Challenge Poverty Week

Cllr Maium Talukdar talks to volunteers at the Food Hub

As Challenge Poverty Week (12-18 October) is underway, Tower Hamlets Council is shining a spotlight on the wide range of support available to help residents with everyday costs, from food and energy bills to employment, advice and financial assistance.

 The awareness week provides an opportunity to highlight the practical help available now, alongside the council's ongoing commitment to tackling poverty and reducing inequalities across the borough

 Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:

"Poverty affects every aspect of people's lives, from health and education to employment and housing. Challenge Poverty Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness, but it is also a reminder that action matters."

"We are investing in support that puts money back into residents' pockets today, while taking meaningful steps to tackle the underlying causes of poverty for the future.

“Whether that's free school meals, support with school uniform costs and council tax or tackling overcrowding we are determined to ensure residents can access the help they need and the opportunities they deserve."

Tower Hamlets is now the fourth most deprived local authority in London, with 40 per cent of households experiencing income deprivation. (Source: Office for National Statistics)

In response, the council's new Anti-Poverty Taskforce has completed the first phase of its work, bringing together evidence and data to better understand who is affected by poverty and why.

The findings will help shape a long-term anti-poverty strategy, while the council continues to expand practical support for residents now.

The council is delivering the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is funded by the DWP, designed not only to provide emergency support but help residents build long-term financial stability.

Tower Hamlets has one of the highest levels of deprivation amongst older people. 61% of older people in Tower Hamlets live in income deprived households. In response to this we are providing luncheon clubs  for older people, warm hubs, day trips and Meals on Wheels. .The council is already delivering one of the most extensive cost-of-living support packages in the country, helping residents with the cost of food, education, housing and essential household bills.

• We are introducing £200 pregnancy payments for eligible residents

• Tower Hamlets is the only local authority to offer universal free school meals to both primary and secondary school pupils.

Since rolling out the scheme more than 10 million meals have been served to pupils. This scheme saves families an average of £550 per child each year.

• We have expanded our School Clothing Grant Scheme, offering vouchers worth £50 to £150. The council has invested £3 million in the programme supporting up to 7,000 pupils each year.

• Support for young people continues beyond school. Since reintroducing its Education Maintenance Allowance and University Bursary schemes in 2022, the council has helped more than 6,300 students, providing over £5.7 million in grants to help young residents continue their education and reach their potential.

The council also operates one of the country's most generous Council Tax Reduction Schemes, with eligible residents able to receive up to 100 per cent support towards their council tax bill.

In the last year alone, the scheme helped more than 28,000 residents, providing £34.6 million in support.

Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequality and the Cost of Living, said:

"We know that behind every statistic is a person or family trying to make ends meet. That's why we're focused on providing practical support that helps residents now, while making sure no one misses out on help, they may be entitled to."

"Our Anti-Poverty Taskforce is helping us build a clearer picture of the barriers residents face so we can tackle inequality at its roots and deliver lasting improvements in people's lives."

For residents struggling with food costs, the council has increased funding for local food support networks to a record £885,000. Through a network of FOOD Stores and support for food banks, residents can access affordable groceries alongside advice and support on issues including housing, employment and benefits.

Residents can find more information and apply for support at www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/costofliving