Debt advice
Councils are funding debt advice services to address financial hardship and poverty across their boroughs.
Councils are addressing widespread financial hardship, with a report to Tower Hamlets' Overview & Scrutiny Committee in September 2026 highlighting that 40% of residents live in relative poverty after housing costs. To provide guidance and support to individuals struggling with debt, Haringey Council approved a two-year contract extension for Citizens Advice Haringey in March 2026, securing annual funding of £726,536.
This decision by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning ensures continued support for residents. Separately, Barking and Dagenham Council launched a new £4.8 million Crisis and Resilience Fund in March 2026, which includes funding for debt advice and income maximisation services for low-income households. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss debt advice.
Key facts
- An estimated 117,000 to 130,000 Tower Hamlets residents live in poverty as of September 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council launched a new £4.8 million Crisis and Resilience Fund in March 2026. Source
- Haringey Council approved a two-year contract extension for Citizens Advice Haringey in March 2026. Source
- The Haringey contract receives annual funding of £726,536, as approved in March 2026. Source
- The Barking and Dagenham fund includes funding for debt advice and income maximisation. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.