Cllr Maium Talukdar and Cllr Saied Ahmed help volunteers to put together the energy packs
Residents are being offered free energy saving kits as part of the council’s commitment to tackle the cost of living crisis.
The council has partnered with the London Fire Brigade to store and assemble the packs along with a team of volunteers.
Each pack contains personal energy-saving items including warm blankets, gloves, socks, hot water bottles, handwarmers, flasks and LED lanterns.
The intervention comes as energy prices continue to put pressure on households, with nearly 6 in 10 adults using less fuel in their homes due to cost of living increases according to the Office for National Statistics.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman said:
“This scheme is the latest in a range of initiatives to help people through the cost of living crisis. So far, the council has spent more than £5million on a cost-of-living package, including direct cash payments to residents and running warm hubs across the borough.
We have spent a further £1.1million to support young people who want to continue education after 16 but would struggle to afford it.”
Volunteers were helped by Cllr Saied Ahmed, cabinet member for Resources and Cost of Living, who went down to Shadwell Fire Station to help the firefighters put the packs together.
Cllr Ahmed said:
“I would like to thank the London Fire Brigade for supporting our Cost of Living Help campaign. The packs are targeted at those in financial hardship who are struggling to maintain heating and electricity in their homes.
The packs will be distributed to selected households over the coming weeks and there will also be a limited amount available at selected Warm Hub sites.”
The Cost of Living Help page contains information on financial support as well as help with issues around food, energy, employment, debt and health.
Posted on Monday 27th March 2023