Our warm hubs were open to all residents and provided free hot drinks and snacks daily over the winter
Tens of thousands of visits were recorded at the boroughs’ six warm hubs during the winter, where staff served up hundreds of cups of tea, coffee, and healthy snacks daily, as the cost of living crisis soars.
Warm hubs have been used by councils across the UK to help those impacted by the rising cost of living to access warm, safe and comfortable environments in their communities - especially during periods of extreme cold weather.
Tower Hamlets Council hosted six warm hubs at our Idea Stores and libraries from December to 31 March.
The council in partnership with Queen Mary University provided 479 hours of volunteer support and 2750 energy packs were distributed to residents. The energy packs contained hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and flasks.
The council also set aside nearly £1m for the Tower Hamlets Winter Fuel Payment scheme supported by the Household Support Fund.
Launched in December the scheme has benefited 4,194 residents who received a one-off payment of £175.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said:
"No one should ever have to choose between heating their home and feeding their family.
“I’m proud that Tower Hamlets was the first council in the country to approve the restoration of the Winter Fuel Allowance - stepping in to fill the void left by national cuts.
"Our winter support package has been a lifeline for many in our borough. In a bitterly cold winter marked by repeated severe weather warnings, thousands of residents accessed our Winter Fuel Payment and our Warm Hubs to stay safe and warm.
"We are determined to continue doing everything we can to support our residents during the cost of living crisis, and especially the most vulnerable in our community.
"That’s why our new budget includes £3 million to relaunch a vital Meals on Wheels service, and £3.1 million for an energy support fund targeted at low-income households."
Tower Hamlets is supporting families in other ways through the Cost of Living Crisis.
It was the first council in the country to provide universal free school meals to all secondary school pupils and the first to restore the Education Maintenance Allowance.
The council is also introducing a free school uniform grant which will benefit up to 21,000 pupils over the next three years.
Cllr Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living and Resources, added:
“I am pleased that we have been able to reach out to so many residents through our warm hubs and Winter Fuel Payment scheme.
“With 50,000 pensioners across the country reportedly at risk of being pushed into fuel poverty this year, we are prioritising support for elderly residents.
“We are also keen to support older people to live independently and will be providing free homecare to qualifying residents. We are one of only two councils in the country to be doing this.”
Pensioners can also receive up to £3,900 a year through Pension Credit. £17m worth of Pension Credit benefit is going unclaimed in Tower Hamlets.
To claim, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Find out more about the support and services we offer. Visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/costofliving or call 0207 364 5040.
Ends
Posted on Friday 9th May 2025