Cost of living support
From 1 April, households across the UK will face increases on Council Tax and utility bills. On top of this, we know that many people are still struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. I want you to know that we understand how difficult this is and that there is help available if you need it.
The council is facing a critical financial challenge. We are caring for more children and young people who need help with their education, health and care than ever before. More and more people in our community rely on our daily support with washing, dressing, cooking and shopping. We are helping a rising number of households who are homeless and need emergency accommodation. This leaves us with no responsible alternative other than to raise Council Tax by 4.99 per cent – approximately an extra £1.78 per week for an average Band C household.
We want to make sure all residents are aware of the support they might be entitled to. If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax bill, or you are in arrears, you can get in touch with us to find out what support is available.
There are an estimated 3,300 people in Waltham Forest who are eligible for Pension Credit but are not currently signed up to receive it. Anyone on a lower income who is above state pension age should take a moment to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit.
Water supplier Thames Water is also offering some support for people going through financial hardship. You can check to see if you are eligible for help with your water bill by filling in the online assessment form on the Thames Water website.
You can get all the information you need about how to save money on energy bills, reduce food costs, and access free debt and financial advice on the cost-of-living information pages on our website.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, Income Support or any number of other employment or tax-related benefits, your child may be eligible for free school meals. Our website features more information about how to apply for free school meals in Waltham Forest.
If your child is eligible, our Easter Holiday Activity Programme from Monday 7 April to Thursday 17 April also includes a daily meal. You can find out more about the our free Easter activity offer for children and young people in the article below.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Please note, if your postcode is IG8, your nearest events will appear under E4. If you live in E7 or E15, check out E11. You can also find online events on our website.
 Under fives
The Best Start in Life April to August 2025 timetable is coming soon to a Family Hub or library near you!
This extra-long summer schedule means that more sessions will be added at a later date, and some may be subject to change, especially during the summer holidays.
Five to 11 years
This Easter Holiday Activity Programme will be running a range of free family activities across the borough between 10am to 12.30am daily from Monday 7 to Thursday 17 April 2025.
Family sessions are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
11 to 18-year-olds
Many Space4All sessions continue during the Easter holiday. You can find all sessions on the event pages.
Dash Dot Dance sessions
Affordable, inclusive dance classes for disabled children and young people at Queens Road Family Hub. New classes start 28 April. To register, email Vicki at hello@dashdotdance.com.
 Do you have an idea for a project to help tackle inequality in your local area? Our new round of Community Ward Funding is open. The idea or project could be something that brings people together or offers support to those who need it most, and must be led by individuals or community groups. Wards with two councillors are allocated £6,600 and wards with three councillors are allocated £10,000. The deadline to apply is Friday 2 May 2025 at 5pm.
 We’re now into the second week of our new black bin schedule, so if you didn't have your black bin collected last week, it will be this week. As part of this new system, your collection day may also have changed. Green recycling bins and brown food waste caddies are still collected every week. Find out which week your black bins will be collected and all your upcoming bin collection dates on our website.
 Booking for the spring COVID-19 booster is now open. If you’re eligible, there’s no need to wait for an invitation to book. Just visit the NHS App, the NHS Booking Service or call 119 for free.
Those at increased risk from severe illness can get the vaccine, including those aged 75 or over (on 17 June 2025), people with a weakened immune system or who live in an older adult care home.
You can find more details about eligibility and pharmacies that are offering the vaccine on our website.
 This half term, sexual health testing will be available for all residents at sites across the borough. You don’t need to make an appointment and all ages are welcome. For free sexual health tests, C-Card, clinic appointment support and general contraceptive, pregnancy advice, join the team.
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Monday 7 April, 3pm to 5pm, Walthamstow Family Hub
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Tuesday 8 April, 3pm to 5pm, Leytonstone Family Hub
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Wednesday 9 April, 3pm to 5pm, Chingford Family Hub
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Thursday 10 April, 12pm to 2pm, Walthamstow Library
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Thursday 10 April, 3pm to 5pm, Walthamstow Town Hall
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Wednesday 17 April, 1pm to 3pm, Queens Road Family Hub
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Wednesday 17 April, 4pm to 6pm, Limetree Surgery, High Road Leytonstone
 We'd like to invite you to a special event to celebrate the completion of improvements to some of the spaces around the junction of Markhouse Road, Church Road and Lea Bridge Road on Saturday 12 April from 12pm to 2pm in the square outside of The Clock Café, 379 Church Rd, E10 7JG.
Join us for fun spring craft for the whole family to enjoy, listen to live music and register your interest in being a part of a group that helps the council to look after the improved space going forward. You’ll also be able to plant your own sunflower seeds and paint your own pots to take away!
 Following the sellout premiere of Stow Film Studio's feature The Sale (Marcus Shepherd, 2025, Cert 12A, 70mins), a second screening has been added for Friday 25 April, from 7pm.
The Sale is a ghost story in which Heather, a single Walthamstow mum in her 50s, is cashing in on her house in the village, dreaming of a new life by the sea. But when no-one wants to buy it, she fears her home of the last 20 years is haunted. You can watch the trailer on Youtube.
 Exciting news! Our programme of Reuse and Repair Fairs has been announced for the coming year. We’re touring the borough over the next twelve months with a series of events packed with activities and support themed around repairing, reusing and repurposing everyday household items to save you money and cut the need to waste and buy new. Our first Fair takes place in Langthorne Park, Leytonstone, on 10 May.
 If you’d like to learn to cycle or gain more confidence on your bike – we have lots of opportunities for free cycle training this month. There are over 200 slots available at Lloyd Park and Leyton Jubilee Park, and you can take lessons one or one, as a group or as a family. There are also a few slots still available for our Easter holidays cycling school for children.
 Chingford Chess Club meets every Monday from 7pm to 11pm at the Royal British Legion, 67 Hall Lane, E4 8HW.
A very friendly atmosphere, with beginners to more experienced players all welcome. If you fancy the challenge, pop in and have a play.
Open day for people on the council housing register
If you're on the housing register and would like to find out about alternative housing options, register now to attend our Housing Options Open Day on Wednesday 16 April at Frederick Bremer School, Siddeley Road, London E17 4EY.
There are three hourly sessions, from 9.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm.
Save big on electrical repairs
Our pioneering Repair Voucher Scheme - launched this week - makes it easier and cheaper to repair your electrical items. It gives Waltham Forest residents 50% off electrical repairs at participating local businesses and this can include a huge range of items, from toasters to TVs and laptops to lamps. Apply today at the link below.
Current council vacancies and other local jobs
We regularly update the vacancies and local jobs listing on our Waltham Forest Jobs website. Explore available job opportunities and apply for roles that suit you.
You can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website, and check out our LinkedIn.
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