Help with staying warm
Warm Hubs
Launching from 5 December, our Idea Stores and libraries will host Warm Hubs where residents can drop in to keep warm and enjoy a hot drink and refreshments. Staff will be on hand to signpost people to advice and support services if needed.
Idea Store - Whitechapel
Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm and 4 to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 12pm
321 Whitechapel Rd, London, E1 1BU
Idea Store - Chrisp Street
Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm and 4 to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 12pm
1 Vesey Path, London E14 6BT
Idea Store - Bow
Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm and 4 to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 12pm
Bow, London, E3 5GT
Idea Store - Watney Market
Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm and 4 to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 12pm
260 Commercial Rd, London, E1 2FB
Cubitt Town Library
Mon- Thurs 11am to 12pm
Friday - CLOSED
Saturday 11am to 12pm
52 Strattondale St, London, E14 3HG
Bethnal Green Library
Mon- Thurs 11am to 12pm
Friday - CLOSED
Saturday 11am to 12pm
Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London, E2 0HL
Warm Hubs map
You can also find out where they are with this map of Warm Hubs in the borough.
Tips on keeping warm
Check our tips on keeping warm page for more information.
Energy saving tips
Check our tips on saving energy and money using your boilers and radiators.
Financial Support
The Energy Price Cap explained
The energy price cap is a limit on the amount companies can charge for a typical household’s energy use. It is not a total cap on what you can pay, and your bills can still be higher than the cap if you use more energy.
In July 2024, the price cap will fall to £1,568 a year for an average household paying by direct debit, but this still depends on how much energy you use. If you use less energy you pay less, but if you use more you pay more.
Residents' Support Scheme
The scheme supports residents who:
- are in or at risk of being in crisis
- need immediate help
- have no source of financial support available to them.
Find out more about the Residents' Support Scheme.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 reduction on your electricity bills if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or fulfil other eligibility criteria on the Warm Home Discount Scheme website.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will automatically apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2025. If you think you are eligible but have not received a letter by January 2025, you must get in touch before 28 February 2025 by phone on 0800 030 9322. You can also get in touch via post: Warm Home Discount Scheme, PO Box 14127, Selkirk, TD7 9AH.
For more information, please also see the Warm Hub Discount Scheme webpage.
Government Winter Fuel Payment
Previously all pension age residents received a Winter Fuel Payment from the government to support with their heating costs. However from this winter, only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get the Winter Fuel Payment. Check if you are eligible for Pension Credit to ensure you won’t be missing out this winter: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
For more information on the government Winter Fuel payment, visit: www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Cold Weather Payment
If the average temperature in their area drops below freezing seven days in a row, residents that receive certain benefits could get a £25 payment to cover extra heating costs.
You do not need to apply – if you are eligible you will be paid automatically. For more information, please see the Cold Weather Payment webpage.
Thames Water – support with your bills
Thames Water have different schemes to help those struggling to pay their water bills. Find out if you are eligible for:
Grants from your energy supplier
Many major energy suppliers offer non-repayable grants to help reduce energy debt in households in financial hardship. The schemes vary between companies. Please contact your energy supplier to check what they offer and who can apply.
