Wandsworth Council continues to deliver vital cost-of-living support for thousands of residents

Launched in autumn 2022, the support package provided urgent assistance for those in hardship while also backing longer‑term projects that strengthened community resilience. As part of our commitment to being a listening council, we established an independent Cost of Living Commission. Their panel of local experts engaged with residents and examined the pressures facing local people and guided our evidence‑led approach.

Through our targeted cost‑of‑living programme, we delivered vital support to thousands of residents in partnership with local community groups and voluntary organisations, focusing on strengthening community networks of support and ensuring help was available when and where residents needed it most.

Tailored financial support and advice

More than 15,000 residents have now used the council’s support calculator to help ensure they are receiving all the benefits and support they are entitled to. Since January 2023, the tool has identified over £2.2 million in unclaimed income for local people.

Alongside this, Wandsworth’s Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) programme has helped residents secure benefits they are entitled to, totalling £21 million over their lifetime. The programme uses a data-led approach to proactively reach households who may be missing out on support they are entitled to, and supports them to claim these benefits, including Attendance Allowance.

Battersea resident Sylvia explains: “Receiving Attendance Allowance has taken a load off my mind. I can eat healthier, it’s helped with my utility bills and I’m not counting pennies now. I’d say to other people just phone up and find out if you’re entitled to it. You can only get a yes or a no. They’ll discuss everything with you.”

We’ve also been running Money Advice Roadshows around the borough – as an opportunity to bring expert advice and support to the centre of your communities. To date, we’ve held sessions in Roehampton, Battersea, Furzedown and West Hill, and created spaces where residents can drop in to have face-to-face conversations with council and voluntary services across the borough.

Our community as a resource

Since winter 2022, Wandsworth’s network of Community Spaces has provided warm, welcoming places for residents to connect with their neighbours, seek advice, or simply enjoy a cup of tea. In setting up a network, we have ensured that everyone in our borough has access to a local Community Space at our libraries and with our community partners. Residents can find their nearest space with our Community Spaces directory.

Mille from Battersea said: “I feel fortunate to have found this space and have made friends in a short space of time. They understand my challenges and want to help me with space for myself, time, warmth and food as well as advice about other local services. It not just about the food, people know me here, they even know how I like my cup of tea!”

Alongside our Community Spaces, we’ve expanded a network of free study spaces for young people aged 14 to 18, who may not have access to a quiet place to study at home. Located across libraries, youth clubs, and family hubs, these inclusive spaces offer free Wi-Fi, devices, DBS-checked staff, and a supportive environment to help young people reach their potential.

We have also provided over £1.9 million in grant funding directly to local voluntary and community sector organisations delivering cost-of-living support, including Citizens Advice.

Angela Ireland, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:

“Our cost‑of‑living programme began as an urgent response to the crisis, but has since grown into a borough‑wide initiative focused on strengthening community support networks and improving financial resilience. By working closely with local community groups and voluntary organisations, we have delivered support to thousands of residents, from practical help and specialist advice to warm, welcoming spaces across the borough.

"We know the continued financial pressures residents face. Four years on, our commitment remains unchanged: ensuring every resident can access support when they need it most."

What other work have we supported through the cost-of-living fund?

• Distributed over 6,400 Warm Home Packs to residents struggling with the high costs of heating their homes, and provided the Winter Warmth service, which provided individualised advice, home visits, fuel vouchers, and heating repairs.
• Supported over 300 residents a year with Lifelong Learning courses focused on building skills, including computer and technology courses, budgeting, cooking, sewing and mending, mental health first aid, and building resilience and enterprise in women.
• Supported council tenants to sustain their tenancies and prevent rent arrears with an additional Financial Inclusion officer.
• Funded an additional Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) coordinator and Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to address complex and under-resourced forms of abuse, including economic abuse.
• Ensured all contractors working on behalf of the council are being paid the London Living Wage.

Need support and advice now?

Our Cost of Living Hub provides a variety of useful information and support for all residents, including:

• As part of the council’s broader commitment to fairness, eligible residents can get 50% to 100% discounts on a wide range of services, including leisure, education, events, and essential services, through Wandsworth Council’s Access for All programme, Britain’s best concession scheme. Apply for Access for All
• Crisis Assistance payments
• Better Off Calculator to check what benefits you may be eligible for
• Council Tax reduction

The council is committed to supporting residents with the cost of living, and has lots of information, help and support through its Cost of Living Hub. You can also visit your local library and speak to staff about support that is available.

You can also call the council on 020 8871 6000 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.