Islington Council extends 100% Council Tax support for low-income households

In a major boost for the local community, Islington Council has officially announced the continuation of its Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year. Widely regarded as one of the most generous support programs in the UK, the scheme aims to alleviate financial pressure on over 24,500 households during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

For the most vulnerable residents in Islington, the council is maintaining a 100% reduction, effectively removing the need to pay Council Tax entirely. This level of support is available to working-age residents who are "passported" through certain benefits, such as those with limited capability for work or single parents with children under the age of five and zero earnings.

Detailed support for working-age and pensioners

The scheme utilizes a tiered "banded" system to ensure that help reaches those who need it most, even if they are in work. Other working-age claimants who are not in the top "passported" tier can still receive a reduction of up to 95% of their bill. For 2025/26 and 2026/27, the council has committed to increasing the earnings bands in line with inflation (CPI) to ensure the support keeps pace with rising costs.

• Pensioners: Residents of state pension age remain protected under national rules and are eligible for 100% support, along with a local £100 Older Person’s Discount to further lower their bills.

• Vulnerable Groups: Foster carers, care leavers under 25, and households with a child under one may qualify for additional exemptions or awards from the Household Support Fund.

Strengthening the local safety net

Councillor Flora Williamson, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, emphasized that this £28 million annual investment is a cornerstone of the borough's mission to create a more equal future. Residents in areas with high Turkish populations, such as Islington and nearby Hackney, are encouraged to use the council's Income Maximisation (IMAX) service to ensure they are claiming all available benefits.

The council’s IMAX team has already helped local residents secure an additional £16.2 million in income since April 2024. For those struggling with bills in Camden or Westminster, these types of local schemes serve as a vital reminder to check with your specific local authority for similar support.