Help with staying warm
Warm Hubs
Your local community centre may be hosting a warm hub this winter – a warm, safe space to meet neighbours over a hot drink and refreshments. Check with your local community centre or keep an eye out on this page for more details in the coming months.
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 gives a one-off £150 reduction on your electricity bills if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or fulfil other eligibility criteria.
If you are eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill automatically.
The scheme will reopen in October 2024
For more information, please also see the Warm Hub Discount Scheme webpage.
Winter Fuel Payment
All residents that receive a state pension should automatically receive a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 to help with heating costs.
If you are eligible, you will receive a letter just before winter. If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, you can check if you need to make a claim or call 0800 731 0160.
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.
