the area around the Southgate Road and Northchurch Road more welcoming, safer, and environmentally friendly.  

Our proposals include changes to make it easier to walk, cycle, and wheel, widened footpaths, and new greenery. Find out more and have your say by Tuesday 25 April.