The Christmas period is a busy and stressful time for everyone, and the Tory cost of living crisis continues, with prices still rising and wages stagnating.  

As a Labour-run local authority, we are focusing on the things that matter most to local people and offering support to those who need us most.  

Islington Council has a wide range of support on offer for those who are struggling to make ends meet. From the Income Maximisation service that has helped people access over £5 million of benefits they’re entitled to this year, to the childcare bursary which helps local parents get back into work by supporting with the cost of childcare.  

The Council also invests nearly £30 million every year into the Council Tax Support Scheme, to help the lowest-income, working-age households with their Council Tax bills. This year, the scheme is being extended.  

Tonight (Thursday 14th December), the Council will vote on a new scheme which invests an extra £1.75 million into support and which will see the lowest-income households taken out of the Council Tax system altogether.  

This means that, next year, more than 8000 households in Islington won’t pay any Council Tax at all and a further 6000 households will receive 95% off their bills, leaving more money in their pockets to pay their bills and put food on the table.  

Councillor Diarmaid Ward, Executive Member for Finance, Planning and Performance said: 

“The Tory cost-of-living crisis continues to impact local people and as we know we can’t rely on the Tories to help, it is on us to offer them the support they need. I’m proud that our Labour-run Council is taking the lowest-income households in our borough our of the Council Tax system completely. This money will make the world of difference to them, their health and their family.”