To deal with the cost of living crisis, local campaigns, initiatives and networks are available to access in Hackney
The cost of living crisis continues to affect many people in Hackney and intense gentrification over the past fifteen years means many locals are being priced out of the very place they call home. Here is a collection of resources currently available to people facing financial difficulties in the borough.
Local Warm Spaces
The Warm Welcome campaign ensures there are warm spaces for locals to visit to avoid the cold. They are often found in places like libraries, churches and community centres. The campaign aims to help people who are unable to heat their home due to high costs of heating and gas.
The spaces they offer are a free place to go for those who may be struggling financially. According to the campaign, chronic loneliness is directly associated with poverty. To help bring people together, they also run events in these venues. You can find a local warm space here.
Free Legal Advice at the Hoxton Trust
This charity helps people with legal issues, free of cost. The charity offers support with problems surrounding employment, accessing welfare and benefits, housing issues and education. They also offer advice on debt relief, but this support is limited.
The Hoxton Trust offers a walk-in service on Monday-Thursday mornings from 10am to 12pm. You can find the Trust at 156 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH.
Hackney Foodbank’s Free Emergency Food Parcels
Rising inflation has meant that food prices have skyrocketed over the past few years, causing many people to despair at the price of their weekly shop. For those struggling with the cost of food, Hackney Food Bank provides meals to residents.
The food bank runs with a voucher code system set up by the Council. To get vouchers, you can contact the food bank at help@hackneyfoodbank.org or contact the Trussell Trust, which is a charity fighting food insecurity in the UK.
Hackney Business Network
If you own or run a business in the borough, the Hackney Business Network can offer help and advice. This council initiative helps to support both small and large companies.
It offers advice to businesses who are suffering from rising costs due to inflation and higher bills. Some local companies can even ask for help in reducing or getting rid of business rates.
Free School Breakfast
Hackney New Primary in Haggerston has started offering free breakfasts for children and families of students. The scheme, which used to only be available to kids, offers free breakfast bagels to pupils and their relatives.
The school recently extended the programme to include parents and siblings in order to help out families who may be struggling. They hope this will also help foster greater community ties.
Reduced Council Tax Bills
For many Hackney residents, council tax remains one of the most expensive bills to pay each month. With an announced 4.99% increase from April 2024, most taxpayers will now face an even higher rate.
To help with this cost, Hackney Council offers reductions of up to 90% for low-income households. To access this support and find out if you can request a reduction in your tax, call: 0208 356 3399.
