Robbie Rainbird predicts ‘a very difficult winter ahead’

THE Town Hall wants people to be fully aware of what help they may be able to access this winter – as the first ramped up energy bills start landing on residents’ doormats.

Robbie Rainbird, Islington’s assistant director for community financial resilience, said: “Things are likely to get possibly worse in the coming months with the energy. Those bills are still going to be hitting in October onwards and, along with inflationary increases people are experiencing on food, clearly the winter period is going to be tough and the council is making plans for how we can fully support our residents over a very difficult winter ahead.”

Mr Rainbird leads a housing benefit and council tax support service and assesses residents for help on those entitlements.

The income maximisation team (iMAX) also falls under his leadership and helps people claim benefits and appeal Department for Work and Pensions decisions, if needed.

Mr Rainbird has worked for Islington Council for 13 years and has been in his current role for 18 months.

A key element of support for people in dire straits is the Residents Support Scheme, which provides those facing severe financial hardship with a one-off or temporary grant to help with urgent living costs.

Acting as a safety net, the scheme can give residents vouchers to pay for food and energy, as well as grants for people unable to buy household essential items.

It can also contribute towards their council tax payments, and make a contribution towards their rent and could be awarded to those affected by the benefits cap as well or someone fleeing domestic violence.

To apply for the scheme, contact your housing association or council housing officer.

Alternatively, if you are privately renting, contact Housing Solutions on 020 7527 6371.

Mr Rainbird also advised people could contact Help on Your Doorstep or Age UK Islington for more advice, or speak to the Children and Families department at the council.

Mr Rainbird said that 28,000 people in the borough were currently being supported by his department, with a projection for a significant rise over the winter.