Free energy-saving kits are being made available in Tower Hamlets to help people save money and stay warm.
The move comes as many households are still struggling with soaring energy costs. The Office for National Statistics reports that nearly six in ten adults are using less fuel at home as a result of rising costs of living.
Included in each bag of the free energy saving kits are warm blankets, gloves, socks, hot water bottles, hand warmers, flasks, and LED lamps.
The free 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 from the end of March at Idea Store Whitechapel, Bow, and Chrisp Street.
The Cost of Living Help campaign is one of the new plans the council has put in place to help its residents through the crisis.
Previous projects include Warm Hubs at Idea Stores and the use of libraries as safe spaces where residents can drop in and get warm if they are out and about, or if they simply want to save on the cost of heating at home.
The initiative is led by Councillors Maium Talukdar and Saied Ahmed alongside the London Fire Brigade and groups of volunteers who have assisted in assembling the energy kits at Shadwell fire station.
Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and Cost of Living, said during a visit to the station: “I want to thank the London Fire Brigade for supporting our Cost of Living Assistance campaign,”
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 £5 million on a cost-of-living package, including direct cash payments to residents and running warm hubs across the borough. We have spent a further £1.1 million to support young people who want to continue education after 16 but would struggle to afford it”.
