Thousands of people could be in for a late Christmas present – a rebate of around £150 on their heating bill.

Up to 3,000 Islington Council tenants with communal heating or hot water will get at least £145 per household back next month.

The town hall has secured a better deal on gas and wants to pass the savings on to tenants and as long as the payments are authorised at next week’s executive meeting, the cash should be distributed shortly afterwards.

Cllr James Murray, Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “Any extra savings that we can pass on to tenants are particularly important when government cuts and higher prices are hitting people in Islington.”