Wandsworth Council invests £15m in cost of living support

April 21, 2026

Wandsworth Council has invested £15 million since 2022 to support residents facing the cost of living crisis, providing urgent assistance and backing longer-term projects to strengthen community resilience.

The initiative has seen over 15,000 residents use a support calculator, identifying over £2.2 million in unclaimed income, and has helped secure £21 million in benefits through its Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) programme. The council also operates an 'Access for All' scheme offering discounts on services and has established a network of Community Spaces for residents.

Comprehensive Support Package

Launched in autumn 2022, the support package was designed to provide immediate help to those in hardship while also fostering community resilience, Wandsworth Council reported. An independent Cost of Living Commission was established to examine the pressures facing local people and guide the council's approach. Through targeted programmes and partnerships with local community groups and voluntary organisations, the council has focused on strengthening community networks and ensuring help is accessible.

Financial Assistance and Benefit Uptake

The council's support calculator has been used by over 15,000 residents, identifying more than £2.2 million in unclaimed income since January 2023. The Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) programme has been instrumental in helping residents secure benefits they are entitled to, totalling £21 million over their lifetime. This data-led approach proactively reaches households who may be missing out on support, including Attendance Allowance. Money Advice Roadshows have been held across the borough, offering residents face-to-face advice.

Community Spaces and Wider Support

Since winter 2022, Wandsworth's network of Community Spaces has provided warm, welcoming environments for residents to connect and seek advice. These spaces are available in libraries and through community partners. Additionally, the council has expanded free study spaces for young people aged 14 to 18. Over £1.9 million in grant funding has been provided to local voluntary and community sector organisations delivering cost-of-living support.

'Access for All' Scheme and Council Tax

Wandsworth Council's 'Access for All' programme offers eligible residents 50% to 100% discounts on a wide range of services, including leisure, education, and events, described as Britain's best concession scheme. Over 12,000 residents have signed up, with more than 100,000 bookings recorded. The council also maintains the lowest Council Tax bills in the country, having frozen the main element of Council Tax for the second year running. The Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme has been made more generous, assisting thousands of working-age households.

Author

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk

From Town Hall decisions to resident-led reports, the South London News On Your Doorstep Desk offers comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter to your street. Our editorial staff provide critical updates on local planning, council services, and neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring our readers never miss a change to their local area.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between local grievances and council accountability, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, human-led perspective on the stories driving South East London today.