The Government has today announced plans to reform council tax debt collection, following last year’s consultation on making the system fairer for households struggling to keep up with payments. The proposed changes are expected to give people more time before debts escalate, introduce a cap on additional costs, and strengthen expectations that councils offer realistic…
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To avoid receiving a lower rate of support, apply for the Universal Credit health element by April 5th. After that date, the support you may receive if eligible will be around £3,000 less on average per year. Our peer researchers have been pushing for an extension to the deadline for the cuts to the Universal Credit health element. While the…
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The government’s 2025 Autumn Statement offered a recognition of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and included some positive steps to address it. Yet these sit alongside choices that continue to erode the foundations of a robust social security system capable of responding to that crisis. One genuinely welcome step was the decision to scrap the harmful…
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Last week, the government announced the launch of a new independent investigation into “…why increasing numbers of young people are falling out of work or education before their careers have begun—with a particular focus on the impact of mental health conditions and disability.” The Terms of Reference (ToR) for this Independent Report into Young People and Work,…
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An independent review into the role of employers and government in tackling health-related economic inactivity and creating and maintaining healthy and inclusive workplaces, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, acknowledges that ill-health and barriers to work contribute to economic inactivity. However, it engages only minimally with the social model of disability. The Review frames economic inactivity…
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October marks Black History Month, a time to reflect, remember and act. In Tower Hamlets and East London the story of Black activism is rich, layered and rooted in communities organising for justice, dignity and a place to call home. Early Presence, Hidden Histories Long before the modern era of migration and community organising, African…
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Toynbee Hall, World Mental Health Day 2025 When we think about mental health support, we often picture clinics, counselling sessions, or helplines. These services are vital but for many, especially older people, mental wellbeing is nurtured in quieter, more familiar places. Places where you can take an exercise class, have a cup of tea, share…
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In this blog, Mehjabin and Nasrat reflect on their journey through a unique pilot project in Tower Hamlets, one that began with youth-led research into the emotional impact of the cost of living crisis, and grew into a series of collaborative workshops and community-building sessions. Blending lived experience, skill-sharing, and intergenerational dialogue, the project offered…
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Are you curious about the link between your mind and body? How emotional stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges manifest physically? If so, then you won’t want to miss this unique and insightful speaker session with renowned osteopath and expert Anisha Joshi, hosted at Toynbee Hall. As seen on ITV’s This Morning, Anisha Joshi is…
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“Buy Now, Pay Later has crept into the mainstream – and for many, it’s become a default way to shop. But while it’s pitched as flexible and interest-free, the reality for too many people is missed payments, mounting fees, and unaffordable debt.” The numbers speak for themselves: usage has tripled in just three years, with…
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