New £4m fund to help Make it Happen for local people

As part of its ongoing efforts to Make it Happen for local people, the council will be distributing the targeted support to those that need it most.  

The fund will provide a much-needed safety net for residents facing rising costs, providing direct support to residents facing sudden costs or loss of income. In a borough where one in five residents are living in poverty, the money will help cover essentials like food, energy, and household goods.  

It’s just one of the ways that the council is supporting local people affected by the cost-of-living crisis – including running one of the country’s most generous Council Tax Support Schemes, shaving £28m off council tax bills for more than 24,000 homes.  

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, said: “We know that far too many people are still struggling with the cost of living, and for many families even a small financial shock can quickly become a crisis.  

“This new fund is about Making it Happen for our residents – making sure support is there when it’s needed most but also going further to tackle the root causes of financial hardship. 

“Our message to local people, especially those struggling to make ends meet, is clear: your council is doing everything it can to support you. We’re determined to create a more equal borough, because we believe a more equal Islington is a better place for everyone.” 

The fund – named the Crisis and Resilience Fund – will be distributed by the council and a range of trusted local partners, with residents able to apply for funding through Access Islington and a range of partner organisations. Money for the fund comes from the Government’s Department for Work and Pensions.  

Since April 2024, the council has helped residents secure more than £20m in unclaimed benefits. 

Now, in addition to the £4.1m Crisis and Resilience Fund, the council will take further steps to support residents to benefit from a further £5m in unclaimed benefits every year.