Help with staying warm
Warm Hubs
Our Idea Stores and libraries are hosting 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 4pm to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 12pm
321 Whitechapel Rd, London, E1 1BU
Idea Store - Chrisp Street
Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 12pm
1 Vesey Path, London E14 6BT
Idea Store - Bow
Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 12pm
1 Gladstone Place, Roman Road, London, E3 5ES
Idea Store - Watney Market
Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 12pm
260 Commercial Rd, London, E1 2FB
Cubitt Town Library
Monday to Thursday 10.30am to 12pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Friday - CLOSED
Saturday 10.30am to 12pm
52 Strattondale St, London, E14 3HG
Bethnal Green Library
Monday to Thursday 10.30am to 12pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Friday - CLOSED
Saturday 10.30am 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 January 2026, the price cap will increase to £1,758 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 Scheme
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 reduction on your electricity bills if you receive a qualifying means-tested benefit and if your supplier is part of the scheme.
If you’re eligible and are on a standard credit or smart prepayment meter, your electricity supplier will automatically apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2026.
If you are on a traditional prepayment meter, you should be sent a top-up voucher by post, email, or text. If you think you are eligible but have not received a letter by January 2026, you must get in touch before 28 February 2026 by phone on 0800 030 9322.
You can also get in touch via post: Warm Home Discount Scheme, PO Box 970, Preston, PR2 0FX.
For more information, please also see the Warm Home Discount Scheme webpage.
Government Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before 22 September 1959, you could automatically get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. If you are eligible, you will get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.
Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025. However, if your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back through PAYE or your self-assessment tax return. For more information visit the Winter Fuel Payment page.
This is the only Winter Fuel Payment scheme available this year. You may get calls, emails, or messages that are pretending to be from a government service.
If you get a message asking for your personal details (for example, bank details, or passwords) this could be a scam.
If you are in any doubt, you can contact the council on 020 7364 5040 and a member of staff will be able to confirm what's genuine.
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.
