A list of financial outgoings
The Council has announced a major boost to its cost-of-living support programme, with £5.3 million from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) allocated to help residents facing financial hardship.
The funding follows the government’s extension of the HSF until March 2026 and will be delivered through a range of targeted schemes.
The support will help residents struggling with essentials such as food, fuel, and household items, and builds on the council’s ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable in the borough.
Key support measures include:
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£885,000 for the Food Hub – Supplying a range of produce to 80 food banks, including £435,000 from the council’s own budget.
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£100,000 for Warm Hubs – Heated community spaces this winter, with warm packs including socks, gloves, hats, and blankets.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said:
“This funding is a lifeline for many families in Tower Hamlets. We have invested more than ever to provide unprecedented levels of support to residents with cost-of-living pressures.
“From becoming the first Council in the country to provide universal free school meals to all pupils and the first to approve Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners, to our new school uniform grants and upcoming Meals on Wheels service, alongside many other trailblazing initiatives, we are building a safety net that reflects our values and supports our community."
Cllr Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and Cost of Living added:
“We’ve already distributed millions through earlier phases of the Household Support Fund, and this new funding allows us to go even further.
“Whether it’s a warm meal, a heated space, or help with fuel bills, we want every resident to know you are not alone, and support is available.”
Residents can find more information and apply for support at www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/costofliving
Posted on Thursday 18th September 2025