Islington’s hardship fund for renters on low incomes has deadline extended again

Islington Town Hall. Photograph: Islington Citizen

A £1m hardship fund designed to help renters on low incomes has had its deadline extended.

Islington Council launched the fund in March and later extended it beyond its initial one-month cut-off point to attract more applicants.

The deadline was moved to the end of May, buth this has now been pushed to the end of June so the council can distribute all the money it had set aside.

The support is aimed at people with a combined household income or £50,000 or less and up to £5,000 in savings.

It is designed to help renters who are working but do not get housing benefit or Universal Credit.

According to Town Hall estimates, 27,000 households are struggling and get a 95 per cent discount on their council tax.

The figures also show around five per cent of council tenants as being in arrears.

Applicants for the hardship fund need to supply a pay slip, details of rent and information about their savings.

One-off payments of up to £250 will be paid directly into people’s bank accounts.

Residents can get help with their application by contacting Here to Help on 0207 527 8222 or emaiing HereToHelp@islington.gov.uk.

They can also visit the council’s 222 Upper Street office if they need help scanning documents or email FrontOffice.Housing@islington.gov.uk.

The council will let people know its decision by email or post.